Colby Gray
Posted Nov 9, 2021 | 3:33 PM
In Honour of Colby Gray
Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.
With deepest sorrow, we announce Colby Frederick James Gray, age 37 our most beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021 after a life-long battle with kidney disease.
Colby’s strength and resilience will be forever remembered by his loving mom and best friend, Heather Gray; his younger sister, Amy Gray; and his faithful sidekick, his cat Baxter. Colby is also survived by his father, Neil Gray; his paternal grandmother, Una Gray; as well as numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Colby was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Ralph and Lois Frederick; and his paternal grandfather, Frederick (Bud) Gray.
Colby was born on July 16, 1984 in Prince Albert, SK. At the age of six months, Colby was diagnosed with kidney failure. This diagnosis was the beginning of a life-long battle for Colby, but it was one in which Colby persevered like the true warrior that he was born to be. His diagnosis led to a move to Toronto where Colby would receive the best care possible as he bravely battled numerous treatments, surgeries, and kidney transplants. In August of 1993, Colby and his family made the move back to Saskatchewan to live in Saskatoon. This move allowed Colby to be closer to the support of his extended family and to realize life amongst the laughter and chatter of those who loved him dearly.
As an adult, Colby continued to demonstrate the strength he portrayed throughout his childhood by maintaining a fulltime job throughout the week, participating in numerous Dungeons and Dragons games on the weekend, and receiving hemodialysis three days a week. Colby’s colleagues and clients at Cosmo Industries will always remember him as a dedicated employee who went above and beyond his job description to serve the needs of others. Colby’s dedication did not go unnoticed as he accompanied many of his clients from the Life Skills Division home on the bus to teach them the skill of riding public transportation.
Colby also held a fierce dedication to his friends and the “gaming “world. During his spare time Colby could be found playing an animated game of Dungeons and Dragons, Magic, or Pokémon Go. He was very committed “To catch ‘em all” no matter if he was in the hospital in London, ON, the streets of Saskatoon, or on the beaches of Waskesiu. Through his love of these games Colby fostered many friendships with some very special people. Adam and Jenna, and Britt and Andrew will always hold a special place in Colby and Heather’s heart. Colby was also lucky enough to become an uncle figure to Britt and Andrew’s four children, Hunter, Xalia, Ember, and Damien.
Colby’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the health-care professionals of the Hemodialysis Community Centre, the Nephrology and Transplant Team, Multi-Organ Transplant Program in London, ON, and those on 5B at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, SK, for their care and commitment to Colby.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home, 210 Wess Road, Saskatoon, SK. Friends and family are invited to a viewing from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Thursday, November 11.
Colby’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 13 at Hillcrest Funeral Home, with a reception to follow. Condolences may be sent to www.hillcrestmemorial.ca
For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, Colby’s family would appreciate donations to the following organizations:
Telemiracle
2217C Hanselman Court
Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8
The Kidney Foundation
Regional Office – Saskatchewan Branch
A3-116 103 Street East
Saskatoon, SK S7N 1Y7
Make a Wish Foundation of Canada
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 520
Toronto, On M2P 2A9
Don’t cry because it is over,
Smile because it happened.
- Date : 2021-11-05