Obituary for William Thomas "Bill" Gray
William “Billy” Gray
It is with heavy hearts that the family of William “Billy” Gray announce his passing on March 1, 2021. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends during his final moments.
Bill will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Christopher (Liz) Hofmeister and Chelsea (Jason) Adler; and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Jade Adler. Also left to treasure his memory are his brother Bob (Sharon) Gray; nephews Bob Jr, Derek and their families. Billy will also be missed by many families and friends, as most of Billy’s close friends were there through the years. He loved them like family.
Billy was predeceased by his parents William and Marcia Gray; wife Shirley Gray and his children Constance “Connie” Hofmeister and Trevor Gray.
He was born on May 12, 1938 in Edmonton, AB. Even at a young age Billy played by his own rules. As the oldest of all his cousins they often thought of him as handsome and worldly.
While growing up, Billy went camping every year with his family. They would always end up in Banff on Edmonton Street. Continuing this tradition, everyone found their way to Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho where the family camping continued. This made for many great memories.
Bill was always ready for a golf trip or vacation with his friends. He had a magnetic personality, a contagious laugh and a great sense of humor. He was considered a welcoming and treasured part of any gathering.
His analytical intelligence was a valuable tool for his passion for cards. Having a highly competitive spirit he excelled in golf, pool and curling. Always up for any challenge, he was constantly testing life’s limits. It’s said that Bill had 9 lives and used all 15 of them. All he needed to survive was his golf bag, sandals, shorts, a polo shirt, couch to crash on and sports on T.V. (mostly cheering for the Oilers and any top Canadian athlete).
Above all, family meant the most to Bill, making time for all family events, which included good food and lots of laughs. He was there to cheer everyone on at hockey, football, rugby, baton competitions, dance performances and gymnastics.
Bill was encouraging and caring, supporting his son through all of his health setbacks. Trevor could always count on him. Connie and Trevor meant everything to Bill. Having lost their mother at a very early age was hard enough. But when Bill lost both his children in such a short time it was his worst nightmare.
Bill will be forever loved and fondly remembered. His whole family including his close friends are comforted knowing he can now rest without pain with his Mom, Dad, Shirley, Connie and Trevor. Happily golfing barefoot in the warm sun.
Information for a wake in Calgary and burial in Edmonton will be posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to KidSport .
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of William please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of William “Billy” Gray announce his passing on March 1, 2021. He was surrounded by the love of his family and friends during his final moments.
Bill will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Christopher (Liz) Hofmeister and Chelsea (Jason) Adler; and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Jade Adler. Also left to treasure his memory are his brother Bob (Sharon) Gray; nephews Bob Jr, Derek and their families. Billy will also be missed by many families and friends, as most of Billy’s close friends were there through the years. He loved them like family.
Billy was predeceased by his parents William and Marcia Gray; wife Shirley Gray and his children Constance “Connie” Hofmeister and Trevor Gray.
He was born on May 12, 1938 in Edmonton, AB. Even at a young age Billy played by his own rules. As the oldest of all his cousins they often thought of him as handsome and worldly.
While growing up, Billy went camping every year with his family. They would always end up in Banff on Edmonton Street. Continuing this tradition, everyone found their way to Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho where the family camping continued. This made for many great memories.
Bill was always ready for a golf trip or vacation with his friends. He had a magnetic personality, a contagious laugh and a great sense of humor. He was considered a welcoming and treasured part of any gathering.
His analytical intelligence was a valuable tool for his passion for cards. Having a highly competitive spirit he excelled in golf, pool and curling. Always up for any challenge, he was constantly testing life’s limits. It’s said that Bill had 9 lives and used all 15 of them. All he needed to survive was his golf bag, sandals, shorts, a polo shirt, couch to crash on and sports on T.V. (mostly cheering for the Oilers and any top Canadian athlete).
Above all, family meant the most to Bill, making time for all family events, which included good food and lots of laughs. He was there to cheer everyone on at hockey, football, rugby, baton competitions, dance performances and gymnastics.
Bill was encouraging and caring, supporting his son through all of his health setbacks. Trevor could always count on him. Connie and Trevor meant everything to Bill. Having lost their mother at a very early age was hard enough. But when Bill lost both his children in such a short time it was his worst nightmare.
Bill will be forever loved and fondly remembered. His whole family including his close friends are comforted knowing he can now rest without pain with his Mom, Dad, Shirley, Connie and Trevor. Happily golfing barefoot in the warm sun.
Information for a wake in Calgary and burial in Edmonton will be posted at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to KidSport .
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of William please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.