Martin Gray

Bangor, and not just Bangor Grammarians, lost one of its most respected senior citizens following the death on 15 January 2016 of former Borough Surveyor Martin Gray.

He chaired Bangor Grammarians (then the Old Boys Association) in 1968/69, and like his late father, Robert T. Gray, before him was a stalwart on the Board of Governors, serving between 1967 and 1973. Martin, who attended Bangor Grammar School between 1931 and 1939, before moving on to Queen’s University, was born on 27 October 1922 and lived for much of his life at 53 Ballyholme Road. He served in the Army during the Second World War, being stationed in the Far East.

Upon returning to Bangor he was appointed Assistant Borough Surveyor with the then Bangor Borough Council. In time he replaced the late Joe Croskery as Borough Surveyor, ultimately also holding the dual position of Planning Officer.

Martin took early retirement following the Reorganisation of Local Government in 1973, but did not allow the grass to grow under his feet. He worked with architect the late Stanley Devon for some years until finally retiring to a life which included service with Bangor Rotary Club which he had joined in 1961. He was accorded Honorary Rotarian status in recent years.

His hobbies included sailing as a member of the Royal Ulster Yacht Club.

His death occurred at the Edgewater Lodge Nursing Home in Donaghadee. Predeceased by his wife Helen, Martin is survived by son Robin, daughters Cherry and Heather and the wider family circle. Interment took place at Clandeboye Cemetery following a service in First Bangor Presbyterian Church on 20 January.

With sincere thanks to Edwin Dunlop