On Tuesday night, September 27, 2022, the same illness, and addiction that had stolen my best friend’s charisma, ended up taking his life. Affectionately known as “Zuke”, Greg’s friends will remember him for his fun and loving spirit.
Greg was born on April 12, 1966 in Pasadena, CA to Etta and Gary Marshall (both deceased in 2010 & 2017 respectively). He had a sister, Stacy (deceased 2003).
Greg grew up in Sparks, NV before moving to Las Vegas for middle school. He graduated from Chaparral High School in 1984. Greg went on to play baseball at Cuesta College and Orange Coast College before finishing as the ace of Long Beach State University pitching staff. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Irvine.
Living in Newport, he was involved in the community as a Little League coach and a pitching coach for Newport Harbor High School varsity team. He loved travelling up and down the West coast to see his favorite band, the Grateful Dead.
Greg moved from Newport Beach to Telluride, CO and worked in the restaurant industry before becoming an outdoor guide, leading; snowmobile, skiing, Jeep, fishing and river-rafting tours. When Greg moved to Portland, OR, he briefly worked for a liquor distributor before moving back to Telluride where he married and bought a home.
In 2003, Greg endured a number of hardships, losing his sister, Stacy, and then going through his own divorce. Shortly after, Greg and his beloved Flat Coated Retriever, Althea, moved back to Newport Beach and started working as a real estate appraiser. Greg battled alcoholism and checked himself into Hoag Hospital for an inpatient program which yielded great success. His parents, Etta and Gary, were so proud of him and his prolonged sobriety.
After his mom, Etta, died in 2010 from leukemia and his dog, Althea, passed in 2013, Greg became very close with his dad, Gary. Greg called his dad at 7pm every night to talk about the weather and sports. When Gary became very ill himself, Greg became his caregiver. But, Gary’s death in 2017 took a heavy toll on Greg and Greg slowly spiraled back into heavy drinking.
When healthy, the tall, dark, handsome, big-smiling and charismatic dude, Greg, lived a very dynamic life through all his travels. He created many great memories with his close friends and family.
Greg is survived by cousins James and Mike Billups, Gary and Dane Mildrum, and Aunt Norma Billups-Green. He leaves behind many longtime friends.
Greg Marshall was a brother to me. My friends and family have broken hearts and will forever feel your loss “Zuke” and “Uncle Greg”. I take peace and solace knowing you’re in a better place now.
One Response
I miss him every day. He was one of a kind