Douglas Wayne Gray

Douglas Wayne Gray was born October 8, 1942 in Loveland, to Gene and Louise (Weldon) Gray. A lifelong resident of the Loveland vicinity, until his inherited longevity was shortened on May 3rd, due to medical conditions, which he fought with all his strength. Doug grew up on his family homestead which became part of Silvandale Ranch following the Big T Flood of ’76. He attended Big Thompson Elementary, and completed his primary schooling at the original Loveland High School, graduating with the Class of 1960.

Shortly thereafter, he joined the Colorado Army National Guard to serve his country. Proud to fly the nations colors, a true American that believed in the 1st & 2nd Amendments. An avid antiques & gun collector, always elated to go target practice “respectfully” which Doug proudly acknowledged was from his dad’s training. A man of quality business ethics, a responsible citizen, a friend that would get his hands greasy, give you a tow, or trouble shoot till the job gets done.

As a very young man he started his work career at Loveland Steam Laundry, which he had many stories to tell, working his way up the ladder, eventually driving the “canyon route” back in the day. Not long ago he was interview by the Reporter Herald about those days of town history. The Gray/Weldon influences run deep, mostly unknown but to a few, however Doug Gray’s legacy runs broad and deep just like the river he grew up on.

Doug’s interest and passion for motorized vehicles started at a young age, which lead him to make many fulfilling lifelong friendships. Whether travel was on pavement, dirt, rocks, sand, snow, or water: he loved to compete or just go have a blast. A true trill lover! His need for speed, performance and perfection was complimented by his outstanding mechanical mind and skillful hands. An owner of many Corvettes through his lifetime, some of which he regretted ever selling. Ironically, luck of the draw, his current plate of “DLC” … ”Doug Loves Corvettes” says it all!

Off Road racing, Ice racing, Truck Pulls, Sand drags, Car shows, Poker Runs are but a few facets in which Doug was held with highest esteem by his competitors. All who knew him can attest to the anticks, escapades, and crazy stunts that he walked away unscathed. His vividly hilarious stories of train rides, motorcycles, high horsepower snowmobiles, and of course the golf cart hoorahs will always be cherished.

Doug loved music and even in the remotest sites, out on the dunes or at Annie’s Canyon at Powell, he’d be hauling the battery & cables powering the “suite case stereo”, full-size speakers & sound system. Famous for his CD mixes, old time comedy, the sombrero at the mag fires, race day potlucks, barstool night races, neon sunglasses, OD lived life to the fullest.

He was a founding lifetime member of the Big Thompson 4-Wheelers, which he helped establish over 54 years ago. “Pleasure” was part of the challenging trail rides, but his involvement with the 4WD organizations extended a heavy commitment to proper land use, trail restoration/maintenance projects for the US Forest Service, fund raising projects for nonprofit organization, public education, and recovery operations.

Doug found satisfaction in life attending innumerable social activities and outings including houseboating on Lake Powell, boating on Horsetooth Reservoir, league bowling, Bonko, club meetings, Friday Cruz nights, “Mexifest”, and many other opportunities that he enjoyed getting together with friends and family.

In 1985 Doug Gray established Grayco Precision in Berthoud, CO. As a highly skilled machinist and genius programmer, he designed parts from raw materials into intricate precision masterpieces utilizing CNC mills, lathes and turning machines. His expertise and craftsmanship provided long term contracts with many local and distant companies such as Colorado Time, Aerospace, Waterra, Merlan Controls and so many more.

Countless jobs of custom machine work went out the doors of Grayco for friends and strangers alike. Though a humble man, Doug held quiet pride in making parts for Carroll Shelby Cobra’s for decades, and was thrilled to be a vendor for such a historical racer and unattainable automotive legend. Having access beyond the visitor’s tour, where the cars were hand built and to see his own precision parts on the shelves was something but a few can claim fame.

In December of 2011 while delivering parts to Shelby America in Las Vegas, Doug was honored by a handshake and conversation with Tom Helton, President of NASCAR; which he was a huge fan of. A road trip to a cup race with friends was held in high regard on his to do list. A true example of the series moto: “Work hard, Play hard” …That’s who Doug Gray was!

Without a doubt the “Sand King” legacy started in 1985 with the first annual trip to St. Anthony, Idaho. A priority on the calendar every year, that’s where you would find him, whether in the old rear engine SHO or “Doug’s Dream” mid- engine LS-5 supercharged sand car. He’d be turning out crazy 8’s on Chokecherry Hill, pulling wheelies up Deadhorse, crossovers on the razorbacks, and blazing at highspeed doing hot laps around the rim of Devil’s Dune. Nothing made him happier, and surely there wasn’t a more satisfied man to stand around with a cold one in hand with his buddies telling stories of days gone by. Doug only missed 2 trips in 36 years. He will be sorely missed by so many family members, friends, comrades and colleagues.

Survived by his wife Jolene, son Derrell Gray, daughter Kendra Franks and their mother Linda Gray. Granddaughter Jaden Zeigler & husband Brent, their daughter Zoey & son Jaxson. Grandson Kyle Gray & wife Madison, and baby Gray due in October ‘22. Sister Gail Davis of Woodridge, IL. Family members Mark Blanchette. Brandon & Jenna Korgan, Joshua Korgan, Shelby & Eric Miller, Karina & Jesse Simpson, and their combined 12 children. Isayah Korgan, Destiny Krautschun, Freedom Howie and Nico Rioz. Gloria Gaslin & Allen Schell.

Doug Gray is preceded in death by his parents Gene Gray at 99yrs7 mo.& Louise Gray at 101yrs, Mike & Lil Michaels, many aunts, uncles, & relatives. Desarae & Donyel Korgan, baby “Pearl” Miller. And too many treasured friends.

A Celebration of life will be at Silvandale Ranch on Sunday June 5th from 3:00-8:00pm at the Gray homestead site, gathering at the Daddy J’s Pavilion. Memorial Runs are in the planning to some of Doug’s favorite locations. It would take volumes to recognize the entirety of this very special man’s life, so please attend if possible, and plan to do what Doug Gray did so well…share the stories! He was full of them…do him proud by bringing some of yours!