April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
Still missing you my friend wish you were still with us.
Laurence Grey, known to friends as "Laurie", passed away on July 3, 2020 at Nanaimo Hospital after a stroke. He was aged 69 years. Laurie will be lovingly remembered by his daughters Allison and Sarah, his step-daughter Jennifer, as well as the entire soccer community of Nanaimo.
There will be an informal service around centre field of May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park soccer field (Schook Rd, Lantzville) at 12pm on Sunday, July 26th. Please remember to be aware of social distancing.
If you have a memory or photo you would like to share with his girls, they'd be grateful to hear from you on the 26th or to have it shared here on this memorial page.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to NYSA - or another Nanaimo local soccer club.
There will be an informal service around centre field of May Richards Bennett Pioneer Park soccer field (Schook Rd, Lantzville) at 12pm on Sunday, July 26th. Please remember to be aware of social distancing.
If you have a memory or photo you would like to share with his girls, they'd be grateful to hear from you on the 26th or to have it shared here on this memorial page.
Memorial donations in his name may be made to NYSA - or another Nanaimo local soccer club.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
I hope you are able to go for your weekly kickaround, and wearing #70.
August 22, 2020
August 22, 2020
Laurie and I played soccer for so long, it is very difficult to accept his passing
He was one great player, a very, good friend and a great person to know.
I want to thank all who were involved especially his family in the gathering at Pioneer Park. Mark Byrne (Scouse)
He was one great player, a very, good friend and a great person to know.
I want to thank all who were involved especially his family in the gathering at Pioneer Park. Mark Byrne (Scouse)
July 26, 2020
July 26, 2020
I was lucky the day Laurie walked into the Windward for breakfast. I began to look forward to our coffee talks about the latest sports news and our children. His smile lit up the room when he talked about his daughters, what a proud dad. His soccer knowledge helped me learn the the game as my oldest stepson worked his way through the ranks of playing local soccer. Laurie was taken away too soon and I’m sure he is lighting it up on a soccer pitch beyond the pearly gates!
July 26, 2020
July 26, 2020
I first met Laurie hosting Karaoke. He was humble and shy but he managed to override that timidness with his greater love for music and he could sing just as well as he could play soccer. He was bar none (irony?) my favourite person to duet with. He gave our community many happy hours of song: Sinatra, Elvis, Righteous Brothers, Bobby Darren, the Platters, he could sing them all to perfection. Even greater than his love for music and soccer; his beautiful children Jenn, Allie and Sarah. Love and condolences to you girls.
July 26, 2020
July 26, 2020
I first met Laurie at karaoke at the Quarterway Pub, his always smiling face and love of music was infectious, he made everyone feel like they were very special, will miss him so much, I am sure J.R. is with him now and the 2 of them are singing their songs that we enjoyed so much.
Thank you, Jennifer, Allie, and Sara for sharing your dad with the rest of us.
Thank you, Jennifer, Allie, and Sara for sharing your dad with the rest of us.
July 25, 2020
July 25, 2020
I joined Nanaimo masters in 2005 and had the pleasure of playing with Laurie for 12 years. Laurie was exactly 1 day older than me and we joked about who would 'hang them up 'first, but he loved it too much and outlasted me. I will miss my breakfasts at the Windward with him, and as so many have said a true gentleman, always smiling, and a great person to have known. All his family should be very proud of the wonderful man that sadly we have lost way too soon.
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
My condolences to Laurie's family during this sad time. I had the pleasure of playing soccer with Laurie many years ago. He was a true gentleman and an even better teammate. The entire soccer community has lost a good man, rest in peace Mr. Laurie Grey, you will be missed.
July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020
Rest In Peace Laurie. You were one of the good guys. You will be missed! Condolences to the family.
July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020
I met Laurie in high school he has always been the nicest, gentlest, person with the best smile. He is gone way too soon.My deepest sympathies to all of you. He will be missed.
July 19, 2020
July 19, 2020
I moved to the region in the 90's and connected fairly quickly with the Nanaimo Masters Soccer Club. As I live on Gabriola, team mates would pick me up at the ferry and give me a lift to games. Often this was Laurie. We were both midfielders, so it seemed to me we looked at the game in a similar way. We talked about the previous game, then the one that we were going to - it was lots of fun. I was curious about Nanaimo and what it had been like to grow up here when Laurie was a kid, so he told me lots of cool stories from the 50's, 60's and 70's. Sometimes Allie and Sarah would be in the car, and so I got a chance to meet some of his daughters, and was able to put a face to the girls that he often mentioned with great pride.
