Dr. Neil Gray was one of those doctors that genuinely loved his job and genuinely cared about each patient in his care. When we moved here from Ontario in 1973, Dr. Gray became our family doctor. He has tended to our family for two generations. He cared for me throughout all four of my pregnancies in the 1980s and continued that care throughout my children’s childhood.
I recall his tender ways when I was pregnant with our first child. Knowing all of the anxieties that go along with a first delivery, I remember him coming into the hospital room after I'd been labouring for 12 hours and sitting on the bed, he placed his hand on my tummy and told me I was doing a great job. I felt so reassured and comforted by his gesture.
Again, when I had to be hospitalized with my third pregnancy at 11 weeks with fear of losing the baby clenching my heart, he reassured me that everything was going to be OK, I just needed to rest for a few days.
He was always interested in the lives of his patients and somehow remembered the details of each life as we shared our stories.
My mother, Marlene Schnarr, would put her faith in no other. Dr. Gray would do all he could to ensure she got a quick response with specialists. She's in her 70s now and remained as his patient until his retirement.
Dr. Gray was more than a doctor. He was a friend in times of need. He lived the experiences of his patients' ordeals and sympathized and encouraged when needed.
We'll miss you doctor. Enjoy your retirement years and may you be blessed tenfold with the blessings your legacy has left behind.
Susie Hauptman, St. Albert
