Gregory Kenneth McNEILLY

Greg was born to Kenneth and Alma McNeilly in Colfax, Washington. He was a multi-sport athlete at Colfax High School, enjoying wrestling and football the most. He was involved in many school activities all the while delivering milk in the early morning hours before school and later working for a local farmer and rancher. After high school he worked at the grain elevators at Catsup Flats north of Colfax during harvest.

Greg attended Eastern Washington State College where he was a collegiate wrestler, and member of ROTC. Graduating with a degree in physical education, Greg always considered himself a proud Eastern Savage, not an Eastern Eagle.

After college graduation, Greg received his Army officer's commission. Completing armor officer's training and jump school state side, he and wife Terri then went to Germany where Greg was assigned as a tank commander and instructor with the 3rd Armor Division. They had two sons, Wayne and Wade.

While on active duty, he was an instructor, supervisor, and completed many advanced training schools. He also competed in a number of marksman competitions. Leaving Germany as a 1st Lieutenant, Greg joined the Army reserves and rose to the rank of Major at the time of his military retirement.

Returning to Spokane from Germany in 1974, Greg worked as a manager at a local Pizza Hut before joining the Washington State Patrol later that year.

While with the State Patrol, he was a firearms instructor and range master, he taught self-defense, and physical fitness courses. He was a recruiter and field training officer, mentoring and training a number of trooper cadets.

Greg later married wife Karla and they welcomed son Kyle. Their home was always busy with activities for their children, family, neighbors, and later, their grandchildren. Greg loved BBQing and entertaining friends and family.

After retiring, Greg and Karla traveled as much as possible. Their two favorite spots were Maui, where they spent many fun times with family and friends; and Alaska. They drove to Alaska four times, spending the summer traveling that state enjoying the scenery and the wildlife. They also traveled the country with their RV and took a number of cruises, going through the Panama Canal twice.

Greg's life was one of dedication and service, for which he received numerous awards and acknowledgments. He was exceedingly proud of his military service and his career as a Washington State Patrol Trooper. He was a past board member and remained active with the Association of 3rd Armored Division Veterans. As a member of the Retired Washington State Patrol Employees Assoc., Greg was their scholarship point person. He was a 40 plus year member of Kiwanis International, joining in Othello, and remaining an active member of the Spokane Valley Kiwanis until his death. He was active with youth programs, supporting projects for the local community and service to children.

Greg volunteered for Bloomsday, Hoopfest, for many years was a course marshal for the Langlauf cross country skiing race at Mt Spokane and volunteered for many other charity events in the Spokane area.

Greg never lost his enthusiasm for all things military, especially tanks, and weaponry. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His most memorable and cherished trips were with his sons, grandsons, family, and friends. Throughout his adult life he continued to instruct others on the safety and proper handling of firearms.

Greg was a camp counselor and instructor for over 10 years at the Law Enforcement Career Camp, sponsored by Kiwanis which is held at the State Patrol Academy in Shelton, WA.

Greg was a Boy Scout in his youth and later served as a Cub Scout leader. He donated much needed items to a very young scout troop to get them started and volunteered his time and encouragement. His greatest joy was supporting, participating, and encouraging both his grandsons' progress to their Eagle Scout.

Greg, who was an extraordinary man passed away on September 16th from metastatic prostate cancer surrounded by his devoted and loving family. He is survived by his partner and wife of 46 years Karla; sister Claudia (Ralph) McGowen; son Wade (Becky), grandsons Mason and Brock; son Kyle (Courtney), grandchildren Logan, Lukas, and Taylor. Brother-in-law Randy Colbert and sister-in-law Sara Colbert and family; sister-in-law Patty Salter and family. Friend and neighbor Mark Bestick, Mark's children, and family; college friend retired Major Reg Hodgson CD (Canadian Forces); and the Ed Schultz family. Greg was also loved by the extended McNeilly, Colbert, Lubeck, and Sebelius families.

Greg's life will be celebrated in June 2026, and he will be inurned at the Washington State Veteran's Cemetery, Medical Lake, WA.

Our thanks to Chief John Batiste, Captain Jeff Otis of the Washington State Patrol and the Retired Washington State Patrol Employees Assoc.

Donations in Greg's memory can be made to: The Retired Washington State Patrol Employees Assoc. scholarship fund- RWSPEA, PO Box 137, Greenacres, WA 99016; The Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation, PO Box 901, Prosser, WA 99350; Spokane Valley Kiwanis Foundation, PO Box 1275, Veradale, WA 99037.

Greg's last request was for men to insist on a PSA test from their doctor.