We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Dennis Patrick Dray, CD (Ret’d) on 22 July 2019 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 86 years. Dennis was a Korean War veteran who served 25 years with the Canadian Military Engineers.
Dennis enlisted in 1951 and, after his Corps Training, he was posted to the newly formed 58th Independent Field Squadron, RCE in Germany. He served there 1952-53 and then deployed to Korea in 1954 with 3 Field Squadron. Returning to Canada, Dennis had two short tours with 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB, interspersed with a posting to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC before he returned to Germany – this time with 4 Field Squadron (1957-58). Dennis then served at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack for three years (1959-62) followed by four years with the Instructional Staff with the Militia in Lethbridge before returning to Germany (1966-69). Promoted to Warrant Officer in 1969, Dennis returned to Canada to join the newly formed 5e Escadron du Génie de Canada for five years as his last posting.
After his retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1974 Dennis formed the Hobby Wine and Brew Store and Chez Dray. in Lethbridge. He also became the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization in the early 1980s where his team created one of the largest membership senior recreation centres of its type in the world. Dennis was a community volunteer over the years as he was President of the Lethbridge Minor Hockey, Football, Track and Field Organization and organizer of the Terry Fox Charity Fun Run, the Senior Games and Alberta Summer Games (Track & Field)..
Funeral arrangements are private. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. An open gathering of friends and family is being planned for Tuesday, 30 July 2019 at Honkers Pub and Eatery (2808 5 Ave N Lethbridge) at 5:00 PM.
