THOMAS (TOM) GRAY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THOMAS (TOM) GRAY

In Loving Memory of Thomas Gray

It is with deep love and much sadness, we announce the passing of Thomas Gray on May 5, 2026, in Brandon, Manitoba. Tom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose constant encouragement, enthusiasm and love was always present for his family and everyone who knew him. His positive nature was contagious, and his wonderful sense of humour made us all laugh. He believed that every day was worth living to the fullest! 

Born on April 29, 1940, in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba to Thomas and Elizabeth Gray (nee Forsyth), Tom grew up in a one room home with his parents and brother Gerry. While living on the farm, he learned the value of hard work and dedication to family. Eventually the family moved to McCreary, MB where Tom went to school, worked setting up pins at the Clearwater bowling alley, joined the Cadets in Saskatchewan and worked at the Clear Lake Drug Store. Tom graduated high school and then was recruited by The Royal Bank of Canada when he was 18.

Tom married the love of his life, Inez (nee Soltys), on May 9, 1962. Together, they shared 51 years of marriage built on unwavering support, a true sense of adventure, and a steadfast commitment to doing what was right for their family. His love for Inez and their children remained at the centre of his life.

Many cherished hours were spent travelling between family homes in Erickson and McCreary during Christmas and summer holidays. Tom and Inez also loved taking the children on family vacations each year, introducing them to new cultures, people, and places—from California to Florida, and from British Columbia to the Maritimes. They took great joy in learning about the communities they visited and sharing those experiences as a family.

Tom dedicated more than 35 years to the Royal Bank, where he was respected for his reliability, integrity, and genuine care for colleagues and customers alike. He began his career as a teller in Roland, Manitoba, later joking about filling ink wells in those early days. Over the years, his work took him to Churchill, Minnedosa, Winnipeg, Binscarth, Steinbach, Thunder Bay, The Pas, and Portage la Prairie before he returned to Winnipeg as Winnipeg West Area Manager. He later retired as South Manitoba Area Manager in Morden, Manitoba.

Throughout his life, Tom was known for his loyalty, dedication, kindness, and understanding. He made lasting friendships wherever he went, and he and Inez built deep connections with bankers, neighbors, community members, and friends across the provinces.

Tom enjoyed belonging to the Rotary Club in The Pas and was honoured at the Manitoba Parliament for his 100th blood donation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Curling, golfing, and carpentry were among his favorite hobbies, and many weekends were spent with friends and family at bonspiels and tournaments. Through the years, staying connected with friends, neighbors, and family remained one of his greatest priorities.

After retiring from the Royal Bank, Tom embraced his love of travel and the joy of spending time in places that meant the most to him. He and Inez spent many winters travelling between Texas and Arizona before discovering Magic Valley Trailer Park, which soon became their cherished winter home. There, they enjoyed more than 30 years of "Texas snow"—sunshine, lasting friendships, and countless new adventures.

One of their favourite outings was walking across to Progreso, Mexico, where they searched for treasures for the grandchildren, enjoyed haircuts, shared snacks and margaritas with friends, and made memories they would carry with them for years.

No place brought Dad more peace than the cabin, where he spent countless days looking out over beautiful Lake Metigoshe. Surrounded by nature, family, and the simple pleasures that made him happiest, the cabin became one of the places he loved most.

Updating and improving the cabin was a true labour of love, one that family and friends were able to share in. There was always plenty of time for boating, visiting, and welcoming guests who came to stay for days and enjoy good conversation. When the children and grandchildren arrived for their summer holidays, Grandpa and Grandma were in their glory.

In later years, Tom especially enjoyed sitting in the sunroom, looking out over the bay and watching the birds stop by the feeder. The cabin gave him daily routines he loved, from mowing the grass to taking care of whatever needed attention. It was impossible to keep Dad down; just last fall, he was still seen on the roof cleaning the eaves. The cabin was truly his home.

Tom loved playing cards, especially crib. He brought strategy, friendly competition, and good humour to every game, and some of his best conversations—and biggest laughs—were shared around the crib board. He also took great joy in teaching his grandchildren to play, even when they learned well enough to beat him (on occasion!)

In the later years of his life, Dad shared a special friendship with Merle Darling. He deeply enjoyed the time they spent together, especially their travels and her companionship

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, appreciation, and love. His family will forever carry his lessons, laughter, and his love. The one piece of advice he can offer everyone to help us move forward is to "Smile."

Left to share the stories and legacy of Tom's life are his loving children, daughter, Debbie and Leo Strid, grandchild Isabelle Strid, and son, Duane and Keri Gray, grandchildren Emma, Cullen and Xander. His family was his joy.

Tom's granddaughter Nicole Gray Landsem and loving wife Inez were there to greet him at the end of his journey. We find incredible peace and joy knowing that Nicole has both her loving grandparents with her now to show them the awe-inspiring sights and amazing experiences.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held from 11:00 until 1:00 on July 18th, 2026, at Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB with a family internment at the Erickson, MB Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to your local Teen and Adult Challenge.

As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 04, 2026