Dickinson Gray

Dickinson Gray. A man full of life with a kind and gentle soul, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor, passed away unexpectedly February 15, at his home in Elyria. He was 82 years young. He grew up in Lorain, right across the street from Lakeview Park and one of his favorite places to be, the beach. His family owned the Lorain Creamery and the dairy business became his life for 46 years. He became co-owner of the dairy and then opened the two “Old English Parlour” restaurants where his customers could always enjoy delicious food and amazing ice cream desserts that he loved concocting. Dick and his first wife Linda had 3 children, Steven, Heather (Jordan) and Amber, and together they took on the challenge of rescuing an old abandoned 14-acre farm in Vermilion, making it a magical place to grow up and a special place for family and friends to gather and have fun. His second career was as a Production Manager for 10 years at the Murray Ridge Lorain Workshop. Here Dick got to use his creativity and skills to help the clients succeed in their jobs and his compassion gave them a fun place to come to work. Dick, with his second wife Carol, raised money for the Amherst Historical Society by teaching Line Dancing at the Grange Hall, eventually teaching classes for the Lorain Metro Parks. This started his third “career”. Dick and Carol taught Line Dancing classes around Lorain County for over 10 years. Woodworking was one of Dick’s passions and greatest talents. It started on the farm, building a treehouse for Steve and the most amazing family room addition with English Tudor style wood paneling. Of course, his love and talent with woodworking continued and grew into creating gorgeous furniture and elaborate woodturnings, and 3 canoes! His talent and creativity was inexhaustible. He could see and bring out the natural beauty of any piece of wood. Dick loved his family and always spent time with his children and his grandchildren – probably because he was still such a kid himself. He loved to read to us, play games, and just made being a kid fun. He also loved being outdoors canoeing, kayaking, swimming, walking, playing games, lawn bowling or even doing yard work. His talents, creativity, generosity and love were immeasurable. His kind and giving spirit and wonderful sense of humor was evident in the vast circle of family and friends he had and in their love for him. He touched so many lives in such profound ways. His presence in our lives will be greatly missed. Dick is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carol; daughters Heather (Jordan O’Rylee) and Amber Brunskill, son-in-law Gordon Brunskill, grandchildren Grayson and Alexandra Brunskill, stepdaughter Ann Wester, sister Jane Rockwood and her children Ann and Scott Rockwood. He was preceded in death by his parents Daniel and Marjorie Gray, his first wife Linda, and his son Steven. A Line Dance Celebration of his life will be held on April 29 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at McBid Party Center at Twin Lake Homes, 42660 Albrecht Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035. Guests are welcome to bring a potluck dish to share. We welcome all who wish to attend to celebrate Dick’s life. Contributions, in his memory, are suggested to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 74924, Cleveland, OH 44194-1007.

Dickinson Gray

April 5, 1934 - February 15, 2017

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Dickinson Gray

April 5, 1934 - February 15, 2017

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support