On September 5, 2024, Joe A. Gray Jr (aka Joey, Joe Dirté) passed away after a six-year battle with Lupus at the age of forty-two. He is survived by his children Jackson and Charlie Gray and their mother Amy Gray, his parents Kelly & Dave Hudon, Joe Gray, Debbie Gray, his siblings David Jr, Stacy and Kiah, and his Grandmother Myrna Green. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and friends.
Joe is most remembered for his big smile, contagious laugh and huge bear hugs. He loved spending time with his children, friends and family, playing video games, and singing karaoke. Joe grew up in Cloverdale, BC fully involved in the horse racing business with his family before moving out of his comfort zone and working security at Gabby’s Country Cabaret. Here he found a confidence within himself he didn’t know he had and made countless memories and friends along the way. He later moved out to Alberta and worked at Century Downs Racetrack and Casino where he worked as their food and beverage manager. As his illness progressed aggressively, he moved back home to Cloverdale in 2023 and did his best to fight his disease before he passed peacefully in hospice.
Joe’s children will fondly remember the nights spent watching horror movies with him, blasting music in the car and singing karaoke together. Memories of their Disneyland trip and camping at Castle Falls will be a highlight of the time they spent with him.
Joe will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. The family would like to thank all the staff at Laurel Place Care Centre for providing Joe peace and comfort before he passed away. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Laurel Place Care Centre in Surrey, BC. There will be no formal service as a small celebration of life was held on August 18, 2024, while he was still with us.
The journey continues........