Gregory A. Cheney

Gregory Allen Cheney – known simply as Greg to most, and "Dawg" or "ChainDog" to a lucky circle of golf friends – lived his life with strength, conviction, and a deep, steady love for his family. Greg, 75, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most.
Greg was born on February 28, 1950, in Peoria, Illinois, to George and Georgia (Miller) Cheney. He grew up in Peoria and later built his adult life in Rockford, carrying with him a profound pride in his father's service as a U.S. Marine and the values of loyalty, grit, and responsibility that came with it. Greg attended George Williams College and then graduated from Illinois State for his undergraduate studies and went on to earn his law degree from Southern Illinois University, setting the foundation for a long and impactful career in the law.
A lifelong attorney, Greg practiced primarily in labor law and served as a trusted corporate advisor, strategist, board member, and all-around consigliere to countless leaders and businesses. He was highly intelligent and pragmatic, known for his ability to cut through noise and get to the heart of an issue. He said what he thought and didn't much care who it offended, not out of harshness, but out of a belief that clarity, honesty, and personal accountability mattered. People came to Greg for advice on business, life, and relationships because they knew he would tell them the truth and stand by them once they chose a path.
The central love of Greg's life was his wife, Janice L. Cheney. Greg and Jan were married on July 31, 1971, and from that day forward she was his constant companion, partner, and soulmate. Their marriage was a true partnership built on loyalty, shared values, and a fierce commitment to their family. Together, they raised three children: Brian (Sarah Jepsen Cheney), Jessica (Troy Nelson), and Stephanie (Eric Lindeman). Greg took enormous pride in his role as a father, pushing his children to work hard, think for themselves, and live with integrity. Later in life, his joy only deepened with the arrival of his grandchildren: Madilyn Nelson, Emily Nelson, and Braxton Lindeman. Being "Papa" and watching his grandchildren grow and achieve was one of his great privileges.
In his family, Greg was the provider, the leader, and the driver of core values rooted in love, hard work, and unwavering support for one another. He believed that achievement of the individual could be a force for good in the world, a philosophy influenced by his love of Ayn Rand's writing. He taught by word and example: do what you say you're going to do; protect and prioritize your family; surround yourself with people you would "walk into the alley with" – the ones you'd trust with your life and who could trust you with theirs. Holidays, Sunday dinners, and time gathered around sports, golf, and the kids' and grandkids' activities were sacred rhythms in his life. Forgiveness and sticking together as a family were non-negotiable.
Golf was more than a game for Greg; it was a mirror for life. He believed golf revealed character – how a person handled pressure, frustration, success, and failure. He loved playing, teaching, and using the game as a bridge between work and personal life. Many of his professional relationships were forged or deepened on the course, where his big personality, sharp mind, and competitive spirit came fully alive. His golfing buddies knew him as Dawg or ChainDog, nicknames that hinted at his toughness, loyalty, and willingness to grind. His many victories and stories from the course were a source of quiet pride and frequent retelling.
Greg was also a teacher at heart. He poured himself into helping others become more capable and responsible, whether he was coaching golf, teaching about life skills, or instructing on firearm safety and concealed carry alongside his dear friends and the instructor team. He cared deeply about personal responsibility and the right to protect oneself and one's family, and he took that responsibility seriously. Beyond his more public passions, there were quieter joys: his love of reading – often four or five books at once – his appreciation for classic country music, Broadway hits like Phantom of the Opera, and the time he spent playing guitar and singing, a talent many never fully knew he had.
Those closest to Greg knew him as strong-willed, stubborn at times, deeply loving, and intensely loyal unless crossed. He was "all-in" as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend – sentimental, unafraid of a good cry, and absolutely trustworthy. You always knew where you stood with Greg. His presence in a room was big, sometimes larger than life, but always anchored in a fierce love for his core family and inner circle. Being around people he cared about, watching his children and grandchildren achieve, and simply spending time with Jan were the things that brought him joy in everyday life.
Greg is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Brian (Sarah), Jessica (Troy), and Stephanie (Eric); his grandchildren, Madilyn, Emily, and Braxton; his brother, Doug Cheney; and his sister, Laura Cheney Krause. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Cheney. Their lives, and the lives of countless friends, colleagues, and students, bear the imprint of his influence, his expectations, and his unwavering support.
He was more a spiritual man than traditionally religious -- Greg believed deeply in loving those closest to you without limit and standing firm in what you believe. As his family remembers and honors him, they carry forward one of his most important reminders: love your family, hug your kids, and stand firm in what you believe in. He will be remembered as a loyal husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated friend – a man of his word and a man of strong convictions.
A celebration of Greg's life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and tears in honor of the man who shaped so much of who they are today. In keeping with the family's wishes, no flowers or other remembrances are requested at this time; information about any preferred charitable donations will be shared at his celebration of life.