Obituary of Michael Barnes Wray

Michael Barnes Wray 1950-2024

What is the common denominator of football, sandwiches, bourbon, and family?  A man fondly known as “Papa”.  Michael Barnes Wray, 73, of Windsor Colorado tragically passed away February 23rd, 2024 at the age of 73 in Windsor, Colorado.

 Michael was born in Bristol, Connecticut on 12/31/1950 to Sidney Waddington Wray and Nancy Barnes (Defeyter) Wray.  Losing his father when he was 15 and being the oldest of 7, Michael was quickly thrown into young adulthood where he learned the importance of connection and community.  His mother described him as a “hard charger” who worked diligently to create opportunities for others to shine.   

Michael attended a small boarding high school called Webb in Claremont, California before studying animal science and agriculture at Colorado State University.  He had a competitive and fair athletic spirit that provided him the impetus to organize, coach, and play on the first rugby squad at Colorado State.  After completing his Junior year at CSU, he moved West to Klamath Falls, Oregon to pursue his true passion, agriculture.  Once he had mastered Cattle and Crops, he opened a Car Dealership.   His community was as important to him as he was to them.

Michael is survived by many.  His sons, Sam and Thomas Wray, his daughters Molly Halligan and Olivia Jorgensen, his son-in-laws Jason Halligan and Dayer Worrell, and the love of his life Rebecca Jorgensen Wray.  His surviving siblings are Nancy Dey (John), Mark Wray (Connie), Susan Hedges (Monnie), Steve Wray, and Judy Nelson (Peter).  His surviving cousins are Tom Barnes (Melanie) and Jarre Betts (Witt).  

Michael adored his grandchildren.  Travelling to see them and support them in their events was his most beloved hobby.  His grandchildren include Max Wray, Jake Wray, Oliver Halligan, Josie Halligan, Gray, Sayda, and Kesson Worrell.  Michael treasured his time with his grandkids and loved attending their football games, lacrosse tournaments, musical performances, karate competitions, never failing to be the one with the biggest smile at the event.   

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Nancy Barnes (Defeyter) Wray and Sidney Waddington Wray and his sister, Ellen Wray.

Everyone who knew Michael knew how much he loved to travel.  Everything from the aircraft type to the hotel and restaurant choices were vividly discussed closer to the trip approaching.  We’ll always imagine hearing him call from these trips saying “good morning, it’s papa.  I’m calling around 0800 hours on Wednesday morning the 1st, it’s a beautiful day here.”  He had a contagiously positive attitude that he brought with him everywhere.  Michael will always be remembered for his kind and generous spirit and the way that he never left anyone behind.  He never forgot to say thank you for a home cooked meal as demonstrated by his typical “damn that was good” expression.  For these and many greater qualities, we will miss Papa Michael Barnes Wray every day.