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Guest Registry Entries:

__________________________________________________
Name: Nils Rosdahl
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Email: nils_rosdahl@nic.edu 
Date: Dec. 28, 2006

Hearing/reading about Mike's death was a shock. Mike was very easy to talk with because he was a good listener. The NIC people really  missed him (and Mary) when the tavern was sold. I've missed Mike there. And now, of course, we'll all really  miss him. I regret I didn't follow up in chatting with him afterward.  I'm sorry that he's gone.

__________________________________________________
Name: DAVID AND LISA ANDERSEN
City: RATHDRUM
State: ID
Country: US
Email: DDA01@MSN.COM 
Date: 12/28/2006

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EACH AND EVERYONE THAT IS TOUCHED BY THIS LOSS!!!!
LOVE AND SUPPORT TO ALL!!!
DAVID AND LISA

__________________________________________________
Name: Linda Naismith
City: Seattle
State: WA
Date: December 28

I grew up watching Mike & Pat play ball -- they were our heroes and made the Panthers huge winners.  Many people thought they were too small, but they showed them all.  And, of course at 4'10, they were giants to me! Certainly they had hearts of Giants.  Mike will be missed in all our hearts.

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Name: Karen & Larry Mills
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Email: fishhawk1@adelphia.net 
Date: 12-28-06

Pam,Tricia & Mick and the rest of the family, we are so saddened to hear about Mike.  We all loved him, what a wonderful man he was.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.  Karen & Larry Mills

__________________________________________________
Name: John and Suzy Miller
City: Spokane
State: Wa.
Date: 12-28-06

Our condolences go out to the Gray family. We are so thankful that we just saw and visited with Mike this past summer at our class reunion. What a gentle, loving spirit, he was. We have such wonderful memories of our high school days with Mike and Pat. They were part of a special time at IHM when we were all young and full of hopes and dreams. We feel priviledged to have known Mike and sharing that part of our lives when we were all growing up in Cd'A. John and Suzy Miller

__________________________________________________
Name: Kris (Kryger) Evens
City: Portland
State: Oregon
Email: mamire@yahoo.com
Date: 12/28/2006

Dear Pat,Mimi and Mike's family,
I am so saddened and shocked by the news of Mike's sudden death. The last time I saw Mike was at "The Tavern" during one of IHM's reunions. I met his children and it was so obvious that he was very proud of them. I will always hold a special place in my heart for Mike. I remember with fondness (and a few giggles) the "double dates" we used to have with Pat and Mimi. Mike was a very special soul. Please send my heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. Kris

__________________________________________________
Name: Jodi Nelson ( Ohnemus)
City: CDA
State: Id
Email: jodinelson@adelphia.net
Date: 12-28-06

Dearest Gray Family , My family and I would like to send our condolences at the loss of your son, brother, uncle. When I was younger I used to come over to the house and enjoy your family . Please know I have thought of you often . Please tell Stephanie I am very sorry for the loss of her dear uncle
Sincerely
Jodi Ohnemus Nelson

__________________________________________________
Name: Rachel Riggs
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: rachel_riggs@hotmail.com
Date: 12-28-06

I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's death...my thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, Trish and Mick, and the rest of Mike's family, who will miss him so much. I hope the words of condolence from all your friends will help support you through your time of grief. Rachel Riggs

__________________________________________________
Name: Robert Elgee
City: Hailey
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: relgee@co.blaine.id.us 
Date: 12/28/06