In more recent years, with injuries piling up on both of us, we would talk each other into playing "one more season". Well, we'd been doing that for about the last five seasons, and thank goodness, because I had a great time.
The dressing room won't be the same without Laurie, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
In more recent years, with injuries piling up on both of us, we would talk each other into playing "one more season". Well, we'd been doing that for about the last five seasons, and thank goodness, because I had a great time.
The dressing room won't be the same without Laurie, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
July 19, 2020
July 19, 2020
I have played soccer with (league, Sr. Games, and Nanaimo practices) but mostly against for 43 years. We bought many a beer for each other (tipped them, too). I will miss his smooth, untouchable moves on the field, and his ready smiles and laughs off the field. I'll also miss all the stunning locker room acapella harmony ("Jimmy Moore" included). You're in a good place now, buddy. We'll see you again soon enough.
Glen McCannel.
Glen McCannel.
July 18, 2020
July 18, 2020
So sorry to hear of Laurie's passing. We first met when we were almost ready to hit double digits in age- probably 8 or 9 yrs old, playing Nanaimo soccer. For the next decade we played with and against each-other- always a big smile, he was a great sport and an incredible talent. I don't know how many games we lost 1-0 to Southend Rotary, with the goal or assist by Laurie ... During the 70s we saw each-other, but since then, I've worked mostly up north and lost touch. A fun kid and a wonderful man. Sincere condolences to his family.
July 18, 2020
July 18, 2020
I have known Laurie for over 30 years , we have had a few beers in a lot of changing rooms around the Island, I have never seen him without a smile on his face. I remember going to the Quarter Way for Karaoke and listening to old blue eyes sing. What a nice lad, he will be missed by a lot of people . To the family I am sorry, for your loss. Gray Gerrard.
July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020
I met Laurie after we both started at Harmac. We became close friends and kept in touch throughout the years. I have fond memories of taking our girls out on Halloween and day trips to Victoria. When I took up guitar, Laurie would drive to Victoria and we would spend time together playing. His musical talents were many and I am so very thankful he shared it with me. He was a very kind and generous soul. I will miss him.
Deepest condolences to Allie, Sarah & Jennifer with much love Bill & Una, Fiona & Shauna.
Deepest condolences to Allie, Sarah & Jennifer with much love Bill & Una, Fiona & Shauna.
July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020
Laurie, you were one of the nicest gentlemen I had the pleasure of meeting, i have some great memories of playing against you, you were one of the great soccer talents at the time we played. My heart goes out to your daughters and the rest of your family, you will be truly missed! thank's for the memories!
July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020
I came on the ferry Friday night's in 70's .. then played with the Harmac boys Sat, partied at Harb's place and then slept on the ferry going home Sunday. It was incredible time playing with Laurie & Brother in-law Bryan Ferguson along with many others . Lots of good memories for a bunch of lads that loved the sport .
Good bye Laurie .. Our deepest condolences to the entire family
The Williams Family
Good bye Laurie .. Our deepest condolences to the entire family
The Williams Family
July 16, 2020
July 16, 2020
We are all going to miss you sitting in your corner on Thursdays. Your humour and smile. I will miss seeing you run by me on the field. What a player you were. Too young to go but you left your mark on your friends and sport. When tomorrow starts without you there your memory will be in our hearts.
July 15, 2020
July 15, 2020
Hello,
I'm a second cousin of Laurie's. We went to high school together in Nanaimo. While we haven't seen each other for many many years I remember him as a great soccer player. He was well known. Sorry to see that your dad died young. He looks happy with his grandchildren and certainly proud of his daughters.
I'm a second cousin of Laurie's. We went to high school together in Nanaimo. While we haven't seen each other for many many years I remember him as a great soccer player. He was well known. Sorry to see that your dad died young. He looks happy with his grandchildren and certainly proud of his daughters.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
Still missing you my friend wish you were still with us.
April 20, 2021
April 20, 2021
I hope you are able to go for your weekly kickaround, and wearing #70.
August 22, 2020
August 22, 2020
Laurie and I played soccer for so long, it is very difficult to accept his passing
He was one great player, a very, good friend and a great person to know.
