Gregory Alan Bian

Greg was born to Charles and Dolores Bian on June 22, 1951, in Harvey, IL. He attended Rich Central High School in Olympia Fields, IL where he was on the gymnastics team and his passion to be a gymnast began. He graduated from Rich Central High School in 1969. Greg started college at Illinois State University where he also pursued gymnastics determined to become a champion. He then transferred to Arizona State University continuing his education and passion for gymnastics, becoming an All-American Gymnast. Greg competed against the Romanian Olympic team and some of the best gymnasts from all around the world. He had great pride in his accomplishments as a gymnast and there were many. He was confident, not arrogant, he was proud and loved to speak about being a gymnast, it was in his heart. Greg graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974.

After college, Greg began his insurance career with American National. His hard work paid off having record sales and winning a trip to Switzerland. After a few years, he started a new endeavor with Allstate Insurance where he spent 20-plus years growing his book of business. Greg was a successful businessman, a self-driven son of an immigrant father, and a supportive mother who both instilled the value of hard work. In 1979 he became a wonderful, loving, devoted Dad to his first and only daughter and in 1984 to his one and only son. He always made sure Birthday’s, holidays, vacations, and any meaningful occasions were special for his family. The attention to detail was obvious, making others happy gave him happiness, you could see it in his smile. Greg was also a loving, proud Papa. In his eyes, his grandkids were perfect, and nobody could tell him otherwise. He got a kick out of watching them walk, and talk, and would get down on the floor with them to play. His interaction and unconditional love were priceless.

In his free time, he loved all things outdoors such as rollerblading, bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and vacationing. He loved the beach, spending time with family, and friends, and entertaining. Making sure others were enjoying themselves and having a good time was his reward. He collected things like Kachina Dolls and some western art, he enjoyed watching westerns and comedies and sitcoms like MASH, Barney Miller, and Blue Bloods. His love for animals grew over the years, he had horses, dogs, and a cat that all became a part of his family. Greg was full of life, and energy and was always doing something. One trademark he was known for by so many was doing a handstand wherever he was. No matter if it was on the edge of Pikes Peak, the Swiss Alps, on a park bench, or a rock in the middle of a stream in the mountains. It was the inner gymnast embedded in him and it will never be forgotten.

Greg retired from Allstate, but retirement was temporary. He returned to the insurance business he knew best up until his Parkinson’s diagnosis which led him to retire permanently. During this time, being close to family was his priority. Greg is now at peace, restored to his original self, with our Lord and Savior forever more. He is greatly missed but never forgotten.

He is survived by his brother Gary Bian, his daughter Natalie Cordova, his son Greg Bian Jr.; and grandchildren Monique, Becket, Annabelle Lee, and Leilah.