Donald "Don" Gregg

Donald “Don” Gregg, aged 97, passed away May 13, 2023, at St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo, CA.

Don wanted to be buried with his beloved wife, Helen, so a celebration of Don’s life will be held on their wedding anniversary, October 4, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Ogden, Utah at 11 a.m. and on First Presbyterian Church Ogden - YouTube. A link will be posted October 1, 2024. A graveside service at Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial at 3 p.m..

Don was born in Monrovia, California on December 5, 1925, to Vernon V. and Lala (Freytag) Gregg. He was reared in McCook, Nebraska. In 1943, Don enlisted in the Navy and served during World War II as an Aircraft Electronics Technician. After the war, he pursued his education at Mississippi College and the University of Nebraska, and eventually earned his Master of Science degree from The University of Chicago. For a while, He worked in electronics research at the University and taught electronics engineering for the Air Force. He worked directly in electronics engineering for several aircraft and missile systems and later in mechanical and materials/chemical disciplines. He then transferred to Hill Airforce Base in Roy, Utah in 1966 continuing his work in ballistic missiles and the F-4/F-16 fighters. He enjoyed several years in Computer Resources engineering before retiring in 1980.

In 1954, Don married the love of his life Helen Lee McCarty of Jacksonville, Illinois and had 4 wonderful children with her. Outside of work, Don enjoyed church services, home building, dancing, photography, bridge and traveling. If he could dream it, Don found a way to build it. He was an engineer at heart, from building two homes to even in recent years devising new ways to make his life a little easier. He never stopped learning and adopting new technology before even his children. His sisters and him used to read the dictionary for fun and learn a new word every day.

He became a snowbird after his retirement and spent the winters in his home away from home, Apache Junction while returning to Utah for the summers. In 2014 he decided to move to Camarillo, CA where there isn’t any snow and he lived with his son, David and his daughter Deanna. He lived most of that time in Camarillo Assisted Living facility (Brookdale) surrounded by caring staff and new friends. At 90 years old he continued his love for teaching bridge and with the help of Deanna and granddaughter, Crystal he taught 30 more people the game he loved.

Don was a wonderful and kind soul who you couldn’t help but love. He had the personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation, and his laugh was infectious to everyone around him. 97 years was not long enough, Don was a truly wonderful human being whose family and friends love and miss him deeply.  

Don is survived by his children, David (Mary) Gregg of Camarillo, CA, Debbie Davis of Ogden, Utah, Deanna (Jerry) Ruedy of Oxnard, CA and his step-daughter Robin (Gil) Elmy of Nacoochee, GA; his 6 grandchildren Brianna Davis of SLC, UT, Jimmy Davis of Washington D.C., Benjamin (Bailey) Kettlewell of Hayden, ID, Rebecca (Emmett) Ross of SLC, UT, Jenny (Drew) Ruedy of Ogden, UT and Crystal (Kolbein) Matson of Oxnard, CA; and many other loving relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents Vernon Gregg and Lala Gregg; his loving wife Helen Lee Gregg; sisters LaVerne “Kathy” Lampe and Madlyn Larson; daughter Diane Kettlewell, son-in laws Mark Kettlewell and Brian Davis, and granddaughter Laura Kettlewell.

In Lieu of Flowers a donation can be made to the American Diabetes Association or check written to the church with Boy Scouts of America Troop 4 in the memo line.