Tribute

Keith Richard Gray passed away peacefully in Cranbrook at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the age of 77 years.

He was born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent United Kingdom to Marjorie (Anna) Gray and Fredrick Gray.  Keith attended Bloomfield Primary School and then went on to complete his apprenticeship as a Draftsman.

Keith was raised just outside London with his brother Colin. During his youth, he spent much time travelling around the UK and neighbouring countries. Keith often talked about trips into London on his motor scooter. One of Keith’s favourite pastime was heading to the pub to hear some live music. He was lucky to hear many large English bands before they were famous including the likes of the Beatles and Eric Burdon.

In his youth he had a passion for surfing and travelled with his blokes finding some of the best waves around the UK and Europe. In 1971 Keith immigrated to Canada arriving in New York and later arriving in Calgary, Alberta during stampede week.  He found work in Calgary and later headed to Vancouver. In Vancouver, he was co-owner of Vancouver sports where was working in the ski industry. He came to Kimberley in 1982, where he opened Rocky Mountain Sports with his partner and friend Ed McCoy. Keith had many jobs that he enjoyed mostly in sales and marketing including working at Kootenay Publications, The Cranbrook Daily Townsman and the Cranbrook Days Inn where he retired in 2012.   In retirement he did many different jobs to keep busy he worked as a courier for School District No. 5, as a driver for Import Auto Group, taking cars down to the auction in the states and around B.C. and Alberta and most recently he was working delivering tourist publications, and maps for RMV Publications.

Keith was a story teller and always had a story to share, probably the best known story would be his trip from New York to Calgary when he first landed in Canada.

Keith had many accomplishments in life. In his 60’s Keith got his motorcycle licence and went on to own a Harley Davidson which he enjoyed riding any chance he got. One of his favourite trips was when he did the three flags ride on his Harley Davidson motorcycle from Vancouver to Mexico with two ladies from Cranbrook in  an endurance ride that they completed in three days. He made many trips to Sturgis, South Dakota for national bike week, where he met many friends. When he wasn’t riding his motorcycle, he was golfing with friends, hanging out in the sun or spending time with family. In addition, he enjoyed his many camping trips with his partner Heather and her kids Allan and Ryan.

Keith always looked forward to summer vacations travelling around BC and the USA. In February he would leave for warmer climates to Ixtapa, Mexico where he would walk the beach daily. In 2024 he met up with his dear friends while in Mexico, and this was a highlight of his trip. Travelling to warmer climates and baking his bones in the sun was Keith’s happy place.

Keith is survived by his partner of 20 years Heather Hockley, his children, Mark (Kathy), Wayne (Lisa) his bonus boys, Allan Hewitt (Chantel) and Ryan Hewitt. His grandchildren, Austin, Chasey and Jordan, Cheyanne and Brailynn, great grandchildren, Harlan, Kanan, Olivia, and Alora. Keith is survived by his mother Anna Gray who will be 100 in January, his brother Colin Dean, and his very special aunt Jean Whitehead as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews both in England and Canada

Gathering of Friends & Family will happen on Saturday December 7, 2024 at Mark Memorial Community Funeral Home at 12:00 pm In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society.