B.C. Minister, A. W. Gray, Dies
VICTORIA, May 8. Arthur Wellesley Gray, 67, British Columbia lands minister since 1933, died here Sunday. Mr. Gray, who had been suffering from a heart ailment for the past 18 months, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham of Victoria.
Born in New Westminster, B.C., Mr. Gray was first elected Liberal representative for that constituency in the provincial legislature in a by-election in 1927 and was reelected in the general elections of 1928, 1933, 1937 and 1941.
He was appointed minister of lands in the cabinet of Premier T. D. Pattullo in 1933. In 1941 he was also given the portfolio of minister of municipal affairs in the B.C. coalition administration.
In private life Mr. Gray was an insurance and real estate agent. He was educated in New Westminster public and high schools and first took public office as an alderman in his native city in 1907. Mr. Gray was mayor of New Westminster from 1913 to 1919, and from 1927 to 1931.
Mr. Gray served with the 104th Regiment, New Westminster, as a lieutenant. 1916-1917. Surviving are his widow, the former Margaret H. A. Davidson, and two daughters
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Monday, May 8, 1944
Page 12
======================================
Long Career of Public Service at End in Death of Hon. A. Wells Gray
At the Legislative Buildings yesterday the Union Jack was flown at half-mast. It was a tribute to Hon. A. Wells Gray. British Columbia's Minister of Lands and of Municipal Affairs, and It signified the passing of a man who for many years had a vital part in the British Columbia municipalities and in the development of Provincial-municipal relations.
Mr. Gray, ill for 18 months, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham, 629 Beach Drive. He suffered a heart attack in the Autumn of 1942, but continued his active interest In the work of his departments, working at home at times when unable to go to the Legislative Buildings. He was unable to sit in the House at the recent session.
Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray was 68. He was born in New Westminster and attended school there, and as a youth and young man was prominent in athletics. For many years lie starred with the famous Salmonbellies, traditional team of lacrosse. This sports interest Is perpetuated in numerous trophies in his name.
His interest in municipal affairs began in 1907, when he was elected as alderman of New Westminster. He continued in office until 1913, when he was elected mayor and served until the end of 1919. Then he became commissioner of South Vancouver for the years 1921 to 1923. In 1927 he was re-elected mayor of New Westminster and continued in office until 1930. In all he was elected mayor 11 times.
He also conducted a real estate and insurance business during this time.
SECRETARY OF MUNICIPAL UNION FOR MANY YEARS
While serving as an elected officer of New Westminster he set out on the course which brought him to the Legislative Buildings and ultimately resulted in the creation of the Department of Municipal Affairs. He served for years as
secretary of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and in that capacity was brought into close contact with Government officials.
Mr. Gray was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1927 at a by-election, and was re-elected at general elections in 1928, 1933, 1937, and 1941. He became Minister of Lands in the Pattullo Government of 1933, and Minister of Municipal Affairs when this department was created later.
Keenly interested in forest conservation, he took a leading part in developing the British Columbia forest nurseries. He initiated preliminary negotiations for the preservation for the public of Cathedral Grove, negotiations now being carried on by Premier John Hart as acting minister. In the Central Interior of the province an area has been named Wells Gray Park in his honor.
Mr. Gray Is survived by two daughters. Mrs. J. Pitcairn Hogg, of Vancouver, and Mrs. Donald Ingham, of Victoria. His wife died many years ago.
His death was the second in the British Columbia Coalition Cabinet since 1941, the first having been that of the Hon. R.W. Bruhn and Harry Johnston, M.L.A for Revelstoke, who died last year.
His funeral will be held in New Westminster Wednesday under Government auspices, with Premier Hart and members of the Cabinet attending.
TRIBUTES COME FROM MANY QUARTERS
Tributes to Mr. Gray came from many sides yesterday, and the forest inquiry reopening was adjourned in respect to him.
