Mr Robert Gilray Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Robert C. Gilray 1931-2016 Robert C. ‘Bob’ Gilray, 85, went to have a conversation with his Lord on August 19, 2016 in Foley, Alabama. He was the youngest son born in Lily, Wisconsin to Robert P. Gilray and Harrietta Hermanson Gilray, while the rest of the family was out milking the cows and freezing their britches off. He was preceded in death by Bernadine (Clyde) Truttman, Russell (Marie) Gilray, Maurice (Marianne) Gilray, Mildred (William) Burke, Oliver (Alinda) Gilray, Katherine (Dale) Krull and Virginia Mae Gilray. Mrs. Alinda Gilray survives. Bob graduated Birnamwood, Wisconsin in 1948. The caption under his class picture says 100% hot air! At school, he met Donna Mae Narlow. She caught his eye and captured his heart. Upon his return from Korea, they were married. History records the day as June 26, 1953. They ‘eloped’ and came back to Harrott and Helen Narlows’ home for cake and coffee, before setting out on their grand adventure. They had three children, Randall C Gilray, Lori Jo (Thomas) Schmitz, and David (Kathy) Gilray, and Salli Jean Gilray. Salli passed at birth, and his Donna preceded him in death on October 21, 2000. Bob was a teacher and a coach of many sports in their early years. They made their home near to the schools in Oshkosh, Richland Center, Bagley, Black Earth, Montfort, Prairie du Chien, Elroy, and Union Grove until he became a WPS insurance agent. That led to living in Campbellsport, where all their children graduated and launched their own lives. In 1976, Bob and Donna moved to Appleton, and opened the R & C Agency. Bob became active in politics at that time, advocating for legislation that affected their industry. Because of this, the Robert C. Gilray Service Award was established, and continues to this day. Upon retirement in 1996, Bob and Donna continued the fun times by ‘sno-birding’ in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The Wisconsin Sno-Bird club became an outlet for Bob’s unending commitment to community service and responsibility to neighbors. Following the passing of Donna, Bob stayed in Alabama longer, danced and golfed more, and enjoyed strong friendships. One day, he met a charmer by the name of Darlene Styron, and he asked her to dance. They continued dancing, laughing and loving until the minute he passed. Together, they made another happy home for these children: Sonia (Michael) McCluskey, Eric (Erica) Styron, Lori (Denise) Styron, and Damon (Amy) Styron. They all survive. The American Legion Post 44 will be holding a tribute for Bob on August 28, from 3-5 pm, with music to follow. Darlene and friends will be there to reminisce and enjoy telling stories on Bob. Cremation has taken place, and after a ‘flight of honor’ with the U.S.P.S., Bob will be interred in Forest Cemetery, township of Birnamwood, Wisconsin. Interment will take place September 24 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a happy meeting in heaven this week, when we see the face of Jesus, the Savior we seek. Honorariums can be made to Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue Association as follows: P O Box 299, gulf shores, Al 36527, or a charity of your choice. The family was assisted by the Community Hospice Organization, and are grateful especially to Robin and the staff. We are grateful, as well to Dr. Eslava for his compassionate response to our Bob’s wishes. When you do recall Bob, picture him when he was light on his feet, laughing and in good humor. You know, he was a leader to the final moment. Thanks, Bob! Other comments to enter: From the Wisconsin sno-birds: One of our long time and hard working members has passed away. Bob Gilray became a member in 1996 and was always there for former president Irv De motts and myself when ever we needed help. Bob was a regular attendee at all events until his mini stroke in 2013. Members will remember that whenever Bob gave a report or got his hands on the microphone he had a joke or two. This became know as levity and Bob became known as Mr. Levity. The "Brat Fest" was Bob's idea and he headed it up for many years . He also had the foresight to involve all the other snowbird clubs. Bob also became the commander of the Gulf Shores American Legion for a while. Bob claimed to be the only Yankee Legion Commander south of the Mason Dixon Line. Gulf Shores Fire Rescue It is with a heavy heart we share that Bob Gilray has passed away. I always called Bob the "Chief Snowbird" because he was so active with the Winter Clubs and our department. Bob had the idea of the Brat Fest and was active with the American Legion. Bob was a great mentor, friend and Patriot. (Not New England Patriots -he was a Packer to the core ) He will be missed, but his legacy will live on in all of the programs he was part of in our community. He will be having a Memorial Service at the American Legion Post #44 Gulf Shores, Al. on August 28, 2016 from 3PM until 5PM. The family will have the internment of Robert Gilray at Forrest Cemetery in Birnamwood, WI on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11 AM. Following the ceremony, there will be a luncheon for family & friends at Noon at Chet & Emils in Birnamwood. Arrangements by Cason Funeral Service, Foley, Alabama

Mr Robert Gilray

August 19, 2016

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