Obituary of William Spray

The passing of Dr. William “Bill” “Doc” Arthur Spray, husband of the late Carole (Jeffery) Spray, of Fredericton, NB, occurred on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at Kings Way Care Centre, Quispamsis, NB. Born on January 13, 1938 in Chatham, NB, he was a son of the late William and Alicia (Philpot) Spray. Dr. Bill Spray taught in the History Department at St. Thomas from 1968 until his retirement in 2000. From 1982 to 1989, he was Vice-President (Academic). He was a passionate historian and published author who was always happy to share his interests in Canadian history. A Beaverbrook scholar, Dr. Spray completed his BA and his MA at the University of New Brunswick and his PhD at Kings College, University of London, England. Bill was active in the community, enjoyed reading books, collecting hockey cards and stamps, and going fishing. He loved his dogs. Bill was a loving father to Michael Spray (Theresa) of Quispamsis, NB and Carolyn McCullough (Ryan) of Fredericton, NB; loving grandfather of Cayley, Matthew and Adam Spray, Ryca and Piper-Lily McCullough; siblings, Mary Cripps (Bobby) of Chatham, NB, David Spray (Peggy) of Oshawa, ON, Charlie Spray (Rose) of Chatham, NB and Margaret Matchett of Chatham, NB; several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his sisters, Helen Spray, Patricia Arnold and Jean Arsenault. Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A Memorial Service will be held from St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church, 1 William Street, Fredericton, NB on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 1 pm with Father John Jennings and Father Martin Arputham as celebrants. Reception to follow. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery. The family wish to express their thank you to all at Kings Way Care Centre and Terraces on Cliffe for the unlimited love and care given during Bill’s final years. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Kings Way Lifecare Alliance or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com