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Gregory Lee "Greg" Klaus

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Washington State University

Gregory Klaus Obituary

GREGORY LEE"GREG" KLAUS
4/25/1960~1/20/2010

Gregory Lee Klaus, age 49, resident of Portland, Oregon passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. He was born to Beverly and Delbert Klaus on April 25, 1960 in Boise ID. Greg was the youngest of four children, and had lived in Idaho, Virginia, Washington, and Oregon. He graduated from Fort Vancouver High School and attended Washington State University. Greg was a loving and devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend. Owner of the gift shop Greg's, est. 1994, he was a pioneer of Hawthorne Boulevard, and helped revitalize the neighborhood into what it is today. Greg's quick wit, bold personality, love of animals, and eye for design made him loved and admired by many in the Portland area. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Klaus; and by his two sweet dogs, Apollo and Kita. Greg is survived by his mother, Beverly Klaus of Vancouver, WA; his sister, Becky McCabe (Steve) of Vancouver, WA; his brothers, Bradley Klaus (Lori) of Portland, OR, and Arnold Klaus (Kay) of Kamuela, HI; his six nieces and nephews; and one grand nephew. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends, and the absence of his audacious presence in this city will be felt by many.
A memorial service will be held for Greg at the Bagdad Theater at 3702 SE Hawthorne Boulevard on February 6, 2010 at 10a.m. Donations can be made in Greg's name to the Oregon Humane Society.
Please sign the Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbian on Jan. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Klaus

37 Entries

Nordica Graham

January 20, 2020

We love you still. Aunt Nod

Alton garcia

February 21, 2010

Rest in Peace Gregg. You were a bright spot on Hawthorne. We will miss you.

Julia Klaus

February 11, 2010

My uncle Greg was so vibrant and alive. He was always generous with good advice, humor, furniture, and love. He was such a huge inspiration to me, and I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Tim Mikkelsen

February 10, 2010

We had the pleasure of doing business with Greg for many years. We would spend a lot of time chatting at the New York Stationery Show. This is such sad news, however we keep the fond memories of Greg in our hearts and were so fortunate to have worked with him. Sadly we never took the time to accept his invitation to Portland. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and especially his close friend and ours, LeAnn.

Tim, Phyllis and everyone at MikWright

Kevin O'Connor

February 7, 2010

You had nothing but the best to offer people. As a neighbor, and a person I passed on the street, you had a glow that I will miss. The best to you in the next life my friend.

gretchen

February 6, 2010

I worked with Greg over the years as his sales rep, this August during our gift show we were having lunch in my showroom and chatting. I was a bit nervous because a national sales manager for the line we were sitting in front of was kind of hovering and wondering why I was just "chatting" and not selling, he was making us both feel a bit uneasy. Greg picked up on the vibe and right away started trying to find something he could bring into the store to take the pressure off me. We had been talking about how "owls" were all the range and he manged to find this silver owl with darling cocktail picks. I think he ordered 24 of them just to make the minimum order, they must still be in the today as I am sure they did not fly off the shelf:) He ordered those owls just for me and I ate a veggie sandwiches at lunch that day just for him. I will always remember his smile and spirit and he will be missed.

Maia K

February 6, 2010

Greg,

You were a shining light in so many ways. Your legacy will live on in many peoples homes and lives. Thank you for the smiles, your warmth, wicked humor, generosity and your dogs (that loved you and none of your customers). Blessings upon you and your family.

Maia

jenn hill

February 6, 2010

Rest in Peace Greg! We love you and miss you and Portland just won't be the same.

Brad Klaus

February 6, 2010

My brother Greg was an amazing, witty, and confounding man. He will be missed. Here is a collection of images from his life:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_SM9Sev3xc

Frankie Olivo

February 6, 2010

Greg may you find peace where ever you are at. I will not forget you.

Rachael Cely

February 2, 2010

I have known Greg my entire life, he is my uncle. He has always been a presence in my life. He was the hip, young uncle that had incredible style and was always joking around. I grew up in Forest Grove and as soon as I learned to drive I memorized the way from my house to Greg's store, which included driving through the big, hard to navigate city. Greg was my connection to a world outside of my small town bubble, and I needed that the most during my typical teenage turmoil. I'm so glad I not only knew Greg as a caring uncle, but as a good friend. As an adult, we had many adventures together. I will forever miss that warm, kind hearted man. The image of him that will forever be implanted in my brain is the look of surprise and joy he would get every time I entered the door of his store. Greg, wherever you are, I know you're happy with Apollo and Kita, and redecorating the space in the universe you've entered. I'll love you forever and always.

