Longtime Monroe resident Greg Gay passed away at Providence Hospital in Everett after a long battle with Lupus. Greg was born in Seattle but frequented this area from birth to visit his grandparents in Sultan, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins before officially making Monroe his home in the 1980s. An aviation enthusiast, he was a Vietnam-era Navy Airman and spent his post military years rebuilding deHavilland Beavers for Kenmore Air Harbor. The "Travel BugGÇ¥ bit Greg early. Shortly after receiving his first 2-wheeler, he boldly rode onto the Fauntleroy ferry 3 miles from home and excitedly explored the winding roads of Vashon Island, though he had not yet even lost his first tooth. Many teeth, trips and vehicles later he still had the same fascination for all the "blue highwaysGÇ¥ on any given map and proudly boasted about exploring each of the 50 states on those backroads before the age of 40. He developed a lifelong fascination for the Lincoln Highway, Route 66, the complete Lewis & Clark Trail, wooden roller coasters, old covered bridges, classic diners and the entirety of America's varied scenic vistas. His passion switched somewhere along the line from airplanes to old cars, most notably the "56 Nomad, "36 Dodges and Oldsmobile muscle cars - although his true enjoyment was kibitzing with his many car buddies about their projects. Although Lupus limited his energies and mobility, it never diminished the photographic memory that made him such a great mechanic. Greg continuously expanded his overwhelming curiosity about what made everything "tickGÇ¥. He was a man of strong faith, loyalty and commitments. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Florence Gay. He leaves behind his 3 daughters, Linsey (Todd) Budden, Deanna (Dan) Kampman, and Carmen Ekern-Jones, grandchildren Darrin Smith and kindergarten twins Isabel and Sophia, siblings Bruce and Barbara, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as lifetime cohorts Kris, JimmyJet, Gordon, Darrell and a multitude of friends who will all sorely miss him. Per his wishes, no service is planned but a celebration of his life with lots of Pizza and Coke will be held mid-April at his home. Feel free to share comments, reflections or photos with his family via www.evergreen-fh.com.
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