Greetings. I'm not certain if you the family will see this but I wanted to try to touch base. When I ran across Don's obituary the other day I was saddened to hear of his passing and wished I had been able to touch base over the years. Few people had as much impact on my life as Don. I wrote a post in the "If you grew up in Port Dover" Facebook group and have had many people chime in with wonderful memories of Don, Pat and their children. You might enjoy reading the comments there.

Blessings and thanks for sharing your Dad with us. https://www.facebook.com/groups/250532041643829/posts/8328999903796962/?comment_id=8329063863790566&reply_comment_id=8333403553356597&notif_id=1721483025584067&notif_t=group_comment

It was only today that I read of Donald’s passing, so it is with deep sadness that I am just now sending these heart felt condolences with tears flowing, both for the loss felt by you, Donald’s family, and for the personal loss felt by one who’s life was deeply touched by his presence. I first met Donald in 1994 as an adult student entering the CAPPE program at the local perish in Edmonton where he ministered, a program that was developed to prepare students entering ministerial work in a pastoral care setting. There were seven of us in the class at the time, each one with a heart for service, and yet with an obvious need for personal development that required a depth of self awareness and introspection necessary to be an effective minister. The initial course was challenging in every way, and I remember wondering many times if I was cut out for the work, as Donald would gently but firmly invite us to look deeply at those areas of our ministry where our prejudices and firmly held beliefs impacted our ability to bring ministry to others. I felt blessed to be able to complete three more years of training with Donald, the final one at the University of Alberta Hospitals. What struck me most about his skills as a facilitator over the years was not only his depth of knowledge of pastoral car as a teacher, but the compassion he had for each us in our personal journey as students. It was as if he had walked some of the challenging paths he knew we needed to walk in order to best prepare us for the work that he so believed in. I had the privilege to reconnect with Donald over the years, and most recently, a little over a year ago. Although this time felt more like the tables were turned and I was the pastoral care worker journeying with a dear friend, Donald was still the beloved teacher. I had completed my Masters in Theological Studies since we spoke last and he asked if he could read my thesis and if we could discuss it when we visited. Each visit began with a check in on how my husband and I were doing and what our next plans were, just like we were in class. And each visit would conclude with a statement from Donald about how blessed he was to be surrounded by the love of his family, particularly at that time in his life… a statement that always felt like a benediction at the closing of our time together. There are special times in one’s journey when one looks back and feels graced by the gift of another in their life. Donald’s ministry in my life went far beyond my work in pastoral care. Your invitation to know oneself more deeply was truly a gift I will be forever grateful for. Thankyou Donald!

Ahhh Donald. We met back in 2015. He had come to visit his brother Martin in Victoria. Over time we built a long term relationship that now I find did not have anything to do with what he did for his life's work. When we met we had good conversations about life and enjoyed delving into enjoying each others company. He always recognized the work I did for his brother up until his passing and made sure I knew I was appreciated and recognized what it took to do what was necessary for his brother. I guess you could say he was his brothers keeper. He kept up on M's health and made sure he came to see him in Victoria as often as he could.

Donald I want to say, "thank you" for being such a good man. Earl Nightingale says, "Are rewards in life are in direct proportion to our service." His life was service and for me it was much appreciated. I know he left his mark on this world.

Good bye good friend,

John Sherber & Karen Burgess

I was a young, university-attending member of St. Laurence when Donald came to our parish. I immediately liked him as I thought - "He is a cool guy for a minister!" :-) I learned a ton from him as I felt his sermons often spoke directly to me. I was sorry to see him move on but I was always happy to hear he was doing well and doing good. Donald was "one of the good ones" in my opinion. Rest in peace, Donald.

To Donald Gray's family,

Donald came to Holy Trinity, Old Strathcona, Edmonton, as our interim priest during a difficulty transition. He was kind, pastoral, but firm in bringing us through that time. Donald and I became friends, and saw each other from time to time over a cup of coffee or lunch. He was a wonderful mentor, encourager--and a comfort to me as Chancellor during difficult times in the life of the Church. He loved what he was doing. I will miss him, but very much value having known him. May his memory be a blessing to all of us.

