Obituary of Wayne Arthur Frederick Gray

Major Wayne Arthur Frederick Gray (Retired) passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at the age of 68 years. Wayne was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Jack and Gert Gray, and grew up on Banning Street with his sisters Earlis and Karen. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre High School in 1963, he joined the military as a pilot. He was active in First Lutheran Youth Group, where he met Ruth, and they married in 1965. Son Scott was born in 1966 and daughter Lisa, in 1968. Wayne was stationed in Portage la Prairie flying the Expeditor, then spent 5 years in Winnipeg in Training Command Headquarters. The following 10 years were spent in Trenton, Ontario, flying the Hercules and Boeing 707. He was then transferred to Germany, where he spent 4 years flying the AWACS. He was seconded to the UN as a military observer in Cairo, Egypt for 6 months, followed by 6 months in Jerusalem as a UN Liaison officer. He spent 3 years in National Defense Headquarters in Ottawa, before returning to Trenton to fly the 707 until the retirement of the plane. After his retirement, he worked on contract coordinating simulator flight training for the military. He fully retired in 2003. In 2004, Wayne and Ruth moved to Calgary, until finally settling in Brandon in 2006. His career gave him the opportunity to travel the world, and he had many adventures, including flying many dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, the Queen Mother, and Governor-General Edward Schreyer. Wayne was an avid curler, serving on the board for the Manitoba Curling Association and as President of the Curling Club when in Trenton Ontario. The family shared many fun days on Lake Ontario on the "Hellzapoppin", at the family cottages in Gimli and West Hawk Lake, and camping at Lake Consecon, ON. He was involved in the administration of the Condo Board in Calgary and was President of his Condo Board in Brandon. In the last year, he joined the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association. He loved to work on the farm with Scott and will be greatly missed for his weather reporting, grain truck driving, and go-ferring services that he provided for the farmers. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Earlis and her husband Doug Wright, and brother-in-law, Ed Zaleski. He is survived by his wife Ruth of Brandon; son Scott (Rebecca) of Erickson, grandchildren Matt and Emma; daughter Lisa Park of Brandon, grandsons Lucas and Isaac; and sister Karen Zaleski of Winnipeg. He will be missed by his large extended family and his dear friends in his military "family." A service to honour Wayne's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 2:30 PM with Funeral Celebrant, Kim Lewarne, officiating. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, Mb, R7A 1K2 or to a charity of choice.