The Kid's Last Fight.  
May not have been his last fight, but prob close.Funny or not, Mike, here it comes. Lance Koep and I went to visit Mike and Pat at Carrol College in Helena, driving from Moscow to watch the "twins" box at one of their "smokers". There could have been others; I distinctly remember Rarick throwing his watch out of the car going over Lolo Pass, McFarland and Steve Johnson on the Spanada, but Lance and I were the only ones that made it to the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge for a Sunday bout on the way back home from Moscow. Not exactly on the way, but how often do you get to go inside a prison and watch your pal box a guy who killed a guy in a knife fight, or some such?
      Course Mike and Pat always argued about who was the better fighter. To be fair, Pat was prob better at basketball, and Mike a better fighter. The guards put Lance and me by ourselves in a balcony above the "regular" crowd, and we watched the 1st couple of fights.
If I recall correctly, Mike's might have been the featured event. The other guy's name was Billy Baker or Billy Boyer, and I didn't make up (I don't think)the part about the knife fight. Mike's quick, and he hits hard, but he's not a dancer. He moves in and looks to give you a coupla hard knocks. This guy Billy is Indian and skinny, but looks strong. There is no telling how fast he  is, but he thinks he's Ali. No kidding. Float like a butterfly, with his hands straight down at his sides. Lance is howling at his style; he sees cocky, and thinks Mike is gonna catch him and KO him without Billy's gloves ever getting above his waist. Mike stalks and jabs. Billy dances and bounces his head from side to side. Mike gets him near a corner and starts to move in. Billy flashes a left, his first and only punch. Mike goes backwards and down hard. Of course, Lance  thinks that's the funniest thing he's ever seen, and his howl of laughter reaches maximum pitch, to the point that all the felons down below wonder who the hell thinks it's so funny that their own boy got tagged.
    I gotta admit I was amused too, but wasn't sure why. Then  Mike lays there on the canvas for several minutes, out cold, and long enough that it wasn't funny anymore. Then they cart him out, feet first. Geez, Billy didn't need no knife. So we make our way down to the floor after all the convicts leave, and go check on Mike. He is groggy but grinning, kinda embarrassed, and not really sure what happened. You'd have to ask Pat, but I'm not sure that wasn't Mike's last fight.
     Now Lance and Mike are both gone. I could not be more sad. One of the all-time greats. Always  pretty happy. Always friendly. Good to everyone he ever met. Some of the classic "Mike's" that I recall:  Back off! Think again. How about "Easy, Dusty."
       He was one of those guys you could pay the ultimate tribute to as a guy. If you had to pick somebody to share a foxhole with, or a bottle of wine, only you didn't know which, who would you take? Mike would be at the top of a lot of those lists.

__________________________________________________
Name: Ray McDowell
City: Cocolalla
State: ID
Date: 12/28/06

Way to go..Mike..I know you owed me a beer. I am going to miss our highly intellectual tete-a-tete's at the "Fort". You made a heck of a burger and one heck of a friend. Will miss you, buddy!!!

Ray

__________________________________________________
Name: Kerri Rankin Thoreson
City: Post Falls
State: Idaho
Email: rkthor52@aol.com
Date: 12/29/06

It was heartbreaking to read of Mike's passing. Jahn Mueller and I had lunch on with him on St. Patrick's Day, his last at the Fort Ground Tavern before it closed. I have a photo of us that day if someone from the family would like me to email it to them.
I'll always picture him there...greeting customers and holding court.
Prayers to his family and all who loved and will miss him.

__________________________________________________
Name: Terri (Mills) Sauer
City: Camas
State: Washington
Contact_Email: terri.sauer@comcast.net 
Date: 12/29/06

I am truely saddened to hear about the loss of our good friend.  My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.  I have many wonderful memories of the F.G. girls softball team  - and of our coach & friend, Mike.  Mike, Thanks for putting up with us, for your coaching patience and making a difference in our lives.
Terri

__________________________________________________
Name: Sister Joan Quinn, IHM
City: New York City
State: New York
Country: USA
Date: 12/29/06

Dear Pam, Tricia, Mick, Pat, Family and Friends of Mike,

Please be assured of a special remembrance in my prayers for Mike and for all of you as you mourn the loss of your husband, father, brother and friend.  I have great memories of both Mike and Pat as students, athletes, class leaders and student body leaders at IHM for four years.  May your happy memories of Mike along with your faith be a source of great strength at this time.

__________________________________________________
Name: Tom L. Kelly
City: Post Falls
State: Idaho
Email: tom@tandlent.com 
Date: December 29, 2006

Our condolences to the Gray family for the untimely death of Mike. Mike was a special friend of mine and I was very proud to introduce my family to a real Irish dinner served by a real Irishman on St Patricks day to celebrate our heritage. Our prayers are with you.

Tom L. Kelly

__________________________________________________
Name: Taffy and Jerry Kimball
City: Coeurdalene
State: ID
Date: 12/29

Our deepest condolences, we are so sorry for you loss. We have missed the good times at the bar and the fantastic food. It was always such a happy place to be.

