Lyle John Gray

March 27, 1920 - May 24, 2017

Lyle died peacefully on May 24, 2017 with his loving wife of over 65 years by his side. He was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada and graduated from the Detroit Institute of Technology with a BS in Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering, and an MBA from Stanford University.

In 1942, Lyle received special permission from the Canadian government to join the US Aeronautical War Effort at Moffett Field. At Moffett, he worked in the wind tunnel on aerodynamics. After the war, Lyle was employed by Ames Research (NASA) before having a brief stint on the PGA Golf tour. Due to pneumonia, he was forced to quit the tour and moved back to the Bay Area. Lyle became co-owner of Flinn, Gray and Herterich.

One of the founders of Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, he was instrumental in building the golf course and was one of the first presidents. Lyle was also a past president of numerous golf associations including Desert Seniors. Golf was his passion and he played in both the British and French Amateurs and was the California State Senior Golf Champion.

Lyle enjoyed music and had a beautiful baritone voice. Throughout his life, he sang in numerous amateur productions.

Lyle is survived by his wife Ann, his children; Deborah Cobb, Melissa Pederson, grandchildren; Melissa Johnson, Heather Cobb, Kelly Pederson and Austin Pederson, great grandson; Liam Johnson. He is preceded in death by his son, Lyle John Gray, Jr., and grandson J. Anders Pederson.