Dad Of The Month!

Gary Gray

Where do you live?
I have lived all over the state of Oregon due to job transfers while working in the banking industry. I am currently living in Oregon City with my wife, Nancy. We moved here from Bend 6 years ago to be close to our sons and their families.

What is your profession?
I worked for the bank for over 33 years and took early retirement as soon as I qualified. I got my General Contractors license along with a Real Estate license at the same time and decided to build houses instead of sell them. I am working as an all around handyman at this time which keeps me very busy. I do special, as needed, projects for my wife and our sons, too.

What do you drive?
Right now my ride is a 2004 3/4 ton Chevy pickup.

What are you reading?
The book I’m reading at this time is, ”The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. I saw Randy on TV and was fascinated by his story so decided to buy his book. He is truly an inspiration and a great role model for all of us.

What music are you listening to?
Most of the time I listen to Soft Rock. I also like Country and some Pop music. Whenever I hear “Hold on Tight to Your Dreams” during an Ad on TV, I always stop and listen.

What's the last movie you saw?
My wife and I saw “3:10 to Yuma”. I have a hard time watching movies today as they move the camera around way too much. I always end up with a headache.

How long have you been married?
My wife, Nancy and I have been for married 43 years this coming July. We went to high school together and are one of seven couples from our class that married a fellow classmate. We both have a very strong sense of “family” and that has been one of our main foundations.

Kids names and ages?
My oldest son, Steven, is 41 and has been married to his wife, Becky, for 18 years. They have a daughter, Monica who will be 11 this year and a son, Jeremy, who is 8. My younger son, Rick, is 38 and has been married to his wife, Dawn, for 13 years. They have son, Alex, who is nearly 2 and are expecting a daughter this summer. Along with my wife, these children and grandchildren are the center of my life.

Describe your favorite family vacation?
I enjoy camping with the family either at the beach or somewhere in Central Oregon where we can take the boat.

Your thoughts on being a Dad?
Family first. When I was working, I always said the only reason I work is to support my family. It’s great to watch your kids grow and become parents themselves. It gives me great satisfaction and pride to see the men my sons have become.

How do you juggle family and work?
Right now that is not a problem as my children are now adults and have become independent of me. When they were growing up, however, my wife and I chose activities that were family-oriented. This way, my family was always my priority.

What's your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Over the years our family has always enjoyed a variety of outdoor activities such as snow and water skiing, camping and hiking, running and attending various sporting events. It really doesn’t matter what we are doing, I just like hanging out with my family.

What advice would you give to new or soon-to-be dads?
Spending time with your children is more important than buying toys or gifts. Like Kent said before me, “Be there for them!” When I was working, and couldn’t be there, I had a great wife (their Mom) to take care of them.


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