Andrew Gray died on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. He was 35 years old. Andrew was a loyal son, brother, husband, and friend to many. An accomplished pilot, Andrew flew Black Hawk helicopters and single-engine fixed-wing aircraft. He skied the Alps, ran a Tough Mudder in the UK, and rode a hot air balloon in the Australian Outback. With an easy smile, larger than life walk, keen sense of humor, and undeniable courage; he was the best of us.
Andrew Gray (Drew) was born in Helena, MT on October 11, 1985, to Bill and Marcia Gray. He explored the mountains, lakes, and rivers throughout Montana with his two brothers and sister. Drew attended Kessler Elementary, CR Anderson Middle School, and Capital High School in Helena. At Capital High School, he lettered in Bruins soccer and played saxophone in the school band. Andrew trained for wildland and structure fires at Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department. He fought fires in Montana for DNRC Helena Unit Initial Attack and Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department. He graduated high school in 2004.
Andrew attended Montana State University Great Falls College of Technology where he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree through the paramedic program. He instructed the Emergency Medical Technician-Basic course as Adjunct Professor, worked shifts with local ambulance services, and was a flight paramedic for Montana Medical Transport. Andrew graduated from college in 2007.
Drew enlisted in the United States Army in 2009. He attended Warrant Officer Candidate School and Warrant Officer Flight Training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. He graduated CW1 and qualified to fly the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Stationed in Germany, Andrew flew with Company A 3rd-158th Aviation Regiment AHB “Blue Stars”. His company deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 during Operation Enduring Freedom. After Germany, he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia from 2014 – 2018. He flew with the 4th RTB Flight Company “Ravens” and was an Instructor Pilot. Prior to his last flight for the U.S. Army in 2018, Drew appeared on screen as lead pilot on the History Channel’s “Sniper: The Ultimate Competition”. CW2 Gray was honorably discharged in 2018, after eight years of service. Gray’s decorations for service include NATO Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon 2nd Award, Army Achievement Medal 5th Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
After the Army, Andrew flew three years for Firehawk Helicopters and was a rated Instructor Pilot. Captain Andrew Gray battled fires across the United States and overseas in Australia.
Unfortunately, Andrew was killed in a helicopter crash in Leesburg, Florida while he prepared for the 2021 fire season. Drew is survived by his wife, Brianne (FL), parents Bill and Marcia (MT), brothers Alex (Kelly, Emery, Clark) (WA) and James, sister Tessa (Andrew, Peter) (MT).
Donations can be made in his honor to Wildland Firefighter Foundation, Disabled American Veterans, or Baxendale Volunteer Fire Department.
The Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on August 19, 2021 followed by Military burial with honors at Fort William Henry Harrison State Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m. local time. A Celebration of Life to follow at the Great Divide Ski Area in Marysville, MT.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
2:30 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Great Divide Ski Area
7385 Belmont Dr.
Marysville, Montana 59640
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
1:00 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroes Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of His Life
2:30 p.m.
Thursday August 19, 2021
Great Divide Ski Area
7385 Belmont Dr.
Marysville, Montana 59640
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Ed McKnight says
A prayer for you and heart-felt condolences to your family Captain Grey; thank you for your honored service to our country.
Ed McKnight, USN vet
Curtis Lee Suter says
One of the finest men I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with.
Such very sad news. Prayers for the family.
MSgt Curtis Suter, USAF Retired
Deb Hendrix says
Bill & Marcia, Sending heartfelt condolences … Today and always, may loving memories bring you strength, comfort and peace. Deb Hendrix
Pat Armstrong says
Bill and Marcia I am so very sory for your loss. I remember all our talks Bill when Drew choose to become a copter pilo. I have been Facebook friends with him for years and have followed his amazing life. I wish your family peace and hope for the future. All my love . Pat armstrong
Dan and Lonnie Collings says
Bill, Marcia and family My heart is heavy with this sad news. What an accomplished young man he was. We thank him for his service. May your memories carry you through this trying time. Prayers for all of you. Dan and Lonnie Collings
Pat Keim says
I helped train Drew in the fire service at Baxendale. I knew when he started with us that he was someone special. He was liked and respected by all of us at the station. His loss is so tragic but the memories of him are so inspiring.
