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Gregory Naile Obituary
1968 - 2008Gregory Joseph "Greg" Naile, 39, of San Diego, passed away Tuesday, February 27, 2008 at his parents' home in Gulf Breeze while awaiting a liver transplant.
Greg was born in Newport, Rhode Island on June 16, 1968. As part of a Navy family he lived in many cities before moving to Gulf Breeze in 1981. In 1986 he graduated from Gulf Breeze High School and moved to San Diego because "the surf is always up there". He returned to Florida to major in Computer Animation at the Ringling School of Art and Design, Sarasota, and received his degree there in 1998. He moved back to California and worked for Red Zone Interactive as a computer animator making NFL football games. In 2006 he was diagnosed with end stage liver disease and returned to live with his parents in Gulf Breeze while attempting to receive a liver transplant.
Greg lived life to the fullest, surfing all over the world, including Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico and Bali. He was a skier, skateboarder, snowboarder, jumped out of perfectly good airplanes, bungee-jumped, zip-lined, paraglided and generally attempted all things risky and fun. He was a great artist, an excellent photographer and enjoyed playing the guitar. Along the way he met his soulmate, Alida, who loved him through good times and bad and was by his side when he died.
Greg is survived by his parents, Tom and Doris Naile of Gulf Breeze; sister, Susan, of Pensacola; brother, Chris of Atlanta; his cherished girl friend, Alida Ramganesh of San Diego; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Local surfers will remember Greg at a special "paddle out" service at Pensacola Beach 2:30 PM, Sunday, March 2nd. Call Sean Fell at Waterboyz for information.
A Memorial Mass will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, March 3rd at St. Ann Catholic Church in Gulf Breeze with Monsignor Luke Hunt as celebrant.
A reception will follow at the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Hospice, 2001 N. Palafox, Pensacola, FL 32501 or to the William R. McMahon Organ Donation Educational Foundation, 4141 Cherry Laurel Drive, Pensacola, FL 32504.
A special thanks to the angels of mercy at Covenant Hospice. They are awesome.
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep;
And miles to go before I sleep; and miles to go before I sleep."
Robert Frost
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Naile
alida
October 8, 2008
shuggieG--even though you and your love are so ingrained in me that you are "with" me every moment in every thought, i miss you so much and long for you to be with me here for real by my side, making it with me through this life like we somehow always did. i'm still trying to keep going because i know you want me to. i love and miss you! --a
Joe Drake
September 9, 2008
Naile Family,
I will be leaving for Indo this week. I will spread Greg's ashes along my travels throughout the region. My thoughts are with you....
Joe
Joe Hamiter Drake
May 9, 2008
Dear Doris,
I wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about Greg everyday for the past few years, and more so since the passing. He was a beautiful person and You and Tom raised a great child-man. I know this time must be hard for you. I hope you know that we out here in California are thinking of You during this Mother's Day period. The world is a better place because of Greg. He touched so many lives on such a positive note. You are truly blessed to have had such a great son.
Happy Mother's Day
Laura Duncan
March 29, 2008
I knew Greg druing his time in Thomasville, Georgia, and I thought he was a great guy. You and yours are in my throughts and prayers. Alida, he loved you so much he showed me your pictures all of the time. I am sorry I didn't know he was gone until yesterday. I am glad he is free of pain and the troubles of this life. God bless you.
Wendy O'Connor
March 27, 2008
The last time I saw you, we were teenagers, and that is how I'll always remember you:
A bright, shiny face, with sun on your nose, and salt in your hair.
Love & Peace.
Casey
March 25, 2008
Alida,
I was informed tonite about Greg. I am so, so very sorry.
I did not know him for very long (we were in the same class in high
school) but I have a lasting memory of him seared in my head, that has
stayed with me. We were all out for some high school skip day, and there Greg was, sitting on the hood of some car, smiling and wishing me well.
Greg was always a friendly and inclusive person. He was the leader of the surfer crowd, and I, being new to Gulf Breeze, and basically an
outsider, was just one of the flotsam and jetsam of daily high school
life. Greg always seemed to make it a point to say hello to me, and
asked how I was, or always had a kind word to say. I have no idea why,
but his inclusiveness and fairness, even as a teen, will never be
forgotten by me.
I haven't surfed since high school. I lived in Cali (NorCal, SF Bay
Area, late 90's-early 00's) but never took to the waves. I was always working, working,
working (Silicon Valley) and for some reason, tried to suppress the
feelings of the life on the beach that I had. I have no idea why.
I'm back home now. It's been so long since I've been up on a board. I
don't even know if I'll remember how. I don't care. Greg's spirit for
surfing still lives in me. I am going back to the beach.
As for the book. However it comes out, .pdf, eBook, normal publishing.
I'd love to purchase a copy.
