Theodore Gray

Theodore “Ted” Gray, 88, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, died January 15, 2017, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Family will be greeting visitors from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Monday, January 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a time of sharing will begin at 7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, January 17, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck, with Rev. Larry G. Jahnke officiating. Ted was born June 16, 1928, in St. Cloud, MN, the son of Theodore and Nola (Hendricks) Gray. The family moved to Minot when he and his brother, Roy, were young. Ted married Colleen “Mickey” Gray on April 1, 1950, and the couple had five perfect children, Steve (deceased), Jeff (Kathy) Gray, Paula (Tom) Haider, Kevin Gray, and John (Massy) Gray. Ted served in the Army during WWII and the Korean War as a forward observer and paratrooper. After discharge, he attended college and worked on the BN Railroad while raising his family. Ted taught school in several states as the family adventures continued, eventually settling in Minot. Ted was a member of the Presbyterian Church and many civic organizations. His favorite stories were of family camping, fishing, golf, hunting, playing pool, and woodworking. Even though Ted was very accomplished, he always believed his family was his greatest accomplishment! His final week was filled with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren by his side. Our humor and strength and our family bond will be his enduring legacy. We will never forget the lessons of ethics, perseverance, hard work, and stubborn loyalty. In his final days, he would open his eyes and look at us so lovingly. Although he didn’t often display sentimentalities, in his final days he expressed love, appreciation, and kindness for his family, (and that John still owes him money!) Ted is survived by his children; his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen “Mickey” Gray; and his son, Steve.