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Artist, writer, businessman and philanthropist are words easily and appropriately associated with the name Peter Gray. But the word that always comes into my mind for Peter is friend. We met when I asked him if he would create and donate a painting for the annual Becas Ball poster. He quickly agreed to everything, and there was an immediate affinity between us.
Very shortly, he presented a wonderful painting: a colorful kaleidoscope of balloons, garlands, lights and stars framing boys and girls dancing and singing. He called it "Let the Children Dance," and the Becas members loved it so much we used it as the theme of our 1998 Becas Ball, reproducing figures from the painting for wall and table decorations. As a tribute to Peter, Becas Vallarta is reproducing that poster to use for our 2009 Becas Ball.
Later, Peter told us he had a new painting titled "Pidiendo Posada" that he felt would make a great print. Further, Peter said he and Buri wanted to donate the 500 prints to Becas to sell in the various shops in Vallarta. Of course, we accepted his gift and sold all 500 posters, and many local girls and boys went to school that year thanks to the generosity of my friend Peter.
He and Buri continued their support of Becas and soon became an integral part of the foundation. They turned out to be great additions to our group, coming up with innovative ideas and then helping carrying them out.
His philanthropy to Becas continued with his donation to Becas Vallarta of all the copies of his beautiful 2002 book "All is Safely Gathered In," which sold like hot cakes and once again filled the coffers, enabling more young people to get an education.
In addition to doing so much for Becas, he was an active member of the Navy League, founder of the magnificent art gallery at the Central University of the Coast, University of Guadalajara, appropriately named the Peter Gray Art Museum, and performed many acts of kindness anonymously.
Peter never felt his importance. He quietly went about his business, never asking for special treatment. Peter had so many stories to tell, and I loved hearing them. He was fun to be with. He was my friend. I loved him and will miss him more than I can say.
By: Polly G. Vicars
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