(R.C.A.) 1929 – 2009
The death of Gray Mills, in his 81st year, occurred quietly in his home in Caledon on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Gray is survived by his wife Kathy; his four daughters, Deborah Woodbridge of New York, New York; Shelagh Linfoot and husband Duncan of London, United Kingdom; Pamela Castator and husband Steve of Caledon, and Rebecca Baker and husband Tom of Dundalk; two granddaughters Alexandra and Kirsty Linfoot; and sister Jane Richmond of North Vancouver, British Columbia. Thank you to all those who were involved in Gray’s hospital and home care. His care was exemplary and your thoughtfulness was much appreciated by the family. To honour Gray’s wishes, cremation will take place, followed by a life celebration at a later date that will be advised to family and friends. Donations in memoriam may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario College of Art and Design, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto M5T 1W1. Arrangements by Egan Funeral Home, Bolton (905-857-2213). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.eganfuneralhome.com
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Gray was instrumental in my getting into OCA, as he was on my panel for getting me into the school, and I had many years later taken a class with him, he was very warm welcoming and interesting, and was always a character and filled with charm. I remember when he took us to view a sculpture that was installed near the Engineering department near old Vic, at U of T’s campus, he was so proud and with good reason, his art had changed the landscape. Not many artists can admit that, and Gray taught us of the importance of leaving your mark in a world less and less invested in the arts, he taught us to bare down and prioritize our vision over the fear of doubt and to build on matters by building community. While I missed one of the trips to his home, I was warmed by the fact that a teacher would invite a whole class to his home, this was bringing personability into the world of business, and opening people up to the sights outside of the city, I cannot remember where his home was located but I heard that it was a bit of the way outside of the city. It was the early nineties and his influence in the Stewart building was rock solid as he was a staple in our community for years. That building has since then been sold, and things that you hope will always be there are no longer there. The legacy of these people and places lives on in us and in the hope and prosperity we generate, FOR culture. I will do everything I can to live my life to the highest expectations placed on myself by mentors like Gray and am most thankful for his inspiring influence and memory! My sincerest condolences for your loss.