__________________________________________________
Name: Pat (Keane) Moran
City: Deer Park
State: Wa
Email: pvckm@netzero.net 
Date: 12/23/06

My condolences to the whole Gray family.  I sure enjoyed talking with Mike last summer at the reunion.  I have many fond rememberences of IHM and all the Panther sports, Mike, Pat and Red Fred. My prayers are with you all.         Pat (Keane) Moran

__________________________________________________
Name: Cheryl Siroshton
City: Post Falls
State: ID
Email: c2ripper@hotmail.com 
Date: 12/29/06

My condolences to Mike Grays family, I am so sorry to hear about his sudden death. Mike you will be greatly missed.  My regards & prayers to the family please.

__________________________________________________
Name: Rick Sweeney
City: Henderson
State: Nv
Email: gnrsweeney@aol.com 
Date: 12-29-06

Extremely sorry to hear of Mike's passing, my thoughts and prayers are in deepest regret.

I found Mike (and Pat) to be the greatest competitors I ever knew. I so admired them when we competed against each other. Mike played any game the way it was supposed to be played.

I'll never forget the 1600 relay @ Post Falls in the Spring of 1968. Pat handed to Mike for the 3rd leg and IHM was way ahead, as Mike came down the straight stretch to hand off to (Russel I think) he was AWOL! As Mike came in & was slowing, ooking for his teammate to run the final leg the other runners began to catch-up-even pass him; not one to lose Mike ran another 440 & WON ( try running an 880 vs. two 440 runners). I was with PF coach Totten in the press box & could not beliveve what we just saw, it was AWESOME! I told CW I think IHM should win, he agreed, but said 3 runners were not allowed to run against (let alone beat) 4 runners. It showed the determination to succeed & win that I felt was even greater than I had, I would have thrown the baton & went & beat up the 4th runner-Mike probably did!

I wish we could have been closer but that is how kids from different schools & being a little older the way things work!I know he's with Christ ready to take the "baton" for whatever is needed!

__________________________________________________
Name: Donna Oveson Danzer
City: Spokane
State: WA
Country: USA
Email: tddanzer825@aol.com  
Date: 12/29/06

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gray family during this time....I can not even begin to say all the things I want to say...just know I am thinking of you all now....
It was only a short time ago that Mike was helping me deal with my brothers death...he and Mary jumped right in to give Butch a going away that was so perfect...coneys at the Fort Grounds...they knew that is what he would have wanted...Mike took care of it, got it done.  
So many memories, so many laughs....thank you Mike for being such an important part of my life...

__________________________________________________
Name: Liz(Ransom) and Mike Moudy
City: Kimberly
State: ID
Email: mmoudy@pmt.org 
Date: 12-30-06

I was just the 'little sister' who absorbed all the legends of the Gray twins' exploits. Mama Gray was always so sweet to me, and when I married she gave me one of my most cherished possessions. I really thought the Gray twins were a part of my past, until I moved to Kimberly! It seems they were a legend here, also- however, they were considered an evil nemesis! Apparantly, those "horrible red heads" had ruined the Bulldogs state championship bid. Later, returning many times to CDA to celebrate family, my beloved and I would always venture to the first place I had enjoyed an ice-cold 'tall Bud'. Who was there to greet us? Michael Gedney Gray, of course. He treated us as family, regaled us with adventures, and served the best breakfast in Idaho. He spoke with such pride of his children, and ALWAYS made us glad we knew him. When Mom Ransom died we held her wake at Fort Ground, and he was the most amazing host to the diverse Ransom family- he had us dancing!, he sang along with the music, laughed at our embarrassingly silly reminiscences-adding several of his own. We actually forgot he was not really a Ransom! Will we miss him- Oh,Yes! Are we glad he was a part of our lives? Oh, Yes! Thank you, God for this truly special, gentle soul. He will be one of my first 'look-ups', if I make it to Heaven.

__________________________________________________
Name: jeff barber
City: coeur d'Alene
State: idaho
Country: usa
Email: jeffbbarber@aol.com 
Date: 12/30/2006

i grew up watching gray twins play ball for IHM and gene boyle. they were my first sport heroes.  they also coached our flag football team, after their own practice was over.  they took the time to take us fishing on the north fork of cda, and taught us about "barking spiders".

__________________________________________________
Name: the Blankenship,Walkup,and Rivette Families
City: Coeur D' Alene
State: Id.
Country: U.S.A.
Email: djrivette@msn.com 
Date: 12-29-2006

Our prayers are offered for Michael,and our condolance
to his family.He was well liked and will be missed.

          the Blankenship,Walkup,and Rivette families.

