Friends and family have shared their relationship to show their support.

How do you know Graham Baillie Wray?

Family Friend Work Other

We are sorry for your loss.

Help others honor Graham's memory.

Copy

Coping with Grief

We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.

Official Obituary of

Graham Baillie Wray

December 19, 1926 ~ August 23, 2020 (age 93) 93 Years Old

Graham Wray Obituary

Graham Baillie Wray
1926-2020
Soldier. Engineer. Businessman. Husband. Father. Churchman. Social Activist and Servant of Jesus Christ.

Graham passed away peacefully on August 23, 2020 in his 94th year, at Sechelt Hospital, after a long, contented life. Graham is survived by his children, Jane Cruz (Jai), Sheila, and Alex (Wendy); grandchildren Mana Emily Orcutt (Cory), Iishan Cruz, Maya Cruz (Stefan), Adam, Danielle, Samuel; greatchildren, Meliha, Hailey and Brody Orcutt; and brother, Ian (Nancy) who resides in Fairlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland. He is predeceased by his wife, Irene; brother, Arthur; and parents, Alexander and Deborah.

Born 19 December 1926; childhood and youth around Cowal, Argyll, Scotland. Started work in Clyde shipyard in 1943, age 16, building and sea trials of submarines and destroyers. From 1941-1948, age 14 to 21, in WWII and Malayan War: Home Guard infantryman and anti-aircraft gunner, regular forces Seaforth Highlanders and engineer officer in India and Malayan war. Shipyard engineering manager on submarine and destroyers. Sailed as engineer officer in Royal Mail Lines.

Married childhood friend and long-time sweetheart, Irene Balmer, in 1951. Emigrated to Canada together in 1955, living in Montreal, Cornwall, and New Westminster before settling in Powell River in 1959. Managed power station construction, then as engineer and research in pulp and papermill, project manager for pulp mill expansions with family based in West Vancouver.

A full and happy West Coast family life in New Westminster, Powell River and West Vancouver with Irene and children.

In 1968, began own forest industry consulting business in sawmill productivity improvement in British Columbia, Iran, Malaysia, China, Bangladesh and South Sea Islands. Pioneered computer based management systems for maintenance management, quality control and profitability improvement.

Moved to Gibsons in 1990: active as Christian in politics and social affairs. Organiser for both federal and provincial Reform parties: campaign manager to elect first Reform MP on the Coast, constituency president, provincial treasurer for Reform BC. Active worker in Royal Canadian Legion, president of Gibsons Seniors and Harmony Hall, chairman of Sunshine Coast Seniors Network.

Active churchman from 1958: licensed layreader and rectors warden in St. Paul's Anglican Church in Powell River, treasurer and other offices in St. Christopher's Anglican in West Vancouver and in St. Bartholomew's in Gibsons. Confirmed as Roman Catholic in St. Mary's Church, Gibsons, in 2000; served as catechist for the Sunshine Coast Catholic parishes. Active advocate for Christian voice and values in public affairs.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Gibson's Wildlife Rehab Centre or Happy Cat Haven would be appreciated.

Graham Wray's Celebration of Life Reception will be held on September 12, 2020 at 12:15 pm. To view the livestream, use this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83371376796