Frank Floyd GRAY

GRAY, Frank Floyd February 2, 1926 - July 7, 2008 Frank died July 7, 2008 from complications following bladder cancer surgery in early June. He was born in Houston, Texas and graduated from Lamar High School in 1942. He played trumpet and drums in various bands in his early teens, and at age sixteen he was hired as second trumpet for the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He also played in Herbie Kay's big band touring the USA. He enrolled in the University of Chicago in 1943 and graduated with a Masters in Science (Physical Sciences) in 1950. In 1945/1946 he served in the US Army at Fort Sheridan, IL. He went to work in the oilfields of New Mexico in 1950 and came to Calgary in 1953 with Hudson Bay Oil and Gas Company. He participated in the startup of numerous petroleum companies and practiced as a consulting petroleum geologist developing many lifelong friendships, both personally and professionally. He was instrumental in developing the mid-Devonian reef gas play in NE BC around Fort Nelson. He also dabbled in some mining geology and searching for uranium from the air. He pursued many interests including skiing, hiking, backpacking, sailing, international travel, foreign languages, opera, and many kinds of music, especially classical. He played several instruments well. His enthusiasm for life and knowledge inspired those around him. Other talents and interests included economics, literature, poetry, philosophy, carpentry, mechanics, photography, healthy food and horticulture. He was a man of principle, integrity, vigour, dignity, and seemingly endless curiosity. He was a true gentleman. Frank was predeceased by his parents Frank Floyd Gray (1930) and Zeffa Rhee Moore (1993), and son Frank Stephen (1997). His passions greatly influenced and have been passed on to his survivors, his loving wife and best friend Carol (nee Stone); his daughter Terry McDonald (Phil Smith), grandson Matthew Smith of Vancouver, BC; son Peter (Jenniffer) of Atascadero, CA; son Paul of Calgary; previous wives Mary Jane Moore of Bonita, CA and Marilyn Gray of High River, AB; cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and many dear friends and acquaintances. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Calgary Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Foundation, Calgary Sexual Health Centre, Metropolitan Opera, PBS. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Frank was a renaissance man before his time. He will be fondly remembered for his ability and willingness to listen, his thoughtfulness, positive outlook, love of life and knowledge, and his compassion for and tolerance of others. Published in the Calgary Herald from 7/10/2008 - 7/12/2008