__________________________________________________
Name: Kathe Cronquist Shelton
City: Hayden
State: Idaho
Country: USA
Email: kathe@icehouse.net 
Date: 12/30/06

I am so,so sorry for all of you...I just read this in
the paper (Saturday, 3pm) I remember being pretty much in awe of the cheeky red-headed twins.  I privately thought that you guys would get whacked a lot (the nuns were pretty darn serious) but both of you had some kind of a magical charm with the ladies...the world is sadder today without Mike.  I regret not being able to see and visit with you all at Mike's wake (what a good idea) & hear more stories about him (thanks, Bob!)

__________________________________________________
Name: Mary (O'Malley) Dougall
City: Liberty Lake
State: Washington
Country: USA
Email: maryrod@att.net 
Date: 12-31-06

I was so very sorry to learn of Mike's passing upon my return from Alaska.  Mike was a wonderful human being and extremely proud of his family. St. Patrick's Day at the Ft. Ground Tavern was special.  One time when I visited Mike I notice a large St. Paddy's Day decoration that caught my eye.  I told Mike I liked it and he insisted I take it home because, he said, with a name like 'O'Malley' it really belonged to me.  That was Mike.  He was such a nice man.  I have great memories of IHM Academy and he featured in many of them.  To Pat and his family; and, Mike's loving family - thank you for sharing him with us.  Please know he will not be forgotten and that he touched the life of so many with his gentle soul.

__________________________________________________
Name: Sister Mary Hugh, IHM
City: Wilmington
State: Delaware
Country: New Castle
Email: mplacillaihm@comcast.net 
Date: 1/1/07

My prayers and blessings to Mike's children, Pat and family.  I taught Mike and Pat in the first grade at St. Thomas school in Coeur d' Alene.  That was the year that one of them broke his arms and the other had to help with school work. If I recall correctly, Pat was good in Math and Mike was good in reading.  So, they used to change seats for each subject so that I wouldn't know that either was doing poorly in any subject.  When I suspected that something was going on and talked with their mother, she told me to look aat the back of their heads!  One had two crowns and the other had only one crown.  Then their little escapade was over!!  
My fondest memory of them was their funloving actions. At another time, they came to me in church at a morning Mass and said that their Mother told them to go to confession.  After about ten minutes in the boxes, I went to see why they hadn't come out only to find that the priest was asleep and hadn't heard anything from them.  So I told them to go home and tell their mother that I said they were forgiven.  It's OK if "SISTER SAID".
May your sorrow be turned to joy in this coming year.  God bless you all.  You will stay in my prayer. smh
  
__________________________________________________
Name: Betsy (Lenz) Schmeckpeper
City: Coeur d' Alene
State: ID
Email: betz1162@adelphia.net
Date: 1-1-07

Hello,
I just wanted to send my thoughts to Mike's family.
I am a family friend and I used to babysit and clean house for Mike and Pam when Mic and Trisha were little. We lived on the same street so it was convenient. When my mom called to tell me about Mike I couldn't believe it. I had just spoken with him at the dentist office where he was getting his teeth fixed. I am so glad that I had a chance to see him recently. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed. Betsy Schmeckpeper

__________________________________________________
Name: Abby & Teresa Abernathy
City: Prichard
State: Idaho
Date: 01/02/07

We just found out about Mike and can not tell you how shocked and saddened we are. Please know that our thoughts, love and prayers are with all of you now and the days ahead.

Love,
Abby & Teresa Abernathy   

__________________________________________________
Name: Paula Conley
City: Coeur d'Alene
State: ID
Country: USA
Email: peconley@adelphia.net
Date: 1/3/07

My family just returned from Christmas vacation and I was saddened to learn of Mike's death. I knew Mike through his two wonderful children, Tricia and Mick, and I know how proud he was of them. My condolences to Pam,Tricia,Mick, and the rest of the Grey family. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

__________________________________________________
Name: Fred Schaffner
City: Bellevue
State: WA
Country: USA
Email: fschaffner@yahoo.com
Date: 01-02-07

It is so tough to hear about Mike. He and Pat were such the hub of life at IHM, a twin star in the night sky, in the late sixties - glory years for most of us. Even the arch-rivals love them (Rick Sweeney). Mike, of course, taking up center point duties at the Fort Grounds in later years. What a gift that was.

