Dr John GRAY

GRAY Dr. John M. With sadness but also gratitude for a life well lived we announce the death of Dr. John M. Gray MD on 16th February, aged 94. Survived by Fiona his wife of 61 years, children Angela (Paul), Christopher (Mitra), Andrew (Laveada) and David, and grandchildren Joshua, Helen, Miles, Hoda, Emily and Charlotte. Born 11th October 1926, to Oliver and Rose Gray in Westbridgford, Nottingham, UK, and predeceased by brothers Peter, Malcolm and William. Survived by much loved sister Margaret. John’s earliest role models taught him the Christian virtues of caring and humility. When, as a young man, he committed himself to faith in Jesus, it was these values that primarily shaped his dedication to a life of service. Three years after graduating from the Medical College of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital London, John, at the age of 30, joined the International Grenfell Association, a Christian medical Mission that served the isolated and underserved communities of northern Newfoundland and southern Labrador. An adventurous spirit was required, as many communities could only be reached by dog team in winter and boat or floatplane in summer. During his 25 year tenure with the IGA, John played a central role in improving the quality of health care, such that, especially after construction of the regional Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital, it rivaled any across Eastern Canada. He contributed in many other ways to the welfare of the community, such as spearheading the first long term senior care facility in the region, of which its larger replacement was named in his honour. The people he served and respected, together with medical staff he worked closely with, always remained dearest to his heart. In 1981 John left the IGA to lead the development of a new geriatric division at Camp Hill Hospital in Halifax Nova Scotia. He co-founded the Alzheimer’s Society of N.S. to help address the devastating nature of this disease. John’s life of service would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Fiona, who he first met in 1958 during her IGA volunteer service. Upon retirement in 1993, John remained on several Boards in an advisory capacity, and at home continued to share his love of gardening with Fiona, his passion for Bach and Mozart, and his joy of carpentry, building clocks and furniture for his children and grandchildren. John will be dearly missed for his skills as an Internist, his compassion for his patients, his care for the community, his love for family, his deep convictions and sense of humour. The family wishes to express their enormous gratitude to Dr. Kenneth Rockwood for his Friendship, support and care, to Dr. Dan Carver and Abbie Lane staff, the VON, Northwood Homecare, Dr. Patrick Somers, the caring staff of Bradford Hall, and especially the many friends who he so treasured. A Celebration of Life for John will be scheduled at a later date. A Facebook page “Remembering Dr. John M. Gray” will be published. Condolences may be forwarded at http://www.jasnowfuneralhome.com/ Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.