Brian Barger

January 29, 2010

Greg was my partner for the last 2 plus years. I would watch in amazement at all the energy and drive he had with his store, home, other business ventures, friends and family. I will SORELY miss you Greg. There is a huge empty space in my heart. I love you and I feel honored to know you and your kind, wonderful and accepting family. May peace be with you and I hope to see you again however that may be. xoxo

Katherine Ross

January 29, 2010

Three months ago, I was having a particularly rotten day. Me and the storm cloud over my head came in to Greg's needing some serious shopping therapy. Though my wallet was seriously empty, I impulsively bought 2 Mark Ryden art books. Greg and I talked about our mutual admiration of the artist and how sometimes a little extravagance can cheer you up. And with that, he found another beautiful card pack of Mark's work and gave it to me as a gift. Ten years ago I made my first visit to the Aladin's cave that is Greg's. All these years it has been my never fail 'go to' store for all things beautiful. I will miss sweet Greg.

Lori Geller

January 28, 2010

I loved Greg's store and have been shopping there for 14 years. It was one of my husband's go-to store for gifts for me (I told my husband many years ago if he had trouble figuring out what gift to get for me, he could buy anything at Greg's!)

I was in the store last month shopping for X-mas gifts and I told Greg this tidbit. We had a lovely conversation and I am very sad that he has passed. Blessings to his family during this difficult time.

January 28, 2010

I have been a customer of Greg's for many years. After being in his shop just one time, I was treated as a "friend" on return visits, not just a patron. Greg was the nicest person, had such a sense of humor, and will be so missed. I am hoping that he knew how much everyone loved him.

Joyce Quinlin Gray

Carla Mink

January 27, 2010

Greg was such a bright spot on Hawthorne Blvd. He was easy to talk to and was quick to smile. I always admired his eye for merchandising in his shop and his quick wit outside the shop. He was one of the pioneers on Hawthorne. We are so sad to lose him. He will be missed.

Dorian Steinbrecher

January 27, 2010

I knew Greg from the Coffee Ritz days and kept up with him at Greg's Hawthorne shop throughout the years. He had such an accepting, enthusiastic personality that I felt comfortable with him no matter what my mood. I knew he understood. I will miss him very much. My prayers go out to his family. He was a wonderful man.

Jenn

January 27, 2010

Greg, you will be greatly missed...
I will always remember you, a sweet, wonderful soul! I hope you have found peace. XXXOOO

Diane Silas

January 27, 2010

My cousin Greg was a gift. He will be missed. My prayers are with my Aunt Bev and the rest of the family. Love to you all.

Family Visit 2008

Lloyd Linnell

January 27, 2010

Greg was our Nephew, We have many years of memories of family vacations from Maine to Florida and Washington. He will be remembered for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Our family has lost a special Man, one we all shall miss...as Cindy said "we are comforted knowing that he now has peace".
Lloyd and Janet Linnell

Nordica Graham

January 27, 2010

When I think of Gregg I think of all the silly fun we had together, not just he and I but with his sister, mother, father, and brothers. He had the eye of a hawk when it came to finding the curious and the unusual. He was also very generous and kind. I was very glad that I was able to visit with him in the last few months. I was always amazed how every time I visited Portland there would be new and wonderful things in his shop to see. We loved you then and we love you now.

Becky Koehler

January 27, 2010

GREG is my nephew.We had lots of fun and laughs together when I would come out to Washington to visit my sister.Loved the neighborhood sales with him and trying to keep up with him.I will miss him forever.Aunt Becky Williston Fl.

January 27, 2010

Michael Talley

January 26, 2010

For many years Greg has been a friend and for awhile a boss, we have fought like cats and dogs at times but we have also laughed and had amazing times together, I will miss greg so much, it's sad how you don't miss something till it or they are gone, I am just so glad that about a week ago we ran into each other at goodwill and we had the best talk and he was very happy and was full of joy, it made me happy to see him so happy. I have read through all these post and it is so true we have truly lost a very talented and creative man, he will deeply be missed by so many and my heart goes out to Beverly and becky and all the other family members and to miranda who was there everyday for many years putting up with his crazy but kind and loving personality.you are all in my thoughts and prayers

Kathy Brock

January 26, 2010

I will remember Greg for his generosity---he shared business opportunities, offbeat jokes, hot tips on estate sales, and tender concern for friends, family, customers, and canines in need of adoption....

