Tracy Franklin Gray

Tracy Franklin Gray, 64, of Bozeman, Montana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 13, 2025. He was born on April 19, 1960, in Butte, Montana, to Thomas Floyd Gray and Ida Jo Marie Gray. He was a deeply devoted Husband to Susana Gray and a loving father to Katrina Gray. 

Tracy started working at a young age when he and his brother Jeff lived with older sister Michelle in Basalt, Colorado. Tracy and Jeff worked in Aspen, Colorado, where he and Jeff were very close and worked hard so that they could enjoy skiing. He had little fear, and most remember Tracy with his distinct and contagious laughter which immediately lit up the whole room wherever he went. Tracy made friends quickly and loved everyone; he especially enjoyed cooking BBQs for his family and friends. He had a passion and love for fishing, and notably loved Georgetown Lake in Montana.

Tracy worked as a Driller for Tonto Drilling Co., he worked for Newmont Gold, Red Dog Mine in Alaska and then later he went to work at a mine in Peru. Peru is where he met the love of his life and beautiful wife, Susana. They soon after married and had a beautiful daughter, Katrina Elsa Mary Gray – Susana and Katrina were the light and everything in Tracy’s life. The three of them later moved back to Butte, Montana so that Tracy could be closer to his father. Tracy continued to work in the drilling business for AK Drilling in Cripple Creek, Colorado, in Chihuahua Mexico, Boart Longyear in Africa. The children in the local tribes were always waiting for Tracy to return from leaves as he would bring them lots of candies and special treats not available locally. Later on, Tracy worked in Russia for a Canadian Company, Centerra Gold in Kyrgyzstan. Tracy was a very dedicated and experienced specialized Driller. While in Russia, he was promoted to General Manager for the large Kumtor Project as well as overseeing another project in Istanbul. After 13 years of working, he decided to stay in the U.S. and consulted for the design and construction of new drilling equipment for the Kumtor project. Tracy and Susana decided to move back to Bozeman to be closer to Katrina. Katrina had just graduated from MSU, and eventually the three of them were reunited where they lived happily together. Tracy was the proudest father and so grateful to have his wife and daughter close to him. Tracy was employed by U-Haul in Bozeman where he made even more friends and work relationships.

Tracy enjoyed riding his Road King Harley Davidson and traveling for work or pleasure. He had an ability to immerse himself in the cultures of other countries and was quick at learning new languages.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35

Tracy was a man with a giant soul and an even bigger heart as he has literally given the “shoes off his own feet” to a stranger in need. His generosity knew no bounds. He was loved so much by Susana and Katrina that words cannot describe their loss. His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, it is gravely felt by the entire family and countless others who loved him.

Tracy is survived by his sister, Trina Allen, and brother, Brian Gray, cousins Shaun and Shane Gray, nieces and nephews, Brandie, Candace, Thomas, Jessica, Dakota, his friends Neil, Dennis, Jerry, Chad…the list is long. Tracy was preceded in death by the recent tragic loss of beloved sister Michelle Lynn Riley only 2 months prior, also by his mother, father, brother Tom, and brother Jeff Gray – beloved dog “Scooby”.

Tracy will be deeply missed by all who have had the once-in-a-lifetime experience to be a part of his life and his love. Although he is not physically here, his love and memories will live in our hearts forever. The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Tracy Gray will be February 28, 2025, at 11:00am, Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service, 300 Highland Blvd, Bozeman, Montana.