Obituary of Edward Christopher Jackson Gray

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edward Christopher Jackson Gray of Fredericton, New Brunswick on June 27, 2023.

Ed was born on October 27, 1932 at Dundonald, County Down, Northern Ireland, the youngest of six children to James and Ethel Gray. After employment in Belfast, he went overseas by boat to work in Rhodesia and then New Zealand before coming to Canada in 1961. Ed joined the RCMP in Regina in 1962 and was subsequently posted to Bell Island and St. John’s, Newfoundland, Ottawa, and Fredericton. It was during his time on Bell Island that he met and married his wife of 57 years, Marie Butler.

Retiring from the RCMP in 1992, he and Marie enjoyed travelling the world. Ed loved music and was often the life of the party singing Newfoundland and Irish songs while playing the harmonica or button accordion. “Granda” loved playing with his grandchildren especially having marching bands where they wore funny hats, used anything as a musical instrument, and sang songs or recited silly ditties. He was a member of the Fredericton Golden Club and Christ Church Cathedral.

He was predeceased by Marie and four of his siblings.

Ed will be deeply missed by his daughter Jennifer Ross (Todd) of Fredericton and their boys Corey (Nicole) of Saint John and Calvin (Lacie Aden) of Texas, son Alan Gray (Sarah Brooks) and their daughter Ashley of Fredericton, sister Olive Gardiner of Northern Ireland, sister-in-law Dorothy Gray of Saskatchewan, and many nieces and nephews in Canada and the UK.

A private family service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to Christ Church Cathedral, the Cancer Society, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.