LARRY GRAY

GRAY, Larry F.
At home in Carleton Place, ON. on November 8, 2014, surrounded by family. Larry was born at home in Dresden, ON, on August 19, 1937 to Clark and Neva (Green) Gray. The oldest of three children, Larry grew up during the Second World War and his passion for flying developed at an early age. It was also in his youth that he learned to play the saxophone, a hobby he would pursue his entire life. In 1958, two of the defining events in Larry's life occurred. He joined the Air Force, and met his lifelong partner Gloria (Madge). At the tender ages of 21 and 17, Larry and Gloria were married on Christmas Day in 1958. Soon after, two sons, Scott (1959) and Kevin (1961) arrived. Larry's career as a flight navigator took the family all over Canada, from Winnipeg to Nova Scotia and Ontario as well as a three-year stint in Soest, Germany. Many months were also spent serving with the UN in the Sinai. An eight-year posting in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, brought a third son, Chris (1973). During his many years of military service, Larry honed his writing skills by editing three base newspapers. He achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in 1977. At age 45 he left the military, switching gears somewhat to work at the Royal Canadian Legion headquarters in Ottawa. In 1995 he accepted a position with the Veterans Review and Appeal Board in Charlottetown, a move that felt like a return to "home" for the now empty-nesters. Three years later and the couple settled finally in Carleton Place, but wasted no time buying a cottage in Stanley Bridge, PEI, where they spent long, happy summers overlooking New London Bay with their quirky and beloved miniature Dachshunds. Retirement was anything but idle for Larry. He joined the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association and the Veterans Week Working Group. He was also known for his community activism and served many volunteer roles, including sitting on the Carleton Place Police Services Board and as a founding member of the Roy Brown Historical Society. He continued to play saxophone with the community band until his health faltered. In 2011, Larry was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation for his tireless work on behalf of veterans. His passion for military history led him to write two books on the town's local soldiers that gave their lives in the two World Wars, We Are the Dead and Fathers, Brothers and Sons. Two more books followed: Canada's World War II Aces and Canadians in the Battle of the Atlantic. And finally, as a tribute to the province that became a second home, Red Roads to Runways: the Story of The Royal Canadian Air Force at Summerside. Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gloria; sons Scott (Lore Mirwaldt), Kevin (Denise) and Chris (Jen); seven grandchildren: Joshua, Jennifer, Alex, Jonathan, Andrew, Cameron, William; and one great-grandson, Tyson; sisters Karen and Wanda, three aunts, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home, 19 McArthur Ave. in Carleton Place, on Friday, November 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at St. James Anglican Church, 225 Edmund St., Carleton Place, Saturday, November 15 at 2 p.m. Reception to follow in the church hall. Memorial donations to Wounded Warriors (www.woundedwarriors.ca), and the Lanark Animal Welfare Society (www.lanarkanimals.ca) will be gratefully acknowledged.
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