Wray Parr d May 21, 2019

We are sad to report that Central Services Supervisor, Wray Parr passed away on May 21, 2019.

Wray began her career with the Contra Costa Community College District in 1952 at Contra Costa College. She worked in the Admissions and Records Office for three years. She left the college to have three children, but returned in 1959 to work in the President’s Office with payroll and purchasing duties. In 1963 she transferred to Diablo Valley College and served in various positions in payroll and purchasing. She retired from the position of Central Services Supervisor at DVC in December 1988.

Wray  is survived by her brother Bernie, husband of 65 years, Emmett, three daughters, Vicki (David/deceased), Cristi (Joe) and Lori (Ken),  seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well extended family and many friends. In retirement, Wray could be found in her kitchen cooking up something wonderful, in case a small army stopped by; or traveling the country in their 5th wheel meeting new friends all along the way.

There will be a celebration of Wray’s life on June 1, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the home she shared with Emmett for 57 years in Pacheco.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to Hospice East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.    

Nancy Zink

DVCRA Liaison

 

I received this tribute from Beverly Reardon Dutra about B. Wray Parr, someone I knew and who was always kind to me.  I thought I would pass it on to all of you.

 
“Wray was a class act.  In many ways, her work in the Production Lab and at the Communications Center were the HEART OF THE SCHOOL for the entire time she ran both operations.  She produced accurate classroom materials and did everything possible to facilitate a teacher’s classroom success.  She understood the importance of immediate and pleasant response to the public.
 
Wray was hired by John Porterfield and Karl Drexel…thus, she was trained in–and really understood–the undergirding philosophy of what it took to be a genuine student-centered community college.  She was able to constantly translate that philosophy into daily pragmatic acts.  Many students who worked in the production lab stayed in school and went on to productive lives and careers.  She was a model of how to treat others with respect and true listening.
 
I am so grateful that she was there in the years I taught at DVC.  She made so many teaching moments happen.  I was fortunate to have known her and to call her ‘friend.'”
 
Thanks to Beverly for sharing her thoughts about Wray, someone who was very special.
 
Nancy D. Zink
DVCRA Liaison