Rosemary Janet (nee Barham) Gray

Given Rosemary’s very humble beginnings, born to a farming family in a very small village in England, she still consistently showed her thirst to learn something new, or to be exposed to something previously unknown to her. New experiences intrigued her!

Rosemary came to Canada with her mother, father, and two of her brothers when she was a young teenager. She always described it as a big adventure, and she sought out further adventures her entire life.

Words to describe Rosemary would be many- highly intelligent, tenacious, a lover of learning of all kinds, dogged determination, athletic even into her later years and provider of kindness to all she met.

She loved to work with her hands, and became an expert seamstress. She also produced knitted sweaters that reflected her intense attention to detail. She would jump in with gusto if there was anything to build, and the use of hand tools did not deter her in the slightest. She seldom met a project that would intimidate her.

Rosemary loved her two daughters Laurie and Julie fiercely, and her grandson Gerrad. She did her utmost to support them from childhood into their adult lives. She provided encouragement to her first husband, Sandy Gray and later to her partner Dale Nagel for them to pursue their life’s desires. She also supported Dale’s children Don and Dixie, especially in their younger years.

Rosemary delighted in animals, and was the best “mom” to the many fur kids she enjoyed over the years. She took great joy in observing wildlife, or learning more about them through books and TV shows. Her dog Chico remembers her fondly, and misses their nightly visits in the recliner to watch TV together. She took great joy in sharing the love her daughters had for their various animal companions over the years too. She was “Granny” to many fur kids. She also relished seeing things grow, and devoted a great deal of time to gardening and helping to tend a very large yard over the years.

Her employment years were varied, starting with working when a teenager as a clerk in a “haberdashery” in England, to banking, to selling and repairing sewing machines, to her final work with Rayner and Bracht, a contractor in Port Alberni. It goes without saying that Rosemary garnered accolades from every job she had for her commitment and work ethic.

It is hoped we will organize a celebration of life this summer. Until then, please remember Rosemary with this quote:

"The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude." - Thornton Wilder