Donald Gregory

1928 - 2018

Donald Munson Gregory, Jr.

March 22, 1928 - March 2, 2018

Donald, the younger child born to Donald and Josephine Gregory was a third generation San Franciscan. Growing up with his sister Joan, he was proud to be one of few boys to have attended The Hamlin School for one year before moving on to Town School for Boys. His high school years during the war were spent at The Thacher School after which he attended Yale and Wharton Business School.

Before his professional career, Donald spent time in the US Army and in government service in Washington, D.C. where he met his wife, Joan. Upon returning to the west coast, Donald worked for both Standard Oil and Coldwell Banker after which he formed an independent real estate investment firm, an occupation that he continued until his death. He was a founding Trustee of the Cathedral School for Boys and a Director of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory among his many other philanthropic interests.

As the son of a founder of the Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, Donald had a lifelong love of skiing and the Sierra Nevada mountains. When the snow melted, he would spend his free time fly-fishing with friends and family in Idaho, Montana and New Zealand.

Family was a central focus for Donald. He loved toiling at the Farm in the Santa Cruz mountains, where he also enjoyed tending to his raspberries and teaching his grandchildren how to drive the Gator. Among his many travels, Donald particularly enjoyed his trips to Africa and family vacations to the Hana Ranch.

Donald was predeceased by his daughter Laura and survived by his three children, Alan, Ann and Robert, his daughter-in-law Susie, his two grandsons Hector and Tut and a large extended family. He died peacefully at home and will be remembered for his disciplined and gentlemanly demeanor, his sparkling blue eyes, sense of humor and love for animals, particularly his piggies.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date. Contributions in his memory may be directed to the San Francisco SPCA.