Biography:

Dr. Reginald Vavasour Bray was born in Chatham, Ontario on the 24th of February, 1869.  Dr. Bray was the eldest of 3 children born to Dr. John Lang Bray and the former Madeline Isobel Vavasour Noel. His father was a well-respected physician practicing medicine in Chatham.  His brothers were Walter Treleaven Bray and John Noel Bray.  Dr. Reginald V. Bray was educated in Chatham and he graduated from the old Chatham High School. He furthered his education at Trinity Medical School and graduated M.D. from The University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine on June 1st, 1890.  According to the 1892 Ontario Medical Register Dr. Bray joined the College of Physician and Surgeons on the 22nd of May, 1890.

After graduation, Dr. Bray practised medicine in Mooretown, (Moore Twp Lambton County) for a short time, before returning to his home town of Chatham and joining his father in his medical practice.

Dr. Bray married Mary Tackaberry on the 24th of October, 1894 in Chatham.  Mrs. Bray was born in Toronto on the 17th of June, 1868, the eldest of 6 children born to William Leonard Tackaberry and the former Maggie Watson.  Her siblings were;  Margaret Charlotte Tackaberry, Hannah Tackaberry, Edith Maud Tackaberry, Kathleen Ethel Tackaberry (who died of croup at the age of 5 years old) and William Watson Tackaberry.  By 1871 the Tackaberry family lived in Chatham where Mr. Tackaberry was a merchant.  Mrs. Bray was a piano/music teacher.

Dr. Bray served in an executive capacity with the Kent Children’s Aid Society for 8 years.   Dr. Bray was the Superintendent of the Anglican Church Sunday School.  He lectured on medical matters to the Chatham Industrial Night School and to the nurses at the Public General Hospital. In January of 1905, Dr. Bray was elected Chairman of the Chatham Water Board. Like his father, he was appointed as a Coroner in April of 1907. He was elected Chairman of the Board of Health in January of 1911 and in 1912 and again in 1919. Dr. Bray was elected Chairman of the Chatham Library Board in February of 1914. He was instrumental in acquiring support for the purchase of books. In January of 1919, he was appointed as the Medical Representative to treat discharged soldiers and sailors.  At the time of his death, Dr. Bray was Chief Scout Master of the Boy Scouts.

Dr. Bray enjoyed bowling, curling and playing cricket.

Dr. Bray’s medical practice appears in the 1913 Bell Telephone Directory.  His office was located at 63 Sixth Street and his phone number was 23.  According to the 1920 Vernon’s City of Chatham Business Directory, Dr. Bray’s medical office was located at 117 Wellington St. West.

Mrs. Bray was an active member of I.O.D.E. serving as Regent at least twice.  Dr. and Mrs. Bray resided at 25 Dufferin Ave., in Chatham.

Dr. Reginald V. Bray died at his residence from complications of pneumonia on the 2nd of October, 1921.  Mrs. Bray died at her residence on the 17th of June, 1935.  Dr. and Mrs. Bray were buried at Maple Leaf Cemetery (in the Tackaberry family plot) in Chatham.

*Dr. Bray’s father, Dr. John Lang Bray is also featured on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.  

**Dr. Bray’s brother Walter Treleaven Bray served with the United States Army during WWI.

***Mrs. Bray’s brother, William Watson Tackaberry served with the United States Military during WWI.