In Memory of Erlend Gray
What do you see when you look at this photo?
On the surface, it depicts a military working dog and his handler, kitted in a K9 Storm Aerial Insertion Vest and Intruder Camera System, storming into battle. You get a sense of their teamwork and movement simply by looking at them. It’s been one of my favorite photos in our collection for many years now.
Below the surface though, I don’t see any of those things anymore.
When I got the news that Erlend Gray, the handler in the photo, passed away after battling melanoma cancer for just over a year, I was heartbroken. Serving as part of the Norwegian SOF with multiple tours in Afghanistan under his belt, Erlend was a hardworking man of integrity, forward thinking, and respected by his peers throughout the tight-knit world of k9.
After his retirement from the military, he went on to start a consulting company in Norway called Norse Development Group that helped military and police agencies procure equipment for various operations. We worked on several projects specifically related to k9s in Norway, as his passion for dogs never wavered even after he left operations.
He battled his cancer diagnosis all the way till the end with both strength and honor.
Gone too soon, he leaves behind his loving family - Bjorg, Villjar, and Alma - the 3 biggest reasons he fought so hard in the first place.
Though his loss will be deeply felt here on earth, there’s one soul in heaven waiting for him with open arms.
His working dog, Pax, is surely ready to reunite with his handler once again.
To our amazing friend and his loyal companion.
That’s what I see when I look at this photo now.
——
Erlend Gray. December 15th, 2024
Photo 1: Pax’s original K9 Storm Vest and Intruder Camera System.
Photo 2: Erlend visiting us in Winnipeg to support Jimmy Hatch during “The Bet”. It was -40c outside that day, and even he admitted it was “kinda” cold.
Photo 3: Jim, Erlend, and Bjorg during a presentation.
Photo 4: Alma, Bjorg, Villjar, and Erlend Family Photo.