Premier Hart, for the Government said:
"In the passing of Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray, British Columbia has lost a unique figure in its public life, a man who has constant]y served in an official capacity since 1907.
Hon. Mr. Gray has devoted practically his whole life in this field of activity; first, as alderman for the City of New Westminster from 1907 to 1912; then as mayor from 1913 to 1919, and again from 1927 to 1930, and as a member of the Provincial Legislature from 1937 until the time of his death. He was appointed Minister of Lands and Municipal Affairs in November of 1933 and has held this position ever since.
There la perhaps no other person in British Columbia who has had such an outstanding record in public service and many of his works will be remembered in posterity, since he was a man of great vision and farsightedness,laying down policies that were beneficial not only for the people of today but for the generation of tomorrow. This was particularly evidenced in the number of parks he reserved and developed for the public's enjoyment.
Hon. Mr. Gray was a very able administrator, and his counsel was valued highly by my colleagues and myself. He will be greatly missed by us all. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved members of his family."
HIS FORMER "CHIEF" ADDS TO TRIBUTES
T. D. Pattullo, M.L.A. for Prince Rupert and the "chief" under whom Mr. Gray first attained Cabinet rank, declared: "Wells Gray enjoyed a long and useful public service and wide experience in which he exercised a wealth of human sympathy. He was always trying to help someone out. 'Chief, we must help these people,' he would say. I am sorry, indeed, of Wells' passing and sympathize deeply with his family."
When the forest inquiry adjourned in tribute Mr. Justice Sloan said: "I was deeply shocked to learn of the death of Hon. Wells Gray. I was privileged to be associated with him for some years when I was Attorney-General and found him to be a kindly man of warm human sympathies and a deep understanding of human nature. He was intensely interested in the welfare of the people who came within the circle of his influence. To many a home he brought comfort in sorrow and gave freely to those in need.
As Minister of Lands and of Municipalities he brought to his administrative tasks a sound and levelheaded judgement which reflected the ripe experience of his long service in the public life of the province. Above all he was a sportsman and gentleman and will be sorely missed not only in New Westminster but throughout the province. I extend to his family my deep sympathy in their great loss.
The Forestry Branch of the Government service was under his direction and I think it proper as a mark of respect to his memory to adjourn this inquiry."
COUNCIL STANDS IN SILENT TRIBUTE
Victoria City Council yesterday afternoon took action reflecting the view of many British Columbia municipalities when it stood in silent tribute and then passed the following resolution:
"That the members of the City Council place on record their profound regret at the death of Hon. A. Wells Gray, British Columbia's first Minister of Municipal Affairs that the council express its appreciation of the esteem and affection the deceased enjoyed on every hand and of the prominent and valued public service rendered by him during the past 33 years in the capacities successively as alderman and mayor of New Westminster, secretary and life member of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, member of the Provincial Legislature, and minister of the Crown: that the council's sincere sympathy with them in their great loss be extended to the bereaved and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the daughters of the deceased."
The Daily Colonist
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, May 9, 1944
Page 2
VICTORIA, May 8. Arthur Wellesley Gray, 67, British Columbia lands minister since 1933, died here Sunday. Mr. Gray, who had been suffering from a heart ailment for the past 18 months, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham of Victoria.
Born in New Westminster, B.C., Mr. Gray was first elected Liberal representative for that constituency in the provincial legislature in a by-election in 1927 and was reelected in the general elections of 1928, 1933, 1937 and 1941.
He was appointed minister of lands in the cabinet of Premier T. D. Pattullo in 1933. In 1941 he was also given the portfolio of minister of municipal affairs in the B.C. coalition administration.
In private life Mr. Gray was an insurance and real estate agent. He was educated in New Westminster public and high schools and first took public office as an alderman in his native city in 1907. Mr. Gray was mayor of New Westminster from 1913 to 1919, and from 1927 to 1931.
