Gregory Allen Hoellwarth

1957 - 2025

Gregory Allen Hoellwarth

July 5, 1957 - May 24, 2025

Portland, Oregon - Gregory Allen Hoellwarth, 67, passed away in his home on May 24th after a brave battle with cancer. He is remembered fondly by his family and friends for his quick wit, positive spirit and broad eclectic tastes that ranged from model railroading to frisbee golf to wine-tasting to puppy raising.

Greg was born on July 5, 1957, in Solano County, California, the son of Beverly and Robert Hoellwarth MD, and raised in the town of Vallejo. He attended California State University, Sacramento to study Electrical Engineering for two years before starting a career as a computer programmer. He worked for the Mark Larwood Company in Sacramento and then for Quantum in Napa until 2020.

With his father, Greg shared a passion for birding and compiled an impressive lifetime list of species. He was also a road cycling enthusiast - riding as a member of cycling clubs, serving as a volunteer for road races, and known to spend the early mornings in July, dressed in his cycling gear, glued to the Tour de France on TV. Greg also loved Frisbee Golf and, in later years, Bocce.

His train hobby reached well beyond a deep involvement in model railroading clubs. Greg could cite chapter and verse of the tiniest details about locomotives, rail cars and historic trains - his and wife Gayle's world travels often included trips on iconic rail lines.

However, one of Greg's proudest accomplishments was raising puppies for Canine Companions. During a span of 25 years, Greg and Gayle were responsible for more than 300 dogs entering the CCI service training program.

Greg was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist church, twice serving on the board of the Napa Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Greg said that although he was an atheist, he always enjoyed good discussions and questions about spirituality and existence.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle Keane; his three siblings: Tina Korabiak, Carla Little and Chris Hoellwarth; a multitude of nieces and nephews and in-laws; and his beloved "girls:" Labrador Retrievers Zambra and Etta.

In lieu of flowers, Greg asked that contributions be made to any professional organization which promotes and supports the free practice of truth in journalism.