Tim Owens
March 11, 2008
to the nailehead family
i cant find the words to leave for greg he was one of my best friends you guys were like my 2nd family i will miss the times and the laughs we had together you will always be with me so long my friend my bro
Michael (mentor) Nelms
March 10, 2008
Greg my dear surfing buddy,
I want you to know that you inspired me with all of your talents and love that we shared and I will always remember you in my heart and in the ocean where we first met. Your artistic talent and love for living life on the edge has always given me great refreshment and admiration for your unqiue and unreplacable style. To have had the opportunities to spend quality time on many surf trips with you has truely enlighten me to a whole other side of viewing life and its joys of all the wonderful people within it. Aloha My brother
alida
March 9, 2008
the most important person in the world to me...the only one who knows me to the core and still accepts and LOVES me for who i am...the person i need the most...the most beautiful man in the world...my king. he's gone. *tears* i love you, baby.
Ann Livingston
March 9, 2008
I am so sorry about the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patrick Truitt
March 7, 2008
To the Naile Family, Alida & Joe;
I am so sorry for your loss.
Greg leaves wonderful memories of the life of a very rare man on this earth.
Joe Hamiter Drake
March 6, 2008
I've known Greg for 24 years. Greg was my best friend. There was not a bad bone in his body. We were solid bros in Pensacola and San Diego, through thick and thin, we were always there for each other.....unconditionally. He touched me like no other person has ever blessed me before. Greg was a warrior in the spirit of mankind. He was a fighter to the end. We trekked many surf trips together, we had many bbq's together, we had many laughs together. He was the big brother I never had. I will always love him, FOREVER. I LOVE YOU NAILEHEAD. SEE YOU UPSTAIRS. ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!
Jason Goulding
March 5, 2008
Tom, Susan, and Family-
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Candace McIver
March 4, 2008
Dearest Doris and Tom,
We cannot begin to express how saddened we all were by the news of Greg's passing. Since Nic's journey began last June, we have all become acutely aware of the fragility of life, and how in the blink of an eye, lives can become forever changed. Although I only met Greg a couple of times and never had the pleasure of truly knowing him, from reading so many of these beautiful entries, it seems he was quite a young man, cherished and loved by many. May you find comfort in knowing that he lived such an amazing 39 years, and touched the hearts and souls of friends and famiy from coast to coast. Not even the distance between Heaven and Earth can break the bond shared by a Mother and her son... he will always be with you Doris, in every sunrise, every drop of rain, every beautiful bay breeze...for your souls are one.
You're in our thoughts, and in our hearts. Much Love to you both,
Candy, Keith, Megan, Nic
and Mallory McIver
Greg Renfroe
March 4, 2008
Greg will be missed and was truly a great friend. May we all continue the Nailhead adventures!
Pat Leininger
March 3, 2008
Dear Doris, Tom, and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Though I never met Greg, I know how very proud of him you were and know that you will miss him dearly until you are with him again. Those of us who know and love you are praying for your peace and comfort at this time. Your faith will carry you through. Stay strong.
Ilona Borish
March 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all the family and friends, I did not know Greg personally, but Susan (sister) is a dear friend and may God Bless the family and may good memories of Greg keep you smiling for his eternal life!
Shelly Inman(Smith)
March 3, 2008
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for all of us who where so blessed to have known and loved Greg. I know now that he is out of pain and at peace. I will continue to pray for strength and peace for his family and loved ones who are going through this devastating time.
So many wonderful things have happened in my life because of Greg. I will always cherish every memory I have of our times together and look forward to the day when we will meet again. I know it will be at the water's edge. God Bless.
Steve Whaley
March 3, 2008
Tom, Doris, Susan and Chris,
Leslie and I were so sorry to hear the news of Greg's passing. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Deepest Sympathy,
The Whaley's
Dave Russell
March 3, 2008
Greg always knew how to make those around him smile. He will be surely missed by his friends all around the globe.
Aloha my friend,
Connie Serrano
March 3, 2008
Tom my thoughts are with you and your family.
Tabatha Owens
March 3, 2008
The tears and good stories of Greg yesterday at the paddle out could not have been more beautiful and moving!!! May all who knew him find peace and comfort knowing our time will come when we meet again on the other side!!!!! All our love, Tabatha and Jeff Owens
Courtney Sorensen
March 3, 2008
To the Naile Family and Alida,
My deepest condolences to you all. I was blessed to have met Greg 7 years ago in San Diego. He was a big brother to me, an amazing friend and the most generous spirit I have ever known. His kindness, laughter, talents, art and LOVE are going to be missed by us all.
We love you Greg.
Anne and Knut Bergan
March 3, 2008
Dear Doris and Tom, Susan and Chris,
May God bless you in this difficult time of sorrow.Our door is wide open for you,at any time.
Sincerely,
Anne and Knut, Charlotte, Caroline and Mathias.
Richard Delp
March 3, 2008
Tom and Doris, our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God lift your spirits during your grieving.
mark williams
March 3, 2008
you were very special and will be missed by many
darrin fuller
March 2, 2008
Greg, who my wife and I soon realized was known as "nailehead," was an absolute crazy man.
After being deeply immersed in the stressful world of art production in videogame development for many years, my wife and I decided not to go into the office one Saturday and ordered a pizza for delivery from Leucadia Pizzeria. Greg was our pizza delivery boy. (What're the odds!?)
