I’m sorry to hear of your passing,  I have fond memories.  I’m Jane Peterson’s niece Lisa.  I remember you singing and playing guitar to The Night I drove ole Dixie Down…and Richard Nikon’s the name….I was only 9 so my memory may be off.  I also remember a story you told about a snake in the toilet at someone’s apartment complex that made it’s way to someone else’s toilet.  That freaked me out.  
I remember aunt Pat loved you and Christmas Eve was a blast with you.  I Google you often, but just discovered you passed away and on my birthday even worse.  I have Multiple Sclerosis so I feel for you.  ❤️

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a warm, decent, and considerate colleague.  It was a pleasure to share the learning journey at the RGS and wonderful to catch up at the 40th anniversary of the PRGS.
                                                                                  Dr. Yılmaz ARGÜDEN                 

I am sorry to learn of Greg's death and send heartfelt sympathies to all the family.  He was a good, kind man.  
--Pat Peterson  (Jane Peterson's sister)

In reaching out to share the news of Greg's passing with present and former JLARCers , I was struck by the words and phrases repeatedly used to describe  him:  kind, good, good-natured, gentle, passionate, funny,  witty,  keen intellect, amazing mind,  patient teacher,  great team member, and a wonderful sense of humor.  It was a true privilege to work with Greg, to learn so much from him, to laugh with him, and to be in the daily presence of someone who was so decent and good.

While Greg worked on many studies that improved the lives of Virginians, his most impactful work resulted in an amendment to Article X of the Constitution of Virginia.  Greg designed the algorithm that provided for the deposits into and withdrawals from Virginia’s Revenue Stabilization Fund, which was a JLARC recommendation.  Greg’s design of the algorithm made it easy to make deposits and difficult to make withdrawals.  Consequently, the Revenue Stabilization Fund was able to accrue billions of dollars that Virginia has been able to use in difficult financial times.  Greg and I were accorded the “privilege of the floor” in both the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia.  Mainly, Greg was there to explain the algorithm in the event that the patrons of the bill were asked difficult questions.  The proposed Fund was approved by the Virginia General Assembly and subsequently by an overwhelming vote of the people of Virginia.  I do not think that the Fund would exist today without Greg’s wise and inventive conception of deposits and withdrawals.  Greg’s work provided a legacy that is JLARC’s proudest achievement.

I worked with Greg at JLARC for 30 years and he was just a genuinely nice person to work with. He was dedicated to his work and seemed to always find joy in solving difficult research problems. When we traveled together across Virginia in our early years at JLARC, I could always depend on him to tell some funny stories and we enjoyed talking about family, travel, and politics. I consider myself lucky to have known and worked with Greg.

I, too, remember Cousin Greg from childhood family reunions when the extended Rest family would travel all over the country to get together each summer.  Wonderful memories from Buffalo, New Orleans, Chicago, South Carolina, Detroit  -- the high point of every summer.

Greg was the youngest of us all, and an entertainer even then.  He wowed all of us with his precociousness and wit.

I only regret not having been able to keep up with him in later years.  I would have loved to know him as an adult!

I worked with Greg at JLARC. I never had a bad conversation with him, and I learned a lot from him in a short time. No matter what I asked, he always had a useful insight to share. He was unfailingly kind, and quick to laugh. He left a mark with me as a colleague and a friend.

We wish to extend our very deepest sympathies to Sandi and family. All my memories of him are childhood ones at family reunions. He will be remembered as being the “baby” of our very extended family. He was charming, bright and a joy to know. 




Since last century it has been my privilege and joy to know Greg and Sandi. Sandi’s mother, Mary Frances, was ever grateful that her daughter and Greg discovered each other.
That Binda mansion on the hill affords many memories and magnificent vistas, but none so sweet and enduring as Greg’s present perspective in Christ.
Sandi, Julie and Michael, lean onto God’s promise that He is your refuge and strength:  a very present help in times of turmoil. He shall neither fail you or forsake you.  He is our source of salvation and rest. 
With abiding affection in the Risen Jesus
The Paul OGorek Family
Formerly of Grottoes, VA

Greg was the nicest man I ever met.  He was spirit filled and an inspiration to me to be a better person.  He will be missed.
Paul Winslow

We love the whole Rest family and will miss Greg with his great grin, kind, friendly demeanor, awesome Halloween hats, and incredible fortitude.  All our love. Tina and Ryan

Sending thoughts,  prayers and love- so very sorry for your loss. We will miss Greg very much.

One of my favorite memories with Uncle Greg was his sense of humor and spot on impersonations as we watched some classic Mel Brooks & Monty Python movies during family gatherings over the holidays.  We all especially enjoyed him quoting High Anxiety’s Nurse Diesel’s “Those that are tardy do not get Fruit Cup“!
 Uncle Greg’s hilarious inflections of Nurse Diesel’s “fruit cup” had us all cracking up.


I worked with Greg at JLARC.  I will remember him for how great it was to get him laughing about things.  I will remember him for how well he could impersonate a disgruntled legislator during our practice presentations.  But most of all, I will remember him for his intellect and how much he enjoyed learning and solving problems.

Sandi, my family and I wish you and the kids the very best during this difficult time.

Sending love to all of the family and especially to Sandi, Julia, and Michael. In loving memory of Uncle Greg. 

Dear Sandi, Julia and Michael.  Please know that our love, our thoughts and hearts go out to you at this time of Greg's passing.  We remember the good times that we had visiting and talking with him, the last being at little Anna's first birthday celebration.  We remember the joy of your wedding day up at the farm and how beautiful you were together.  There were many other good times talking with him.  He was a kind and inspiring man who never dwelled on his physical condition.  His intelligence and genuine love for life and family always shown through to us.  Our love to our beautiful niece and children.  Love.  Tom and Janet

To Sandi, Julia and Michael,
Carl, Sydney and I are so sorry for your loss. Greg was very special and we loved him very much.  I know he will be very very missed.  We will continue to send love and light your way in the coming weeks and months.
Your Friends and Neighbors on Covington Ridge Court,
The Boyds


OBITUARY

Gregory Joel Rest

18 July, 1956 – 23 May, 2020

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