Obituary of Ted Edward Cray

Cray, Ted Edward, 68, of Boise, passed away, Friday, May 5, 2023 at his home. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation, Meridian. 

Our beloved, Ted Edward Cray, age 68, passed away at home unexpectedly, Friday, May 5, 2023, due to what we believe was a cardiac event. 

Ted was born in Lebanon, Oregon on January 30, 1955, to Franklin Joseph Cray and Myrtle Mae Esdaile.  He is an identical twin to Jack.  Ted’s mom did not know she was pregnant with twins and was quite surprised when the doctor said there was another baby coming.  Ted was born 30 minutes after Jack.  Anyone who knows Ted is aware that he is always lagging a few minutes behind!  Ted and Jack are the youngest and had two older siblings, Suzie and Mike. 

Ted attended grade school at St. Edwards Catholic Church and Cascade Elementary in Lebanon, Oregon, as well as Madison Elementary in Albany, Oregon.  He attended Memorial Middle School and graduated from West Albany High School in 1973.  Ted learned to play the trumpet in 4th grade and played in both concert and pep band in high school.  He excelled in high school football and track.

During high school, Ted apprenticed with Sid Stevens to learn the trade of being a Goldsmith.  He continued learning with Sid until 1979, when he moved to Boise, Idaho to take a job with Hal Davis Jewelers.  Ted worked as a Goldsmith for about 20 years also working with Steve Rambo and Lee Read Jewelers.  Ted was a talented Goldsmith, making jewelry for countless individuals, including making his and his wife’s wedding rings.

After about 20 years, Ted changed careers and began working as a salesman for Idaho Barber and Beauty.  Ted was a salesman for about 20 years, then decided to go back to being a Goldsmith. He worked for Stan LaDuke Pro Gold Manufacturing for a couple of years, before retiring during the Covid pandemic in 2020.    

Ted met Barb Dauner in January 1983, while playing volleyball at East Jr. High School in Boise.  Barb looked across the court and saw a blond haired man. Having no idea who this person was, or what his name was, a voice in her head said, “This is the man you are going to marry.”  Ted and Barb were married on June 28, 1986, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Hawley, Minnesota. Ted and Barb had been married 36 years prior to his passing. 

Ted and Barb have two children, Danielle “Dani” and Sara.  Ted was truly a family man.  His daughters played club and high school soccer.  Ted went to every game and took video tapes of every game.  Ted loved to take pictures and could be depended upon to be the photographer at all family events.  Ted was proud to give away his daughters at each of their weddings:  Dani to Tom Harris and Sara to JC Kulm.  Ted recently became a grandfather to Charlie, who was his pride and joy.  Shortly before his death, Ted took pictures of Charlie during his swimming lesson.  Ted was also looking forward to the birth of another grandson (Sara due around September 2023). 

Ted was competitive.  He ran many of the Races to Robie Creek and was proud to have run a marathon.  He was also an avid skier and mountain bike rider.  He loved his group of male friends, including the Phuqowee Tribe, and loved to organize outings.  Prior to his death, Ted had organized a bike ride, which would have been the first after having “crashed and burned and broken 7 ribs” during a bike ride during the Fall of 2022. 

Ted also enjoyed hiking, camping and working in his home and yard.  He was a devoted Boise State Bronco fan and rooted for the Minnesota Vikings.  He loved to “DIY”. With the help from a friend, Ted enclosed their patio, creating a wonderful new living space. He was fearless about taking on projects and good about completing them.

Ted was previously involved with the Boise Host Lions Club.  More recently, Ted was active with Cursillo and had a special relationship with his 4^th day group and Cursillista friends.  Ted was also an usher and outreach Eucharistic Minister at St. Mark’s Church. 

Ted is survived by his wife, Barb; daughter and son-in-law, Dani and Tom Harris and grandson, Charlie; daughter and son-in-law, Sara and JC Kulm and baby grandson due September 2023.  He is also survived by his twin brother, Jack and his wife, Jackie, and their children, J.T. and his wife Laura and Jake and his wife Lisa; brother Mike and his wife Dorothy and their two boys, Jacob and Matthew; his niece Vicky and her husband Eric and their children Zoey, Megan, Lauren, and Samantha; parents-in-law Leroy and Audrey Dauner, a number of brother and sister-in-laws:  Jeff and Sue McDonald, Mike and Ronda Dauner, Gary and Laurel Schulz, Scott and Brenda Dauner, Hope Dauner, Doug Dauner, Rick and Denelle Dauner, Matt and Sheri Cook, and Steve Dauner; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Pearl Cray and Myrtle Esdaile, his sister, Suzie, and brother-in-law, Pat.

Ted’s personality was bigger than life.  He would enter a room and people would be attracted to his outgoing personality and sense of humor.  He was kind, respectful, and cared about others.  He was a loyal friend and family man, checking in frequently with friends and family to make sure all was well.  He was the life of the party at every gathering and you always knew that Ted was in the room!  Ted will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.

Memorial contributions can be made to Birthright or the St. Mark’s Food Pantry.