‘A steady, calming presence and a wonderful friend’: Remembering Mike Gray
Assistant Director of Facilities and Building Manager Mike Gray, BA’07, joined IU in 2008 first as the lighting and studio manager with Radio-TV Services, later joining the engineering staff. He also did freelance for major networks, such as CBS for the Super Bowl. He also attended Maine media workshops and college filmmaking and photography school. He was a gifted professional with dedication, kindness, and a quiet sense of humor that made a lasting impact on his colleagues and students alike.
“He was a dear friend and a good colleague. Everybody that knew him, even on the surface level, just thought he was great. He did everything very, very well,” Director of Facilities and Technology Jay Kincaid said.
Gray passed away Oct. 10 from cancer. He was 49.
When considering Gray for the assistant position at The Media School in 2021, Kincaid said it was a no-brainer. The pair had known each other for 26 years and understood their work environment, but were able to share heartfelt conversations in Kincaid’s office.
“That’s what I’ll miss the most about him, just these impromptu conversations, Kincaid said.
From the display screen to IP ethernet wiring, Gray’s work can be seen around The Media School. Some of his most notable work was in Franklin Hall’s Studio 7, the Ken and Audrey Beckley Studio, where he was the primary builder. Close friends and coworkers Joshua Bennett, Kate Crum, and Allen Major all said that Gray was most known for his precision and dedication to learning and teaching. Though not a teacher, Gray always lent a helping hand.
In the context of working on Studio 7, Bennett, The Media School’s archivist, shared that, “If I know how to do it, it’s because he helped me…All the levers and buttons were intimidating but he helped ease that.” Gray’s position allowed him to teach students on tech equipment in the Franklin Hall studios and the Radio-TV building. If a student wanted to know how to use a piece of equipment, Mike would take the time to train them.
“He cared a lot about people, and he cared a lot about his work, and he was always just striving to make things better. And I think he really accomplished that,” Crum said.
Daily lunches with Gray are the times that Bennett, Crum, Kincaid, and Major will value most. The group would meet at the same time every day, sit in the commons, and discuss various topics. From friendly banter to family advice, everything was on the table, and no one was judged. The coworkers would also have celebratory birthday lunches at nearby restaurants.
Gray frequently talked about his family, sharing stories and pictures of them often. Bennett, Crum, Kincaid, and Major have them in their hearts, recounting goals Gray had for his sons and the traveling he had done with his mother.
“My memories will probably be the lunchtime talks we would have about everything from his kids, family, to buying a home, to trying to be healthier. Him showing us every picture he took in Germany, which he one day wanted to retire to. Mostly just the mundane interactions during our rare downtime. He will be missed a great deal,” Major said.
A funeral service to celebrate Gray’s life will be held Friday at 5:30 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville. Visitation will begin at 3:30 pm with the service to follow.