Wray Walker

It is with profound sadness our family announces the passing of Wray Walker, on Friday September 27, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Connie Walker, loving father of Beth (Adam Elliott) and Tom (Val Wilson) and the best grandpa to Davida (Jerome) and Matt (Mel).

Born June 4th, 1935 in Toronto Ontario, Wray was the youngest of four children, including Audrey, Lois and Leonard. Wray's father, Arthur, emigrated to Canada (Parry Sound) at the age of nine. Wray's mother Jane Walker (Woods), was born in Waubaushene, Ontario. Their family lived in Toronto and had a cottage in Waubaushene.

Wray attended St. Mike's and East York Collegiate. At the age of sixteen, Wray started an apprenticeship program at Eaton's in the printing department. He then switched to sales within the printing industry.

In the summer of 1954 Wray met the love of his life, Connie McGuire, who's family also had a cottage in Waubaushene. In 1959, Connie and Wray were married and moved into an apartment on Keele Street in Toronto. At this time Wray started a job at Perma Flex Rollers in sales. In 1961 they had their first child, Elizabeth (Beth) Ann Walker. Soon they moved to a semi detached house in Don Mills and had their second child, Thomas (Tom) Jeffrey Walker in 1963.

In 1966, Wray was given the opportunity to be become Vice-President of Perma Flex, move to New Jersey, and run the new plant. The family moved to Parsippany, New Jersey and lived there for nine years.

In 1967, Wray decided to purchase five lots in Blackstone Harbour, Georgian Bay. The requirements were to build a cabin within a year, Wray convinced his two brothers in law (Bruce Prentice and Bill Skerratt) with Connie's sisters (Kathy and Barbara) along with his brother Leonard and wife (Marie) to purchase the other lots. "Cousin's Cove" was born and for the next eight years, sixteen cousins ran around on the rocks of Blackstone Harbour. Wray built his camp with nothing but a saw and hammer; no hydro, plumbing and only boat access. This was the start of a wonderful family life at the cottage. Eventually, Connie and Wray relocated their cottage to McLaren Island on Georgian Bay with Bruce and Kathy. Then in 2003 relocated again to the French River where Beth and Tom are continuing the tradition.

In 1975, Wray and Connie moved back to Canada, Wray became President of Perma Flex Rollers, and they bought a house in King City, where they would live for the next forty-seven years. In 1983 Wray left Perma Flex and began working for a French company, "SAMI". Wray would travel to Europe for twelve weeks of the year. It amazed the owner how Wray could sell to plants all over Europe with only knowing the English language. Wray was a very successful salesman benefitting from his honesty, sense of humour, and his interpersonal skills. In 1985 Wray had enough traveling and was bored the other months of the year, so he left SAMI and started his own business with Connie called, "Conray Engineered Products" which remained successful for over thirty-five years.

While living in King City the cottage certainly took priority in the summer months. When they were not enjoying life at the cottage, they would go on a few trips a year with their siblings and in-laws including Lois and Gerry O'Gorman, and ended up covering most of the globe. In 1994 they purchased a house in Sebring, Florida and spent five months a year enjoying the sunshine, playing golf and enjoying the company of their friends. Wray and Connie were fortunate to have two loving grand children, Davida (1989) and Matthew (1998), whose company they enjoyed immensely. In 2022, they decided to move into the Del Manor in Aurora, Ontario. Connie passed away suddenly in March of 2023. Wray carried on with the help of his family and his wonderful friends he made at Del Manor (the coffee club).

Wray had many interests; he played hockey, was the President of the King City Minor Hockey Association, and was a referee. Wray played baseball and was an avid golfer, belonging to the Rockaway River Country Club in New Jersey; Golf Hammock in Florida and Carrying Place in Kettleby. Wray was a boater his entire life and enjoyed traveling all over the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. Wray was an avid reader who loved spy novels. He was pretty good at cards and could play a mean game of pool. He was a natural storyteller who could keep you captivated and had many interesting life experiences to share. Above all, Wray was a kind, honest, trustworthy man who loved people and life, a welcoming man who could easily make friends and set people at ease with his disposition and sense of humour. Wray was one of those rare people in the world that when you met him, you immediately felt his warmth and humility. He had a smile and hello for everyone, a positive attitude about life and genuinely cared for all that crossed his path. A truer gentleman you will not find. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was always supportive. Wray will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wray's memory can be made to: Canadian Cancer Society: www.cancer.ca or Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere: https://georgianbaybiosphere.com/

Beth and Tom invite you to celebrate the life of their father on Thursday, November 7, 2024 anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. at Carrying Place Golf & Country Club, "Clubhouse", 16750 Weston Rd., King, ON L7B 0C7.