ORLAND – Ralston C. Gray, “the man with the derby hat,” passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at a Bangor hospital. He was born Aug. 26, 1923, the son of Marvin and Evelyn Gray. Ralston graduated from Bucksport High School, Class of 1942, and after worked at Portland Shipyard prior to entering the U.S. Army, where he received the Combat Infantry Award, various campaign ribbons and the Purple Heart. Upon returning home, he went to work for Milford L. Leach Fruit and Produce and then married his loving wife, Nina Dow. He went on to St. Regis Paper Co., and while there he served multiple terms as the president of Local No. 88 Pulpsulphite and Paper Mill Workers Union. He was a lifelong resident of Orland, where he was active in the American Legion, VFW Masonic Lodge, Scotch Rites, Shriners and Bucksport Rod and Gun Club. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Nina (Dow) Gray; his parents; a brother, Weldon “Dick” Gray of Orland; and two sisters, Elaine Dobbins and Marguerite Carey of Orland. He is survived by two sons, Nim and his wife, Freda, of Orland and Mark Sr. and his wife, Linda, of Bowdoin; two grandsons, Mark Jr. and his wife, Becky, of Penobscot and Roy of Orland; and four great-grandchildren of Penobscot. He is also survived by a special aunt, Wilma Brooks; a special uncle, Milford Marks; special friend, Alita Peters of Prospect; and a brother-in-law, Bob Dow. At his request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Arrangements are made under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home, Bucksport.
RALSTON C. GRAY
