Ben Gray of Grande Prairie, Alberta, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at home at the age of 87 years.

Ben was born on December 16, 1938, in Homestead, Alberta (north of Valhalla Centre). He had a family and lived in Brooks for many years before retiring from the oilfield to ranch in Silver Valley.

After high school, he began seismic drilling, and he took the opportunity to work in Libya on a 2-year contract. After moving back to Canada, he worked on service rigs before starting his own company designing and manufacturing oilfield equipment. His brother, Dale, joined him and started an oilfield service company, and this continued for 20 years or so. Ben eventually sold in 1989 and went into ranching in Silver Valley, one of his many dreams—first with cattle, then buffalo and elk. He had always wanted to go through the Northwest Passage, and when he decided to go around the world, he sold the ranch and the next dream began. He co-designed the 57’ boat and left Dunvegan Bridge on the Peace River on May 24, 2005. Ben was 67 years young when this 15-month circumnavigation began without significant experience but a desire to learn.

Ben was never alone in all his adventures. He married the love of his life, Alice, on June 27, 1962, and had three children: Brad, Jodie and Kevin. The children moved to the Peace Country and are thankful to have had so many years together.

Ben leaves behind Alice, his wife whom he adored; Brad; Jodie and her husband, Chip, with children Scott, Ryan and his wife, Tia, and their children, Aria and Brynn; Kevin and his children, Trenton, Maddison, Mikayla and her husband, Taylor, with children Aubrey and Hayden.

Ben was predeceased by his parents, Culver and Helen; his older brother, Bob; and his sisters-in-law, Beth and Muriel.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at People’s Church in Grande Prairie (11850-108 St).

For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed. The livestream link will be available shortly before the service begins.

While every effort is made to ensure a smooth livestream, technical or broadcast issues may occasionally occur beyond the control of Oliver’s Funeral Home.