George Stanley Gray passed away on February 7th, 2017. Stan was born on July 3rd to Doris and Harold Gray of Brush, attended Brush schools, and graduated in 1947. During his high school career, Stan was an enthusiastic Brush Beetdigger, a trait that he would carry with him throughout his life.

He attended CSU (then Colorado A & M) for two years and later completed a degree in business at the University of Denver. Stan joined the Air Force in 1952, receiving his commission in 1954. After his service, he became a production test pilot flying F86B jet planes for Southern California Aircraft Corp. Returning to Brush in 1958, Stan took up life as a business man, husband, father and involved citizen of the town he loved.

During his 27-year career with Carroll Motor Company, Stan found time to serve the Brush Chamber as President and then Director. He was a long-time member of the American Legion Sagebrush Post 68, Rotary president, and actor/member of the Tumbleweed Troubadours. A lifetime member of the United Methodist Church of Brush, he served as lay leader and member of the first board of Directors for Head Start.

Always interested in Beetdigger activities, Stan was a member of the task forces that sought and won bond issues for Brush High School in the late '60's and for Brush Beaver Valley School in 1994. Until recently, Stan rarely missed a BHS football or basketball game.

Wishing others to become aware of the rich history of Brush, Stan organized "Tour Brush!" bus trips in the early '90's. Last fall, he could be seen on walking tours with groups of people interested in the town's historic buildings. If an emcee were needed for a Rotarian event or high school reunion, Stan was always available.

He was dedicated to his work as County Director of the Veteran's Administration and to the Brush Museum and Cultural Center, and he loved all of the July 4th activities. Stan was also dedicated to his friends and family, becoming a full time care-giver for his father.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon, sisters Corinne White and Merilu Koeneke. Surviving family members are daughter Carrie Gray, son Hal Gray, granddaughters Halee and Lauren Gray, sisters Cynthia Gray and Carolyn Thornsby, her husband Norm and brother-in-law, Allen Koeneke.  Among other survivors are many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins Dorothy Thornsby and Gary Gray, and friend Paula Pattee.

Stan lived his life according to the theme he presented in 1975 as president of Rotary: "Exploring Opportunities Together."

A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 1:00 - 3:30 PM at the Brush United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. Memorial gifts can be sent in care of Heer Mortuary, 222 Cameron, Brush, CO 80723 to go to the Brush United Methodist Church or the Brush Museum and Cultural Center.