Mr. Gray served with the 104th Regiment, New Westminster, as a lieutenant. 1916-1917. Surviving are his widow, the former Margaret H. A. Davidson, and two daughters
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Monday, May 8, 1944
Page 12
======================================
Long Career of Public Service at End in Death of Hon. A. Wells Gray
At the Legislative Buildings yesterday the Union Jack was flown at half-mast. It was a tribute to Hon. A. Wells Gray. British Columbia's Minister of Lands and of Municipal Affairs, and It signified the passing of a man who for many years had a vital part in the British Columbia municipalities and in the development of Provincial-municipal relations.
Mr. Gray, ill for 18 months, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham, 629 Beach Drive. He suffered a heart attack in the Autumn of 1942, but continued his active interest In the work of his departments, working at home at times when unable to go to the Legislative Buildings. He was unable to sit in the House at the recent session.
Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray was 68. He was born in New Westminster and attended school there, and as a youth and young man was prominent in athletics. For many years lie starred with the famous Salmonbellies, traditional team of lacrosse. This sports interest Is perpetuated in numerous trophies in his name.
His interest in municipal affairs began in 1907, when he was elected as alderman of New Westminster. He continued in office until 1913, when he was elected mayor and served until the end of 1919. Then he became commissioner of South Vancouver for the years 1921 to 1923. In 1927 he was re-elected mayor of New Westminster and continued in office until 1930. In all he was elected mayor 11 times.
He also conducted a real estate and insurance business during this time.
SECRETARY OF MUNICIPAL UNION FOR MANY YEARS
While serving as an elected officer of New Westminster he set out on the course which brought him to the Legislative Buildings and ultimately resulted in the creation of the Department of Municipal Affairs. He served for years as
secretary of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and in that capacity was brought into close contact with Government officials.
Mr. Gray was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1927 at a by-election, and was re-elected at general elections in 1928, 1933, 1937, and 1941. He became Minister of Lands in the Pattullo Government of 1933, and Minister of Municipal Affairs when this department was created later.
Keenly interested in forest conservation, he took a leading part in developing the British Columbia forest nurseries. He initiated preliminary negotiations for the preservation for the public of Cathedral Grove, negotiations now being carried on by Premier John Hart as acting minister. In the Central Interior of the province an area has been named Wells Gray Park in his honor.
Mr. Gray Is survived by two daughters. Mrs. J. Pitcairn Hogg, of Vancouver, and Mrs. Donald Ingham, of Victoria. His wife died many years ago.
His death was the second in the British Columbia Coalition Cabinet since 1941, the first having been that of the Hon. R.W. Bruhn and Harry Johnston, M.L.A for Revelstoke, who died last year.
His funeral will be held in New Westminster Wednesday under Government auspices, with Premier Hart and members of the Cabinet attending.
TRIBUTES COME FROM MANY QUARTERS
Tributes to Mr. Gray came from many sides yesterday, and the forest inquiry reopening was adjourned in respect to him.
Premier Hart, for the Government said:
"In the passing of Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray, British Columbia has lost a unique figure in its public life, a man who has constant]y served in an official capacity since 1907.
Hon. Mr. Gray has devoted practically his whole life in this field of activity; first, as alderman for the City of New Westminster from 1907 to 1912; then as mayor from 1913 to 1919, and again from 1927 to 1930, and as a member of the Provincial Legislature from 1937 until the time of his death. He was appointed Minister of Lands and Municipal Affairs in November of 1933 and has held this position ever since.
There la perhaps no other person in British Columbia who has had such an outstanding record in public service and many of his works will be remembered in posterity, since he was a man of great vision and farsightedness,laying down policies that were beneficial not only for the people of today but for the generation of tomorrow. This was particularly evidenced in the number of parks he reserved and developed for the public's enjoyment.
Hon. Mr. Gray was a very able administrator, and his counsel was valued highly by my colleagues and myself. He will be greatly missed by us all. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved members of his family."
