Daniel John Gray (3 Sep 1948 - 5 Jul 2015)

In loving memory of Daniel John Gray who sadly passed away on 5th July 2015 aged 66 years following a short illness.

Daniel was born in Derby on Thursday, the 3rd of September 1948 to parents Margaret "Peggy" and Albert "Bert" Gray.

Dan attended St Joseph's Infants school on Mill Hill Lane before moving up to Derby Grammar School where he proved to be a clever and academic pupil, excelling at English, Mathematics and Science.

Dan's first job after finishing formal education was as an Apprentice Tailor for Sydney Levi Ltd in Derby. He then went on to work as a Bus Conductor for Derby City Council before moving on to working for Beauvale Furnishings in Ilkeston as Skilled Fabric Cutter where he produced a range of products including cushions for the famous ITN news reader Terry Lloyd.

It was while working on the buses that Dan met his future wife, Kim. The couple married on Monday, the 15th of May 1972 at the English Martyrs Church in Derby. Dan and Kim had four children; Ruth, Clare, Robert and Richard, and Father-in-Law to Ben, Angela, Trish and Patricia. Dan later went on to be a loving and devoted "Daddad" to thirteen grandchildren; Chelsea, Niketa, Nadine, Sarah, Kirsty, Jack, Mark, Jessica, Amber, Callum, James, Charlie and Abigail.

Dan was a lover of motorbikes, having a black and red Honda CB - 250cc. Unfortunately he had an accident which resulted in a broken wrist leaving him unable to work, ending his career at Beauvale Furnishings.

At this point in life Dan decided to further his education, enrolling at Mackworth College of Further Education where he gained a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering before moving on to gain a degree at Sheffield Hallam University.
Dan went on to Mari Computer Training where his skill-set shone through. He later went to Derby College for work experience, gaining his Training Certification within the Teaching in the Life Long Learning Sector.
He was very skilled in working with computers, skilled in programming, building websites and writing computer codes. With this skill-set he became a lecturer in ICT at Derby College and remained there until his retirement in 2009.

Dan was a huge Formula One fanatic, watching everything from practice to early morning races. He was fortunate to have attended the British Grand Prix at Silverstone a number of times which was one trip he always loved. He also enjoyed reading Science Fiction books and tinkering with his cars. If there was ever a problem with his car he would download off the internet what was required for repairing the car and, accompanied by four cans of lager, he'd attempt to fix it.

Throughout his life Dan was a very loving, considerate and hardworking man who gave his time and support without question for the things he cared for the most, his family and friends. He will always be deeply and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him and his memory will live on with them.