Beloved by many, Alex Gray died peacefully at George Derby Centre in Burnaby on July 25th.  Predeceased by his son Alex (1973) and wife Kathleen (1998).  Also predeceased by his parents Alex and Mary, his brothers Robert and Martin, and his sister Mollie (Sr. Mary Carol.)  Survived by his children: Mary-Gay in Vancouver, Marty (Louise Savard) in Montreal, Mollie (Nick Pearson) in North Vancouver, Teresa (Jason Lee) and Christopher (Eri Ishii) in Vancouver; his grandchildren Nicholas, Stephen, Emilie, Rachel, Alexandre and Caitlin; a nephew and nieces.  Alex was born in St. Paul’s Hospital in 1925 to pioneer Scottish immigrants.  He was always proud of his Scottish heritage and of being a born Vancouverite.  His early years were shaped by his Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, the family business (Rex Confectionary on Hastings St.), summers at his parents’ cottages at Ambleside Beach, and his family’s involvement with Saint Patrick’s church and school.  A brief spell at UBC was followed by enlistment in the Canadian Army in 1944 and overseas service until two years after the war.  Alex worked at the family candy business and sold real estate before settling in to a long career selling hardware for Woodward’s Stores in Vancouver and New Westminster. He had a second career with the BC Corps of Commissionaires after taking early retirement from Woodward’s, and especially enjoyed his postings to the Land Title Office in New Westminster and the Yugoslavian Consulate. In a volunteer capacity, Alex worked tirelessly for over 30 years for the cause of Catholic school education in BC, especially with the school boards of Saint Helen’s and Notre Dame.  He was instrumental in establishing the spirit and survival of Notre Dame in its earlier years, and its subsequent flourishing remained a source of pride long after he had ended that chapter of his life. Above all else, however, Alex was proudest of being a good family man. He married his beloved Kathleen (née McAviney) in 1949 and they enjoyed almost 50 truly happy years together, raising six children and providing an example of what a good marriage and loving home can be.  Alex always knew that being home for dinner with his family surpassed any other responsibilities and pleasures he had.  His lasting gift to his children was in knowing how to make each of them feel special in their own right.  His years with his grandchildren were a further source of delight and inspiration.  Over the years Alex enjoyed amateur wine-making, genealogical research, and attending Vancouver Historical Society events. Like Kathleen, he was a deeply spiritual soul, inquisitive and open-minded about other cultures, religions and values. The last 19 years of Alex’s life were spent living in Vancouver’s West End, first with Kathleen and then on his own after her death.  He embraced the vibrant neighbourhood and its populace and got great satisfaction watching sunsets from his home at English Bay, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and making new friends.  Although old age was accompanied by many losses he never complained and he managed to live in his own home until choosing to move into a care facility in early May.  Alex recently celebrated his 84th birthday and marvelled at having achieved a longer lifespan than his own parents and siblings.  His long life had many different chapters but he was always “himself”.  A Funeral Service will be held at the Canadian Centre for Peace, 1825 West 16th Avenue (16th & Burrard), Vancouver at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31st.  Burial at Capilano View Cemetery, 1490 Third Street, West Vancouver, followed by a wake at Canyon House, 3590 Capilano Road, North Vancouver.  Special thanks to the wonderful staff of George Derby Centre for their care.  In lieu of flowers, donations made to Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, 385 Cordova St., Vancouver, V6A 1L4 for their work in the Downtown Eastside would be appreciated.  Condolences may be sent c/o 304-1789 Davie St., Vancouver, BC V6G 1W5.  Alex will always be remembered as a gentleman �" a loyal, generous man with a great sense of humour, completely at peace with himself and unstinting in his love, affection and acceptance of others.  Rest in peace Dad, and “Sláinte”.  You deserve it.