Reading all these entries feels like the culmination of a life well-lived and an era not forgotten. Mike's memorial is doing what Mike did.

I enjoy the stories. Winning State in Basketball 1967 had to be up there. Since everyone knows this story, don't hold me to the facts. Were we in Boise? The other team (?), I think, was favored but they were highly dependent on a shooter who usually scored in the thirties. As I recall Boyle revealed the "top-secret" defense in the hotel room the night before. Actually, just a box and one. . But the one was Mike Gray. Mike was fast and quick, as was Pat, but Pat ran the offense. I remember Mike just dogged that hot-shot and held him to six points in the first half. We were so impressed. I greatly enjoyed the anger and frustration on that shooter's face, and, of course, the State Championship. Even, in the cheap seats we were proud.

As an aside, I was one of Mike's hotel roomies along with Paul Fromm and someone else. Mike had us all lying in our beds telling "true confessions" of our rather pathetic love lives - I believe there were baseball metaphors involved. All are safely vaulted away upon some sacred Irish oath! (Right, Paul?)

I last saw Mike at the Fort Grounds a couple years ago. Larry Lenz and I stopped in. Mike had just got back from a CD'A football game. He sat and chatted for awhile. He talked about his kids, his son had just transferred to Montana (I think) and was going to school with Pat's son(?) Then he went to cook some eggs for a customer. What a simple loving thing that seems to me now.

Best to Mike's family, the extended Gray family and especially Pat.
Mike, we think about you and we miss you already.

__________________________________________________
Name: Ron Koep
City: Spokane Valley
State: Wa.
Country: usa
Email: rbkoep@peoplepc.com
Date: 010307

I was very saddened by Mike's death. I hope his family
can find a way through this.  I will miss seeing Mike at
the Fort Ground on my way to hunting camp.  The last few
times I saw him, the last thing he would say was "I miss
him."I would Add,"I miss him too."  Well Mike, now I will miss Lance and you.

   Pat hangin there. Hopefully it will get better.

Ron "rb" Koep

__________________________________________________
Name: Tina (Ervin) and Ron Wikum
City: Visalia
State: CA
Country: USA
Date: January 5, 2007

I just found out about Mike and it hurt.  I dated Mike 40 years ago while we were in high school, me in CDA high and he in IHM, doubling of course with Pat.  I don't remember who introduced us and I don't remember why we quit dating but I do remember him and that he was one of the nicest guys then and in the future when my husband and I would run into him, usually at the Fort Grounds.  The world will be a lot less nice without him.  My sympathies go ou to his family and his friends who loved him and will miss him greatly.  They say the good die young and sadly it is true. 

__________________________________________________
Name: Gerard Mason/Maura Miles
City: New York
State: NY
Country: US
Email: gmason@granitenewyork.com
Date: 1/15/07

Our deepest condolences to Pam, Tricia and Mick, and to Pat and the rest of the Gray family and friends.  Mike was a great competitor and teammate who made everyone around him play at a higher level.  He was always fearless.  Never believed defeat was possible.

__________________________________________________
Name: Ann Kaffer Nickel
City: Peoria
State: AZ
Date: 1/15/07

Pat,

Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.  Having just lost my husband, I know you are going through a difficult time.  I will remember all of the fun you both brought to Carroll College.

Ann

__________________________________________________
Name: Bill Kapaun
City: Albany
State: OR
Email: bkapaun@hotmail.com
Date: Jan 18, 2006

I was shocked to learn of Mike's passing.
He will be sorely missed by many of us in and from the CDA community.

It was always a treat to stop by the Fort Ground to catch up on the "latest news" about former classmates and friends on my infrequent visits back to CDA.

Mike will truly be missed!

__________________________________________________
Name: Ariell Donohue
City: Springboro
State: OH
Email: ariell.donohue@coldwellbanker.com
Date: Jan.25,07

My condolences to the Gray family. I have many favorite memories of Mike. Growing up in Ohio my mom(Sue Ransom) would tell endless stories of the Gray twins; I felt like they were famous and couldn't wait to meet them. Once I did, my life changed. We would travel to Idaho every chance we got and The Fort Ground Tavern was always our first stop. Breakfast with Mike was always served with good food and great stories. One of my favorite photos is the one of Mike and Pat dressed up as leprechauns. The photo comes out every ST.Paddy's day along with a pint or two. We will miss you Mike.

Updated - 06/09/2009 11:48:22 AM
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