Ralph Edward Gray of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away at the QEII Hospital on Monday, March 30, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

Ralph was born September 18, 1941 in Hillsburgh (now Erin Township), Woolwich County, ON. His parents were Frank and Thelma (Nodwell) Gray.

Ralph’s whole life involved his interest in mechanical things. He was lucky enough to have the first tricycle in Hillsburgh, ON, after the war. During his youth, Ralph worked at his father’s business, Grayco Potato Harvesters in Heidelberg, ON. During his high school days, his father would send him off to fix the harvesters across North America, from PEI to Florida. He would return to school after his trip with his teachers questioning as to where he had been. Ralph then had to explain he was at work, flying around fixing machinery.

Ralph graduated from McMaster University in 1964 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After a short time at General Electric, he joined his father in the potato harvester business. In time, he purchased the company from his father and grew it to produce tree seeding harvesters, using a unique steel chain production process with a number of patented innovations.

In 1990, the company changed direction and began to produce hydraulic platform tail-gate lifts for truck trailers, under the name, RailgatoR. Ralph had two US patents on the cylinders used on the lifts.

Ralph is remembered for his dry sense of humour, interest in politics and love of books. He moved with Jean to Grande Prairie in 2009 so she could return to the big blue skies of the Peace Country.

Ralph enjoyed retirement and took up curling at age 72. He also discovered YouTube and all things mechanical.

Left to mourn him is his wife Jean Smith Gray (Harris); his daughter Miranda, son Peter (Ellen); grandchildren: Dexter, Maxine and Cyrus; as well as his first wife Vinnie Buchannan.

He will also be missed by his sister Fran Currie, nephew David (Karen and family, nieces Cheryl (Al) Statts and family, and Elaine Currie; brother in-law Peter (Linda) Harris and families; sister in-law Rosaline (Frank) Wasowicz and family. Fondly remembered by his first wife Vinnie Buchannan.

Cremation has taken place, further arrangements are on hold.

Memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta (#144 5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB T6H 5G8), or to Diabetes Canada (#220 6223 2^nd St. SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5).

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-03-30
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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