Private Frederick Nathan Gay

Birth: August 29, 1893 in Richmond, BC
Death: April 9, 1917 in France
Service: WWI
Regimental Number: 130228

Biography:
Fred Nathan Gay enlisted in Vancouver on January 29, 1916, giving his occupation as a farmer. His lived with his parents, William and Jane Gay who owned a dairy farm in Steveston. His father, William, served on Council in 1911, 1912 and 1913. Fred had one brother, George, and one sister.

He enlisted in the 72nd Battalion, Canadian Infantry which then transferred into the 72nd Overseas Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force. He embarked for Liverpool on board the Empress of Britain, arriving May 7 1916. He was transferred to the 12th Brigade, Canadian Machine Gun Corps on June 5, 1916 and arrived in France on August 13, 1916. In February 1917, Fred was sentenced to three days confinement for making an improper remark to a Non-Commissioned Officer. Fred Nathan Gay was killed in action April 9, 1917. His parents received a plaque, scroll and memorial cross from the Canadian government in 1921. Fred left his worldly goods to his mother. Mrs. Gay died in November 1940 at which time his father, William Gay, was still alive but in poor health.

History of the Road Name (Gay Road):

• Name suggested by letter from R.C. Palmer, City Clerk, to Reeve and Council, dated September 13, 1954 (Street Naming File 6818 - 1950-1955)
• Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Meeting of December 6, 1954, res. 935, pg. 611