Gregory James Tracy

Gregory James Tracy, 57, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006 at Samaritan Hospital.

Holy Rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Kayser's Chapel of Memories. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Father Alejandro Trejo as celebrant.

Viewing will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake.

Greg was born to James Cornelius Tracy and Vera Estelle Tracy on June 14, 1949 in Concordia, Kansas. He was the fifth of five children. He lost his battle with cancer on Aug. 19, 2006. Greg grew up in Concordia and became very active in Boy Scouts, eventually becoming an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Concordia High School and attended college before enlisting in the Marine Corps. He served two tours in Viet Nam and was honorably discharged attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Following his discharge he moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico and worked for Co Con Inc. in the road department.

Greg moved to Moses Lake in 1973. He married Nancy Killgore in November of the same year and they divorced in 1996. In Moses Lake, Greg worked at Utah and Idaho Sugar Company until they closed. He then went to work in Othello at Carnation Co. and remained with that company throughout the changes of ownership to Nestle and present day J R Simplot Co. until his death. He was an avid reader, loved electronics, (especially his computers), golf, camping and spending time with his family, many friends and co-workers. One of his favorite sayings was, "have a great day." He was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Terry and Donald Tracy, and sister Connie Pat Isaacson.

He is survived by brother Dennis M. Tracy and his wife Ginger Tracy of El Paso, Texas, sisters-in-law, Barbara Tracy, Concordia, Kansas, and Joyce Tracy of Clayton, New Mexico; numerous nieces and nephews; beloved girlfriend of eight years, Robyn Hart; daughters Brandi and Samijo Schouviller; and very close, dear friends David Daley and Brenda Hampshire, Larry and Nancy Huck and Darrell and Fredine Appleby. He was a kind and generous man and gave of himself freely. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Greg was a very kind and gentle person. He would do anything for anyone and would never ask for anything in return and treated everyone with respect. He touched many lives and would leave a positive impression with everyone he met.

Greg had a great sense of humor, and unbeknownst to his friends, he would sing songs such as "Hi Ho Hi Ho" and "Happy Trails" like Elmer Fudd, walking around with his funny hat and rifle.

The family would like to thank all who sent cards, flowers and called Greg while he was at home. They would also like to thank the staff at Samaritan Hospital for the great care and respect given to Greg, the employees at Simplot for everything they have done, Dr. Hoover for caring for Greg's health, and Dave Dailey and Brenda Hampshire for all they have done.

Robyn adds, "My life and my heart will never be the same without my best friend, you will never be forgotten … I miss you and love you so very much."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, P.O. Box 19024, MSTP J5200, Seattle, WA 98109.

God bless you all and please remember Gregory in your prayers.

To Those I Love:

When I am gone, just release me, let me go — so I can move into my afterglow. You mustn't tie me down with your tears: let's be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust. It is only for awhile that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home."