Dr. Donald Gray Ray, one of the first chiropractors in Bermuda and a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, died last week from heart disease. He was 76.

Dr. Ray, of Sandys, was remembered as a colourful character who had many interests and a list of impressive accomplishments. He is survived by his wife Audrey, and daughters, Karen Craig, Mary Ellen Williams, and Donna Larkin.

Dr. Ray opened his Chiropractic office in 1979. His interest in the field of Chiropractic was sparked when his daughter, Ms Larkin, developed a fever at six months and was cured with a spinal manipulation. ?He was always interested, always searching, leaving not a stone unturned when it came to learning new and ancient health care methods,? said Ms Larkin.

Dr. Ray was a member of the Rotary Club in Bermuda for a number of years and earned a realtor?s licence in the early 70s before moving to the Island. He spoke fluent Japanese and obtained a black belt in Judo. A veteran of the Korean War and the Vietnam War, he also served on the aircraft carrier, the , when it retrieved astronauts from one of the splashed-down space capsules. Ms Craig said: ?When we were little children if we got in trouble he would say, ?are you being the best person you can be?? and we would say ?No?.

?He always encouraged us to be the best we could be ? and we learned to go beyond our limitations,? she said.

Dr. Ray was a devoted family man, with a positive attitude, who was extraordinarily dedicated to his wife, Audrey, said Ms Larkin.

Dr. Ray?s wife has resided in the Extended Care Unit at King Edward VI Memorial Hospital for three years suffering from Dementia. The Chiropractic Association of Bermuda on behalf of all Chiropractors is donating $1,000 to the Extended Health Care Unit in honour of Dr. Ray. Dr. Reid Robinson said that when he first started his practice Dr. Ray helped him out even though they were technically competition for each other.

?He was very genuine and helped me out by referring patients,? said Dr. Robinson. He added: ?Through his many years of experience he helped me with my confidence level as a new practitioner ? I could always call him for professional questions.?

Dr. Ray?s daughters told that their father may have appeared a quiet man but he was always ?jovial? and ?free?.

?His feet were always dancing his own special dance and his resonant voice, inherited from his mother, would burst into frequent song or a strong joyful whistle.

?Sometimes the phone would ring and the first thing we?d here would be Dad?s voice singing Stevie Wonder?s song ?I Just Called to Say I Love You?.

?He leaves us with a heart full of song and dance,? they said.

The three daughters added: ?He was always our first source of guidance in every one of life?s situations.?