Obituary of Alan Sidney Gray

FUNERAL MASS LIVESTREAM

Alan Sidney Gray 

A man of great faith, Alan chose to live each day of his life guided by these words:

Love.  Live Simply.  Do Good.

Alan Sidney Gray, aged 76, passed away peacefully April 19th 2025 at C-K Health Alliance after several months battling lung and heart issues. For 52 beautiful years Alan shared his life’s journey with the love of his life Jane (Treleaven). Together they built a home filled with laughter, music and love.

Beloved father of Amanda (Gerald) Vander Ploeg and Christopher (Leslie) Gray and his wonderful grandsons, Samuel and Benjamin Vander Ploeg & Cameron and Jacob Gray whom he loved dearly. 

Treasured brother of David Gray, Donald Gray, Patricia (Andrew) Staneland. Predeceased by his parents Dulcie (Moring) of Peppard, England and Clarence Gray of Montreal, Quebec, and his in-laws Shirley & Richard Treleaven. 

Wherever Alan was, you felt loved and appreciated and he always tried to bring a smile to your face or make you feel good. He was devoted to his family and found such joy in them. 

Alan was a man of service, and he loved his community! He gave his time and energy freely, especially to his church family - singing in the choir, leading Youth Group and welcoming many to St Agnes Church over the years. 

Volunteering played a large part in his life - having spent several years being his jovial self, “directing traffic” in the Diagnostic Imaging Department at CKHA. As a steward of this earth, Alan cared for and nurtured many saplings that grew into trees which he planted in Lark Park behind our home. They have provided shade and beauty for many! 

In true keeping with Alan’s desire to educate himself in all things, he immersed himself in learning more about Indigenous people/Truth and Reconciliation. 

Alan liked to explore - from backpacking through Europe, to cruising around the Caribbean with Jane, and walking around many a town, managing to fit in a couple of trips to England. 

We would like to sincerely thank all those who cared for Alan during his time in Stratford and Chatham hospitals, as well as Dr. Cara McMahon and her efficient health team. Also, a big shout out to our Community Paramedics, who went above and beyond for Alan. 

Alan and his BIG heart will be deeply missed.

Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 3:00 - 5:00pm and 7:00 - 9:00pm. Vigil Prayers will be held Wednesday at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ursula's Parish at 10:00am on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Interment to follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Donations made in memory of Alan to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or Canadian Food for Children would be appreciated by the family. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040