The family invites you to watch the Celebration of Arvyn's Life. Please click here

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Arvyn Gray, aged 78, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Born in Virden, Manitoba to Douglas and Rosalie Gray, Arvyn grew up in Virden before heading to Toronto for University where he worked at Maple Leaf Gardens while earning his degree.

After graduating, he began his career as a Health Inspector in Thompson, Manitoba, later becoming a Regional Manager with Manitoba Conservation, working in Selkirk in the 1980s and then in Brandon from 1990 onward. He also taught the Food Safe course at Assiniboine Community College and was a certified First Aid/CPR instructor.

Arvyn was passionate about hockey, never one to miss a Wheat Kings game. He even took on a part-time role working security at the games, a job he carried into his later years, working at events at City Hall, the CNE in Toronto, and other venues. Beyond hockey, he dedicated himself to coaching and community involvement, serving as a volunteer firefighter in Thompson and coaching the King Minors hockey team. After moving to Brandon, he continued his lifelong love of sports and mentorship, serving as Vice President of the World Youth Baseball Tournament and the World Curling Championships. He also coached baseball, hockey, and soccer, and was always eager to support young athletes. One of his greatest joys was billeting Wheat Kings player Justin Kurtz, an experience he truly cherished.

Through it all, he built a home filled with love, dedication, and unwavering support for his family. He was a devoted husband and father, always putting family first and doing whatever it took to create a home where his children could thrive.

He could fix anything, take on any task, and always find a way to keep going, no matter what life threw at him. Even in later years, when faced with health challenges, he bounced back – Mom often joked he was like the Energizer Bunny. As a father, he was everything – loving, steady, and always there with advice, guidance, or just the right words. But beyond that, he was also a best friend – the kind of best friend who always had your back, who you could talk to about anything, who made life better just by being there. We were unbelievably lucky to have him as our dad.

Throughout his life, he met incredible friends whom he cherished deeply. He loved a good laugh, a great conversation, and the people in his life who made it all worthwhile.

Arvyn is survived by his wife Tina; sons Rick and Jason; and many dear friends and extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents Douglas and Rosalie Gray, and his brothers Daryl and Ken.

A Celebration of Arvyn's Life will take place at the Victoria Inn – Grand Salon, 3550 Victoria Ave, Brandon, MB on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.

Forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Arvyn may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 or the Kidney Foundation of Canada, PO Box 20077, Bdn South PO, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6Y8.