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Condolence From: D.G.
Condolence: Actually, Jack Gray began his high school teaching in West Toronto at Western Technical-Commerce School and I was one of his grade nine students. Equally important, he found enough time to introduce some of the large student body (almost 3000 at that time) to the team sport of football).
Playing for the championship Argonauts must been challenging while becoming a respected high school teacher. There were many distractions at this huge school for a "Minor Niner" but Mr. Gray strongly guided our early steps into education but also while we adjusted to our teenage years.
To accommodate Canadian footballers in that era, the Argos began their daily practices in the late afternoons/early evenings. This permitted Canadian players opportunity for daytime employment to supplement the light CFL salaries of that era.
Coach Gray would begin our high school football practices every day but needed to depart at a particular time to accommodate his daily Argo schedule too. His assistant coaches and team leaders were well schooled for this unusual schedule. Even after Coach Gray's departure to his new teaching assignment, his dedicated student-athletes carried on with all the learned lessons for a positive result for several years.
This writer graduated and built a management business career. Although some of Coach Gray's athletes had a run with the CFL pros, this individual did not crack a professional playing lineup. However the solid beginning must have helped build something useful. Youth coaching in the Argo farm system led to opportunities as an Associate Argo Coach and CFL "Bird Dog" scouting for potential talent in the amateur ranks.
Am convinced that much of this started with some quality fundamental principles instilled by Jack Gray. When i recently heard this news of Jack Gray's passing, I wanted for the family to become aware of my appreciation and thanks for Mr. Gray who pointed the way at a key time in the then-challenging phase of a 13 year old.
Thursday June 14, 2018
Condolence From: Alistair Miller
Condolence: Remembering Jack Gray

It isn’t an exaggeration to say that Jack Gray translated a visionary idea into a reality that had profound effects. The founding board of directors of the Deep River Science Academy aimed to provide some of Canada’s brightest high-school students with an opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. The idea was that these students would see the reality of research; would see research as investigations of the unexplored and not an activity where the answers were at the back of the textbook. It was a brilliant vision but it would never have come to fruition without the guidance of someone versed in the workings of education. As a recently retired Superintendent with the Renfrew County School Board, Jack Gray brought the ideal background to turn vision into reality. Jack was always characteristically self-effacing but at the same time committed, professional and enthusiastic. That was the way in which he embraced his role as the first Principal of the Academy during its formative years.

Eight years after the Academy’s launch, on his retirement as Principal in 1995, the Academy’s annual report paid fitting tribute to Jack:
“Since our inception, Principal Jack Gray has been a pervasive influence on the standards and character of the Academy through our original campus in Deep River. All those associated with the Academy have firmly believed that it should be more than an academic experience. Jack’s personal integrity and his respect for each student’s individuality have created a spirit through which our Deep River graduates find new depths of personal accomplishment and ability and his attitude has become the standard for all [at that time three] campuses. The Academy was delighted when Jack was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Teaching Science earlier this year in recognition of his work in education. This past year also marked Jack's last year as Principal. However his dedication to the Academy continues after retirement as a member of the National Board of Directors.”

The Science Academy operated for 29 years and there were very few of the well over one thousand students who were not profoundly influenced by the experience. And as the founding directors had always hoped, the Academy’s influence rippled out into the high schools that its students came from. Jack Gray made it all possible.

Alistair Miller
Co-founder of the Deep River Science Academy
Friday April 20, 2018
Condolence From: Brian Vollmer
Condolence: Mr. Gray was/is a fine man, educator, advisor, athlete, & role model whom I admire, respect, and thank for his math teaching, cross country running coaching, and personal guidance. He was a most welcome and popular replacement of the previous principal(s) at MHS. He had towards students a perfect balance between friendliness and serious strictness. Seems he had a healthy, happy, productive, long life.
Monday April 16, 2018
Condolence From: Ken Ahronson
Condolence: Jack Gray was a role model and inspiration as an educator and all round athlete and coach. He had the ability to identify and develop talent in young athletes. A grey cup champion, Canadian bball champ, outstanding track and road running champ. RIP coach you inspired a myriad of MHS athletes to achieve their very best as players and coaches.
Saturday April 14, 2018
Condolence From: John Aikin
Condolence: Mr. Gray, was one of my teachers at MacKenzie as well as track & cross-country couch. I recall approaching Mr. Gray back in 1964-ish about starting a cross country team to compete with other schools, not just football. The rest is history. Under “Coach Gray” he trained our senior team to not only win but set a strong record for the then 4x440 relay at the valley meet (1967). Great memories Mr. Gray. My sincere condolences to the family, so sorry. A real nice man.
Past student....John Aikin
Wednesday April 11, 2018
Condolence From: Lori
Condolence: Sending condolences to the Gray family.So sorry for your loss
Monday April 09, 2018
Condolence From: Geoff Post
Condolence: Though Jack was never my Superintendent at MVDHS, he was always a friendly compatriot over the years. He had a significant, very positive influence on education in our county. When I worked with him, I found him very smart, very supportive and very engaging. It was a pleasure to have known him and worked with him.
My condolences to his family.


Monday April 09, 2018
Condolence From: Wilmer Matthews
Condolence: I am so sad to hear of Jack's passing. Jack was my first Principal when I started teaching at MHS in '68. Through the next 30 yrs. I had the pleasure to work with Jack on a variety of projects. I always appreciated his honesty and straight forward approach to dealing with issues--just a great guy!
My deepest condolences to the family. God bless.
Wilmer
Saturday April 07, 2018
Condolence From: donna & joe mitchell
Condolence: Gary and family, so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Lean on each other at this difficult time and reflect on all the wonderful memories you have created as a family. Peace be with you all.
Friday April 06, 2018
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