Hy Gray probably owned 100 antique cars over the years

Hylan R. Gray, 80, of Roscoe, was born a car lover and died a car lover. Antique cars were a passion of his. He probably owned 100 cars over his lifetime. He always had an assortment of them in his garage . On a sunny day, you would see him shining them up to get ready for a cruise or a car show. He believed he should drive what he owned. Hy attended many car shows and was thrilled he could attend his favorite one this year in Iola, WI. He was an active member of the AACA, the Early Ford V8 Club, the Pontiac Club and was a former member of the IOU Club in Belvidere.

Hy died on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at UW Hospital in Madison, WI.

Hy's knowledge and passion for old cars was outstanding, but his true legacy lies in his example as a great dad, demonstrated as he lived his life with kindness, generosity and honesty. Hy also had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Now that he's gone, you realize that you don't come across many people like Hy.

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Born October 13, 1941 in Belvidere, IL to the late Hylan Sr. and Mary (Mittendorf) Gray, Hy grew up in Sharon, WI and graduated from Big Foot High School. After graduation, Hy enlisted in the US Air Force in the hopes of traveling and seeing the world, but throughout his military career he was stationed in Amarillo, TX (with a climate similar to Khadan Khāk, Pakistan). In 1978, he went to work as a salesman at Seals and Engineering. There he met Lynn Perger, who says "they instantly hit it off." They were married on January 19, 1980. Seals and Engineering was later sold to Lucas Fluid Power, and Hy worked his way up to become president of the company.

Hy is survived by his wife Lynn of 43 years, three daughters, Michelle (Steven) Jahr, Sheila Webber and Sherri (Tony) Trouse, grandchildren Amber (Joe) Beatty, Heather (Duane) Shaw, Phillip (Amber) Jahr and Brittany Hiatt, numerous great grandchildren, and a brother Eugene Fizek.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sandra, his brother Duane and his granddaughter Ashley.

A celebration of Hy's life will be held Monday, August 8, 2022 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Brian Mark Funeral Home, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, WI. Food and beverages will be provided. Instead of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to VetsRoll. Classic cars are encouraged at the celebration in tribute to Hy.