ROBERT (BOB) JAMES GRAY

It is with great sadness that the family of Bob Gray announces his passing on Friday, April 10, 2015 at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont. following a lengthy illness.
Bob was born to the late Joe and Doreen (nee Brown) Gray on July 27, 1948 in Emo.
He spent his early years on the family farm in Arbor Vitae, Ont. The family then moved to La Vallee, Ont. when he was a young boy. During his later youth, the family relocated to Barwick, Ont.
As a young man, Bob worked on local farms, road construction projects, and cutting pulpwood. He also was employed by the sawmill at Sapawe, Ont. and Caland Ore near Atikokan, Ont.
On July 18, 1969, Bob married Linda Angus. The couple moved to Rowan Lake, where Bob was employed as a fishing guide. In September of that same year, the couple purchased Rowan Lake Lodge.
Bob and Linda ran a successful fishing resort and raised their children on Rowan Lake. They appreciated and enjoyed the lasting friendships which developed with guests who were able to return to Rowan Lake year after year.
Bob loved the outdoors. Some of his favourite times were spent fishing, hunting, and trapping.
Bob also enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. It was important to Bob to spend as much time as possible with his grandchildren. He took great pride and enjoyment in watching them grow.
While Bob appreciated and enjoyed all friends and visitors during his final years, the visits from his grandchildren were most special to him. You could see by the way that his eyes lit up that Bob truly treasured the company of his grandchildren.
Bob and Linda moved back to Barwick seasonally during recent years. This allowed Bob the opportunity to relax and spend time catching up with friends.
He also took advantage of the opportunity to make special visits to see Bobbi-Jo and her pets.
Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda, and four children, Bobbi-Jo Gray (Jim Schultz) of Emo, Ont.; Ed (Crystal) Gray of Emo, Ont.; Laura (Travis) Sokolyk of Kenora, Ont., and Terry (Noreen) Gray of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Bob also will be remembered by his grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, and Clinton Gray, Amber and Calvin Legarde, and Dustin and Dillan Gray.
Bob is survived by his siblings:, Jack (Camie) Gray, Patsy Buttner, Gladys Williams, Betty Ann Trotter, Linda Gray, and Judy (Jake) Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family, including Marg (Morris) Chabot, Tina (Mark) Fontana, Mike (Wendy) Angus, and Dwayne (Roxanne) Chabot.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Joe and Donnie Gray; and sisters, Joan Sorenson and Bonnie Jonassen.
A gathering to celebrate Bob’s life will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2015 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Barwick Hall in Barwick. Lunch will be served.
Bob will be returning home to Rowan Lake at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Emo Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
In Our Hearts Forever.