Donald W Gregson of Yakima, 89, passed away on Thursday July 5th 2018 at Cottage in the Meadow. He was born June 23rd 1929 in Buena, Washington to William and Lillian (Matlock) Gregson.
Dad spent the majority of his life in Yakima, attending Yakima public schools and entered the Air Force at the early age of 17. Shortly after, Dad suffered a major head injury during a military truck accident in Okinawa and spent close to a year in hospitals. He was medically discharged and started working in a local grocery store in Toppenish with his Uncle Jim.
Mom and Dad’s love story started in Toppenish when Dad’s cousin and Mom’s younger sister introduced the two and that day Dad said “I am going to marry her.” When we asked Mom what her thoughts were about Dad she said “he had a nice car.” Obviously the two were smitten and just celebrated 67 years of marriage. Dad married Marjorie Heilman June 18th 1951 in St. Aloysius Catholic Church, Toppenish, Washington.
Dad left the grocery business early on and his career revolved around the fruit industry working as a fieldman for the majority of the time for Pacific Fruit. Dad took his position very seriously and his growers knew they could count on him. He retired at the age of 63 with over 30 dedicated years at Pacific Fruit.
His main interest was watching baseball. In the days of fast pitch at Larsen Park you would find him watching men’s and women’s league on top of games at Parker Field. He followed his sons thru their years of playing baseball. He was an avid fan of MLB and was in his element this time of year watching the Mariners and the MLB channel.
Dad is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margie Gregson, children Cathy (George) Gieseke, Sue (Ken) Ford, both of Yakima, Ron (Debi) Gregson of Selah, Vicki (Shawn) McVey of Yakima, and Dave Gregson of Toledo, Washington along with nine grandchildren, Ryan, Kimber, Kacey, Tyler, Alisse, Chelsey, Connor, Lake and Teran, and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Linda Van Lierop of Spokane Valley, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-dad William (Bill) Smith, three brothers, Robert, Leroy and Bruce, and two young sisters.
The family would like to thank the 4th floor staff at Yakima Regional, doctors at Central Washington Family Medicine and the staff at Cottage in the Meadow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday July 21st at Rainier Memorial Center in Terrace Heights at 2:00. Casual attire/bright colors are welcomed. Dad always loved a good party.In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Smart Cremations and Rainier Memorial Center.