I want to thank all who were involved especially his family in the gathering at Pioneer Park. Mark Byrne (Scouse)
He was one great player, a very, good friend and a great person to know.
I want to thank all who were involved especially his family in the gathering at Pioneer Park. Mark Byrne (Scouse)
Gallery
Laurie and Harb coaching women's senior soccer 1978 (sent by Una Quincey)
Nanaimo "Clubhouse", taken April 4, 2019.
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Dad's slideshow featuring "Carry Me" by the Stampeders and Dad's cover of "The Weight"
At Pioneer change room after the Thursday Academy April 19 2018
Taken by Glen McCannel April 6, 2019 in Victoria before our first game at the Bill Drew tournament.
First year we played together. Look to be nine or ten, 1960/61.
Jen and Laurie - Harmac Anniversary gathering
Love that he still has the green chair Allie is sitting in, in this photo
His Life
Laurie's First Soccer Game
July 13, 2020
by Allison Grey
"I first started at Haliburton Park when I was seven years old, and I was wearing a pair of gum boots... I actually wasn't playing on the team, I was sitting on the slide and the coach said to come and play. He put me out at right half and he told me 'you stay there,' and I didn't. I took the odd swing at the ball, but I never moved."
Southend Team
July 10, 2020
by Allison Grey
3rd from the right in the back row, his father George 'Yukie' Grey over his shoulder.
Choir
July 10, 2020
by Allison Grey
He hated having to do choir haha but it's still a good shot of him in the paper.
Recent stories
Back Playing
July 3, 2021
Cant believe a year has gone, the lads are back playing Thursday ball after a long covid break. and missing your swivel hip moves. Magic is still plonking his ass next to your spot in the dressing room but is not allowed to sit on you plaque. The lads still talk about you and still see you having a few Harps. Missed and not forgotten.
July 3, 2021
by Glen Murphy
At the celebration of Laurie's life, held at Pioneer Park, at one point we were asked if anyone had stories they wanted to share. I hesitated, but I shouldn't have. I had a lot of fun moments with my friend Laurie, and here's one of them. One summer evening Laurie and I were paired as central midfielders for the Over-55s, and that night we were set to play an Over-45 team that was soon to be leaving to play in big tournament in New Zealand. The Over-45s were really good and really fit, and they absolutely battered us for about 80 minutes, but our goalie was having a blinder, and our defence held, so miraculously it was still 0 - 0. I should add that Laurie and I ran our asses off. Anyway, soccer being the game that it is, out of the blue in the last ten minutes we got a couple of flukey breaks, they collapsed, and we won 4 - 0. We had been completely outplayed, so shaking hands at the end was a little embarrassing.
We were thrilled with ourselves, so the dressing room was rockin'. After a few beers, and lies about how great we had played, the singing began. At one point Laurie and I stood up and sang "Unchained Melody", by the Righteous Brothers. Now, I don't know if you remember the Righteous Brothers, but there was the tall guy with the good voice, and the short, blond guy with the squeeky voice who gyrated about like a whirling durvish. Well, Laurie had a good voice, and that's all I want to say about that. Anyway, Laur, you were a great guy, and I miss you.
We were thrilled with ourselves, so the dressing room was rockin'. After a few beers, and lies about how great we had played, the singing began. At one point Laurie and I stood up and sang "Unchained Melody", by the Righteous Brothers. Now, I don't know if you remember the Righteous Brothers, but there was the tall guy with the good voice, and the short, blond guy with the squeeky voice who gyrated about like a whirling durvish. Well, Laurie had a good voice, and that's all I want to say about that. Anyway, Laur, you were a great guy, and I miss you.
July 15, 2020
by Perry Logan
Hi Laurie
It was a privilege to wear the same jersey and a bigger privilege to call you a friend. Your kindness was never forgotten and I hope you're enjoying a pint surrounded by other great footballers complaining about Telford's shuttles. You hated them more than me.
I'm sorry you're gone but you left your mark. Take care Laurie!
Perry Logan
It was a privilege to wear the same jersey and a bigger privilege to call you a friend. Your kindness was never forgotten and I hope you're enjoying a pint surrounded by other great footballers complaining about Telford's shuttles. You hated them more than me.
I'm sorry you're gone but you left your mark. Take care Laurie!
Perry Logan