Hylan "Hy" R. Gray

Hylan R. Gray 80, of Roscoe, IL died on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at UW Hospital in Madison, WI.  Hy was born October 13, 1941 in Belvidere, IL to the late Hylan Sr. and Mary (Mittendorf) Gray.  He grew up in Sharon, WI and graduated from Big Foot High School. After graduation, Hy enlisted in the US Air Force in the hopes of traveling and seeing the world, but was stationed in Amarillo, TX throughout his military career. In 1978, he went to work as a salesman at Seals and Engineering.  There he met Lynn Perger and they instantly hit if off. On January 19, 1980, Hy and Lynn were married. Seals and Engineering was later sold to Lucas Fluid Power where Hy earned his way to become President of the company. He was an active member of the AACA, the Early Ford V8 Club, the Pontiac Club and was a former member of the IOU Club in Belvidere.

Hy was born a car lover and died a car lover. Antique cars were a passion of his. Over his lifetime, it's estimated that he owned 100 cars. His garage always had an assortment of them. If you drove by his house on a sunny day, you would see him shining them up to get ready for a cruise or a car show. He was a believer of not just owning the cars, but driving them. Hy attended many car shows, but his favorite one was in Iola, WI and was thrilled that he was able to attend this years show. Hy's knowledge and passion for old cars was outstanding, but his true legacy lies in his example as a great dad, demonstrated as he lived his life with kindness, generosity and honesty. Hy also had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Now that he's gone, you realize that you don't come across many people like Hy.

Hy is survived by his wife Lynn of 43 years, three daughters, Michelle (Steven) Jahr, Sheila Webber and Sherri (Tony) Trouse, grandchildren Amber (Joe) Beatty, Heather (Duane) Shaw, Phillip (Amber) Jahr and Brittany Hiatt, numerous great grandchildren and a brother Eugene Fizek.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra, his brother Duane and his granddaughter Ashley.

A celebration of Hy's life with food and beverages provided will be Monday, August 8, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at BRIAN MARK FUNERAL HOME, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to VetsRoll, 1777 Gardner St., South Beloit, IL 61080 or vetsroll.org. Please share a memory or a condolence with the Gray family on our website.

Those of you with classic cars are encouraged to bring them as a tribute to Hy.

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