Louis Nichols Gray's Obituary
Louis was born in Seattle, WA to Elisha and Jane Gray in April 1938. He then resided in Tacoma and graduated from Stadium High School in 1956. A highly intelligent, well versed individual, he started studying Sociology at the University of Washington where he obtained his Bachelors, Masters, and PHD. During this course of work and spreading his passion of education is where he met his wife Robin in 1962 at the World’s Fair.
In 1965 they were married in Seattle, WA. and then took on what would be 40 years of teaching, and 47 years of residence at WSU in Pullman, WA. His life was more than education, statistics, and mathematics. He was especially passionate for music, especially Jazz, and a great supporter of the arts at WSU.
Louis was talented in many ways adept with drums, the flute, and playing the piano. His heart, outside of his family was with his students and it showed. An annual award was derived in his name, and he was the first recipient in 1998 from the graduate students “The Louis Gray Graduate Student Advocate Award” which honors how he mentored and guided them.
He passed away peacefully December 2014 and will be deeply missed by all he touched, but especially his family. He is survived in death by his wife Robin of 49 years, his daughter Jane Harris (Thomas), his two grandchildren Olivia and Jacqueline, step brother Robert Roen and step sister Carolyn Houghton (Richard).
Donations can be made to the WSU Art Museum, the School of Music, or the Sociology Department.
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