Francis Alcott Gray

Francis Alcott GRAY Francis Alcott Gray (Al Gray) was born in Seattle on January 14, 1919. He spent his early years in Idaho. His family returned to Seattle in 1929. Al graduated from West Seattle High School. His big adventure after high school was hitchhiking and 'riding the rails' hobo style between Seattle and Detroit. Al attended the University of Washington from 1937 to 1939. He then enlisted in the Navy. Al was stationed in Fairbanks, Seattle, the Philippines, and Guam. During this period he met and fell in love with Harriett Taylor; they were married on January 1, 1945. After the war, Al returned to UW and graduated in 1949. Al and Harriett raised their family in Bellevue. Both were involved in the parish that constructed Sacred Heart Church and School on Clyde Hill. Al shared the vision for a new major hospital on the Eastside with a few other community leaders and was instrumental in building Evergreen Hospital. He served as its first CEO from 1972 to 1981. Al and Harriett retired to Sand Point, Idaho, where they enjoyed retirement years together until Harriett's death in 1991. Al returned to the Seattle area in 1992 where he was active with family and friends and participated in philanthropic and environmental endeavors. He died on January 28, 2011. Al is survived by his four sons and their wives; Stephen & Carol, David &Holly, James &Pam, and Joel & Kristi Gray; 8 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. Remembrances may be sent to the Nature Conservancy or the American Cancer Society. Internment is at Sunset Hills Cemetery.