In Loving Memory of Adam Gray: 1988-2021

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On the way home to his family after work on Friday night, July 9, 2021, Adam stopped in to pick up sunflowers to take to his loving partner, Bethanee, and daughter, Moira. Upon returning to his car he passed away, not making it home that evening, the flowers lay on the seat next to him. 

Adam Joseph Gray, our youngest son, was born in August 1988, during one of the hottest summers of that time. He was due to arrive in September but just couldn’t wait to get started with his life. He wanted his life to be interesting, and that it was from the day he was born. Even as a child he was a “dawn to dusker.” 

Adam’s life pathway was full of detours and winding roads that were often met with challenges that he overcame with the enduring support of his family. He spent a year in the deep south in Georgia working in an oil and water recycling plant until he readied himself for college, and also was a commercial fisherman in Naknek, Alaska for two summers with Ostling cousins. He was his own person, talented in the arts, music (guitar, banjo, and piano), and a damn good certified welder (Pinnacle Fabrication). Most of all he was a devoted Daddy to his little girl, Moira Wren Gray, and his partner, the love of his life, Bethanee. 

He broadened our knowledge and challenged our viewpoints on many topics, even those we weren’t so sure we wanted to know. He knew facts and figures about things that would make you wonder: “Who is this guy?” He had an old soul, a quick wit, and a wicked sense of humor, all underlined by a deep kindness for his friends and family he loved. He made all of our lives interesting. 

For formal education, Adam was awarded an AA in Art and an ATA in Welding from Centralia College. In addition, he attended Central Washington University working towards a BA in Art. Art was a big part of his life; from creating 3D figures from a strand of wire to portrait paintings of his beloved. 

Adam is survived by his daughter, Moira Wren; loving partner, Bethanee Caviness and her son, Jack; parents, Mark and Sheila (Ostling) Gray; brother, Lucas Graybuck and wife, Katie; grandmother, Vernita Ostling; auntie Betsy Caesar, uncle Dan Gray, auntie Zena LaRosa (Jim); cousins, Allyson (Steve) Flick; Lindsey LaRosa, Mona (Bryan) Johnson; Mike Caesar, Matt (Zoe) Caesar; Amelia (Yan) Filyurin; Marie (Andy) Wu, as well as many second cousins. And his dearest friends, Ashley and Brian Myers, and son, Ezra. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jack and Patricia Gray; maternal grandfather, Leo Ostling, and uncle, Jim Caesar. 

A private family graveside service will be held July 30, 2021 at Mountainview Cemetery, Auburn, WA. A Celebration of Life gathering for Adam’s friends will be held at Schaeffer Park, Centralia, WA on August 1, 2021 at noon. Details for Moira’s education fund will be available at both events. Gofund.me/a93d10fb