A memorial service for Dillian Dean Bowman-Gray, 2, of North Bend will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Skyline Baptist Church, 3451 Liberty St., in North Bend.

Dillian Dean Bowman-Gray jumped from his mother’s arms into the arms of Jesus July 11, 2017, following a courageous battle. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whom Dillian had loved throughout his short, yet very memorable life.

Born Nov. 27, 2014, Dillian’s life may seem like a tragedy to many. At 4 months old, Dillian entered foster care and the home of the Grays, with significant medical needs, but those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded his earthly bounds. The external circumstances of Dillian’s life are not what defined him. A story that began with pain, destruction and darkness; God turned into a beautiful, magnificent masterpiece. Dillian left a lasting impression on everyone he met, most especially his foster family who became his forever family May 3, 2017. He has touched the lives of people from all over the state of Oregon and even across its borders. The lives of many kids within the foster care system were impacted.

His legacy will reach many more through Dillian’s Place. Dillian’s parents are working with the city of North Bend to renovate a local park into a park specifically designed for kids with special needs. Dillian’s family is thankful for the time they had with him and the opportunity to care for such a special little boy. They have been affected to their core, forever changed, eternally blessed.

Dillian leaves behind many wonderful caregivers who provided love and support that enhanced his quality of life. Dillian’s love extends to his wonderful caretakers, most recently, Sandra, Tanisha, Tiffani, Melissa, and Brandi. There is a special place in his family’s hearts for Dillian’s dear friends Dr. Mary Moore, Dr. Colin Wray, Dr. Jenny Wilson, and his favorite nurse, Susan Halladay. Because of their continual dedication, love and support, Dillian was able to survive some of his toughest medical challenges. He will be dearly missed by all his special caregivers at the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and his friends at Bay Clinic Pediatrics. All of these special people, too numerous to mention, provided Dillian with love and dignity in his life and also in his death. Although he spent most of his life in the Child Welfare System, Dillian was so incredibly blessed to have people in his life that gave him worth, gave him a name and gave him a face in a system full of numbers. A few of these amazing people are Kammie Greene a force to be reckoned with, and Heidi Beaubriand and Glenda Marshall amazing members of a much bigger team that ensured he had what he needed and thought outside the box to do right by him.

Dillian is survived by his loving parents, Justin and Christina Gray of North Bend; sisters, Zoe and Grace-Anne; brother, Trenton; grandparents, Lance and Karen Gray of North Bend; uncle and aunt, Ty and Mary Chaffee of Spokane, Wash.; and cousins, Callie, Lucy, and Ian.

If you wish to send flowers or cards, they can be sent to North Bend Chapel, 2014 McPherson Ave., North Bend, OR 97459.

If you wish to honor Dillian’s ongoing legacy, donations may be made to Coos County Foster Parent Association – Dillian’s Park Fund, P.O. Box 335, Coos Bay, OR 97420, or online at: https://www.youcaring.com/dillianbowmangray-873658

Arrangements are under the care of North Bend Chapel, 541-756-0440.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com and theworldlink.com

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