Marshall Peters Bray

BRAY, Marshall Peters December 18, 1926 - March 27, 2020 Marshall Bray, well respected LLB, QC and bon vivant passed away quietly in Victoria on March 27th. The only child of the colourful Harry and Gladys (Peters), he grew up on Southwest Marine Drive and spent his early youth camping with them in the Cariboo, fly fishing and riding at the Springhouse Trails Ranch. As a youth he worked in logging camps and cooked on a tugboat. After earning his law degree at UBC, he joined his father's firm, fell in love with Evelyn Crawford and together they began raising two boys, Ian and Jeff. Specializing in maritime law, Marshall sought justice for the stranded Greek crew of the Galaxias in the late 1980s and was ongoing counsel for the Seafarers' International Union. He also managed several estates involved in charitable funding for the disabled. In 2010 he was recognized by the Law Society of British Columbia for his distinguished 60 year career.
Throughout his life Marshall pursued his interest in photography, snapping friends' special events and their children's weddings, presenting them with albums they delighted in. He also was an inveterate tinkerer, trolling the aisles of Canadian Tire for tools and gadgets, significantly contributing that retailer's financial success. But most of all he loved spending time with his family. Whether picnicking and waterskiing up the North Arm on the 18 foot runabout ‘Piccadilly Daisy' to cheering enthusiastically from the sidelines at countless rugby, field hockey and soccer games, badminton tournaments and swim meets, Marshall could always be counted on for support and encouragement. He was also the number one supporter during his son Jeff's political career. Quick-witted and charming, he was never short of an apropos quote or anecdote which he deployed to everyone's great amusement at social gatherings.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Evelyn, sons Ian (Hillary) and Jeff (Tabitha) as well as his beloved grandchildren Allison, Graeme and Madi as well as granddogs Bailey, Georgie and Zazu. He was often heard quoting one of his father's favourite sayings, "F*** ‘em all but six, and leave them for pallbearers." Ever the contrarian, Marshall asked to be cremated. In lieu of flowers or charitable contributions, the family would ask you to pour a generous glass of your favourite libation (preferably single malt), think of him and raise your glass in a toast. He would love that. Once we all get some distance from social distancing, a very social reception will be held for him at The Vancouver Club.
Please check back OR click on the envelope icon on the left menu under "share/subscribe to this tribute" to receive automatic updates regarding this tribute