In loving memory of
Colin Gray

Passed away on March 31, 2023

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Obituary

Colin Gray, 74, loving husband, father and papa passed away peacefully on March 31st at Cornerstone Hospice House in The Villages, FL.

Colin was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and moved to the United States as a child. After graduating from Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, IL, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division arriving in Vietnam with the Golden Brigade. Upon his return, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and was a police officer with the Lombard Police Department before knee injuries led to a career change. He then earned his master’s degree in Elementary Education and was a teacher at Spring Hills School in Roselle, IL for 22 years before his retirement.

It was during his police career that he met his wife, Kristine. They married in 1974 and raised a daughter, Kimberlee. They lived most of their lives in Lombard, IL before retiring to The Villages, FL in 2020.

Colin was an avid reader who loved to golf, garden, and scuba dive. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to everyone without question. Colin was an active member of the Chicago Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Assoc. and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1036 in The Villages.

Colin is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kristine, daughter Kimberlee Gray-Kaliski (David), grandchildren Haylee and Ian Kaliski and brothers Douglas (Patricia) and Glen (Suzanne) as well as many others who loved him.

Celebration of life services will be held at Lake Deaton United Methodist Church in The Villages, FL on Sunday, April 30 at 1pm and at First United Methodist Church in Lombard, IL on Saturday, June 10 time TBD. A private military internment will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to: Cornerstone Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation at www.cornerstonehospice.org/the-foundation/

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Eugene Joneson says:

07 Jun 2023

Will always remember Collin for working at Lombard police department with my father. Also for helping with the class of 1971 reunions with his wife Kristine. Grateful to have met him. May all the family remember the good times!
Kathy Marden says:

22 Apr 2023

Colin was a remarkable man filled with love , laughter and family. He was a dedicated teacher and it was an honor for me to work with Colin for eight years. His students enjoyed him and respected them. Colin was loyal and a wonderful listen. My sincerest condolences for your family. Prayer for you and your family. Rest in Peace, Colin. The world was a better place with you in it.
L.G. and Connie Bryant says:

16 Apr 2023

Connie and L.G. just heard of Colin’s passing. So sorry to hear. We remember him and the family fondly here in Lombard. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lloyd and Eileen says:

10 Apr 2023

We were so very sorry to hear about Colin. He was such a wonderful man. We loved listening to his stories. He had done so much in his life. Such a positive attitude. Prayers were said for both of you. Much Love
Lloyd and Eileen lit a candle:

10 Apr 2023
Dana Thayer & family lit a candle:

07 Apr 2023
Tim & RoseAnn Krawczyk lit a candle:

07 Apr 2023
Thomas Carter says:

06 Apr 2023

Diane and I want to say we are sorry for your loss. Colin was a good person to share meeting with. To the family, please accept our condolences.
Thomas Carter says:

06 Apr 2023

Diane and I wish to say we are very sorry for your loss. Colin was a good person to know and share meeting with. To the family we want to say we are sorry.
Cal Roesner says:

06 Apr 2023

What a guy! Soldier, Policeman, Teacher, Patriot All The Way! I feel privileged to have been able to call him friend. The world is a lesser place with his passing.
Lynn Cavey says:

05 Apr 2023

Deepest sympathies from The Cavey’s .
Our dad Frank who worked with Colin at LPD , is also in heaven .
Mark Mueller, Chairman says:

05 Apr 2023

On behalf of the Chicago Chapter, 82nd Airborne Division Association, we offer our sincerest condolences to Kris and the Gray family. Colin was our friend and brother. We enjoyed his company while with us, and will miss him forevermore. He will not be forgotten.

May he rest in peace and be shown the way by St. Michael, patron of Paratroopers, to the final heavenly manifest along with our passed Chicago Chapter members. Airborne, All The Way!
Peggy McBride lit a candle:

05 Apr 2023
Marilyn Fawell says:

05 Apr 2023

Colin has been a good friend to me and my family for over 50 years. We all have so many shared fun memories of Colin, and our families have been close also and have had great times and many laughs together. One of my favorite memories is Colin stopping by every Christmas on the day I baked cookies! This man loved my chocolate chip cookies..
It’s really difficult to say goodby to my old friend, I guess “so long until we meet again” will have to do.. Love Marilyn Fawell
Jerry O'Meara says:

04 Apr 2023

Colin, I wish I had know you better brother. Although we never worked together, from the time we did spend together I felt a kindship with you. As a fellow Law Enforcement Officer and Airborne brother it was an honor to know you. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Lisa Kaliski lit a candle:

04 Apr 2023
Brittany McNaughton posted an image:

04 Apr 2023

Me and Mr. Gray All American week. Paratroopers don't die they simply slip away! AATW!
Kathy Ogden says:

04 Apr 2023

Colin, you were an amazing teacher for my daughters, a colleague and friend at Spring Hills School. You deserved all the admiration and respect afforded to a man of honor and integrity. Thank you for all your help given to me and my family.
Kathy Ogden says:

04 Apr 2023

Colin, you were an amazing teacher for my daughters, a colleague and friend at Spring Hills School! You deserved all the admiration and respect given to an excellent teacher and man of honor and integrity! Thank you for always being there for me and my family.
Matthew Harrison says:

04 Apr 2023

So sad to hear of your suffering. I only knew you as an exercising enthusiast who was in crazy good shape and I enjoyed you as my workout Buddy at the Roselle gym. We spent a lot of wonderful time working out and - since I was a police officer at the time and I worked with your step-brother - we had things to talk about as we worked out. Man, we had a lot of laughs! I was always in awe of your particular service to our country (we shared service memories in the Army but at different times) - and your careers after. Condolences to your family whom we talked about often during our many hours together.
You were a good man Colin!
See you later -
Elizabeth Martens-Wilbur says:

04 Apr 2023

No words can describe, the loss I feel… we all feel. Our heart break. I am left, with only wonderful memories of vacations, holidays, birthday celebrations, weddings and anything in between. Always so loving, kind and caring toward me and I just adored you.

I pray that God will bring peace and solace to my Auntie, cousins and all that loved you. Sending you a giant hug from down here.

May you rest in peace, Uncle. Love you!
Dan Orban says:

04 Apr 2023

I will always remember Colin as an ethical policeman who took the time to teach me about policing. A truly good guy. Rest in peace my friend, you will be missed.
Jenifer Miller says:

04 Apr 2023

My heart breaks for you all! Colin was such an amazing man! Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers….