Marist St Pats

Former MSP winger Wayne Gray passed away suddenly on the 29th December. Wayne, or Barney as he was more commonly known, was a regular feature of the MSP sides during the 80s racking up over 100 games for the Red Machine.

A clever thinking player he had the ability to be in the right place at the right time; his no nonsense approach seeing him being selected for Wellington from 1983-87 and the NZ Maori team in 1987. A naturally gifted sportsman he excelled at tennis where he was NZ Maori singles champion and in later years at golf playing off a single figure handicap.

As his playing days came to an end he turned his hand to coaching at Marist St Pats, teaming up with Ross Bond for a couple of successful years at colts level including winning the Rheineck Cup Colts competition.

A builder by trade, he spent a number of years as the Publican at the Cambridge Hotel where his hospitality was second to none in Wellington at the time. A larger than life character ,his humour, friendship and ability to enjoy life will be missed by all who knew him.

Wayne's Funeral will be held at Harveys Chapel, Rangatira St, Otaki at 11am on Thursday 2 January.