Erik finished his earthly mission February 10, 2017 at 6:45 am peacefully surrounded by his family. We are grateful for you and for the amazing part you played in his life. Some of his last advice early that morning was, "Today is not a bad day. Today is a great day to be awesome. "....
So, take his advice and make today a
great day and be awesome!
Erik Joseph Gray ~ 1994-2017
He has inspired so many people already and will continue to do so. He asked Dallin Southwick to do this video for his family and friends. He talks about his journey with cancer as well as those who have helped him along the the way. I miss Erik so much but his testimony is powerful and reminds me that I will see him again. Miss you Erik! ~Sierra Southwick
Life Sketch for Erik
Gray
On Friday, February 10, 2017, Erik Joseph Gray, peacefully returned
home to his Heavenly Father. On the morning of his passing he was surrounded by
his family. For 7 years he valiantly
battled cancer. Although his body lost the fight to cancer, his will to be
courageous won the battle. His final advice to the family was “Today in not a
bad day. Today is a great day to be awesome.”
He was an incredible force for greatness, beloved by his family, friends,
and everyone in his midst.
Erik was born January 7, 1994 in Murrieta, California to
Dennis and JoLene Gray. Erik is the 4th
of 5 children. The family later moved to Utah where Erik spent the remainder of
his life in Cedar City and Logan, Utah.
As a child his zest for life and people shined as he easily made friends
with anyone on the playground. Erik
enjoyed spending time with his family and being with friends. He loved the great outdoors, camping, fishing
and hiking, especially the National Parks.
He also had a love for helping people in the neighborhood. They enjoyed his help and often called on him
for years to assist them.
He was always involved in some extracurricular activity,
whether it was music, sports or student government, he was always busy. Erik was an accomplished pianist. He loved
music and it came easy to him. In high
school he played football, ran track, cross country and participated in the CHS
band, playing trombone. Although he was
disappointed that he couldn’t achieve his potential in sports, he didn’t let
his cancer get in the way and found student leadership as his new favorite
niche. He was a Sophomore class officer, Junior class president and when he was
a Senior, he was Student Body Vice President.
He loved people and planning and carrying out activities to unify his
class mates. He also participated in Honor
Society, Cedar City Youth Council and various school plays and musicals. He graduated with honors from Cedar High in
2012.
Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, he
participated in many activities and held responsible leadership positions as a
youth. He earned his Eagle Scout Award. He was proud of his accomplishments and
always yearned to do more.
He had a great desire to serve a mission for the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He
was blessed to serve in the St. George Temple.
He loved his mission and served with a determination to fulfill the
Lord’s work.
He earned his Associates Degree from Southern Utah
University and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah State
University in Communication Disorders and Deaf Education. During his college days, he was blessed to be
a member of the USU A-Team. He was
involved with many people and touched many lives throughout his time in Logan,
which he referred to as the “Promised Land.” While up at Utah State, his bike was stolen. The only
response Erik had was, “joke’s on them, I only paid $10 for it.” Erik always
knew how to add humor to bad situations.
Erik had many goals, wishes and dreams. He was able to accomplish so much in his 23
years. As he grew in the gospel, his love for temples increased
immensely. One of his greatest wishes
was to attend all 16 Utah temples, which he accomplished. He was able to find
many of his ancestors in Family History and many lives were blessed because of
this great work.
Erik was sad to leave Logan & his adventurous college
life behind to come back home for cancer treatments in August 2016. But he often expressed his happiness to be
home with family. He and his siblings
shared so many fun memories throughout the years. Brooke, Chris, Ashley and Justin will miss
Erik’s quick wit, his love for games and fun, and most of all Erik’s love and
wisdom. Erik loved being around his
niece and nephews. He was the “favorite
uncle”. (We all know that Erik kept
reminding them of it.) Erik’s parents are so proud of the wonderful young man
he has become. He was a light in their
life. He always continued to be an
inspiration with his Christlike example.
They will miss the adventures as well as the long talks with each other.
He was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2009. He inspired many as he fought this tough
battle with humor and a contagious positivity. He has stayed strong and valiant
and it is clearly stated on a blog he has written and shared with the
world. We are grateful to the many
doctors, nurses and staff that have helped him through the years. Special thanks goes to Ethan and the others
with Alliance Hospice for helping Erik have a better quality of life in his
last two months where he was able to serve and continue touching more lives.
He truly emulated the Savior. Many have said he was the definition of a
true friend. He made sure that everyone
knew he loved them. He never let you
leave without a smile on your face. His
faith and positivity drew people to him and to God. We miss Erik but he has left a legacy that
cannot be forgotten.
Erik is survived by his parents, Dennis and JoLene Gray, his
siblings, Brooke (Tim) Tasker, Christopher (Allie) Gray, Ashley (Hayden) Hawks,
and Justin Gray, and his 4 nephews: Camden, Easton, Grayson, and Ezra and 1
niece: Renae. He is also survived by his
grandmother, Colleen Polatis, many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him
dearly. He is preceded in death by his
grandparents, Robert and Barbara Gray and Joseph Polatis.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, February 20,
2017 at the Cedar West Stake Center (725 South 1100 West, Cedar City, UT). A visitation will be held on Sunday, February
19, 2017 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 North 300 West,
Cedar City, UT). A visitation will be
held on Monday, February 20, 2017 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Cedar West Stake
Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Huntsman Cancer
Institute or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple Fund.
Online condolences can be made at
www.sumortuary.com.
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| Artist: Sister Ckaz Dean ~ St. George Temple Cafeteria |
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| Love you Erik....Forever in our hearts! |
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