Robert Alphon Gray
September 17, 1929 - August 10, 2008
Obituary
ROBERT ALPHON GRAY
Robert Gray, formerly of Everett, WA and Ocean Shores, WA, passed away surrounded by his family on August 10, 2008. He was born September 17, 1929 in Bellingham, WA, the oldest of seven children, to Helen Amelia Hovick and Carl Alphon Gray.
Bob graduated in 1947 from Bainbridge High School and served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict. He was a proud retiree of Todd’s Shipyard in Seattle and was the first graduate of their boilermaker apprenticeship program in 1954. He was a life member of Lynnwood Elks Lodge #2171 holding the office of Exalted Ruler and a Past District Deputy; life member of Genesis Masonic Lodge #305; member of VFW Post #1040; Deputy Instructor, Past Patron and life member of Alderwood #185 and Montesano #21 Chapters, Order of the Eastern Star. His greatest joy came from working with his hands, camping, traveling, golf, watching the Mariner’s and spending time with family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Donna and children Sharon Gray of Everett, WA and Bob Dorita Gray of Ferndale, WA; brothers Bill Ruth Gray of Stanwood, WA; Frank Judith Gray of Mesa, AZ; and Larry Gray of Callahan, FL; sisters Annette VandeSande of Bend, OR and Mavis Chuck McIntyre of Glen Burnie, MD; special sisters-in-law Paulette Gerry Bowen of Fairfield, OH, and Janet Hineman of SeaTac, WA; numerous nieces and nephews; and four grand-dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty Marshall.
The family extends their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Regency Care Center in Arlington for their love and nurturing care over the past four years.
A memorial service is planned for August 18th at 1:00 p.m. at the Lynnwood Elks Lodge, 6620 196th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA. Interment was on August 14th at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
Donations may be made to the memorial of your choice, the American Parkinson Disease Association/Washington Chapter or the Washington Elks Therapy Program for Children.
On-line remembrance can be left at http://bonneywatson.com/_mgxroot/page_10775.php?id=569937
Our sincere condolences to you, Donna, and your family. We shall cherish our memories of our friendship with Bob and your time as our neighbors. Our thoughts are with you.
We had such great times at Elks functions, and the camping – the memories will always remain. Thanks, Bob, for being part of our life’s journey.
Bob was always so full of love and you could tell he really enjoyed life.. We especially remember the home that Joe enjoyed building for him and Donna at Ocean Shores.. He had fun collecting golf balls that landed on their property, and sometimes made a dent in the house.. It was fun to go visit them and hear his stories.. He will truly be missed, but the good Lord has welcomed him home in Heaven after such a long illness..
We Love you, Donna Take Care!!
Joe & Gloria
Bob will be very much missed, and will always be remembered as loving life and all who he met and met him. He and Donna were so lucky to have met and been able to share so many wonderful years together. How comforting it is to know he is in a much more peaceful place, and his long hard struggle is over. Donna, it is also time for you to feel very proud, and get a well deserved rest, and remember with many smiles of your wonderful life together till you meet again. We love you, and Sharon and Bobby . All our Prayers are with you. Barbara and Jack Evans
We are so sorry we didn’t stay in closer touch after you moved from OS. We remember you introducing us to the “Yucca Jug”. What wonderful times we had camping. Just not enough of them. Bob & Barb Dennis
Thank you for the camping memories and of course the “puck in the hole” game. You and your family are good people. Bob you will be missed.
I Love You!! I will forever miss you!! and we had a Great 53-year Ride!! I will be fine and so will Sharon, Bob & Dorita . . . Until We Meet Again.
It was great knowing you, Robert. Best to your family. Masonic love