What a complex, loving person he was!

Fred & Doris Gillis

January 26, 2010

We got to know Greg when he started work at the Real Mother Goose. He was our friend for all these years and we were always interested in the many things he was involved in. A nice nice man who will be missed.

Lily Witham

January 26, 2010

I first met Greg in 1993, standing in line at a rummage sale. We started chatting, and became friends. After he opened Greg's, I became a customer as well as a friend. He was a wonderful person, funny, kind, generous. I shall never forget him. Go gently into that good night, Greg.

Kathy Strombeck

January 26, 2010

I only knew Greg through his shop on Hawthorne. What a fun place it was to shop and just look around. Greg was always so friendly and helpful, yet he allowed customers to have their space if they only wanted to browse. I will miss him and the shop! Rest in peace, Greg.

Dani Sensenig

January 26, 2010

Greg was my landlord, and what a landlord he was. His house was amazing, his yard was amazing and lovingly tended, and his personality was immensely kind. I am so lucky to have known him and to have been his upstairs neighbor. His boundless energy for all things creative, and his impeccable taste can be seen all around Hawthorne and North Portland. More than anything, though, he was a kind soul whose purpose in life was to touch those around him. I'll never forget him and I will always love him.

Margee Los

January 26, 2010

I have a funny story about that gifted and haunted man. For my sister's 40th surprise birthday party, Greg was the first to arrive. Running woefully behind in my food prep, I asked Greg to finish one of the hors d'oevres. Little did I realize he had barely held a knife in his life! Yet, he gamely improvised, laughing at himself (of course) and at the situation. He was so charming...and so relieved when I took over for him! Klaus family, one and all, my heart is with you.

Aija Kanbergs

January 26, 2010

I moved to Portland last fall, and made my first "Portland purchase", a Queen Bee purse, at Greg's. He was wonderful - friendly, chatty, welcoming. He noticed my earrings and told me where to get that brand in Portland - he wrote it down, even. Each time I returned to the shop, he'd greet me and the bag, too. What a loss to the entire community that Greg is gone.

Susan (Lowry) Barbero

January 26, 2010

I met Greg over 20 years ago at Coffee Ritz. I loved his creativity, his energy and his thoughtfulness. I had been to his shop on Hawthorne several times over the years. I am truly sorry . I will always remember his beautiful printing style and his contagious energy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Armand Lessard

January 26, 2010

With deepest sympathy to the Greg Klaus family. May your fond and loving memories of Greg sustain you through this very difficult period. I was saddened to read the obit in todays Columbian. In passing, I would like to share a recent experience I had - I was advised by two other merchants that the Memory Block plaques by Sid Dickens I was searching for had been discontinued. I later decided to once again pursue the search. The minute I walked into "Gregs", I was impressed with the organized layout of the store, the customers were enthused, and there was an energy to the place. Long story short, Greg was the ENERGY! You couldn't help but feel welcome! Greg took by name and nbr, advised he would let me know. My immediate thought was, "I'll never hear from him"-WRONG! Several weeks passed, he called advising he was able to get the three Sid Dicken plaques. So conscientous, and determined to please - he was a NATURAL as a merchant in that he instinctivly knew everything that was going on in the store.

Chee Choy

January 26, 2010

I will miss Greg dearly and he will always be fondly remembered.
I started out as a patron of his wonderful shop, became a friend, and then worked as part-time help during the holiday season. He was always ready to help anyone in need. He is a very kind and generous man.

Sally Hammar

January 26, 2010

We used to live over in Greg's neighborhood, and I was a frequent visitor to his store, but we moved 12 years ago. I hadn't been back in a couple years, but in Dec I stopped by, and Greg still knew my name and greeted me in his usual cheery way.
What a loss to his family and friends, what a loss to the Hawthorne community, what a loss to creativity, and exuberance, and genuine niceness in this world.

Nicole Ritz

January 26, 2010

Although I knew Greg only as a patron of his shop, I liked him very much. I send heartfelt condolences to his mother and his siblings, who all must have wonderful memories of him.

Mike Branch

January 26, 2010

I first met Greg, at Coffee Bean International, he was a 23 year old, inside sales person. Greg was full of questions about the future, his dreams and his confusion regarding career and relations.The one solid and precious discussion always centered on his family.
Greg, was a good and kind guy and I will miss him.

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