Born 2nd July 1941 in Seacroft Leeds, Vic was the youngest and sixth child of Herbert and Beatrice, brother of Roy, Jean, Irene, Betty and Bobby. He went to Crossgates School, he passed his 11+ but refused to go to Roundhay Grammar School because none of his friends were going. In 1962 in a rare example of a daughter listening to a parent, Elaine took her mother's advice and accepted Vic's request for a date. They married on 26 September 1964 and enjoyed 44 happy years of marriage. Vic, husband and soul mate of Elaine, father to Sarah, Becky, Mathew and Ben. Grandpa to Jake, Lauren, Joshua, William and Libby, Vic also had a special place in his heart for Zoe and Becky. He was a much loved Uncle, Brother-in-law, cousin, friend and colleague to many many people - especially those gathered here today. The family joke was that 'little Vic' was the tallest member of his family and that Elaine was the smallest in hers, and so they were the perfect couple. It is also a fact that even with relatives about 7ft tall, Vic Gray could look any man in the eye, such was his character and standing. If I may pick on 3 aspects of his character: His Love of his Family. He loved Elaine and the children and grandchildren. Through good times and bad Vic never lost faith, was always there providing his love and support and, as far as I can tell, it was never Vic who smacked the children. Vic loved people. He called everybody 'luv'. Wherever he went, Vic knew someone, and more often than not, he knew everyone. A man of integrity no-one had a bad word to say about Vic, he saw the good side of everybody, never had to raise his voice, rarely swore, and a man of his word. A man of many talents, Vics skills were evident from the Sultan of Oman's Palace to 38 Church Street. Perhaps the best evidence for all of us was the bar in the cellar. Long had he promised himslf to do something about the cellar, and after a trip to Canada he set about it with the skill and enthusiasm we know so well, and where together we all enjoyed so much happiness. Finally, Vic loved life; he had a great sense of humour-why else would he let a Scouse speak now! He was the man everyone wanted in the quiz team; he was well read, loved music, dancing and sports - especially any team with Leeds or Yorkshire in the name. He was ridiculously young and good looking and loved to tell of the time a barman asked him for proof of his age; "I have children older than you" he claimed. He also had some great sayings, 'Oysters', 'Oafness', 'Little Nit', 'As tired as nine frogs hopping round the world' and when driving'We should have been down there'. And right now he would be saying 'Jilldi Jilldi', Chris - get a move on. And though this is a time of grief and mourning, when there is time to reflect, let us remember the many happy times we spent in Vic's company, and let us give thanks that our lives were touched to the good, because we knew and loved Vic Gray, a giant of a man.