David Jones

It was a privilege to share today in the service at Hillhurst United Church, to honor Donald Gray. Clearly Don was loved and admired by his family and friends. The recollections that we shared about his style, his values, his gentle humor, and his humanistic-approach to the Gospel matched perfectly with my own sense of the man. Don was appointed the incumbent of St Laurence Anglican Church in March 1985. Some months later Don spoke with me about my own life within the church. "I know something about your background, Sam, and I see you gathering with us on Sunday mornings. If you ever want to try your legs again as a priest of the church, I would be pleased to have you join me here as an honorary assistant." Such a gracious offering. And so, after a 17 year absence from parish life, and after some cautious reflection by myself and Bishop Curtis, Don formally welcomed me as an assistant in January 1986. About two years later, we spoke about the many gifted people at St Laurence and in the Diocese. "And who are you Sam? What are you all about?" I stumbled around various possible answers.

Finally he said to me, "You are a teacher. " And so, over the months ahead, I came to embrace this welcome more-clearly defined identity. Today, with emotion and affection, my inner self says once again "Thank you, Don, for your thoughtful affirmation and for the many ways in which you have nurtured the lives of many." The service spoke very clearly and wonderfully about the many ways in which Don's children, grandchildren and friends were and continue to be blessed by Don -- even if he did forget birthdays and sometimes could not remember the names of his grandchildren. In return I know we all now join together in blessing Don as he continues to grow, and in blessing his family as they and we move on in our own ways.

We, at Laurence, were so fortunate to have had Donald as our rector for four years. He gave us his thoughtfulness, in person and sermon, kindness, compassion, and even play;ed the odd game of racquet ball, when we could find time!! With thankfulness and Deepest sympathy, Gwen and Ian and family

My deepest condolences to you David & Kim & to all of the Gray siblings & family. Your loss leaves a large void but one that is full of great memories of a mutual love and admiration between you all and your Dad. Thinking of you with sincerest sympathies.

To the Family of Donald Gray

Our very heartfelt condolences to you the family of Rev Donald Gray with the loss of your father, grandfather, brother and friend

We, as three sisters of Ruth knew and appreciated the annual treks across Canada and their stops and visits in Ontario by Ruth and Donald. Their thoughts and caring for families were very much appreciated. We have many happy memories to treasure and we will always remember Donald's smile and the twinkle in his eyes

Doreen Alice Helen

I got to know Don when he came to the Cathedral in Edmonton. I really appreciated his insight, quiet sense of humour, and kindness. Speaking to him after he moved on to pastoral care ministry and mentoring, he clearly had found a new passion. I was blessed to have known him.

We have fond memories of Donald at St. Laurence. A kind, gentle and thoughtful man.

Our prayers are with his family.

Carol, Denis Gardiner and Family

We had Rev Donald at St. Laurence in Calgary for many interesting years where he lead our congregation through some interesting times. We missed him when he left and send condolences to his family. Shirley Johnson

Dear Jeff, James, David, Kathy and families:

Bless your memories of your wonderful Dad, father-in-law, and Grandpa.

He was regular in attending Sunday services at St. Timothy's in Edmonton, providing occasional thoughtful sermons, participating in book studies, and being a faithful friend to many. One of our members said he delivered the best homily that he ever heard.

I will miss his faithful presence, calm demeanor and pleasant conversation.

Gen Ashwell

I first met Don in Cold Lake in my past career when he was facilitating the first ever suicide prevention course offered to military supervisors. We sent several people on the workshop which was an amazing experience under Don's instruction. Each of us would use those skills multiple times over the coming years, Don's influence literally saving lives. Roll forward a few years as I'm ordained in Edmonton and encounter Don at the cathedral, with good memories of that course. During a stint as one of the interim ministers at the cathedral a year later, Don acted as our mentor and support person (I think the bishop called him our supervisor, but Don quickly shifted that to mentor). Remember fondly him having me over for soup one lunch hour to talk about ministry and life in general. A gentle caring soul, I valued each of our interactions. Eternal rest grant to him and may light perpetual shine upon him. Peace and blessings to his family.