HIS FORMER "CHIEF" ADDS TO TRIBUTES
T. D. Pattullo, M.L.A. for Prince Rupert and the "chief" under whom Mr. Gray first attained Cabinet rank, declared: "Wells Gray enjoyed a long and useful public service and wide experience in which he exercised a wealth of human sympathy. He was always trying to help someone out. 'Chief, we must help these people,' he would say. I am sorry, indeed, of Wells' passing and sympathize deeply with his family."
When the forest inquiry adjourned in tribute Mr. Justice Sloan said: "I was deeply shocked to learn of the death of Hon. Wells Gray. I was privileged to be associated with him for some years when I was Attorney-General and found him to be a kindly man of warm human sympathies and a deep understanding of human nature. He was intensely interested in the welfare of the people who came within the circle of his influence. To many a home he brought comfort in sorrow and gave freely to those in need.
As Minister of Lands and of Municipalities he brought to his administrative tasks a sound and levelheaded judgement which reflected the ripe experience of his long service in the public life of the province. Above all he was a sportsman and gentleman and will be sorely missed not only in New Westminster but throughout the province. I extend to his family my deep sympathy in their great loss.
The Forestry Branch of the Government service was under his direction and I think it proper as a mark of respect to his memory to adjourn this inquiry."
COUNCIL STANDS IN SILENT TRIBUTE
Victoria City Council yesterday afternoon took action reflecting the view of many British Columbia municipalities when it stood in silent tribute and then passed the following resolution:
"That the members of the City Council place on record their profound regret at the death of Hon. A. Wells Gray, British Columbia's first Minister of Municipal Affairs that the council express its appreciation of the esteem and affection the deceased enjoyed on every hand and of the prominent and valued public service rendered by him during the past 33 years in the capacities successively as alderman and mayor of New Westminster, secretary and life member of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, member of the Provincial Legislature, and minister of the Crown: that the council's sincere sympathy with them in their great loss be extended to the bereaved and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the daughters of the deceased."
The Daily Colonist
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, May 9, 1944
Page 2
B.C. Minister, A. W. Gray, Dies
VICTORIA, May 8. Arthur Wellesley Gray, 67, British Columbia lands minister since 1933, died here Sunday. Mr. Gray, who had been suffering from a heart ailment for the past 18 months, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham of Victoria.
Born in New Westminster, B.C., Mr. Gray was first elected Liberal representative for that constituency in the provincial legislature in a by-election in 1927 and was reelected in the general elections of 1928, 1933, 1937 and 1941.
He was appointed minister of lands in the cabinet of Premier T. D. Pattullo in 1933. In 1941 he was also given the portfolio of minister of municipal affairs in the B.C. coalition administration.
In private life Mr. Gray was an insurance and real estate agent. He was educated in New Westminster public and high schools and first took public office as an alderman in his native city in 1907. Mr. Gray was mayor of New Westminster from 1913 to 1919, and from 1927 to 1931.
Mr. Gray served with the 104th Regiment, New Westminster, as a lieutenant. 1916-1917. Surviving are his widow, the former Margaret H. A. Davidson, and two daughters
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Monday, May 8, 1944
Page 12
======================================
Long Career of Public Service at End in Death of Hon. A. Wells Gray
At the Legislative Buildings yesterday the Union Jack was flown at half-mast. It was a tribute to Hon. A. Wells Gray. British Columbia's Minister of Lands and of Municipal Affairs, and It signified the passing of a man who for many years had a vital part in the British Columbia municipalities and in the development of Provincial-municipal relations.
Mr. Gray, ill for 18 months, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham, 629 Beach Drive. He suffered a heart attack in the Autumn of 1942, but continued his active interest In the work of his departments, working at home at times when unable to go to the Legislative Buildings. He was unable to sit in the House at the recent session.
Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray was 68. He was born in New Westminster and attended school there, and as a youth and young man was prominent in athletics. For many years lie starred with the famous Salmonbellies, traditional team of lacrosse. This sports interest Is perpetuated in numerous trophies in his name.
