Uncle Greg

When you talk about a story of true love and devotion, I will forever think of these two people. They are Aaron's "Pretty" Aunt Val & Uncle Greg. They have together had a lifetime of laughter, and raised two wonderful daughters. This past summer Greg was diognosed with ALS (Lou Gerhig's Disease). This disease took him very quickly, but their faith and devotion never wavered. As busy as people are, we had not seen them for a while. About a month ago, we took the kids for a visit. Karson was in awe of his Uncle Greg, and his love for Hockey. Greg gave Karson a Utah Grizzlies Hockey puck, that was signed by a Grizzly player. Karson took it for show and tell the next day, and told his class of Greg's illness. He said that he couldn't talk very well, and could not use his hands, but boy does he smile alot. What a sweet boy to notice that. Through it all Aunt Val was completely devoted to his every need. Scratching his ear, and combing his trademark mustache. She handled every day with such grace, and optimism, even when the end was very near. We are thankful that Greg who lived a very active life is freed from these earthly chains, and able to watch over his sweetheart, girls, and grandkids from a greater place. Uncle Greg, you will be missed. Aunt Val wrote a beautiful tribute for Greg that I wanted to share.


GREGORY JOHN KEMP Gregory John Kemp 1950 ~ 2010 Our precious husband and father, Gregory John Kemp, died as a result of the devastating disease ALS on February 24, 2010. His faith and trust in God never wavered. Greg was born February 3, 1950 in St. Paul, MN to John L and Genora M. Kemp, who precede him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Valorie, their cherished daughters, Jenny (Christopher) Davis and Rebecca (Aaron) Carpenter and their beloved grandchildren, Andie and Logan Davis, Cooper and Madeline Carpenter, and Carissa (Michael) Gleave, and great granddaughter (McKenzie). Greg is also survived by his dearly loved siblings and their families - Glenice (Robert) Coward, Orletta (Fred) Kunz, Grayden (Gerri) Kemp, Ordelle Kemp, and Orlaina (Patrick) Augustine. Greg proudly served in the United States Army during the Viet Nam era. Greg began working for the Denver & Rio Grande RR as a car man in 1973 and retired from the Union Pacific RR in 2009. He was an avid outdoors sportsman who loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed golfing and skiing, but his passions were hockey, bass fishing and visiting with his many friends. Greg was a lifetime Lutheran and at the time of his death was a member of St. Matthews Lutheran Church. He also attended Life Church in West Valley. With the passing of Greg, a man of great character has gone from our midst. He possessed the ability to draw unto him friends from every walk of life. He was able to inspire many people. Greg was a member /officer of many clubs and organizations, including the Magna Friendly Bunch, Utah Bass Federation, Salt City Bass Masters, and the Growlin Grizzlies Booster Club. He leaves behind many friends who, along with his family, will miss him. Especially we need to remember his long-time and best friend, Doug Thompson, his best "Utah "friend Big Jim Coleman, his dear neighbors Joe and Debbie Pienezza and their sons, Jay, Rob and Mike, and his "angel on earth", Connie Gustin. Greg's family would like to thank Dr. Mark Bromberg at the University of Utah Motor Neuron Clinic, and special thanks to the George E. Wahlen Veteran's Administration Hospital, and Harmony Health Care and Hospice (Rudy, Sonya, Zaneida, Vanessa) for their tender, dignified and compassionate care of Greg and all veterans. In Greg's memory, contributions to the Utah Grizzlies Children Charity Foundation can be made in c/o Jared Young man, 3200 South Decker Lake Drive, WVC, UT 84119 Memorial Services will be held at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 2654 Builders Drive, Taylorsville, Utah on Friday, March 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., where family will receive friends one hour prior to services.