Donald Gray

Donald Leroy Gray
Donald Leroy Gray of Talent, Ore., passed away in Medford, Ore., on Tuesday January 19, 2010. He was 75. He was born October 31, 1934 in Eugene, Ore.
Donald loved sports. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and studied at the University of Oregon. He was married on July 11, 1970, in Eugene to Marilyn Fillbach.
In 1974, the Gray family moved to Talent where Donald worked for Xerox Corporation for 20 years before retiring as a regional service manager.
During his final 16 years Donald served as a volunteer coach for the Southern Oregon University track team. He will long be remembered as one of the finest and most dedicated pole vault coaches in the northwest. As a coach and mentor, he was a positive influence on the young lives of many athletes. Among those he coached, two became NAIA national champions and many were named All-American.
He was a regular at Masters track and field meets and founded the Rogue Valley Track Club. Donald was an accomplished pole vaulter himself. He holds numerous meet records, won the 1993 Masters National championship and had the honor of competing in the 1989 World Veterans Championship. When he wasn't coaching, vaulting, or exercising, Donald loved skiing on water or snow and enjoyed gardening.
His survivors include his wife of 40 years, Marilyn, his daughters, Terri MacDonald, Cathy McCrea, Lori Glasgow, and Andrea Sandberg; and grandchildren Quinn MacDonald, Tate and Trent Glasgow, and Evan Sandberg.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at Southern Oregon University in Ashland at SOU Raider Stadium, where the track is located. Casual attire recommended.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rogue Valley Track Club, 7354 Adams Road in Talent, OR 97540. Arrangements By: Hillcrest Memorial Park & Mortuary, Medford, OR. 541-773-6162 www.hillcrestmortuary.com