William Bruce Gray

On Monday, October 27, 2025 we lost a husband, father, uncle, best friend and a truly remarkable human being who loved with all his heart, as we loved him. Life had not been kind or fair to Bill in recent years and there were many times another person might have given up. His world had narrowed to seeing only a few people, but he loved sitting on the front porch to enjoy the activities on the street and share his witty banter with neighbours.

Bill came to fatherhood later than many, but no father could have loved his daughter more. In the past year, he walked Bethany down the aisle to take the first steps into her new life. He danced the Father-Daughter dance to his beloved Bruce Springsteen, and just recently learned that his status was about to change to “Papa.” He was so excited about becoming a grandfather! Whenever he talked about his life’s accomplishments, Bethany was always what he discussed. His endless love for Bethany extended to her husband Ricksen Tam.

Together we shared a quiet existence, dictated by Bill’s health. We promised each other to laugh every day and watch as many Hallmark movies as possible. Bill cooked every meal (except for pies). Cynthia knit him endless pairs of socks, and he wore them exclusively. Each visit with Bethany and Ricksen was a treasured memory, and he was excited to share in their life. Bill loved jigsaw puzzles, listening to music on YouTube, watching British crime series on tv, turkey dinners, and coffee. The most organized person ever, Bill loved routine and keeping records and lists. He kept our life organized and everything that ever needed to get done, got done. He hated formal occasions, wearing “big boy” clothes and playing board or card games with me. Bill was mysteriously loved by all dogs and small children, but none more than Gouda.

Bill was a proud Nova Scotian who grudgingly lived in Ontario. In addition to his wife, daughter and son-in-law, he leaves behind much-loved family in Alberta, Toronto and Nova Scotia. He was unable to see many family members often, but they were always in his heart, and he always welcomed news. He was so sad he was unable to attend his niece’s wedding but loved that he was later able to hold her baby. As our family grew, he loved each new niece and nephew, and eventually their partners, as well as the grands. His pride in each of their accomplishments had no end. Our family is small but has been greatly enriched by friends we consider family.

There will be no service at Bill's request because that would imply wearing a tie ─ something Bill hated. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.