Robert "Rob" Gray

Robert "Rob" Gray, 54, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed from this life to the next on Friday, June 24th, 2022, at his home. Born on May 5, 1968, in Fort Wayne, he was a son of John and Patricia "Pat" Gray. Robert is survived by cousins, Janis Reche (John), and Jeffery Doty; and a family of friends gathered from the many lives he touched. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Gray; and sister, Nancy L. Gray. Through his life, Robert worked as a processing technician for McJon and Fuji Photo, a baggage handler for the Fort Wayne Airport Authority, and most recently, as a pharmacy tech for Walmart. Robert was a big personality. The things that brought him joy gave him infectious smiles and robust exclamations that could not be contained to just one room. Robert had a passionate interest in trains and naval vessels. He often combined that interest with his love of gaming. His favorite board games were about trains, and he brought ocean and rail themes to his favorite tabletop role playing games where he enjoyed exploring universes of Star Trek, Star Wars, fantasy, pirates, and cyberpunk. Epics of imaginative writing let him experience worlds entirely of his own making. In Robert's quiet times, he was contemplative and thoughtful. His passion, faith, and creativity ran deep. For his friends he cared greatly, always offering compassion and support in any way he knew how. He leaves behind a distinctly Robert-shaped hole with his absence. Robert would not take pleasure in the grief and mourning of his loved ones—he would find peace in the warmth of our hearts and memories made together. So you will understand when I say, 'Death is that state in which one exists only in the memory of others...which is why it is not an end.' No goodbyes. Just good memories. Hailing frequencies closed, sir." ~ Tasha Yar to Jean-Luc Picard in "Skin of Evil" A memorial service to honor Robert's life and legacy will be held at 8:00 pm on Monday, October 17th, 2022, at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, with calling beginning at 5:00 pm, until time of service. Memorial donations in his honor may be made directly to Waynedale Baptist Church, the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, or the Jack Vasel Memorial Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Robert's family may be shared at www.McCombandSons.com.