Gordon Gray

It is with great sadness that we announce Gordon Robert Gray, 51, passed away in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Sunday, February 17, 2019 surrounded by family and friends after complications from surgery and psoriatic arthritis. Gord was born on December 9, 1967 in Brantford, Ontario to Dorothy (Cline) and William Gray.  In his youth he was active in tennis, badminton, a member of the Boy Scouts of Canada (King Scout) and enjoyed collecting comic books.  Gord was a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Brantford and a long standing member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 90 also in Brantford, Ontario. Gord had a keen interest in science which was evidenced in his participation in numerous science fairs and this passion for science followed him throughout his life.  After he graduated from North Park Collegiate High School in Brantford, Ontario he obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo (1991), followed by the completion of an MSc and PhD at the University of Western Ontario (1992, 1996), which is where his interest and expertise in plant biochemistry and photosynthesis began to develop.  He continued his academic pursuits as a post-doctoral fellow at the DOE-Plant Research Laboratory.  He became a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan in 2000 and was affiliated with both the departments of Biochemistry in the College of Medicine and Plant Sciences in the College of Agriculture where his research focused on the effects of abiotic stress on photosynthetic mechanisms and general plant metabolism.  As with the rest of his life, he pursued his academic work with fierce determination, enjoying all aspects of the job from research to teaching and mentoring students and could often be found sitting with colleagues discussing a variety of topics over a cup of Tim Horton’s coffee.  During his academic career he developed a wide circle of friends and colleagues from numerous Universities in multiple countries. He met his future wife Cynthia Lynn Swan in 2003 while they were both judges at a science fair, and they were married on October 12, 2013. They enjoyed many activities together including attending concerts, theatre, sporting events and movies, as well as geocaching and attending comic book expos. Traveling together was something they loved to do with one particular highlight being his sabbatical in Turku, Finland in 2014. Gord was a truly inspiring man to the many people he knew.  He was known for his tenacity, his perseverance and the ability to face life’s challenges head on without hesitation.  He had a particular zest for life and will be remembered for his quirky sense of humour, the ability to make people laugh and enjoy himself in any situation. Gord is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, his mother Dorothy Marguerite (Cline) Gray, his sister-in-law Pamela Swan and Mother-in-law Beryl (Robinson) Swan, as well as a large family of cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father William Coats Gray. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Dr. Gordon Gray Memorial Award.  Cheques can be made payable to the University of Saskatchewan and mailed to University Relations, G15 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place, Saskatoon SK, S7N 5C9. Donations may also be made online at donate.usask.ca, indicating Dr. Gordon Gray award in the comments section. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, February 24th, 2019 with the Funeral Service following immediately after at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (436 Spadina Cres. E, Saskatoon) officiated by The Reverend George Yando.  An Interment Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 25th, 2019 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens (210 Wess Road – please gather at the first gate at 9:50 a.m.) officiated by The Reverend Roberto DeSandoli.  Arrangements are in care of John Schachtel – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.