Obituary of John Gerard Bray

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains.”

It is with deep and tremendous sorrow that we announce the passing of John Gerard Bray (age 66), of Lochaber, Antigonish County, who passed away on March 28th, 2026 in the Palliative Care Unit at St Martha’s Regional Hospital. Born on July 28, 1959 in Antigonish, he was a son of the late Vernon Jerome and Margaret Annabelle (Wallace) Bray. 

An avid woodsman all his life, Gerard loved telling people he began working in the woods at the age of 14. By simply looking at a woodpile, he could tell whether it was of satisfactory quality or not. He was happiest outdoors, often referring to the woods as his happy place. Although his daughter Jennifer often tried to provide him with various luxuries over the years, he would lovingly return them, saying he could just as easily heat a meal in the woods using a rim and a grate.

Gerard held various jobs over the years, with the last 13 spent as a car detailer at Keltic Ford in Antigonish. No matter the task, he approached his work with pride and dedication.

In addition to the woods, Gerard had a deep love of cars. At the age of 30, he returned to school to pursue this passion, where he excelled. Over the years, many people sought him out to have their vehicles painted, and word quickly spread about the exceptional quality of his work. He took immense pride in producing top-notch results.

This love of cars extended into family life. Gerard took his two children to Riverside Speedway when they were younger to take in races. Later, when his grandson Connor showed an interest in anything vehicle-related, they attended races and car shows together.

He also had a great appreciation for music, often spending Sundays at his daughter’s home watching music videos on YouTube. He would often ask his grandchildren if they played his kind of music—hits from the 1970s—at school dances. This deep love, knowledge, and appreciation of music led him to aid a music therapist in the community, helping curate playlists across various genres for patients and residents to enjoy. In his final days at St. Martha’s, he cherished conversations with the music therapist about music.

The greatest loves of Gerard’s life were his three grandchildren—Connor, Chelsea, and Hailey Jeans of New Glasgow. Though Gerard had a strong presence, when it came to his grand-babies, he was pure putty in their hands. The four of them could often be found together at the grocery store, where the children would insist they were “out of things,” convincing him to buy the sugariest cereals and their favourite treats. Gerard loved telling his daughter Jennifer that her kids told him everything—and they did. They shared an incredibly close bond. He was a passionate advocate for his grandchildren, always making sure they had an abundance of “counter snacks.”

Gerard is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Lynn Bray of New Glasgow; his grandchildren Connor Alex, Chelsea Anne, and Hailey Marie, all of New Glasgow; his siblings Joseph Andrew (Andy) Bray (Copper Lake), Valerie Therese (David) Chisholm (Giant’s Lake), and Bernadette Elizabeth Bray of Winsted, Connecticut. He also leaves behind his nephews Joe Onion (Jennifer) of Connecticut, Fred Chisholm (Maggie) of Guysborough, and Emma McKeen (Derek) of Antigonish. He is also survived by his Aunt Kay Chisholm of Antigonish and Aunt Isabel Diorio of Quebec, along with many cousins, great friends, former co-workers, and acquaintances.

Gerard was predeceased by his beloved son, John Christopher Bray, on August 27th, 2025. He is also predeceased by his parents, Vernon Jerome Bray and Margaret Annabelle Bray (née Wallace). Gerard was also predeceased by beloved nephew, Nicholas “Nick” Onion of Winstead, Connecticut

A special and heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Jennings, Dr. Khalid, Dr. Baldeo, Dr. Saliba, and Dr. Cooper. A sincere thank you as well to EHS, the staff of St. Martha’s Emergency Department, ICU, Palliative Care Unit, and the 4th Floor Oncology Unit. Appreciation is also extended to dietary staff, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, maintenance, and cleaning staff for making his stay as comfortable, compassionate, and dignified as possible.

A very sincere and heartfelt thank you to those who provided companionship, care, and unwavering support for Dad—you held a special place in his heart. The family is also deeply grateful to everyone who provided meals and baked goods following the passing of his son and during his battle with Cancer.

As Gerard was not well enough to hold a funeral for his son in September, it was his final wish that a dual funeral be held for both him and his beloved son, John Christopher Bray.

Visitation for Gerard will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Monday, April 6th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral mass for Gerard and Chris will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, April 7th in St. Patrick’s Church, Lochaber,   Fr. Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial to follow, at a later date, in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the IWK or a charity of one’s choice.

A gathering to reflect on Gerard and his life will follow the funeral at the Lochaber Community Centre (1555 Nova Scotia Trunk 7). Refreshments will be served. 

Although his physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forward his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. His light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

— Helen Keller