Roger Lynn Gray

Roger Lynn Gray passed away peacefully Friday, April 28th, after an 84-year lifetime defined by warmhearted kindness and dedication toward those he loved. Roger — or “Rog” to a lucky group who knew him best — was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, sibling, son, and friend. As an ardent lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. He also was a lover of pets and enjoyed a nightly round of ice cream or popcorn. Roger was born in Grand Rapids, MI on Sept. 10th, 1938, to Don and Elaine Gray. He was the youngest of three, having an older brother Leo, and sister Sandy. He attended Creston High School until serving in the Marines Marine Corps from 1955 to 1958. Roger began his life’s crowning work as a true family man, becoming a loving father to Deb, Todd, Pam, and Jodi, and marrying his beloved wife Lucy (née Hamstra) in 1966 — whom he met at Westgate Bowling Alley, and remained devoted to until her passing in 2015. Despite his strong work ethic, Roger also knew how to enjoy quality time with family and friends — whether around Grand Rapids or some favorite getaways. Countless fun memories were forged up north, near Mesick, which was a year-round destination for pursuits like fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. In retirement, Roger and Lucy spent many memorable winters in Destin, Florida, and established a new community of friends there. After Lucy’s stroke in 2010 they spent weekends at Big Star Lake where he could continue to enjoy the outdoors and spend time fishing and boating with his family. While he could often be quiet or reserved, Roger’s warmth always spoke volumes. Ever supportive, he was a staple at sporting events for his grandchildren and kept a pristine swimming pool ready for their visits, in his wonderfully maintained backyard. Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy; his parents, Don and Elaine; his sister, Sandy Smitter; and sister-in-law, Alice Gray. Surviving are his children, Debra (Matt) Dupre, Todd (Sheila) Gray, Pam (Richard) Czarniecki, Jodi (Chad) Boucher; grandchildren, Sam Dupre, Alex Dupre, Bryce Gray, Seneca Gray, Becky Crawford, Emily Bouma, Jacob Czarniecki, Lexie Miedema, Austin Miedema, Kaden Boucher, Avery Boucher; several great-grandchildren; brother Leo Gray; and companion, Linda Murphy. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 9th, 2023, at MKD (formerly Stegenga Funeral Chapel), 1601 Post Drive, NE, Belmont MI. His family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, May 8th, 2023, from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the Funeral Chapel. Interment will be at Blythefield Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions in Roger’s name may be made to The American Diabetes Association.