His interest in municipal affairs began in 1907, when he was elected as alderman of New Westminster. He continued in office until 1913, when he was elected mayor and served until the end of 1919. Then he became commissioner of South Vancouver for the years 1921 to 1923. In 1927 he was re-elected mayor of New Westminster and continued in office until 1930. In all he was elected mayor 11 times.
He also conducted a real estate and insurance business during this time.
SECRETARY OF MUNICIPAL UNION FOR MANY YEARS
While serving as an elected officer of New Westminster he set out on the course which brought him to the Legislative Buildings and ultimately resulted in the creation of the Department of Municipal Affairs. He served for years as
secretary of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and in that capacity was brought into close contact with Government officials.
Mr. Gray was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1927 at a by-election, and was re-elected at general elections in 1928, 1933, 1937, and 1941. He became Minister of Lands in the Pattullo Government of 1933, and Minister of Municipal Affairs when this department was created later.
Keenly interested in forest conservation, he took a leading part in developing the British Columbia forest nurseries. He initiated preliminary negotiations for the preservation for the public of Cathedral Grove, negotiations now being carried on by Premier John Hart as acting minister. In the Central Interior of the province an area has been named Wells Gray Park in his honor.
Mr. Gray Is survived by two daughters. Mrs. J. Pitcairn Hogg, of Vancouver, and Mrs. Donald Ingham, of Victoria. His wife died many years ago.
His death was the second in the British Columbia Coalition Cabinet since 1941, the first having been that of the Hon. R.W. Bruhn and Harry Johnston, M.L.A for Revelstoke, who died last year.
His funeral will be held in New Westminster Wednesday under Government auspices, with Premier Hart and members of the Cabinet attending.
TRIBUTES COME FROM MANY QUARTERS
Tributes to Mr. Gray came from many sides yesterday, and the forest inquiry reopening was adjourned in respect to him.
Premier Hart, for the Government said:
"In the passing of Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray, British Columbia has lost a unique figure in its public life, a man who has constant]y served in an official capacity since 1907.
Hon. Mr. Gray has devoted practically his whole life in this field of activity; first, as alderman for the City of New Westminster from 1907 to 1912; then as mayor from 1913 to 1919, and again from 1927 to 1930, and as a member of the Provincial Legislature from 1937 until the time of his death. He was appointed Minister of Lands and Municipal Affairs in November of 1933 and has held this position ever since.
There la perhaps no other person in British Columbia who has had such an outstanding record in public service and many of his works will be remembered in posterity, since he was a man of great vision and farsightedness,laying down policies that were beneficial not only for the people of today but for the generation of tomorrow. This was particularly evidenced in the number of parks he reserved and developed for the public's enjoyment.
Hon. Mr. Gray was a very able administrator, and his counsel was valued highly by my colleagues and myself. He will be greatly missed by us all. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved members of his family."
HIS FORMER "CHIEF" ADDS TO TRIBUTES
T. D. Pattullo, M.L.A. for Prince Rupert and the "chief" under whom Mr. Gray first attained Cabinet rank, declared: "Wells Gray enjoyed a long and useful public service and wide experience in which he exercised a wealth of human sympathy. He was always trying to help someone out. 'Chief, we must help these people,' he would say. I am sorry, indeed, of Wells' passing and sympathize deeply with his family."
When the forest inquiry adjourned in tribute Mr. Justice Sloan said: "I was deeply shocked to learn of the death of Hon. Wells Gray. I was privileged to be associated with him for some years when I was Attorney-General and found him to be a kindly man of warm human sympathies and a deep understanding of human nature. He was intensely interested in the welfare of the people who came within the circle of his influence. To many a home he brought comfort in sorrow and gave freely to those in need.
As Minister of Lands and of Municipalities he brought to his administrative tasks a sound and levelheaded judgement which reflected the ripe experience of his long service in the public life of the province. Above all he was a sportsman and gentleman and will be sorely missed not only in New Westminster but throughout the province. I extend to his family my deep sympathy in their great loss.
