Gregory West Axlen

Greg was born in Evanston, Ill on Sept 8th, 1952 to Buleah Sharon Bowles Cameron and Harlan Axlen and spent his early childhood in Illinois. He moved to Washington in 1958 where he spent the rest of his life in Bothell/Kirkland. He often returned to Illinois in the summers throughout his childhood to spend time with his beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1971.

In 1978 he met Joyce Axlen (Whitman) in Seattle, WA at Craftsman Press and they married in 1982 in Everett, WA.

Greg was predeceased by his mother B. Sharon and father, Harlan; his step-father Clyde “Scottie” Cameron; and nephews Kevin Axlen and Mitchell Strang. He is survived by Joyce Axlen; their adult children, Patrick Axlen, Leann Spokus (James); twin grandchildren, Cameron and Cassie Spokus; and siblings Wesley Axlen (Linda), Claudia Hansen (John), and cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Greg worked full time since he was 15, dedicated to providing for himself and his family. He worked as the Lead Pressman at Craftsman Press for 27 years before starting at Boeing in 1997. He loved working in aerospace and talked fondly about his coworkers over the course his career, often stating “The nicest people you’ll ever meet work at Boeing.” He truly enjoyed spending his time at work with his coworkers and being a member of a special community.

Greg was a connoisseur at barbequing, spending his free time barbequing and smoking assorted meats to share with others. There was no meat, spice or seasoning he wouldn’t try, and he was especially proud of his ribs, knowing his quality was superior to that of restaurants. He never missed an opportunity to share this passion with others. When you see a barbeque, think of Greg.

Greg’s next biggest passion was photography and he was fond of taking nature pictures, especially hummingbirds. He took great care in crafting his own hummingbird nectar and would wait for them to come by to snap a perfect picture of them. He also loved taking photos of his grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything. Papa saw his twin grandchildren frequently and would often comment on how he wished he had their endless energy. He admired their special twin connection and enjoyed playing babies with his granddaughter, and Hulk with his grandson.

Greg was kind, hard-working, genuine, and a man of few words, but when he did speak, he absolutely meant what he said. He valued being authentic and was unapologetically himself, often showing off his quick wit and wonderfully snarky attitude through his one-liners and by telling it like it is. He had a nonsense attitude, was direct, unintimidated and resilient.

Greg was always up to date with the latest technology gadgets, loved lap dogs and never went anywhere without a comb in his back pocket for his mustache. He enjoyed going out to eat, attending live music events, dabbling in musical instruments (guitar and keyboards), and loved fishing with brother, Wes.

If you’d like to share a memory below, please feel free to share a favorite one liner or funny comment by Greg. Let’s remember Greg for who he really was.

In the words of Greg, “It’s been real.”

Please join us in celebrating Greg’s life at the Evergreen

A memorial reception for Gregory will be held Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Evergreen Funeral Home, 4504 Broadway, Everett, WA 98203.