1920 - 2013
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of our father Arnold Gray, on February 25, 2013 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst at the age of 92, of Big River and husband of the late Rose Hachey "Roses Canteen".
Born in Bathurst, Arnold was the son of the late William Gray and Stella Thibodeau.
He enlisted in the Canadian Army on July 11, 1941 in Woodstock, N.B. as a home guard at the age of 18 and then went overseas. He served in the Canadian army in Canada, Britain, Northwest Europe, United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean area, continental Europe, France and Germany. He was five years overseas.
His rank was gunner and he returned to civilian life on January 9th, 1946 returning home to Big River.
He was a member of the Herman J. Good VC Branch 18, Royal Canadian Legion, Big River Happy Ages seniors citizens club, an honorary member of the United Steel Workers of America, Steel workers organization of active retirees SA-1, District 6, Noranda Retirees Association and the New Brunswick Senior Citizen’s Federation, SOAR.
Once home, he worked in the spring on the River Drive and in the summer as a guide taking sports trout and salmon fishing. Later he worked for diamond drilling for Conwest in Chapais, Quebec, Ralph Dicksons drilling, Larsons drilling at mendecon mines and Heath Steel mines. He started Noranda Brunswick Mines in 1964 as a crusher operator than as a dryman until his retirement in 1985.
He is survived one daughter, Deborah (Owen Boucher) of Big River and their sons: Jeffrey Arnold Boucher (Jennifer) of Moncton; Jason Boucher (Sylvia Hudon) of Big River and their daughters: Abagail Lavigne and Katie Boucher.
One son, Stanley Gray (Annette) of Big River and their daughters: Kathleen Rose, Nadia Doucet (Brian) of Bathurst and their children: Amanda, Brandon and Bradley.
One stepson, Guy Duguay (Arnolda) of Bathurst and their son, Darren Duguay of Robertville.
One step daughter, Joanne Robichaud (Edouard) and their children: Denis Robichaud (Jean White) all of Big River and their daughter, Isabella Chamberlain of Bathurst, Justin Robichaud (Carline Roy) of Big River, Master Corporal (aviation) Jean-Marc Robichaud (Amanda) of Fredericton Junction and their children: Jonathan and Samatha, Natalie Robichaud (Stephane Chamberlain) of Bathurst and their sons: Gabriel and Sebastien.
One sister, Doris (Allan Ross Bulmer) Garson, Ont.
Sister in laws: Hazel Hachey, Anita Tanos, Alma Arseneault, Murielle Doucet, Noella Kydd, Lillian Gray and Yvette Gray.
Many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by sisters: Violet Belanger, Clothilda Ruby McGrath, Theresa Duguay, Leona Waters and Laura Godin; brothers: Vincent, Charles, Leo, Norman, Albert and Irving; sisters in laws: Minnie Hachey Gray, Yvonne Doucet Gray; brothers in laws: Alfred Belanger, Wilfred McGrath, Severe Duguay, Albert Imhoff, Frank Waters and Urbain Godin; mother in law, Melvina Bernard (George Wilfred Haché); brother in law, Fidelin Hachey; sister in law, Irene Hachey White.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 1, 2013 at 2 p.m. from the Sacred Heart Cathedral, St. Andrew St. Donations in memory of Arnold may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com) Bathurst.
