Donald "Don" Gilray

Donald Russell Gilray

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Donald (Don) Gilray, 84, on August 17, 2022.

Don was born July 11, 1938 to the late Russell and Marie (Dickman) Gilray in Antigo Wisconsin.  He graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1956 and married the love of his life, Virginia, on May 2, 1959.

Don is survived by his wife, Virginia (Blaskowski) Gilray, his three sons, Jay (Tanja) Gilray, Scott (Rebecca) Gilray and Ronald (Tonia) Gilray, 7 grandchildren: Heather Forst (Torin), Mark Bakula (Amanda), Stephanie Bakula (Jordan Manske), David, Matthew, Peyton and Madison Gilray and 3 great grandchildren, Alice Bakula, Dexter Bakula and Otto Manske.

An extraordinary athlete, Don held the high school basketball scoring record for the state of Wisconsin for exactly one day by scoring 64 points in one game.  Don also loved to play fast pitch softball.  He brought this love of sports to his three sons.

Don enjoyed fishing, camping, snowmobiling, meeting friends for breakfast and spending time with his family.  He also believed in giving of himself to the community and you would frequently see him volunteering with the Lions Club, Snowmobile Club, Elks Club and at Church picnics.

He worked for Marathon Electric for 42 years, progressing up the ranks to eventually become a Plant Manager.  He loved his job and was passionate about both the company and the workers he represented.

A celebration of life will be held at the Brainard Funeral home in Weston, Wisconsin on Tuesday August 23 with visitation starting at 10 and a service at 11.  The family will have a private interment at a later date.

The family would like to thank the ICU and Cardiology staff at Marshfield Medical Center- Weston for the compassion and care they showed us during this difficult time.  You were all amazing.