It is with sadness the family of Bob Gray announces his passing on December 10, 2022. Bob is survived by his wife of 48 years, Heather; daughters, Krista (Danel) and Emily (Ryan); three adorable grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye, Maëlle, Xander and Quinn; brother, Don (Tohe); sister, Irene; sister-in-law, Lesley (Bryan); sister-in-law, Dorothy (Doug); sister-in-law, Brenda; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Irene; sister, Alice; brother, Bill; and brother-in-law, Harry.
Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, he had an exciting and varied career. Bob worked for the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation as part of the Host Broadcaster team for the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. After moving to Canada he worked at the Calgary Stampede, then for the CBC on the Host Broadcaster team for the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton where he met the Queen and was reprimanded for talking to Prince Phillip with his hands in his pockets. Next was a job with Alberta Treasury, then 25 years with Edmonton Northlands eventually as Major Events Manager running Klondike Days, Farm Fair and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. He was also General Manager of Events Edmonton running Taste of Edmonton and the Downtown New Year’s Eve Celebration.
In retirement he found a new career playing piano for sing-alongs at senior’s residences. He must have played ‘You Are My Sunshine’ thousands of times but it always brought the sunshine out in him.
Bob and Heather loved to travel and visited all 10 Canadian Provinces and many U. S. states as well as trips to New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland and Iceland.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday December, 19th at 2 pm at the St. Albert Legion Branch 271, 6 Tache St., St. Albert. It will also be live streamed at https://youtu.be/66EAVpVlypw .
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bob’s name to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta, 11209 86 Ave., Edmonton, AB, T5B 3H7
Marie and Emmett Wenger says
Heather and family:
We were so sad to hear about Bob’s passing. We offer our heartfelt condolences. May you find some peace and comfort from the many memories that you have. Receiving the Christmas letter was always a high light for us. It was quite obvious that he loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest including his sense of humor.
Our thoughts are with you and even though this Christmas Season may be empty for you, may it also remind you of the happy times and bring peace to your hearts.
Our thoughts are with you.
Emmett and Marie Wenger
Brad Anderson says
Condolences to the family of Bob Gray. He was an amazing person. I had the pleasure of working for him leading up to and during the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. He hired me initially, as a “gopher” for the Host Broadcaster. Gopher meant, go for this and go for that. I was about 17. He treated me and everyone with respect. It was an incredibly hectic event and the world was watching. Bob never lost his composure, even when Prince Phillip and his sons came for a visit to our offices. He was amazingly kind and thoughtful. A true gentleman.
Ernie Guderjahn says
My wife and I were grounds Entertainment at Edmonton Klondike days for many years, she was the walking puppet stage. Maureen and I was Dr. goodjohn performing magic and miracles. The greatest miracle was Bob’s kindness to those around him, and appreciation for the joy that people could bring to one another. He and his lovely wife, Heather stopped by to visit with us in California several times, taking them to museums and lunches was one of the highlights of our year. We have missed him the last few years, but kept in touch a small amount through email. Bob was a joy to all the new him and certainly demonstrated a life of service and love to the human community. He even helped my wife find a good dentist when she needed one while performing. Godspeed, old friend, well done.
Ray and Rita Fishley says
My good friend Heather travelled to New Zealand and brought back with her the love of her life, Bob. What an incredible person he was! We enjoyed his great sense of humor and his jokes often told around the campfire. Our group had many fun times camping with Bob and Heather with their Volkswagen van. We always enjoyed their Christmas letters where dedication to work, love of Community involvement and pride of family always shone through. To Heather, Krista, and Emily and their families, our deepest condolences.
Rita and Ray
Sharon Hallingdal Williams says
I am so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. I was one of the grounds entertainers at the Klondike Days. Bob was kind enough to bring me back year after year as the Living Doll. I will always remember his kind and generous spirit.
Martha Henderek says
Dear Heather, Krista,Emily and Families,
I am very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. Please accept my condolences.
He will be sorely missed.
Love, Martha
Joanita Fernandes says
Dear Heather and the family,
Maurice and I are very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. May he Rest In Eternal Peace!
While at Edmonton Northlands, (in my close to 25 years with the company) I worked under Bob for approx. 15+ years — these years have been nothing, but wonderful! Bob was a pleasure to work with — very understanding and considerate – I enjoyed his sense of humor. After I left Edmonton Northlands, we continued to stay in touch – especially on his birthday — we chatted a lot on the phone and often spoke of “the good old days” we had while at Northlands! This brought back pleasant memories of Klondike Days, Farmfair, Canadian Finals Rodeo….wow!!!!!
Bob, thank you for the memories! RIP now!
Maurice and Joanita
Jim Rivait says
Bob was a kind and generous gentleman. He hired a visiting student from McGill on the spot to work for the host broadcaster CBC at the 1978 Commonwealth Games. I felt so fortunate to be given that opportunity. What I learned is that in a high-paced, stressful broadcast environment that you get the most out of people with humour and kindness. Bob led by example and the result was an effective and happy team. I have fondly remembered Bob and that experience for the last 50 years.