Gregory Robert Collier

Gregory Robert Collier
September 4, 1952 - December 9, 2020
San Diego
Greg Collier passed away peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday, December 9 at the age of 68. His compassion for others and loving memory will carry on through his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and the lives of everyone he touched.Born on September 4, 1952 in Fort Wayne, IN, Greg was the youngest of four children. His family moved to San Diego when he was a young child and he went on to graduate from Clairemont High School in 1969. Greg had a difficult up-bringing, but his grandmother was present. She had a strong influence in his life sharing the Lord's love for him and providing the comfort he needed. He continued to seek the Lord and grow in his relationship with God, living his life intentionally and loving others.Music was an outlet for Greg, he loved the guitar and learned to play at a young age. He taught guitar lessons and played in different bands throughout his teen years. While playing in the band 'Smokey Topaz' in 1974, Greg spotted the love of his life, Kathy, in the audience and said, "I'm going to marry that girl." Greg and Kathy were married two years later on May 15, 1976, and they started their family a year after that. They were madly in love and celebrated their forty fourth wedding anniversary earlier this year.Greg was an artist both in his music and his work. His creativity and eye for design led him to become a general contractor where he built Greg Collier Construction and served his community for over thirty years. More than just designing and remodeling a home, Greg's faith in the Lord gave his life purpose. He would question why he was brought into each families' life and how he could make a difference; they also made a difference in his.In his family life, Greg taught what love was and to treat others the way you wanted to be treated. He brought his wife and children to the Lord opening up about his childhood and sharing how God had helped him through. He believed in being open and truthful, reflecting over his life so he could grow and make changes for the better. Greg would often ask his children, "What's the most important thing?" They would shout, "To care."Caring for others was who Greg was. He was loving, compassionate, sensitive, selfless, and most important he was there. He demonstrated character by living a life of value, focusing on what was important, listening and empathizing with others, and gaining a deeper understanding of how people could help one another. Jesus was reflected in the depth of who he was and all he gave. He will truly be missed, though his spirit is still with us and all those who love him.Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ann Collier. Greg is survived by his wife, Kathy; his daughter, Jenifer Stavola; his son, Joshua; daughter-in-law, Sherry Collier; his four grandchildren, Alia, Emma, and Kaia Stavola and Levi Collier; his sisters, Carole Frick, Cynthia Collier, Robin Collier; his brother-in-law, Elon Ebanks; and his four nephews, Arthur Andrew Frick, Lucien Frick, Adam Reimers and Alex Reimers.