Obituary
Graham Baillie Wray 1926-2020
Soldier. Engineer. Businessman. Husband. Father. Churchman. Social Activist and Servant of Jesus Christ.
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 longtime sweetheart, Irene Balmer, in 1951. Emigrated te 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: Jane 1958, Sheila 1960, Alex 1964, all blessed by inclusion of Irene’s mother, Jeannie Balmer.
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.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Graham Baillie Wray December 19 1926 August 23 2020 (age 93)..
Death notice for the town of: Gibsons, Province: Colombie britanique