Patrick Gray, 1967-2007

Editor’s note: The following eulogy for Patrick Gray was delivered by Keith Parke. We are gathered together to celebrate, honour, remember and pay our respects to a person who has touched the lives of many. Patrick Gray has engraved in our hearts many fond, loving, kind and humorous memories. Patrick will live in each of our hearts forever. God needed an angel and on Dec. 16, 2007, God took Patrick to his eternal home in heaven after a short battle of cancer. Patrick was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle and friend. He was born Nov. 6, 1967 to Ross and Mabel Gray and raised in High Prairie. Patrick was a brother to seven siblings. Patrick had many interests and values. Two of his favourites were weightlifting and boxing. Patrick loved boxing and started at the age of 12. With his hard work, dedication and encouragement from his dad and his coach, Harry Laboucan, Patrick made it to the Nationals winning the diamond belt five times. Patrick was very proud of his accomplishments, so were his family. Patrick also valued education. He attended college and university and instilled these values in his friends and children. Patrick and Leslie Gray (nee Anderson) fell in love in February of 1987 and married in September 1988. Patrick loved and raised Leslie’s children, Julian and Crystal, since the age of three and four years of age. Jaimee was later born in June 1993. Pat’s solid work ethics enabled him to provide all the family needs. His motto was, “You do what you have to do until something better comes along.” As a social worker, during his practicum, his client experienced one of the humorous sides to Patrick’s nature. A client he knew personally came in for assistance and he jokingly asked him, “Can you pick bottles?” The client responded with a “yes” so Pat jokingly said. “Well, I’m sorry, sir, you do not qualify for a cheque.” Here is more of Patrick’s sense of whit and humour. Patrick went to the doctor with stomach problems. The doctor left the office and came back and said, “Pat, I think it’s the booze.” Patrick’s response was, “Well, doctor, maybe I should come back tomorrow after you sober up!” One time in Patrick’s younger years, a person started trouble with him. Leslie, his wife, said Patrick told her his uncle William was going to back him up. Pat told Leslie, “By the time Uncle William took off his tenth sweater, the fight was over.” Patrick was a man who had many gifted humorous personalities. He could dance like Michael Jackson; he’d make people laugh each time he did the moonwalk. Another talent was he could dance like Elvis Presley. Leslie thinks he really thought he was Elvis. One time Patrick and Leslie went out and this guy was on the dance floor dancing like Elvis, Pat said. “That guy really thinks he’s Elvis. There must be something wrong with that guy because he’s not Elvis. I’m Elvis.” Patrick loved his job at Tolko. Tolko employees became part of his family. He was especially fond of the “A” Shift employees. He loved his co-workers and respected them all. In 1999, Patrick required a kidney transplant after discovering he had a rare kidney disease for 10 years. Doctors told him he would need a transplant or be on kidney dialysis. His wife encouraged him to look to God and pray for a miracle. Patrick and Leslie gave their hearts to Jesus and attended Lighthouse Community Church. Miraculously, three days later Patrick got a call after being on the transplant list for only three days. He got his kidney. Patrick was very grateful at his chance to live a normal life. He said, “If it weren’t for the gift of one person, my life would never be the same.” He always said if he ever could, he would donate his organs to give another person a chance at life. One of Patrick’s latest dreams was to take his daughter, Jaimee, and his wife on a trip. This became especially important in the last year. God bless the people of High Prairie and surrounding area, especially to Vivian and Denise and our Tolko friends. Patrick’s dream became a reality. Because Patrick could not leave the country because of his illness, Patrick took his wife and daughter to Toronto and Niagara Falls. This is an experience his family will never forget. Eight years after receiving his kidney, Patrick got the devastating news he had stomach cancer and his chances at recovery were poor. Through community prayer, faith and friendship, the Lord strengthened us through the difficult battle we faced together. Unfortunately, Patrick’s battle was lost, but he will not be forgotten. He fought the good fight, he kept his faith, he finished the race. His work on earth is done, God called him to receive his crown of victory. Patrick leaves to mourn: his wife, Leslie Gray; daughters Jaimee and Crystal; son Julian; his grandchildren Kelsey, Kyrah and Kohen. He also leaves behind sister Joyce, Dolly, Patricia, Lisa (Brett), Riel, Mona, Renata and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and close friends. He was predeceased by: his parents, Ross and Mable Gray; maternal and paternal grandparents; uncles Rolly, Sullivan and Kenny; Aunt Nelly; cousin Tina; Uncle Leo; and father in-law Alfred Beaudry.

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