Vernon Vipers long-time owner passes away
Duncan Wray purchased BCHL franchise in 1992
Highly successful long-time Vernon Vipers owner and governor Duncan Wray died suddenly on Thursday. He was 68. A statement on the B.C. Hockey League team’s website stated: “The Wray family is heartbroken to share the news with you that Duncan Wray passed away peacefully on Jan. 11.
“Duncan was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to those that knew him. His loss leaves a huge hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.
“The unexpected news has come as a devastating blow and although the family is grateful for all the kind messages of sympathy, we ask that we can be left to grieve in private at this very difficult and sad time for us.”
Wray bought the team from Mel Lis in 1992 and under his ownership the Vipers won six BCHL titles and four RBC Cup national Junior-A championships (1996, 1999, 2009 and 2010). The Vipers were also runners-up in the 2011 RBC Cup.
“We were shocked and saddened to receive word today about Duncan,” said BCHL commissioner John Grisdale. “He was the lifeblood of the Vipers franchise for a very long time and he leaves a huge void in our league and in our hearts.”
Wray earlier this season earned his 900th win as owner of the Vipers. The Vipers most successful season under Wray was 1998-99 as the team had a franchise-best 52-8-2 regularseason record and went on to win the BCHL and RBC Cup titles.
The Vernon franchise was known as the Lakers until Wray changed the name to the Vipers to start the 1995-96 season.
Wray, a retired oral surgeon, was inducted into the B.C. Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders’ category in Penticton in 2011 and his 1998-99 national-champion Vipers were inducted in the team category in 2015.
Wray was awarded the Freedom of the City of Vernon honour in 2011 — the 20th recipient of the honour. On Saturday, he was among many honourees at the Vipers’ game against Prince George, a Vernon celebration of the city’s Civic Arena and its 80th anniversary.
Wray was one of the most active owners at the league level, serving on the BCHL Board of Governors since 1992.
He was chairman of the board from 1999 to 2006 and resumed the role from 2011 until the time of his passing. Each BCHL team will hold a moment of silence in his honour prior to their next home game.
Further information on funeral services will be shared when available.