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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GRAY, Robert John - passed away on January 17, 2025, at the age of 83, at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building in Halifax, NS, where he has resided for the past six years. His journey with Alzheimer's was long and has reached its end.
Born in Camrose, AB in 1941, Rob was the son of the late Archie and Dorothy Gray of Devon, AB.
Rob proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy from the age of 18 through to his retirement in 1995. He graduated from Royal Military College in Kingston, ON as part of the Class of '63. Over his respected 33-year career, he served in many roles on surface ships (HMCS Iroquois and HMCS Saguenay) and submarines (HMCS Ojibwa and HMCS Onondaga) as well as shore roles at Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare School, Canadian Forces Fleet School Halifax, Maritime Command, National Defence Headquarters, CFB Cornwallis, NATO in Denmark, and Canadian Forces Command and Staff College.
His classmates, shipmates, colleagues, and friends meant a lot to him. He attended many reunions over the years and looked forward to the next milestone reunion each time they gathered together.
To say that Rob was an avid outdoorsman is an understatement. Rob was a passionate hunter and fisherman with many storied adventures and accomplishments over the years. He spent several years training and hunting with Deutsch-Drahthaar (German wirehaired pointer) dogs, taking great pride in their participation at breeding shows and other training events. He was most content in nature with a faithful dog by his side.
After his retirement, he moved to Blomidon, NS where he resided for 20 years, which was the longest he had ever lived in one place. He valued his beautiful view of the Minas Basin and the Valley communities he became a part of. He exercised his dogs, almost daily, in nearby farmland with an expansive apple orchard and stunning views. The dogs would run free and fast through the fields. This was truly his "happy place".
In his retirement years, he was an honoured member, often holding volunteer roles, with the National Association of Federal Retirees, Bluenose Chapter of the North American Hunting Dog Association, the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, Kings County Wildlife Association, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters, and Ducks Unlimited and other community organizations.
Rob was a proud father and grandfather who enjoyed sharing stories of their accomplishments.
Rob is survived by his son Christopher (Rebecca) of Edmonton, AB, his daughters Michelle of Fredericton, NB and Angela (Nevin) of Stillwater Lake, NS, grandchildren Kyli, Sebastien, Nathan, Ella, Drew, Daniel and Owen, his brother Frank of Cranbrook, BC, his former wife, Pierrette Bernier of Fredericton, NB, and numerous nieces and nephews.
We cannot begin to express our deep gratitude to the incredible and dedicated staff at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial (3 West) who cared for Rob in his final years with such kindness, compassion and connection.
We are comforted that, once again, Rob Gray knows who Rob Gray is.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation in his memory to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which he supported for many years, or a charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial will be held at a later date this spring. Details to be shared when they have been confirmed
Ships served in: HMS/m OSIRIS HMS/m OTTER HMS/m GRAMPUS HMS/m NARWHAL CANADIAN FORCES MARITIME WARFARE SCHOOL CANADIAN FORCES FLEET SCHOOL HALIFAX MARCOMHQ HALIFAX NDHQ OTTAWA NATO HEADQUARTERS BRUSSELS CANADIAN FORCES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE
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