Uncle Greg

Gregory Bjarnson, 59, passed away June 1, 2015 in Salt Lake City.

Greg was born August 7, 1955 in Provo, Utah to John and Enid Bjarnson.  He was born exactly one year after my dad, to the day.  They were raised almost as twins because of their closeness in age.

Greg had a great love for the outdoors.  Camping and fishing were two of his favorites.  He also spent many years in the winter time on the ski slopes.

One summer when Greg was 12, his cousin Terri was swimming with the family.  Greg looked around and could not see her, so he dove to the bottom of the pool and found her lying face-down on the drain.  He had just learned "life saving" in scouting and used those techniques to bring her up.  She was almost gone, but was saved.  The story was in the newspaper and he was later honored by President Benson.

He also once found some stolen clothes in a box while he was hiking and earned 5 dollars.

His dad taught him the trade and business of building.  He eventually got his contractor's licence and built many beautiful homes.  He even lived in Maui, Hawaii for 4 years and built high rises.  He enjoyed scuba diving in the ocean.

Greg had a big heart; he was always willing to share his building talents.  He was satisfied in being able to help.  We are thankful that he used his Bobcat tractor to sculpt the rock berm in our own front yard.  He also flattened the ground out and scooped up the weeds so we could plant grass.

Greg leaves behind his twin children, Brooks and Bridger Bjarnson (14 years old).  He also leaves his mother, Enid, and siblings, Matthew (Diane), Kenneth (Charlette), and Leslee (Jim), and 14 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Kathleen.

The viewing was Sunday, June 7, at Goff Mortuary.

Grandma sat and visited with people including Maisy & Claire who came in town.

The graveside was Monday, June 8, at Spanish Fork Cemetery.  Danny with Bridger and Brooks, Greg's twins.

The pall bearers carried the casket.  Then all 3 siblings shared memories of Greg.  "Love One Another" was sung by all and then a closing prayer concluded the short service.

The actual burial ground was flooded the night before by a broken sprinkler head.  Greg was laid next to his father, my Grandpa Bjarnson.

Half of the cousins. 8 out of 16.

Ava and my kids.

We had a picnic at a church bowery afterward for our funeral luncheon.  I thought my mom did an outstanding job on putting it all together and providing the food.  Here are 10 out of 16 cousins.  Out of town were Amanda, Stuart, Maddy, Ben, Ginger, and Jenny.

Brooks and Bridger with Grandma.

Greg's surviving siblings and mother.

Grandma Bjarnson's poem of Greg basically sums it all up. Our Greg was taken early due to cirrhosis of his liver, resulting from his alcohol addiction.  I hope that he is feeling better now and is in the company of his dad and sister.  I hope that he feels peace and love.