JOSEPH WILLIAM GRAY

Joseph William Gray, who was born Sept. 19, 1941 in St. Boniface, Man., passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Growing up first in Arbor Vita and then in La Vallee, Joe often spoke about the tough times his parents went through and how he always wanted better for his family.
Joe accomplished this by working many jobs throughout his life: on farms as a kid, driving truck at Steep Rock Mine, working construction with Ken Munn, and driving taxi before retiring from Abitibi Consolidated to name a few.
Always on the go, Joe met many people, built many lifelong friendships, and will be remembered by many for selling Legion 50/50 tickets.
On Oct. 23, 1965, Joe married the love of his life, Ruth Johnson.
Joe is survived by his wife, Ruth Gray; his daughter, Emily (Paul) LaFreniere, and grandchildren, Ashley and Justin LaFreniere; his son, Danny Gray; and special friends, Jackie (Darrin) and Victoria Brandli.
He also is survived by his brothers, Robert (Linda) Gray and Jack (Camie) Gray; and sisters, Patsy Buttner, Gladys Williams, Betty Ann Trotter, Linda Lynch, Judy (Jake) Smith, and Bonnie (Stan) Jonassen.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph William Gray Sr. (1972) and Doreen Gray (2009); brother, Donald Gray; and sister, Joan Thornson.
At Joe’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Internment will take place at a later date.
A come-and-go tea will be held Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, from 1-3 pm, upstairs at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com