Richard Allan Grayson

About

University of Rochester

Richard Grayson Obituary

Grayson, Richard Allan - 'Dick' a/k/a Robin the Boy Wonder Dick Grayson died peacefully at home on June 16, 2003. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Carol; children, Pam, Peter (Amy), Jon (Kristy) and Jenifer (Todd); brother E.C. Grayson (Jean); grandchildren, Jim, Kathryn, Owen, and Ellison; and many friends and associates. Dick was the son of Ellison C. 'E.C.' Grayson and Inez S. Grayson of Charleston, S.C. Dick was an Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Saint Paul Academy and the University of Rochester. He served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his military service he attended the University of Minnesota Law School and ultimately became associated with Bruce W. Sanborn, forming the firm Sanborn, Rice, Holcomb & Grayson (later Sanborn & Grayson). Dick created a niche in the field of Mortuary Law and taught at the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science for nearly 40 years. He was counsel for the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, special counsel for the National Funeral Directors Association, and Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Minnesota (Department of Health). Dick was a wonderful storyteller and was a frequent speaker to mortuary/funeral groups throughout the United States. He wrote numerous articles in various funeral publications, was the publisher of 'Mortuary Law and Business Quarterly' and wrote a humorous account of his cases in his book 'Funerals Are Stranger Than Fiction.' Dick was a devoted dog lover, was President of the Ramsey County Humane Society for many years, and was preceded in death by his beloved 'Scrappy' and numerous boxers, most notably Ensign, Bos'n, Tanya, Hush, and Emma. He was actively involved in community and civic organizations, including serving as President of St. Paul Rotary Club, President of the Gyro Club of St. Paul, Commander of 15 Grand American Legion, President of the Minnesota Vision Foundation, Trustee of the Minnesota Medical Association. Dick was an avid traveler and boater, often touring the Caribbean. Dick will be fondly remembered by his family, and all his many friends, and his stories will be missed by all. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Friday 11:00AM, CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 1405 Highway 13, Mendota. Visitation Thursday 4-8PM also at the CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ST. PETER. Memorials are preferred to the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation, Minnesota Vision Foundation, or the donor's choice. Twin Cities Cremation 651-645-1233.

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Published by Pioneer Press from Jun. 17 to Jun. 18, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Grayson

6 Entries

Dale & Mary Stroud

June 18, 2003

Who will give the toast? Who will tell the funny barrister jokes while wearing a red plaid tam on his head? We have such wonderful memories of Dick from the numerous International Study trips the University department of Mortuary Science sponsored and the last trip in 1998 that was sponsored by Dick, Dale, and Mary's organization, the International Funeral Service Education Association. Dick always provided the best of stories and jokes, the best and most appropriate toasts. And the best legal guidance. It was such a pleasure to count him among our friends. And we will miss him.

John Hofmann

June 18, 2003

I remember Dick Grayson, or "Mr. Grayson" as I always politely referred to him, as a friendly man who opened up his home to me during my adolescence. I slept on a number of his couches countless times on the weekends during my high school years while spending time with his son Jon, my best friend in high school. I always felt welcomed by him and Carol, and considered their home my second home during those years.

I fondly recall the different times when different parts of his personality broke through unexpectedly, such as curing at the television when a phony lawyer soliciting business stood up straight, looked squarely into the camera, and said with a straight face, "You have my word on it." Dick actually gave him the Bronx jeer.

I also remember when Dick attended my high school graduation party and overheard a friend of mine playfully telling me, "He looks a little like Orville Redenbacher, the popcorn man." Dick's response? Completely unflustered, he launches into an amusing story about Orville, full of funny details and anecdotes. He didn't miss a beat. I learned a little bit about social grace at that moment.

I'll remember how we sometimes talked about politics, Ronald Reagan, that he went to school with Walter Mondale, Broadway musicals (Ray Bolger brought the house down singing about "Amy," he told me), and why he didn't like watching Perry Mason or Jude Wapner on television. But most of all I'll remember that he was always willing to relate intelligently to a young man (me) doing his best growing up into adulthood.

In peace,

John Hofmann

San Francisco

Lee Butler

June 18, 2003

To The Grayson Family,

I'm saddened to hear about the loss of your wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. His spirit will remain with me as I think of the wonderful times we had at the reunions and how kind and loving he was when I came to visit. I can't be in Minnesota, but my love and hugs are with you.

Cousin Lee

Suzanne Harris

June 17, 2003

I had the pleasure of having Mr. Grayson as an instructor at the University of Minnesota - Mortuary Science Department back in 1992-93. My condolences go out to his family during this time. Dick was a wonderful instructor - full of interesting stories and real-life events to keep us not only interested, but entertained at the same time. He made learning funeral law fun. I have many fond memories of his class, & a number of conversations that we had after my graduation. I know that many funeral directors that he taught throughout the many years will miss his wisdom.

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