This is posted on the Beach Radio website:Vernon Vipers Owner Passes Away
Vernon, BC, Canada / 1075 Beach Radio Vernon
Tom Mark
January 11, 2018
Shocking news today that the owner of the Vernon Vipers has died.
Duncan Wray, who has owned the franchise since 1992, passed away in his sleep last night.
The voice of the Vipers on Beach Radio, Graham Turnbull, says it’s a tragic loss.
“He’s been the one mainstay since the beginning. He’s bred success. That’s one thing that will always stand out with Duncan. He was so passionate about junior hockey, the BCHL, the Vernon Vipers, this community, that he brought a stable, winning presence to the organization.
Turnbull says Wray’s role as Chairman of the Board of the BCHL has helped the league trend in the right direction for a number of years.
On a personal note, Turnbull says the way Wray treated him was the way he treated everyone he dealt with.
“He treated me like I was a member of the family. He’d give me the shirt off his back if that’s what I needed. Was always there to support me and I know that was something that he did for a lot of people, outside of the organization as well as everybody up and down the office and the hockey staff as well.”
Graham says it is going to be a hard time for the players, but he knows that they will respond with respect and admiration.
“Guys like Jagger Williamson, who have been here for four years, they know the impact that Duncan has had and the love that he had for the team individually and as a group. I don’t think too much will have to be said. The actions and the thoughts will sort of speak for themselves.”
Turnbull says since buying the franchise in 1992, Wray turned it into the number one ranked Junior A
hockey franchise in the CJHL.
He also served on the Board of Governors of the BCHL since 1992 and at the time of his death was the Chairman of the Board.
It’s a tragic loss for the Vernon Vipers and the city as a whole.
Duncan Wray, who has owned the Vernon Hockey Club since 1992 passed away in his sleep last night.
As owner, Wray guided the club to four national championships and runner-up in 2011.
The team won seven B.C. Hockey League championships and six Doyle Cup B.C.-Alberta championships.
Wray has also been serving as Chairman of the Board of the B.C. Hockey League.