John Thomas Henry Bray

The funeral service for the late John Thomas Henry Bray of Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada, who died at Balcarres on November 9, 2002 at the age of 91 was held in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada on November 13, 2002 with Rev. Don Wells officiating. Interment followed in the Balcarres Cemetery. The casket bearers were Wayne Dixon, Wayne Pinay, Alf Cleggett, Bill Garratt, Ron Rilling and Richard Barnsley.

John was born in the Gillespie District of Saskatchewan on September 9, 1911, son of Albert and Alice (Astles) Bray. He grew up and attended school in the Gillespie community. He married Mildred Elizabeth Francis who moved to Gillespie from Cupar, Saskatchewan, Canada to work at a local store. They were married on June 2, 1941 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Together, they raised one son Tom.

John was very involved with the community. He was a trustee on the Gillespie School Board, a committee member of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in Gillespie, an active member of the St. Paul's Anglican Church in Balcarres, an active participant in the Abernethy Seniors' Club activities and he helped plan the Gillespie School Reunion in 1985.

John was very musical. He could play just about anything including the accordion, organ, piano, mouth organ and fiddle. He also enjoyed playing cards and taught all of his grandchildren how to play cribbage. John loved to spend time with his family and never missed an opportunity to attend all of the activities in which his grandchildren took part. Food was another of John's passions - Kentucky Fried Chicken was one of his favorites as well as home cooked meals.

John was a very patient person, even with animals. He was very calm and gentle in nature and was always optimistic. he possessed an artistic ability and an amazing talent for story telling.

John was predeceased by his wife, Mildred in 1996 and two brothers: George and Albert. He is survived by his son Tom (Linda) Bray, Balcarres, Saskatchewan, Canada, three grandchildren: Evan (Lee) Bray, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; Tom (Kelly) Bray, Abernethy, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Kerri-Lee Bray (Jason Free), Calgary, Alberta, Canada and three great grandchildren: Cy Thomas Bray, Ella Katherine Bray and Morgan John Bray. John is also survived by his brother in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral arrangements were in care of Michael Rey, Tubman Cremation & Funeral Services, Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, Canada, 1-306-698-2557.