Norman Gray
Norman “Norm” Gray, a philanthropist and community leader, passed away June 20, 2016, in Denver. He was 90. Rabbi Joe Black and Cantor Elizabeth Sacks officiated at the June 22 service at Temple Emanuel. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“Norm had a wonderful life and traveled the world,” his family said. “His contributions to the community in both business and philanthropy were many.
“Yet for all his accomplishments, he was proudest of his family, calling them his ‘dividends.’”
Mr. Gray was born July 16, 1925, on Denver’s West Side to Phillip and Mary Gray.
He graduated West High School and CU, where he was a Phi Sigma Delta, and served with the Marines in WW II.
Mr. Gray was married to Barbara “Barbie” Gray, with whom “he spent the best 50 years of his life,” the family said. Mrs. Gray passed away in November, 1997.
A CPA, he joined the family business, Rollnick Shoes, which survived the Depression.
Along with his father-in-law A.C. Rollnick and brother-in-law Phil Rollnick, Mr. Gray helped the company expand its stores into major malls and several states. He also developed various real estate interests.
Mr. Gray gave countless hours to B’nai B’rith, ADL, Rose Hospital and others.
He rose to the top of every organization, generally as president, and received numerous community awards.
The family wishes to thank his caretakers.
Mr. Gray is survived by daughters Karen (Arnie) Stein and Lynne (Andy) Greene; grandchildren Brian (Amy) Stein, Jill (Vitaly) Vishnitsky, Erin (Adam) Groom and Lauren Greene; great-grandchildren Colby, Josie, Zoe, Lexi and Sutton; sisters-in-law Lorna Gray and Joanne Rollnick; and nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is also mourned by his dear friend Eilene Harris.
Contributions may be made to JFS, ADL or the charity of choice.
Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News
