Geoffrey GRAY Obituary

Pleased that Father Geoffrey Gray will be having a Requiem Mass.

Geoffrey John Joseph Gray was a man of deep courage and amazing vision. He was a good man who gave his life fully with a generosity that was reckless and joyful. The Gospel of Jesus fillled his soul and he dared to follow that path with uncompromising zeal.He loved his family, and his friends deeply. I count myself blessed to be numbered among them. I will miss him sorely yet recall with love and affection his whacky humour and fun. Go in peace Geoff, faithful servant. Enter the kingdom prepared for you where there will be no more suffering.

I knew Geoff from seminary days. He was a cheerful, humorous, intelligent person who would look you in the eye, listen carefully and be interested in you and your views. When I left the seminary and went to Wellington, he very generously helped me settle in and establish friendships. A friend recently said Geoff was "one of the good ones" - he certainly was and that's an understatement. A truly good, sincere and generous man. Rest in peace, dear Geoff.

I always enjoyed catching up with Geoff as he passed through Wellington or we met him at Ashburton or Akaroa. He was an intelligent and widely read man who was concerned for others, much less focused on himself. He was easy company yet made it clear what he thought of current situations and trends in our culture and society. Quiet, prayerful and respectful man. Rest in peace, Geoff.

I am so grateful for knowing Geoff in our younger years, for his warmth and sense of fun. I'm grateful for the gifts he brought to his whanau, and for his pastoral care within the communities that embraced him. I honour his commitment to his priesthood, the rewards and the challenges. May he be embraced in Love.

Fr Gray was the celebrant at my wedding back in Hanuary 1980. I have find memories of him coming round to have dinner with us and when he relocated to Bolivia we exchanged letters for quite some time. I was very sorry to read of his passing and I'd like to pass on my deepest sympathy to all his family. R.I.P. Fr Geoff

I knew Geoff as a friend at Victoria University and we kept in touch intermittently over the years. He was truly a good man, deeply pastoral in the way he thought and lived. Being a priest is not an easy life. Geoff gave his heart and soul to being the best priest he could possibly be, here in Aotearoa and also in South America. Vale Geoff, thank you for so generously living in the service of others, may you rest in peace.

I met up with Geoff through our wonderful mutual friend, Sam Campbell, while in the seminary 1974 - 79. Always cheerful and very very cheeky, I really admired Geoffs encouragement that really lifted out spirits. He was definitely a role model for me. In these last few days after hearing the sad news, it has refreshed my memory of the most amazing committed persons I had the grace and honour to come across during those soul-searching years, and which helped shape my future. I will hold close to the memory of Geoff. "We are only servants, we have just done our duty". That my friends is a direct quote from the last lines of an unforgettable homily by the Geoff Gray I knew and loved. Laus tibi domine, praise to you Lord

Vale Geoff...loved first cousin of Betty Blackwood (previously Timaru now Adelaide Australia). Geoff kept in constant contact with Betty (who is now 90 yrs old). He came to Adelaide various times to visit Betty and Bill (who passed four years ago). We enjoyed his company and talking about the family and drives out to Scarborough. That was many years ago but is never forgotten by Betty. With memories and love from Janine Blackwood and three siblings Michael, Simon and Pip x.

Geoff and I started priestly ministry in Greymouth in 1973. He was very zealous and remained a loyal friend. I have been praying for him constantly. Sympathy to all his priestly brothers. God bless

Dear Mark, and all Geoff's family. I am so sorry and heartbroken for you all at Geoff's passing. What a wonderful friend and constant support Geoff has been over these past 44 years. I have lots of lovely memories to recall. We had a lot of laughs.
Rest peacefully now Geoff.

Dearly loved son of the late Betty and Norman Gray. Dearly loved and loving eldest brother and brother-in-law of Mary, Andrew (dec) and Marilyn, Margaret and Joe McCarthy, Josephine and Phil Webb, Mark, Bernadette Dee, Karen Gray and Geoff Adlam. Loved uncle to all his nieces and nephews. A loved and loving adopted father of Juan Antonio Gray Cuellar and family (Bolivia).
Messages to family of Fr Geoff Gray, C/- John Rhind, PO Box 26051, North Avon, Christchurch 8148.

Rest in peace