Bryan O. Gregory's Obituary
Bryan Oakley Gregory was a North Dakota farm boy until joining the Army, eventually ending up in Tacoma. Born December 2nd, 1938 in Hensler, ND, he was the youngest of 11 to Burton R. Gregory, Iva Mae Peterson. Bryan was a strong man and a hard worker. He worked for Saint Regis Paper Mill, Fred Colett Construction, Boeing, Halroy, Kent Water Department, ending his career with City of Tacoma Water Division, retiring after 28 years at McMillin reservoir. While working at Saint Regis he met the love of his life, Nancy Ellen Gregory, neé Smith, and they were married for 52 wonderful years.
He was the loving father of Jeanette Todd (Bill), Cynthia Nadasky, Burton Gregory (Kim), and Colleen Saunders, preceded in death by daughter Naomi Gregory, beloved grandfather to Celeste Bicheray, Vanessa Edwards, Tiffany Muela, Melissa Gregory, Megan Saunders, Kelly Nadasky, Michelle Shapansky, Beau Todd, preceded in death by grandchildren Katherine Saunders and Angela Gregory, and great-grandfather to Hayley Wagner, Angela Busch, Emily Busch, Hunter Edwards, Aidyn McKinney, Jonathan Muela, Amileah Muela, Makinlee Shapansky, Madilynn Shapansky, Angel Jones, Aurora Bicheray-Garcia, Kambria Kaelin, Seth Nadasky, Sophia Mendoza , Aidrian Mendoza, and Bianca Mendoza.
Bryan was a member of many dance groups with his wife, and they found years of enjoyment dancing with friends. He was quick to make friends, making many over the years. Bryan was a member of the Eagles, Moose, and VFW – Amvets. He enjoyed camping trips and traveling with friends and family, whether in the family motorhome or small cars. In 1996 Bryan and Nancy took a trip to a family reunion in Colorado, headed to Alabama, and visited a total of 19 states along the way.
His recent pastimes have included watching the variety of hummingbirds that visited his home and following his Saturday night routine by watching Mollie B’s Polka Party, Larry’s Country Diner, and The Family Reunion while visiting with family.
Bryan enjoyed watching Nascar and Rodeos. He liked treats from the fair that reminded him of North Dakota, Fleishkeuchle’s, and with his sweet tooth he loved cookies, pancakes, homemade ice cream, and every kind of potato known to man. Bryan enjoyed reading all sorts of things, but particularly westerns. Outside on a beautiful day, he could always be found wearing his cowboy hat and boots.
A man of compassion, he was filled with love and caring towards his family and friends. Those who were loved by him were the luckiest people in the world. He could say so much without saying anything, letting people know exactly what he thought with just his face. Bryan was shy, quiet, but an outgoing social butterfly who loved to tease.
Bryan passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on May 23rd, 2015. He is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Lois, and brothers Loran and Ora (Don).
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