Harold Virgil Gray of Moscow died Wednesday morning, Feb. 6, at Aspen Park Healthcare Center in Moscow. He was 87.
Harold was born Feb. 9, 1920, in Tiffin, Iowa, to Oren and Addie Colony Gray.
He moved with his parents from Iowa to Nampa, Idaho, in the fall of 1936, and he graduated from Nampa High School in 1938. Harold married Inez Chittenden at Nampa on Dec. 15, 1940, and they had two children. In 1952 Harold moved his family to Deary, Idaho. While in Deary, Harold was active in community life including membership in Mount Deary Grange, Troy-Deary Gun Club and driving a school bus.
In 1962, Harold and Inez moved to Moscow, and in 1972, started Moscow RV Center, which they operated until their retirement in 1984. Harold belonged to the local Pomona and State Grange, also the I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 40 in Nampa since 1938, and was a charter member of the Northwest Travelers camping group. Following their retirement, Harold and Inez enjoyed traveling to Mesa, Ariz., for many years. Harold also enjoyed camping, jewelry making, gardening and fishing.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Inez at their Moscow home; his son, Melvin, and his wife, Sharon, also of Moscow; his daughter, Verlene Nelson of Boise; and four grandsons, Kevin, Bob (Laura), Ryan (Amber) and Craig (Tammy). There also are seven great grandchildren, Trey, Bryce, Tanner, Bailey, Anna, Shyanne and Hunter. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 9 (on Harold's 88th birthday) at 1 p.m. at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow. Rev. Sue Ostrom of Moscow First United Methodist Church will officiate and burial will follow at the Moscow Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Moscow Volunteer Ambulance and Fire Department or to a charity of choice.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Aspen Park Healthcare and Dr. John Grauke for their wonderful care of Harold during his time at the Care Center.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow.
