Charles Ruben Gray
1925-2018

Auburn Journal
Nov. 22, 2018
A Tribute by Nancy Hagman

Charlie Gray loved to lend a hand

Every once in a while, there are people who come into the community and make an instant impact. Whether it is their demeanor or poise, their sense of humor, the general positive outlook on life or just the little things they do, they can make your day a special event. In all these aspects Charlie Gray was one of those people. Born Charles Ruben Gray in St. Joseph, Mo. on March 9, 1925 he passed away November 4, 2018 surrounded by family – he was 93 years young.

The Colfax resident claimed he had a normal childhood, with one exception. In school, he wanted to sign up for what was known to be an easy course in history. However, most of the students had this information and the class was full. The administrator plunked him into a typing class much to his – at the time – chagrin. Gray related it was one of the best things that ever happened to him. Gray was 16 when the United States entered World War II. After graduation, he went to Portland, Oregon to live with relatives and work in the shipyards as he waited for his draft number to be drawn. At first, he was called up to the infantry, but upon discovery of his typing skills, he was assigned to a communications division. He served at various locations, including the Philippines, but the best story comes while he was waiting for deployment in San Francisco. One night, assigned quarters that were not much more than a plywood box with screen doors, an explosion occurred. The men had no rifles, so it was the best they could do to take cover in this perceived attack. Gray was the first through the door, but he notes that, in the warm weather, it was the norm to sleep without the encumbrance of clothing. Picture a bunch of guys running for the hills in the buff. Gray says he had the where-with-all to grab a pair of jeans on his way out the door. When informed that it had only been an accident in the munitions yard, he and his comrades returned to their quarters. Gray, at least, had his pants on.

Gray met his life partner, Ruth, in high school. She was the sister of one of his classmates. They married, after the war, on June 7, 1947. Four children – Jennifer, Charles “Chuck,” Alan and Judy – are the result of the union. Jennifer lives in nearby Meadow Vista, the rest in Southern California.

Gray’s career began at Oregon’s Bonneville Power Administration, that state’s equivalent to our Pacific Gas & Electric. In October 1955, he became aware of an opening with the IRS in Los Angeles. Thus began his 27 years with the federal government. Upon his 1977 retirement, he started his avocation as a volunteer. First he actively joined the American Legion; he had been a member since just after the war. He also volunteered with and was president of the La Puente Hills Chamber of Commerce. The Legion asked him to help in the rural area of Placer County. In 2000, the Grays found their new home in Shady Glen. He was appointed Colfax Legion Post 192 Commander and served until stepping down July 7, 2011. His other involvements in Colfax have included the Salvation Army, Lions Club, VFW, Veterans Board, Chamber of Commerce, Placer County Election Board, and the Historical Society as board member and president. He served as a trustee for the Colfax Cemetery District and was on the board of the Grace Hubley Foundation. He volunteered to give rides to vets when they needed to get to agencies for assistance or medical care. One of his favorite pastimes was keeping tabs of the birthdays of all his family, friends and acquaintances. He made sure they received a card and a phone call wishing them a happy day. Connie Heilaman, Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce past president, said that Charlie “was a reliable, friendly and helpful ambassador for the region. Even after officially retiring from the Chamber volunteer staff years ago and recovering from triple bypass heart surgery, he still filled in when someone was sick or had other obligations to fulfill.” Charles R. Gray is truly an iconic example of the meaning of volunteerism in Colfax. According to Placer County Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery, “He has served our nation and our community; we simply need more people like Charlie around!”

Charlie will be missed.