Glenn Thomas Kray's Obituary
Glenn Thomas Kray died peacefully at his home in Tacoma, Washington on a beautiful blue morning on September 20, 2014, surrounded by his family who loved him as much as life itself. A largely self-made man, Glenn was a lifelong learner who celebrated friendship, community, good dogs, dancing, kindness, and most of all his wife, Mimi, his forever partner in the American Dream’s immortal pursuit.
Born on March 10, 1941 in Syracuse, New York, the oldest child of George and Virginia Kray, Glenn always credited his parents with instilling in him a sense of fairness, civic duty, and a strong work ethic. He was a protective and supportive brother to his younger siblings, Kathy Ball, Jerry Kray (Tom Ketterman), and cherished baby sister Bonnie Sperato (Larry). Glenn’s beloved survivors also include his aunt Dorothy McDonald, cousins, sister-in-laws: Mary Mathews (Jerry) and Harriet Averill (Jeff), and nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
Glenn graduated from Eastwood High School in 1959, and was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating from LeMoyne College in 1963. At LeMoyne, he formed the school’s first ski team and managed to participate in races around the state while also working at the New York Telephone Company to finance his education. He married Mimi Jewell on November 9, 1963 and then spent six years in the U.S. Air Force before resigning as a Captain and entering law school.
Glenn graduated from the University of Denver law school in 1972, having served as an Editor of the Law Journal. He then joined the Colorado Bar Association and practiced law for 27 years as a partner at the Anderson, Campbell, and Laugesen firm in Denver.
What mattered above all else to Glenn was his role as a father to his sons: Jeff (Debbie) of Tacoma, Washington and Peter (Catherine) of Santa Fe, New Mexico along with cherishing time with his grandsons:
Corbin and Wyatt. He was the most loving, supportive husband possible to Mimi, his former 3rd grade classmate, lifelong best friend, and wife of 51-years.
His passions included accepting, embracing, and joyfully accomplishing challenges in his chosen sports: sailing, mountain climbing, kayaking, soaring, biking, marathon running, and, in particular, skiing, including years as a volunteer ski patroller at Vail and instructor at A-Basin, two renowned Colorado ski areas.
Retiring to Tacoma, Washington in 2000 brought Glenn the joy of not only living in the Northwest, but being in an idyllic neighborhood populated by amazing neighbors who have become like family. Membership in the Gyro Club of Tacoma further enriched his time in Pierce County.
Glenn’s wonderful intellect, quest for knowledge, outstanding athletic abilities, enthusiasm for each new day's adventure, daily walks with his fifth German Shepherd (Murphy), and loving time with Mimi were eventually taken by Alzheimer's Disease. Glenn's family will forever appreciate his beyond attentive doctors Erin Dodge, Needham Ward, Dale Golden, and caregivers, especially Cheryl, Melody, and the loving staff at the Weatherly Inn.
Glenn's life was well lived. No unturned stones, no challenge or adventure ever unaccepted, and much joy and love always! He and those who loved him were blessed by his quiet, constant, and compassionate guidance and support. Those in his life have much for which to be grateful.
A Memorial Service will be: Saturday, October 4, 2:00 PM 2014 at St. Luke’s Memorial Episcopal Church, 3615 North Gove Street, Tacoma, WA 98407, followed by a reception in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to: The Alzheimer's Association; Humane Society Tacoma-Pierce County, WA; Heart and Soul Animal Sanctuary, Santa Fe, NM; or a charity of your choice.
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