The Allegheny Highlands Council of Boy Scouts of America has long promoted personal growth and self-improvement. The organization helps young people develop these essential skills, values, and character traits through hands-on, experiential learning. David Gray played a key role in assisting scouts through his role as a board member of the Council and scoutmaster for Troop 276 in Gowanda. His recent passing left a void to fill for those involved in area scouting.

A member of the Order of the Arrow and driver of the National Youth Leadership Training Program for the Council, Daivd Gray was involved in a number of service roles, and often filled his time learning something new – either for his own amusement or that of helping out a friend or neighbor. “David could troubleshoot anything,” noted David’s wife Gayla. “He’d repair or rebuild anything and had a real fondness for learning how things work.”

The skilled electrician, plumber, welder, carpenter and mechanic graduated from Old Dominion, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and followed his appreciation for anything mechanical through countless projects, taking on leadership roles with Boy Scouts, where he led scouts by that example and encouraged the youth to value the Motto that encourages learning and personal growth. His passion for maintaining a strong and engaged mind was a prime example of the growth outcomes sought by his scout members. 

Upon David’s passing, his fellow scout leaders established a fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in his memory. The Boy Scouts of America David Gray Memorial Fund will provide financial assistance for scouts attending Council sponsored training and support scouts with financial hardships.

“We are so grateful to the family and friends of David Gray for establishing this Fund,” added Tory Irgang, Executive Director at the CRCF. “We know that many young people lack the resources to attend the valuable trainings and leadership programs through the Council. This Fund will continue the legacy of a long-time Allegheny Highlands volunteer and grow the next generation of leaders.”

Those seeking to honor David by supporting this Fund can find the Boy Scouts of America David Gray Memorial Fund online at crcfonline.org/give or mail a check to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701. As the Fund grows, its impact on the youth of this community will grow also.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org