Obituary of Frederick Howard Gay

At Charlotte County Hospital,July 5,2015 Rev. Fred Gay, husband of Brenda (Allen) Gay of St. Stephen NB passed from the arms of his loving family into the arms of his beloved Saviour. Born in Meriden Ct in 1921, he was the son of the late Arthur and Carrie Gay. In addition to his wife Brenda he is survived by his son Christian(Robyn) of Utopia and daughter Doreen Rainville(Ray) of Palm Coast,Fl. Grandchildren Nick and Rachael Gay, Ryan (Theresa) and Renee Rainville (Adam Gill),Randy,Rusty,Brian and Adam,several great grandchildren, nieces and lifelong friend Mary Olmstead.He was predeceased by his parents, one daughter,Carol Dillon,brother Ray and sister Marguerite Dubord. Fred lived his early life in Meriden CT in 1921,during the Great Depression. Those difficult days shaped much of his character. Following in his father's footsteps, he worked at International Silver Company of Wallingford Connecticut where he had the honour of once working on the Stanley Cup. At the age of 21 he was drafted into the US Air Force and was trained as a radio operator and ball-turret gunner on the B-17 "Flying Fortress". During his 30 mission tour he lost both of his parents back home in the US. Following his tour of duty, Fred returned to the US and married Martha, and began teaching radio operations for the military. Two daughters were born to them,Carol and Doreen. The family returned to Meriden and Fred resumed his career with International Silver. Fred's love of music began at an early age and continued throughout his life. As with all,he was greatly influenced by the popular music of his younger years, namely Big Band & Swing music of the 30's & 40's. The love of this musical style has been passed on to his children and grandchildren. Fred's singing ministry began early on as he sang in choirs and quartets at the Wallingford Advent Christian Church. In 1964 after meeting and marrying Brenda, his second wife, Fred moved to Canada (the birthplace of his father Arthur) and took up training for full time ministry within the Baptist Churches. After his first year of training at UBBTS in 1966, with a new baby (Christian) at home and while still attending school full time, Fred started his pastoral ministry on a five church field in Dawson Settlement just outside Moncton. Graduation and ordination followed in 1967. Fred continued at Dawson Settlement until 1968. Fred's ministry then lead him to Hazelbrook in PEI from 1968-1971. This was followed by service in Waterville, NB from 1971-1975 and finally to Pennfield NB from 1975-1986 where he "retired". After retirement he and Brenda continued in music and interim pastoral ministry at many churches including, Grand Manan NB,Deer Island NB, Second Falls NB,Andersonville NB,Fairfield NB,Sunnyville NS and Calais Advent Christian ME. Partnering with Brenda in her camping ministry Fred was affectionately known as "Uncle Fred" to countless campers and staff at camps all over NB & PEI. And then there was the music. Fred was never so proud as he was to be singing with his wife, and doing what he loved best, sharing the gospel. The Lighthouse was without a doubt their most recognized song and fittingly Fred's life served as a beacon of light and hope to a world in need. Fred's compassion for people and his deep desire to help the lost find Christ were his greatest personal traits and hallmark of his pastoral ministry. Fred's favourite verse was Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." This verse guided every aspect of Fred's life, he was a living testimony that exemplified the tenderhearted compassionate love God offers to all. At Fred's request there will be no visitation. Following cremation Fred will be laid to rest in Presque Isle, Me at a private committal at Fairmount Cemetery. A celebration of his home-going will be held at Pennfield Baptist Church Saturday July 18 at 2PM with reception to follow. Please take the time to leave your messages of condolences to the family here on the website or by mailing cards to Christian Gay, 300 Route 780, Utopia NB E5C 2E9. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Action International Ministries: Children of Brazil / Ben and Jucelia Krause (http://www.actioninternational.org/missionaries/krause) or to the charity of the donors choice.