The Forestry Branch of the Government service was under his direction and I think it proper as a mark of respect to his memory to adjourn this inquiry."
COUNCIL STANDS IN SILENT TRIBUTE
Victoria City Council yesterday afternoon took action reflecting the view of many British Columbia municipalities when it stood in silent tribute and then passed the following resolution:
"That the members of the City Council place on record their profound regret at the death of Hon. A. Wells Gray, British Columbia's first Minister of Municipal Affairs that the council express its appreciation of the esteem and affection the deceased enjoyed on every hand and of the prominent and valued public service rendered by him during the past 33 years in the capacities successively as alderman and mayor of New Westminster, secretary and life member of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, member of the Provincial Legislature, and minister of the Crown: that the council's sincere sympathy with them in their great loss be extended to the bereaved and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the daughters of the deceased."
The Daily Colonist
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, May 9, 1944
Page 2
VICTORIA, May 8. Arthur Wellesley Gray, 67, British Columbia lands minister since 1933, died here Sunday. Mr. Gray, who had been suffering from a heart ailment for the past 18 months, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham of Victoria.
Born in New Westminster, B.C., Mr. Gray was first elected Liberal representative for that constituency in the provincial legislature in a by-election in 1927 and was reelected in the general elections of 1928, 1933, 1937 and 1941.
He was appointed minister of lands in the cabinet of Premier T. D. Pattullo in 1933. In 1941 he was also given the portfolio of minister of municipal affairs in the B.C. coalition administration.
In private life Mr. Gray was an insurance and real estate agent. He was educated in New Westminster public and high schools and first took public office as an alderman in his native city in 1907. Mr. Gray was mayor of New Westminster from 1913 to 1919, and from 1927 to 1931.
Mr. Gray served with the 104th Regiment, New Westminster, as a lieutenant. 1916-1917. Surviving are his widow, the former Margaret H. A. Davidson, and two daughters
Lethbridge Herald
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Monday, May 8, 1944
Page 12
======================================
Long Career of Public Service at End in Death of Hon. A. Wells Gray
At the Legislative Buildings yesterday the Union Jack was flown at half-mast. It was a tribute to Hon. A. Wells Gray. British Columbia's Minister of Lands and of Municipal Affairs, and It signified the passing of a man who for many years had a vital part in the British Columbia municipalities and in the development of Provincial-municipal relations.
Mr. Gray, ill for 18 months, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Donald Ingham, 629 Beach Drive. He suffered a heart attack in the Autumn of 1942, but continued his active interest In the work of his departments, working at home at times when unable to go to the Legislative Buildings. He was unable to sit in the House at the recent session.
Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray was 68. He was born in New Westminster and attended school there, and as a youth and young man was prominent in athletics. For many years lie starred with the famous Salmonbellies, traditional team of lacrosse. This sports interest Is perpetuated in numerous trophies in his name.
His interest in municipal affairs began in 1907, when he was elected as alderman of New Westminster. He continued in office until 1913, when he was elected mayor and served until the end of 1919. Then he became commissioner of South Vancouver for the years 1921 to 1923. In 1927 he was re-elected mayor of New Westminster and continued in office until 1930. In all he was elected mayor 11 times.
He also conducted a real estate and insurance business during this time.
SECRETARY OF MUNICIPAL UNION FOR MANY YEARS
While serving as an elected officer of New Westminster he set out on the course which brought him to the Legislative Buildings and ultimately resulted in the creation of the Department of Municipal Affairs. He served for years as
secretary of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and in that capacity was brought into close contact with Government officials.
Mr. Gray was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1927 at a by-election, and was re-elected at general elections in 1928, 1933, 1937, and 1941. He became Minister of Lands in the Pattullo Government of 1933, and Minister of Municipal Affairs when this department was created later.
