Gregory Mathew Franzwa

We used Mr. Franzwa's "Maps" book as a valuable guide when we traveled the entire Trail in 2002. Never had the fortune to meet him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Gregory will always be an important part of OCTA's history. His love of trails and his promotion of trail preservation and OCTA membership will be remembered. Best wishes.

Kathy, when I met you, and had lunch with you and Greg in Ste. Genevieve, I was so pleased to see the extreme look of pleasure on Greg's face when he looked at you. I had never seen him that happy. I had the pleasure of sharing one of his other loves, his love of music, and like everything else he touched, his love of music made it greater. He was a good friend, and he will be greatly missed.

Pat

Although I didn't meet Greg until 1993 our relationship goes back thirty years to his St. Louis Patrice Press days. Greg was instrumental in my joining OCTA, a decision I have never regretted. Our group has lost a great trail supporter and a good friend to many of us.

I met Greg in the flesh just once, but I feel I knew him from his writing. He made an impression. He was a man who took life boldly, head-on, all-out, unafraid. A man of vision and a doer, he would see a need or a wrong and work to satisfy or correct it. See a business opportunity? Start one company, then another. Neglected history? Establish one trail association, then another. Not enough live music? Start one band, then another. Ignorance right, and in particular, left? Write one book, then...

Gregory is such a fine gentleman! I always loved to attend his presentations at the LHA meetings and thanked him a few months ago for his efforts in forming and then working so diligently in the LHA. He and Kathy add so much to the organization. Their books are so well done and I enjoy travelling with their guidance. We will miss Gregory and look forward to still associating with Kathy.

Greg led me down many trails. A few were rough in patches. All were memorable. He made my life better.

Before there was OCTA I was a patron of Patrice Press and became a charter member when I received the notice from Greg to join OCTA. He was a mentor and a friend who inspired me to volunteer for the work to preserve the trails and the history. I will miss the "ole" man. My deepest sympathy to Kathy and his children. Mary Mueller

What a gift Greg has given to so many people. Because of him I have been able to follow the Trails in detail, on foot, car & from my arm chair. What a legacy he leaves & how grateful I am for all the history he has given us and as Wallace Stegner would say, "A Sense of Place", for Greg made the Trails & stories come alive. Thank you, Greg & how lucky you all are to be his family.

Juliana Howard Midpines, CA