Mr. David W Gray

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to David, who passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18, with his wife and sons by his side. He lived 71 wonderful years, and his loss will be felt by many around the world. He joins his father Bill, mother Phyllis, and sister Joan.

David loved travel, adventure, and helping others. He was doing all three when he met his soulmate, and love of his life Joyce, on a Canada World Youth trip. Together they shared many wonderful decades and would have celebrated forty years of marriage this May. They raised Darren and Jeffrey, who love and look up to their father immensely and miss him dearly. He admired Tara (married to Darren) and Caleigh (fiance to Jeffrey), and absolutely adored his grandchildren Abby (7) and Theo (5). Their lives won't be the same without their Bumpa, who always made them laugh, and who always brought a smile to his face in turn.

Over the past few days, as news spread of David's passing, his family has received heartfelt messages from friends and family from around the world, a reminder of the impact he had on those around him. An adept public speaker, David could light up any room with a joke or one of his amazing tales from adventures abroad. His true superpower, though, lay with his compassion for others, desire to help and genuine ability to listen. He was a friend and mentor to so many, always willing to give his time and advice without asking for anything in return. He was a natural leader with the ability to rally groups around collective goals, resolve conflict and stand up for the greater good.

His leadership skills were showcased early in life as a star athlete at Nepean High School and Queen's University (Basketball, Football), but later helped him find his true passion when working as a Youth Director for St. Steven's Community Center in Toronto. This led to his role as a Group Leader at Canada World Youth followed by a successful 30 year career in International Development and Management Consulting. In recent years he dedicated his time as a volunteer Board Member with Stanstead College, advisor to Amcal Family Services and Lecturer at McGill University.

Four years ago David underwent successful lung transplant surgery, and his family has been thankful ever since; they would like to convey heartfelt appreciation to the whole team at the lung transplant institute at CHUM, and in particular Dr. Charles Poirier, for the wonderful, compassionate care David received over the years. These last four years have been a blessing.

A celebration of David's life and legacy will take place in Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, we encourage making a donation to the Quebec Lung Transplant Foundation (www.fgpq.org), or a charity of choice in David's honour. Please consider registering as an organ donor; you may save a life like David's, and make the world a happier place for a bit longer.

One year ago David posted the following after celebrating his 70th birthday: "Heartfelt thanks to all for the warm birthday wishes. I am truly blessed with a wonderful family and friends. I feel like a very old car, still runs, requires constant maintenance, can't go too fast, leaks oil, belches exhaust, bald tires and the air conditioning doesn't work. But I'll spare you this endless metaphor to say I am still lovin' the ride."

This quote captures his spirit. He lived life to its fullest and always cherished time with the people around him. We love him and miss him and will celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.

https://montrealgazette.remembering.ca/obituary/david-gray-1084060724