Keenly interested in forest conservation, he took a leading part in developing the British Columbia forest nurseries. He initiated preliminary negotiations for the preservation for the public of Cathedral Grove, negotiations now being carried on by Premier John Hart as acting minister. In the Central Interior of the province an area has been named Wells Gray Park in his honor.
Mr. Gray Is survived by two daughters. Mrs. J. Pitcairn Hogg, of Vancouver, and Mrs. Donald Ingham, of Victoria. His wife died many years ago.
His death was the second in the British Columbia Coalition Cabinet since 1941, the first having been that of the Hon. R.W. Bruhn and Harry Johnston, M.L.A for Revelstoke, who died last year.
His funeral will be held in New Westminster Wednesday under Government auspices, with Premier Hart and members of the Cabinet attending.
TRIBUTES COME FROM MANY QUARTERS
Tributes to Mr. Gray came from many sides yesterday, and the forest inquiry reopening was adjourned in respect to him.
Premier Hart, for the Government said:
"In the passing of Hon. Arthur Wellesley Gray, British Columbia has lost a unique figure in its public life, a man who has constant]y served in an official capacity since 1907.
Hon. Mr. Gray has devoted practically his whole life in this field of activity; first, as alderman for the City of New Westminster from 1907 to 1912; then as mayor from 1913 to 1919, and again from 1927 to 1930, and as a member of the Provincial Legislature from 1937 until the time of his death. He was appointed Minister of Lands and Municipal Affairs in November of 1933 and has held this position ever since.
There la perhaps no other person in British Columbia who has had such an outstanding record in public service and many of his works will be remembered in posterity, since he was a man of great vision and farsightedness,laying down policies that were beneficial not only for the people of today but for the generation of tomorrow. This was particularly evidenced in the number of parks he reserved and developed for the public's enjoyment.
Hon. Mr. Gray was a very able administrator, and his counsel was valued highly by my colleagues and myself. He will be greatly missed by us all. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the bereaved members of his family."
HIS FORMER "CHIEF" ADDS TO TRIBUTES
T. D. Pattullo, M.L.A. for Prince Rupert and the "chief" under whom Mr. Gray first attained Cabinet rank, declared: "Wells Gray enjoyed a long and useful public service and wide experience in which he exercised a wealth of human sympathy. He was always trying to help someone out. 'Chief, we must help these people,' he would say. I am sorry, indeed, of Wells' passing and sympathize deeply with his family."
When the forest inquiry adjourned in tribute Mr. Justice Sloan said: "I was deeply shocked to learn of the death of Hon. Wells Gray. I was privileged to be associated with him for some years when I was Attorney-General and found him to be a kindly man of warm human sympathies and a deep understanding of human nature. He was intensely interested in the welfare of the people who came within the circle of his influence. To many a home he brought comfort in sorrow and gave freely to those in need.
As Minister of Lands and of Municipalities he brought to his administrative tasks a sound and levelheaded judgement which reflected the ripe experience of his long service in the public life of the province. Above all he was a sportsman and gentleman and will be sorely missed not only in New Westminster but throughout the province. I extend to his family my deep sympathy in their great loss.
The Forestry Branch of the Government service was under his direction and I think it proper as a mark of respect to his memory to adjourn this inquiry."
COUNCIL STANDS IN SILENT TRIBUTE
Victoria City Council yesterday afternoon took action reflecting the view of many British Columbia municipalities when it stood in silent tribute and then passed the following resolution:
"That the members of the City Council place on record their profound regret at the death of Hon. A. Wells Gray, British Columbia's first Minister of Municipal Affairs that the council express its appreciation of the esteem and affection the deceased enjoyed on every hand and of the prominent and valued public service rendered by him during the past 33 years in the capacities successively as alderman and mayor of New Westminster, secretary and life member of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, member of the Provincial Legislature, and minister of the Crown: that the council's sincere sympathy with them in their great loss be extended to the bereaved and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the daughters of the deceased."
The Daily Colonist
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Tuesday, May 9, 1944
Page 2
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