A ride to remember
Memorial drive being held in honour of late Charlottetown man
Cameron Gray loved any fast vehicle.
“He liked anything to do with an engine,” said his friend, Willy Christopher, who is still dealing with Gray's sudden death on Aug. 13, 2019, at the age of 25.
The Charlottetown man left such an impact on his family and friends throughout his life that they’re remembering him by having a group drive from Charlottetown to North Cape and back on Sept. 1.
Christopher had been friends with Gray since high school. They often drove their motorcycles around P.E.I. together.
“He was always down for an adventure,” he said. “He was always the one who was always, like, ‘let’s get going.’”
He described Gray as considerate, recalling one time he received a text from Gray saying he was hungry. Christopher was at work, but let Gray go to his house to grab a quick bite.
When Christopher got home, he discovered his fridge had been filled and Gray was using his barbecue to cook supper for them both.
“(He) never let my beer get empty,” Christopher said.
Many people have been sharing stories like this one with Gray’s family since his death. His mother, Karen Beer, said some of his acts of kindness were unbelievable, whether it be for friends in need or strangers on the streets.
“We just didn’t realize how many people’s lives he truly touched,” she wrote in an email to The Guardian.
Gray was a self-professed momma’s boy, Beer wrote.
“My relationship with Cam was complete disclosure, sometimes much to my dismay. I was his safe haven where he insisted on telling me anything and everything.”
Beer is very thankful for the bond she had with Gray. Her and his sister, Vannessa, are still dealing with the fact he won’t be around anymore, and they’re very proud of who he was.
“And you cannot express that in words.”
The memorial drive was organized by some of Gray’s friends, including Christopher. According to the event’s Facebook page, about 150 people plan to attend with cars, trucks and motorcycles.
“We’re hoping for a lot of people. And anybody’s welcome,” he said, “because Cameron would love to see everybody come together for a ride.”
Drivers will meet at the Sears parking lot in Charlottetown for 1 p.m. on Sept 1. A select number of custom vehicle decals will be handed out before they roll out, with event organizers stressing everyone attending drive safely.
During the route, they’ll make a stop at Gray’s burial site in Charlottetown.
A book of people’s stories about Gray might be compiled so his three-year-old daughter, Mia, can read them when she’s older.
Voluntary donations at the event will go towards her education fund, Christopher said.
“Just so there’s no financial difficulty when she’s older.”