While it’s heartbreaking to think about the battle Greg had to fight over the past four years, he fought it like he lived with unbelievable optimism and perseverance and always looking ahead. Even near the end, our conversations were focused on what was next and the plans he was making, whether it was dreaming of an Astros World Series game or getting on a plane to come back out to see us in North Carolina. As Greg’s cousin 10 years his junior, our age gap felt huge during my formative years and he was more the big brother that I didn’t have when we would get together. What we had in common was all that really mattered—family, the lake, baseball and collecting baseball cards, tennis at the cottage and most importantly, hiding our Aunt Jeannie’s purse to her chagrin but to our relentless entertainment.

Greg grew up outside of Houston in the small town of El Campo with Elmer, BJ and his partner of 17 years, Pancho, his beagle. I know how much he loved his time there. BJ recently shared with me a story I’ve never heard. When they sold the house to move permanently to Minnesota, Greg came back home one final time to say goodbye to the house he grew up staying several nights in the empty house sleeping on the floor as a final farewell. Greg was one of the smartest, well-read, most understand guys I’ve known. He graduated in 1993 from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Accounting to pursue a lifestyle I think many of us envy—a simpler path that afforded him the ability to devote himself to his real passions—family, friends and enjoying the trappings of a life lived near the lake. He served and bartended at several places in town, before carving out his real niche at Shoreline where he spent 10 years. Every time we’d come in town to spend our one week a year at the lake with my family, I always joked with my wife that he might as well be the mayor. It was like an episode of Cheers where he knew everyone and everyone knew him. First name basis. For half the tables in the place, it seemed like he already knew their order but certainly what they’d be drinking. It was always impressive to watch Greg work the floor as he’d easily juggle multiple tables in addition to working the bar. An absolute pro on his game.

Greg was an avid reader taking after his dad. When we’d visit him at his place, you could count on a slew of books scattered about his place. I was always so jealous he had dedicated time to read. Mystery books were the main feature, but let there be no doubt he was well-read across the board whether we were talking about scripture, historical topics, or random trivia that only he knew. To that end, he was a legendary Trivial Pursuit partner. A true first round draft pick when you’re picking teams. 

Greg treasured his friendships and relationships he made here over the years. Battle Lake was absolutely home and it was as if he’d grown up here in many respects. Many of those friends are here in the room today and can certainly speak to the richness of those friendships and shared experiences from darts and bowling teams to being on the water where he loved to boat, fish and swim.

I can’t talk about Greg without mentioning his love for baseball and more to the point the Astros. I was so happy for him when they won the World Series in 2017 as I knew what it meant to him. And when they won, he certainly let me know in a good-humored way my Texas Rangers had exactly zero World Series wins compared to his beloved Astros. 

Greg was generous. I can’t remember the year, but it had to be sometime in my early teens, out of nowhere he presented me with a collection I still remember today. A full, mint condition set of 1976 Topps baseball cards. Placed one by one in collectible card sleeves which, for those who know, is not a quick process. I treasured that set. I loved the fact that he was committed to going to Spring Training in Florida for weeks at a time. It was a chance to see him team in the flesh in a relaxed, accessible environment while escaping the Minnesota winter in favor of the Florida sun. Talk about jealous. He recognized the value of experiences and he simply made those things happen without thinking too hard about it. I’d ask him where you staying, how you getting there. He’d say “I don’t know. We’ll figure it out” and then chuckle. I loved that spirit about him. We always talked about making one of those trips together but we just ran out of time. Greg loved to travel. BJ still talks about how much Greg enjoyed Europe and Italy in particular. Again, a guy who knew the value of experiences over material things in life. 

Over the past 5 or 6 years, I got to spend time with a very reflective Greg. Thoughtful words about family and times together. Recollecting fun times at the lake and stories and memories of family. So appreciative for the gifts he had in his life and never complained about what he was suffering. Our last conversations were apropos in relation to things he loved. He had long awaited the Make-a-Wish experience in hopes he could get to a big Astros game. We wanted it to be a World Series game, but he’d take any day at the ballpark as a send of. As always, God’s schedule is perfect and the Astros were in town to play the Twins and I know he had the time of his life.

The story of Greg’s life wouldn’t be complete without closing with word about Greg’s faith. Greg was a devout believer in Christ and knew unequivocally he would soon be in heaven with his savior. As he would say to me each time we talked, talk soon cousin, farewell.