Obituary for Donald James Gray
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, December 16, 1941 and a time to die, November 18, 2022.
Don will be forever missed by Nancy, his high school sweet heart and wife of 60 years, and lovingly remembered by his brother Tom. Predeceased by his brother Bob. He was an exceedingly proud dad to four children and their partners: Donna (Neil), Jeff (Karen), Ian (Lynn) and Tim (Michelle). His grandchildren - Samantha (Mike), Jordan, Terra (Jas), Marina, Aidan, Lauren, Danielle and his great grand daughter, Lauren were shining lights in his life.
Don easily fit in with the Wintermute family of Belmont. He is remembered there by numerous cousins of all ages for his legendary Santa visits every Christmas.
Don graduated from Windsor Teachers College in 1965, where he was Treasurer of the Student Council. During this time, he was also a young husband and father, a busy time for his family. Don thoroughly enjoyed his many years of teaching for the Windsor Catholic School Board, beginning with elementary grades, then moving on to secondary school, and then his happiest years as a Consultant. Many life long friends were made during his teaching career. When he met former students, his memory was excellent, remembering their names and career choices. While he taught school and raised his family, he continued his education, receiving his BA and then his Masters of Education, all done as a part-time student at University of Windsor.
After retirement he and Nancy were very successful owners of their Labelman Inc. bar coding business, now carried on by their daughter-in-law, Michelle. Once again he loved meeting customers and solving problems. He was also an avid volunteer with Goodfellows and Meals on Wheels. In his younger years, he was a drummer with the Essex & Kent Scottish Pipe Band. In mid-years, he provided a masterful baritone voice for Lincoln Road United Church’s Sunday choir.
The last few years of his life were complicated by Parkinson’s disease, leading to a stay at Chartwell Royal Oak in Kingsville. Thanks are extended to the Copper Beach staff and in particular Natalie from Amy’s Helping Hands, as she cared so thoughtfully for Don.
Thanks are also extended to the staff at Erie Shores Health Care, second floor north where he received such compassionate care the last days of his life. It is now time to mourn our loss. We will celebrate his life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Goodfellows would by appreciated by the family. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held at Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.
“The cares of the world concern me no longer.
I have completed this life. My work is done, my children grown.
I have loved much and well...
Those I leave behind, I love.
A time to be born, December 16, 1941 and a time to die, November 18, 2022.
Don will be forever missed by Nancy, his high school sweet heart and wife of 60 years, and lovingly remembered by his brother Tom. Predeceased by his brother Bob. He was an exceedingly proud dad to four children and their partners: Donna (Neil), Jeff (Karen), Ian (Lynn) and Tim (Michelle). His grandchildren - Samantha (Mike), Jordan, Terra (Jas), Marina, Aidan, Lauren, Danielle and his great grand daughter, Lauren were shining lights in his life.
Don easily fit in with the Wintermute family of Belmont. He is remembered there by numerous cousins of all ages for his legendary Santa visits every Christmas.
Don graduated from Windsor Teachers College in 1965, where he was Treasurer of the Student Council. During this time, he was also a young husband and father, a busy time for his family. Don thoroughly enjoyed his many years of teaching for the Windsor Catholic School Board, beginning with elementary grades, then moving on to secondary school, and then his happiest years as a Consultant. Many life long friends were made during his teaching career. When he met former students, his memory was excellent, remembering their names and career choices. While he taught school and raised his family, he continued his education, receiving his BA and then his Masters of Education, all done as a part-time student at University of Windsor.
After retirement he and Nancy were very successful owners of their Labelman Inc. bar coding business, now carried on by their daughter-in-law, Michelle. Once again he loved meeting customers and solving problems. He was also an avid volunteer with Goodfellows and Meals on Wheels. In his younger years, he was a drummer with the Essex & Kent Scottish Pipe Band. In mid-years, he provided a masterful baritone voice for Lincoln Road United Church’s Sunday choir.
The last few years of his life were complicated by Parkinson’s disease, leading to a stay at Chartwell Royal Oak in Kingsville. Thanks are extended to the Copper Beach staff and in particular Natalie from Amy’s Helping Hands, as she cared so thoughtfully for Don.
Thanks are also extended to the staff at Erie Shores Health Care, second floor north where he received such compassionate care the last days of his life. It is now time to mourn our loss. We will celebrate his life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Goodfellows would by appreciated by the family. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held at Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.
“The cares of the world concern me no longer.
I have completed this life. My work is done, my children grown.
I have loved much and well...
Those I leave behind, I love.