Jena Anderson says
Bill and Marcia, we are so sorry to hear about Drew, your family is in our thoughts. Clint and Jena Anderson
Lee McDonald says
Gray Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Andrew and Chris hanging out together back at Kessler and in 4H. It seems like yesterday. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this traumatic time.
Teresa Lane says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many memories of you all from 4H , since it was just a few years ago. From the Converse Family in Augusta.
Terry MacLaurin says
Bill and Marcia, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your son. He was an extraordinary young man. May all of your lovely memories help you through this most tragic time. Terry MacLaurin
Jody Pace Davie says
I am so sorry to hear of Drew’s passing. His obituary certainly reflects his amazing life. Sending prayers your way of comfort and peace. Know that your family is in our hearts at this time.
Glenn Kenney says
My thoughts are with you. Our country can’t afford to lose great men like Drew.
Mike Dunn says
My deepest sympathy to Drew’s family for the loss of a true hero and noteworthy member of the community.
JoAnn Toothman says
Brianne, Ron and I have you in our constant thoughts and prayers. We can only pray that your wonderful memories with Andrew will soon replace the pain and sorrow you are feeling now. With hope and love….
Paula Strand says
Marsha, Tessa and family: my daughters and offer our sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. Sincerely, Paula (Anders), Hannah Anders, Sigurd Olson.
Tami Jendro says
Bill, Marcia and family, my heart is heavy with sadness. Let the love and support of you family and friends carry you through this difficult time. Heartfelt Condolences…
Lauren and Mark Murphy says
Bill, Marcia and family,
We were so sorry to read about Andrew. What an amazing young man. We have great memories of him being around with all the 4H things we did. We are thinking of you all and sending prayers.
Lauren and Mark
Ronnie Childers says
An awesome smile and a huge hug was always his greeting. So sorry he was taken so young in life. My prayers are with Brianna in her time of sorrow. Now fly higher than you could have ever imagined Drew. You will be remembered.
Leona and Christina Wetherall says
Bill, Marsha and family,
There are never enough of the right words to say for the loss of such a kind and wonderful person he always had a hug and a smile for everyone. Our hearts go out to you, praying for peace and understanding.
Betty Bicknell and Family says
Bill, Marsha, and family, our hearts ache for you in this time. We were so appreciative for all your help, when we lost our dad. You are in our prayers. All our love.
Glen J Cuchine says
Dear Gray Family, my heart goes out to you all at this difficult loss. May your many happy memories of Andrew sustain you. All the best to you,
Roy Henderson says
For a parent the loss of a child is the most heartbreaking event the can happen. My son is also a professional pilot and even though I didn’t know Drew and I can feel the loss. Marcia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. Stay strong.
Nancy Emmert says
I can’t imagine the pain you are enduring. My heart goes out to you and your family. I didn’t know Andrew but I know you are such dedicated parents. Your kids are your life and Andrew had a great life because he knew he was SO loved by his family. I pray you can move forward with many great memories and enjoy your time with your other kids knowing how precious every day is.
Stephanie Bicknell Fantini says
Bill, Marsha and Family you are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
John &PatArmstrong says
John and I are so sorry for your heartbreaking loss. You had an amazing boy and We are proud of his service and accomplishments. Prayers and blessings to your family. John and Pat Armstrong
Peggy Hollow-Phelps says
Dear Marcia, Bill, Brianne and Family, We are so sorry to know that Andrew was killed. In rereading the obituary, his life is such a testimony to service and love. We remember Andrew well from soccer and his younger years,…his enthusiasm, strength, resilience and commitment were so very characteristic of him. What a terrible loss for all of you and our world. In sympathy and friendship, Peggy Hollow-Phelps, Chris, Colin and Stuart Phelps and Family