Longtime harness racing industry participant Paul Michael Gray of Stratford, P.E.I. passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown at the age of 84.
Formerly of Pugwash and Halifax N.S., Paul was born in West Pennant, N.S. to George Gray and Mary Jane (MacNeil) Gray on Oct. 30, 1941. He was raised first in West Pennant and then in Halifax.
Paul was an avid sports fan, playing endless hours of basketball as a youth at St. Joseph’s Church Hall, football as both Offensive Guard and Defensive Tackle for Saint Mary’s University and enjoyed golf later in life.
Paul lived most of his life in Halifax. He and his partner Gerry Sampson founded Bounty Print Ltd., growing it from a small shop to one of the major printers in the area. Upon retirement, he moved to Pugwash where he built his dream horse farm, later moving to P.E.I. to be close to the track.
Paul was a well-known figure in harness racing circles from childhood until his death. Over the years he bred, raised, trained, bought and sold numerous horses. When not at the racetrack he could often be found at a local pool hall.
Paul was very generous with his friends and family. The family shall miss its big brother.
Paul was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle, in 2010. He is survived by his siblings George (Elianne) Gray of Swift Current SK, Julie Verge of Halifax, Gregory (Gail) of Bedford, Catherine Peddle (Mike Brown) of Hubbards, his ex-wife Joyce Nicholson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place; internment will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held on April 25, 2026 at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax from 2 - 4 p.m. No flowers by request.
Donations in Paul’s memory can be made to The Canadian Cancer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Michael Gray.