Greg, a total stranger, was affable and pleasant as we talked at the front door. The conversation inevitably shifted to videogame development. (What're the odds!?)
When Greg told me he wanted to work in the industry, at first I thought there was little hope without real talent and an art degree.
(What're the odds!?)
Fast forward:
When Greg shared with me his qualifications, including his education (I knew all about Ringling), I knew immediately we had a "ringer." My wife, the Art Director and a Senior Partner at Red Zone, immediately arranged an interview for him. (What're the odds!?)
The rest, as they say, was history.
Greg was a fun dude. I hope to hang with him again someday in God's Kingdom. I regret that I never had a conversation with Greg about spirituality, and therefore don't know exactly where Greg stood on that. But I'm sure hoping for the best!
We will always think of you fondly, pizza guy!
Darrin & Holliday Fuller
Susie and Bob Spencer
March 2, 2008
Tom and Doris: Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sorry we can not there physically, but our hearts are aching with you.
Joshua Troyer
March 2, 2008
Never a frown to be found in the presence of this kind hearted and charismatic man. He was a great friend and did justice to this race we call human! He will be missed world wide.
Tom, Doris, Susan and Chris, You should be outstandingly proud of Greg as I'm sure you are.
I will miss him and think of him often.
Love & Respect
~Joshua
Stephanie Hubner
March 2, 2008
We are deeply grieving here in San Diego for a loss of a special surf buddy and friend. We are moved by the strength and love his support group showed through his battle. The brave will always find their way into the light, as shall you all.
-The Hubners
Barbara Brennan
March 1, 2008
Greg,
You are in my heart and soul.
love ~
your editor
Scott, Lee, Brittney and Melia Kettenring
March 1, 2008
R.I.P. Greg!
'Best Friends Forever.'
We love you always and you'll always be in our hearts and memories.
May Doris, Tom, Susan, Chris, Aleda and all of Greg's family and dear friends, find peace and comfort in these difficult times.
Keith & Jessica Glendon
March 1, 2008
Greg in this life was a gentle, kind and loving soul... a soul that lives on in hearts and minds of many friends and loved ones.
We've never had the pleasure of meeting his family - but our prayers have been with you throughout this struggle.
Greg's journey along the plane of this life touched many others' lives. We are blessed and grateful that he touched ours.
I loving memory; We'll never forget you. See you out in the water, Greg.
"groovn" and "AZtoCali"
Mary Jo Jirik Wong
March 1, 2008
Your son and brother made people smile with his warmth and goodness. I only knew him online (for eight years) but I knew who he was in his soul, I think, and I will miss him and remember him. There are not enough like him out here.
Douglas Lindner
March 1, 2008
I met Greg about 10 years ago in San Diego. His sincere affability, talent, and intelligence made him a truly rare man. I have countless happy memories that feature Greg prominently. You'll never be forgotten Nailehead!
Scott Southerland
March 1, 2008
Tom, Doris, Chris, Susan, and Alida,
Sending Love and Vibes from the West Coast. We'll be paddling for Greg @ 12:30 Pacific - Sunday.
With you in Spirit,
Scott and Stephanie Southerland
Vi & Chuck Hayworth
March 1, 2008
We never had the honor of meeting Greg, but knowing his parents makes us realize that he was a very special young man.
Our sympathy, love and most heartfelt prayers go out to Tom, Doris and all of the family.
May he rest in Heavenly peace and
may the family and his girlfriend gain strength from all of the beautiful memories of Greg.
We wish God's blessings to all.
Nan Harper
March 1, 2008
Greg was a delightful individual who embraced Life and who was at Home in the World. He was an great addition to our class.
Toni Franklin
March 1, 2008
Tom & Doris, What an honor it was to assist in end of life care for Greg. I wish I could have known him before he became so sick. He reminded me so much of my own husband & son (surfing, skating, artistic, generally "high adventure"). Greg quickly became part of my prayer life, as well as your entire awsome family. It was apparant to me quickly how much Greg was loved by all who knew him & I can certainly see why. He will be missed. I will never forget Greg, and I pray that God will provide His mercy & grace upon you as you go through the grieving process. Sincerely, Toni P.S. I sure do hope there is surf in heaven !!!
Kim McMahon
March 1, 2008
God Bless you Tom, Doris, Alida and the rest of your family. Greg was truly a special person. His memory will forever be with me and all the other lives he touched. He did and will forever make a difference in this world for years to come.
Love, Kim McMahon
Paula Waller
March 1, 2008
You do not know me but I was reading the obituary and I was sorry to read of your loss. I just happened to notice that Greg went to Ringling and just wanted to let you know that my daughter is in her 3rd year at Ringling taking the same major and will graduate in 2009. I know Greg must have been a great artist because Ringling is one of the best Art Colleges. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Brandon Wheeler
February 29, 2008
Every man dies but not every man really lives! Live on Nailehead!
Peace and love,
Brandon Wheeler & Family
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