1937-2022
Don M. Grayston passed peacefully away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 16, 2022. He was born on August 16, 1937, to Harold George William Grayston and Melba Catherine Grimm in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He married Geraldine Gray on August 14, 1959, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He was a loving and devoted husband and missed Geri every day after her passing in 2018.
Don was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served faithfully in various callings. He will long be remembered for his love for his family and his incredible talent as a photographer.
Don found his passion in life much earlier than most people. At 15 years old, he was hired by the Deseret News as a “copy kid.” This began his 47-year Deseret News career. Fascinated early by photography, he bought a used camera and started collecting other equipment.
Don joined the National Guard as a public information photographer and attended the U.S. Army Signal Corps School of Photography in Mammoth, New Jersey. He began his photography career with the Deseret News as one of the youngest hired photographers and eventually became one of the youngest Chief Photographers.
Don developed a passion for action photography and became a photographer for the ABA and the NBA, taking many incredible photos through the famous Stockton and Malone years. He especially enjoyed photographing the NBA Finals between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls in 1997 and 1998. He won many awards for his work.
When he wasn’t behind the camera, Don spent his life serving and spending time with his family. He coached all three of his sons in little league and loved fishing and boating. His children grew up going to their cabin at Strawberry Reservoir and learning to water ski at Lake Powell.
Don is remembered for being patient, kind, open-minded, accepting, selfless, and easygoing. He spent the later years of his life caring for his wife while she was in poor health patiently and with a smile. His example of kindness and devotion continues to be an example for his family.
Don is survived by his four children, Randy D. Grayston (Liz), Scott H. Grayston (Pam), Lane W. Grayston (Pam), Gina Knorr (Brett), 17 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, February 20, from 6-8 P.M. at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Another viewing will be held on Monday, February 21 at 11 A.M., followed by a funeral service at Valley View Stake Center, 2245 E. 3900 S. Salt Lake City.
YouTube event
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://youtu.be/hKZ-Ev-iqYA__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!eJEomupLIzAUZsHv-0_zqzUDa9qng01_olByr8jlK_cRTlqiOiTnWZ8kYke7xvnLqgdbAOIg$ [youtu[.]be]
Stake YouTube Channel
https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/c/SaltLakeValleyViewStakeBroadcasts__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!eJEomupLIzAUZsHv-0_zqzUDa9qng01_olByr8jlK_cRTlqiOiTnWZ8kYke7xvnLqhuAIFgK$ [youtube[.]com]
