Allen Michael Grey

Dr. Allen Grey, MD, passed away on March 15, 2026, at the age of 66, after a short battle with cancer. He was a father, a doctor, a brother, an uncle, a friend, and one of the most curious and enthusiastic people you could ever meet.

Allen was born April 19, 1959, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Dr. Howard Grey, MD, and Dr. Hilda Grey, PhD. Growing up with his brothers Harry and Stuart, it was clear from an early age that Allen was both incredibly smart and endlessly curious about the world. He graduated from Smoky Hill High School in 1977, attended Colorado College on a track and football scholarship, and later finished his undergraduate degree at the Colorado School of Mines, where he played rugby and earned a degree in chemical engineering. He went on to graduate with honors from the University of Utah School of Medicine in 1992 and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa in 1996. Allen married Kate Zisch, and together they had three children, Sophie, Hannah, and Will.

In 1996, Allen moved to Grand Junction, Colorado with his family, where he practiced ophthalmology for the rest of his career through his private practice and at the VA hospital. He completed numerous international medical trips through Vision Health International, performing surgeries in underserved communities in Central America. He cared deeply about his patients and practicing medicine the right way, with intelligence, integrity, and compassion. Many of his patients became friends.

Being outside, in nature, was truly living to Allen. He loved Alaska and deep-sea fishing trips, he loved hiking, camping, meaningful conversations, and places that felt authentic. He also loved to travel and took his family all over the world, giving his kids a sense of curiosity and adventure that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

He loved sports in every form, whether playing, coaching, or watching them. He coached countless youth teams over the years, and many of those kids revere him as a mentor and friend to this day. He was a longtime Denver Broncos season ticket holder, and a super fan with encyclopedic football knowledge. Some of the happiest hours of his life were spent watching games with friends and family.

But more than anything else, Allen loved being a dad, and he was the best there was. He showed up as a supportive and loving guide throughout his children's lives and prioritized the importance of loving and being loved.

Allen was funny, brilliant, intense, generous, and deeply engaged with life. He was the kind of person who walked into a room excited to be there. He loved ideas, he loved people, he loved experiences, and he loved his family more than anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Howard Grey and Dr. Hilda Grey, and his brother Harry Grey. He is survived by his children, Sophie Grey, Hannah Grey, and Will Grey, and their mother Kate Grey; his daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn Grey; and his brother, Stuart Grey. His absence leaves a hole that cannot be filled, but his influence, stories, humor, and the way he loved people will stay with everyone who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held in Spring on Glade Park. Friends, former patients, colleagues, and community members are welcome. Service details and updates will be posted at https://www.caringbridge.org/site/33ad564d-2d50-11f1-aa4e-018d5f5548d3?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations in Allen's memory to Mesa County Animal Services in honor of his lifelong love of animals.