Nolan Gray

1947-2025

It was a cool, Canadian day in Lethbridge Alberta, when a "lumpy headed" little boy named Nolan Gayle Gray, entered this world on April 11, 1947. Born to Joan and Gordon Gray, Nolan was raised on a farm where he had his 4 younger siblings doing chores and feeding the animals for him.

Not a fan of animals, Nolan soon stumbled upon the love of his life...HOCKEY! Nolan quickly made a reputation, along with his brother Andy as the "Gray Brothers", the ones you didn't want to mess with.

Even though Nolan moved to Utah when he was just 15 years old, he spoke very fondly and quite frequently about the farm... you can take the boy out of Canada, but you can't take Canada out of the boy, eh?

Nolan quickly found the next love of his life, Christene Gibbons - who chased him until he finally caught her. A quick, whirlwind high school romance soon turned into a graduation night marriage proposal and a November wedding in 1966. Shortly after graduation, Nolan was drafted into the United States Air Force. He was soon sent to Hawaii where the two newlyweds created their best souvenir, a son, Donald Gray... who has since added 4 grandchildren: Brittney (Mike), Ashley (Sterling), Jared, & Mallory (Austin) and 4 great grandchildren, with another one on the way.

Upon returning to Utah after the Air Force, Nolan entered the printing industry where he made it a lifelong career. Two years after their return to Utah, they were blessed with their second child, Michelle (Mark) Jacobson, who added 3 grandchildren: Markelle (Tanner), Aubriana, & Dohnavon, with one great grandchild on the way.

In 1972, Nolan moved his family to West Jordan. A few years later, it was decided that there needed to be a tie breaker. So, their last child, a daughter, Kimberlee (Wesley) Conrad was born, adding 4 more grandsons: Ethan, Kaden, Ryker, & Zander.

Nolan kept busy living life... playing hockey and softball, collecting model cars, enjoying bike rides on "B.B. Red", evading the elusive "Big Foot" by avoiding camping at Bear Lake, sharing his love of sports by coaching hockey and baseball, working as a timekeeper for several years for the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, watching westerns and Perry Mason and supporting his New York Rangers.

Nolan was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he held numerous callings. He became wildly popular at church for being known as the "Candy Man", passing out handfuls of candy to everyone he saw and telling numerous stories about the farm (which he had a "love/hate" relationship with) to whoever would listen.

Nolan took great pride in being a loving grandpa and supported all of his grandkids in whatever adventures they pursued, always cheering them on from the front row.

Nolan passed away peacefully at home on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family. A great reunion took place as he was welcomed back home by his parents: Joan Oxley and Gordon Gray, his beloved Grandma and Grandpa Leavitt, and his brother Gordon "Andy" Gray, along with his in-laws, George and Phyllis Gibbons.

Nolan was loved deeply and will be greatly missed by many, including: his wife (Chris), children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. His stepmother, Arla Gray, and siblings: Richard, Robert, Ronald, David, Bonny and their spouses, along with numerous extended family and friends.

A small "Celebration of Life" to honor Nolan's life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the LDS meeting house located at 7255 South 2200 West (West Jordan, UT 84084)

Friends and loved ones are welcome to come and share their favorite memories about their time with Nolan.

LOVE YOU MORE!! ... until we meet again, Eh?