Gregory Stephens Smith

1946 - 2011

Gregory Stephens Smith was born in Seattle, Washington on January 1st, 1946 to parents Lois and Cecil Smith. He spent most of his days here in the Kittitas Valley until January 16th, 2011, when he passed away in his home in Ellensburg, Washington. He had been suffering for considerable time with chronic kidney disease.

Gregg graduated from High School in Arlington, Washington in 1964. From there he entered the Marine Corps and completed his training as a Motor Vehicles Specialist at Camp Pendleton, California in 1965. Following this he saw active duty in Vietnam and upon returning home attended CWU for two years. In 1982 he married Trudy Jo Holbrook and together they raised animals, vegetables, and very tall children here in Ellensburg until parting ways in 2005.

Gregg spent the majority of his working years at the Twin City Foods packing plant, both as a fork lift operator and an equipment maintenance mechanic. He greatly enjoyed the freedom retirement brought him to do some traveling and engage in his hobbies. Foremost among these was playing music, and as an avid blues rock fan Gregg enjoyed playing his many guitars. He was also quite skilled at pottery, leather work, cooking, gardening, wine making and canning. He was in many ways the ultimate 60's era Renaissance man.

While not generally an emotionally expressive man, Gregg showed a compassionate care and love for animals and concern for his family. He knew what was funny, and his dry sense of humor and ready laugh was enjoyed dearly by those who knew him well. Added to his humor, his intellect made him a very satisfying conversationalist, especially on matters that piqued his interest.

Like many veterans, the Vietnam war left its scars on Gregg. His self sacrifice in this regard as well as his kindness in lovingly providing for his wife and children will never be forgotten by them. Gregg will be sorely missed as a husband, father and friend.

He is survived by his daughters Ricki Jo Brown; Kaitrin Louise Smith of Seattle, Washington; and Heidi Jo Rhoden of Ellensburg, as well as his son Beau Eveslage of Ellensburg, Washington.

Memorial Services to be determined.