Obituary of Albert Bray

May 18, 1935 - East View, Ontario

June 29, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Albert Bray, beloved husband of Julia Bray (nee Goodman) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Albert was born to Horace and Alice Bray (nee Rafter) on May 18, 1935, in East View, ON along with his twin brother George. After Albert left school, at the age of sixteen, he taught himself to read, by reading the Bible. At the age of eighteen Albert looked up at the starry sky and thought someone had to create all this. When he was around nineteen the Lacey family singers sang in Ottawa and that is where he got saved. Later he met the love of his life Julia at Alta Vista Baptist Church. They wed in July 1968. They had three daughters before moving to Calgary, AB in 1979. He was employed by the Streets and Roads Department, with the city of Calgary, operating heavy machinery.

Albert was passionate about sharing the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was very involved in church ministry including Boys Brigade, greeter, ushering, and Bible study. Albert had a heart for street ministry and wanted to help others in need. His hobbies and interests included fishing, puzzles, drawing, southern gospel music, and the outdoors. He will be most remembered for his generosity of spirit, sense of humour, and love for the Lord. 

Besides his loving wife Albert is survived by his three daughters, Debbie Symbalisty (Bruce), Susan Welch (Wally), and Julie Judd; grandchildren, Gabrielle and Elizabeth Symbalisty, Lindsay and Katie Bray, David Bray-Thompson, Emily, and Grace Judd; and his brother-in-law Benton Goodman. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Ruth Liscumb (nee Bray), George, John and Jim Bray. 

A Celebration of Albert’s Life will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 – 40th Street S.E., Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.  Family and friends are invited to stay and enjoy some light snacks and refreshments with the family directly following the service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to Every Home for Christ, P.O. Box 3636 Guelph ON. N1H 7S2. 

In living memory of Albert Bray, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.