SALEM –

Don was born in Pratt, Kansas, graduated Washburn University in 1954, served in the Air Force as hospital administrator at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1961, and interned at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City.

 

Don completed a psychiatric residency at Oregon State Hospital, joined the Oregon Division of Mental Health, served twice as division head, and remained until his retirement in 1989. He also taught in the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical School at OHSU.  Don evaluated state mental health programs for the National Institute of Mental Health and served two terms as president of the National Association for Mental Health Program Directors.     

 

He is preceded in death by his first wife Rose Ann Ledferd Bray, and his daughter Ann (Mike) Jones. He is survived by his wife Rebecca Bray, five children: Chris Bray (Dave Sweet), Kathi (Tom) Douglas of Salem, Jamie (Furd) Halsell of Pilot Point, Texas, Lisa (Eric) Utz of Florence, Jim (Holly) Bray, of Salem and his brother, Jerry (Mary) Bray of Salem. Don had nineteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two step children, Sherrie (Brooke) Burdick of Mukilteo, WA, and Mark (Tam) Miles, MD of Pauline, SC  and four step grandchildren.  

 

A memorial service will be held January 16 at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church, 600 State Street in Salem.  Memorials to The Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Center, OHSU, CR131, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239 or Disability Rights Oregon, 620 SW Fifth Ave., Suite 500, Portland, OR 97204-1420.  Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service 503-364-2257.