Donald Louis Gray

Don was born in Seattle on September 13, 1944, to John Louis Gray and Frances Denney Gray. His dad served in the U.S. Navy as a recruiter, and as such the family traveled for 20 years around the eastern United States, as well as The Philippines. After John retired from the Navy, the family returned to Seattle. Don attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1962 - the year of the Seattle World's Fair. He also attended the University of Washington, where he was a member of Acacia Fraternity.

Don enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served four years; after training in the U.S., he was stationed in places that included Okinawa, Japan, and Viet Nam. He returned home to Seattle and began working for the Washington State Employment Security Department. He worked at several of the offices (downtown, Ballard, Westwood Village, and Rainier Valley), before retiring because of health problems.

He often admitted that one of the smartest things he ever did was to marry his wife Judy. They had known each other since birth because their respective parents were life-long friends from their own high school days. Don and Judy married in August 1973. They lived in the Magnolia neighborhood for 29 years before moving to the Broadview area. They enjoyed traveling to the Palm Springs area and Arizona to get some sun (and "play" at a game called golf) during "school vacations." He also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Whidbey Island.

Don was very interested in genealogy and spent many hours studying and researching his families' roots. He received a Continuing Education Certificate from the University of Washington for a course of study and special project. He once traveled to Salt Lake City to study at the extensive LDS library; and he was active in the local chapter of Seattle Genealogy Society, including attending seminars and workshops and well as serving as an officer of the group.

He was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the late1990's, and the disease took its toll. It affected his eyes and kidneys, although his team of doctors kept him from further losses of those functions. Through two separate surgeries, however, he lost both of his legs (below the knee): the left in 2003 and the right in 2008. He was fitted with prosthesis after each surgery, so he was able to walk with his "new legs." He was never embarrassed by his prosthetics; he wore shorts all year round.

Travel did become more difficult, although he was able to visit his mother in California for her 92nd birthday in March 2012. [editor's note: I think it was the first-class airline ticket that made it possible.] He was also able to see many family friends at a summer gathering on Hood's Canal, thanks to special friends Susan and Roger.

Don's sudden and unexpected passing was a shock to everyone. The Medic I squad and local firefighters did their best to revive him and transport him to Northwest Hospital. The doctors and nurses in the ER as well as the team in ICU tried their best to diagnose the problem and save him. In the end, Don's heart and body gave up; he had gone through enough these past several years. After hearing of Don's death, his primary physician called to say that Don was an amazing patient. During office visits, Don always had a positive attitude and he didn't let his physical difficulties get him down.

Survivors include his wife Judy in Seattle; and his mother Frances Gray and sister Terrie McClelland (Jonathan) and a nephew, who all live in California. He has two aunts and several cousins in Alabama, and he was "Uncle D" to many nephews and nieces in Seattle.

No formal service was held. Instead, a summer gathering will be planned to celebrate Don's life with family and friends. If you wish, memorials can be sent to the Seattle Genealogy Society, PO Box 15329, Seattle 98115, or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312.