Robert Hampton Gray was born to John Balfour and Wilhelmina Gray – his father was a veteran of the Boer War. One of three children, “Hammy” (as his friends called him) was an adventurous and light-hearted soul who was liked and admired by all who knew him.

After graduating from high school, Hammy would eventually find himself attending the University of British Columbia. While attending university, Hammy was involved with many fraternity and other activities including the campus yearbook.