John Dennis Gray, age 73, of Washburn passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Ashland.  He was born February 4, 1949 in Detroit, MI, the son of Bernard and Thelma (Bassett) Gray.

John graduated in 1967 from Glenbrook South High School in Glenview, IL and continued his schooling at the University of Illinois. John was a luthier who owned and operated John Gray String Repair in Champaign, IL and later in Washburn.  

John married Teresa (Hausback) Hammel on March 14, 2000 in Urbana, IL.  The couple then moved and bought their home in Washburn in 2000.

John was a loving husband, proud father, wonderful brother, beloved son and a true friend.  In the music community, his legacy will live on in the instruments he made, repaired and brought back to life.  John was a member of the town Planning Commission in Champaign IL and later in Washburn WI.  He was a safe harbor for those who knew him and his smile and generosity will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Matthew (Ashley)  and Danielle (David), step-children, Dustin (Grace) and Jordy; grandchildren, Aubrey and Alexis; step-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Thomas and Preston; siblings, Bernard (Robin), Sharon (JC) and Andrea (David); and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Andrew.

A celebration of John’s life will begin 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 12, 2022 at the Snug in Washburn. 

Arrangements are by Bratley Funeral Home of Washburn. 

Visit the John Gray Guitars page on Facebook:

https://facebook.com/groups/80237286852/

Richard William Gillman began his journey into the spirit world on April 6, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Ric worked in the field of mental health, both in Seattle and the Chequamegon Bay Area. He served as the Recreation Director in Washburn, and as the Charter Master at the Madeline Island Yacht Club. At the time of his passing, he was employed by the Town of La Pointe as the Zoning Administrator.

Music and history were the loves of Ric’s life. He was a talented performer, delighting audiences with both his skills on the guitar and his captivating story-telling abilities. He especially cherished his collaborations with Big Top Chautauqua greats Don Pavel, Ed Willet and Bruce Bowers. Ric organized and promoted numerous fund-raising events, produced the Madeline Island Radio Hour, wrote songs and performed for productions of Positivity Children’s Theater as well as those of the La Pointe School, and was always willing to lend sound reinforcement for community celebrations. When he wasn’t strumming, he loved reading history books. A celebration of Ric’s life was held on May 20, at Hansen Park in New Brighton, MN.

He is survived by his wife, Sheri Milburn, siblings Jeff (Rena) Gillman, Beth Gillman (Denny Olsen), Karen Gillman, children Casey Parkinson (Nathan), Bent-ley Gillman (Monica Walch), and eight grandchildren.

Many performers will be honoring Ric this summer at the Bell Street Gallery In La Pointe, where he frequently performed. Visit their web-site, www.bellstgallery.com or their Facebook page for details.

On August 11, as part of the La Pointe Center concert series, Ric’s band, The CharterKats, will be performing.

The family is establishing the Ric Gillman Scholarship/History Fund in his honor. The purpose is to provide funds for the activities of area music students and support for the Madeline Island Historical Preservation Association.

Contributions may be sent to Bentley Gillman, 1595 7th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.