It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Leo at Mount St. Joseph's Hospital, Vancouver at the age of 82. He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his wife Ann; son Colm (Winnie); daughter Belinda-Ann (Edward) and grandchildren: Eva-Rose, Gerard and Belisa; Brothers: Stephen (Carol); George (Kathleen RIP) and sister Maria (Tommy RIP) and by nieces, nephews and friends. A Private funeral mass will be held on January 7th, 2021 at St. Patrick's Church in Vancouver and will be livestreamed: https://youtu.be/J_ZEjURwPps. Interment to follow at Gardens of Gethsemani. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seniors Come Share Society https://www.comeshare.ca/ways-to-give/donate. Condolences for the family may be left at https://kearneyfs.com/obituaries/leo-martin-gray
Leo was born in Gateside, Barrhead, Scotland. He was the sixth of eight children: Frank (RIP), James (RIP), Maria, Josephine (RIP), David (RIP), Stephen, Leo (RIP) and George. Father, Francis Gray; mother, Mary Winifred Gray (Whiteside) both born in North East Glasgow in 1897.
Leo went to school in Scotland and spent some time training in the junior seminary along with his brother George. He trained as radio operator at wireless college. Leo later joined the Merchant Navy in Glasgow and sailed on a number of ships. One of these ships was the MV Egidia, of the Anchor Line in Glasgow. He and brother Stephen sailed together on that ship for a voyage to India. He also sailed to Africa and New Zealand. Later in his sailing days Leo sailed with his brother David on the old Queen Mary, now a tourist attraction in California. Leo immigrated to Canada in 1965. He sailed on the S.S. Prince George for a time. He worked for BC Ferries and later became a business agent for BC Ferries and Marine Workers Union. He then went on to be a business agent with the Canadian Merchant Service Guild and became the Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Merchant Service Guild Western Branch for a number of years to which he was extremely accomplished and appreciated. He was honored by the Guild as a life member. He had a passion for justice. Leo had many friends in the seafaring industry, some of whom have passed on.
Leo volunteered his leadership skills and was a past president of the BC Highland Dancing Association. He had a keen interest in his heritage and sang with the Vancouver Gaelic Choir for 19 years. Leo later sang with the Kent Street Choristers Choir in South Surrey/White Rock. Leo's other passionate hobby was hiking and walking. He hiked the West Coast Trail after retirement. He walked portions of the Camino de Santiago, Spain several times. Leo walked in his community of South Surrey/White Rock almost daily up until December 12th when he walked his last walk of one hour with his loving wife who maintained his superb and exceptional quality of life.
Leo met his wife, Ann in Vancouver in 1969 and married on June 6th 1970. They had three children, Judith-Ann (RIP), Colm and Belinda-Ann. He has three grandchildren: Eva-Rose, Gerard and Belisa. Leo loved his grandchildren dearly and was dedicated in coming into Vancouver several times a week to hold them, play with them and assist his daughter while on maternity leaves. He continued to love his visits with them and was playful with them until the end.
Leo was an extremely devout Catholic. He set an outstanding example for his children and grandchildren. He went on many pilgrimages including Knock, Fatima, Loureds and Medugorje. He spent quiet time in meditation daily and he prayed with his family until the end and on the days leading up to his death where he enjoyed mass online with his daughter on Christmas day and Christmas Sunday. He received the holy sacrament of the anointing of the sick four times before his death and his family was gathered around him, praying and present at his last breath. The Holy Spirit could be felt in the room.
Ann Gray and family wish to thank all those who have prayed, thought of us, sent condolences and continue to support us. A Holy Mass will be offered for all your intentions.