Robert Alexander Gray

Mom's Granduncle

With the passing of R. A. Gray, B.A., the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada has lost one of its most outstanding and valued members. His death on December 24, 1935, at the age of 74, has deprived the Society of a faithful worker and his associates of a tried and trusted friend.

Mr. Gray’s birthplace was Largs, Scotland, a town on the Clyde not far from Glasgow. His father, Robert Gray, was a Presbyterian minister, who moved to Canada about the year 1871 when young Robert was only ten years old. The family lived for many years near Hogg’s Hollow on Yonge St., now at the northern boundary of Toronto. Here the boy received his primary education, but to attend secondary school he had to walk the long journey (over five miles) to the Jarvis St. Collegiate Institute, Toronto. He then went to the University of Toronto where he had a brilliant record for scholarship, graduating in 1884 as Silver Medallist in Physics.

His chosen profession was that of schoolmaster. He taught at Orangeville and London and then in 1900 returned to be the head of the department of mathematics at the Jarvis St. Institute. In 1909 he was made principal of Malvern C.I. and one year later was appointed head of the new Oakwood C.I., Toronto. Under his control this school of 200 pupils grew to a large Institute of 1,200 pupils and 40 teachers. After 21 years in this high position he retired in 1931 on reaching the age of seventy. Under him the school had achieved distinction among the secondary schools of the province, second to none both in scholarship and in clean sports.

His great ability was further proved by the other responsible posts he filled. As an actuarial expert he represented the teachers on the Provincial Superannuation Board from its organization. All teachers owe him a debt of gratitude for the efficient manage ment of their funds and for his support in demanding just treat ment for any teacher’s case under consideration. During his career he was president of the Ontario Educational Association, also adviser in the publication of text books, and for many years he was a member of the Senate of the University of Toronto.

For hobbies he chose painting, mountain climbing and astronomy. His sketches of landscapes, especially of Muskoka autumn scenes, compare favourably with those of professional artists. His interest in mountain climbing took him to the Rocky Moun tains of Canada, the mountains in Wales and the Alps in Europe. As an amateur astronomer his interest grew with his years. Since his retirement he has rendered valuable service to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. He was chairman of the Toronto Centre during the years 1931-34 and performed his duties efficiently and conscientiously. In 1932 he sketched the eclipse of the sun at Louiseville, Quebec. From 1932 until his death he was General Secretary and Librarian of the Society.

Those who have known Mr. Gray well, will long miss his support and friendship. He was a wise counsellor, a defender of righteousness, a warrior against any evil, a doer of charitable acts, a kindly man and a Christian gentleman. His unspoken motto was “To follow duty to the end”. His other outstanding traits were, sympathy, fairness, strict honesty and a great love for small children. Mr. Gray was never married.

© The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada • Provided by the NASA Astrophysics Data System