Gregory Gene McConnell died Aug. 2 in Grass Valley after a long illness. He was 60.
He was born Dec. 13, 1948 in Ventura to Frank (Mac) McConnell and Kathryn McConnell Mowrey.
He graduated from Fillmore High School. He served in the Army in the 529th Military Police Company, a coveted assignment within the military police corp. As a member of the USAREUR Honor Guard he participated in Change of Command ceremony of General A.H. Goodpaster and General L.L. Lymnitzer at Supreme Headquarter Allied Powers in Europe. Also, in ceremonies of review by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and others. He worked in Europe for a number of years during which time he became a founding member of the Spirit Motorcycle Club started in 1976 by American Soldiers in Germany and still active. In recent years he worked for Grass Valley Veterinary Hospital. He was a gentle giant who loved animals and the people who worked there. His hobbies were fishing and motorcycle riding. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his mother, Kathryn McConnell Mowrey of Grass Valley, brother, Rodney F. McConnell and his wife, Marjorie of Nevada City, sister Susan McConnell Moreno and her husband Al of Big Oak Valley, nephews and niece.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank (Mac) McConnell and stepfather James R. Mowrey.
Greg will be buried with his father in Bardsdale, CA. There will be no graveside services. A private memorial is being planned at a later date.
Arrangements are under direction of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary & Crematory in Grass Valley.