John Greg Gregory Colston

John Gregory Colston was born August 11, 1950, in Kansas City, MO. He passed away July 17, 2011, with his family by his side, after a brief stay at Kansas City Hospice House. Greg's family would like to thank the doctor and staff for their extraordinary help and support. While growing up, Greg enjoyed sports of all kinds, especially baseball (with his dad coaching) and eventually softball. He also took up soccer and snow skiing as a young adult. Greg expected as much of himself as he did family and others.

Greg graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Kansas and a JD degree from Washburn School of Law. After a brief stint with Arthur Anderson, he spent the remainder of his career at Kansas City Life Insurance Company serving as Associate Counsel and Assistant Director, Marketing Services with an emphasis on business insurance, underwriting and estate planning. He retired in April, 2009, after 32 years of service. Certifications earned over the years included FLMI, LOMA, CLU, ChFC, and CFP. He was a perpetual student, so it would come as no surprise when he decided to pursue a master's degree in social work. He completed the first year of this study at night while working at Kansas City Life. He had completed one full-time semester and internship when his health took a turn.

Greg took his obligations seriously. He always gave back of his time and/or resources. Before children, he helped with baseball teams of friends' children. With his own children, he helped with soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming, running and Scouts. He rarely missed any of their events. As a member of Village Presbyterian Church, he served as a MELD Facilitator, Moderator of Village Yound Marrieds, Deacon and Trustee. He volunteered at the Food Pantry, served as a respite care-giver and a Stephen Minister. He was president of his Homes Association, drove for the Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network, helped his wife with Christmas International and worked with young boys as part of Front Porch Alliance. During his time as a Prairie Village City Councilman, Greg's focus was making Prairie Village "green" and improving the environment.

The most significant volunteer experience, however, came after his first surgery in 2009 and six months of chemotherapy. At his daughter's suggestion, Greg volunteered at the Village Church Child and Family Development Center. He loved the kids, and they loved him. One even referred to him as "my Geg". They brought him as much joy as he gave them. Greg told his daughter, "Being with the kids was like plugging into life." He was then invited to join the VCCFDC Advisory Board.

In the last year, Greg and his wife enjoyed a trip to Omaha for the College Baseball's last year at the old stadium and the Omaha Zoo, two family trips to a family lake cottage in Minnesota, and 2 plus weeks in Sanibel. They celebrated their 60th birthdays in San Diego kayaking in the ocean and seeing more family.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents H. Ruth Colston and Kenneth M. Colston. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Ann Fairhurst Colston, his children Jessica and Kevin Colston, his sister Janet Sperry and husband Bob, two nieces Mindy Sperry and Becky Waller and husband Wes, and their daughter Hadley, and brother-in-law Tom Fairhurst.

A private family inurnment service was held Saturday, July 23. A Celebration of Life service is planned at 4:00 Wednesday, August 3, at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road. A reception will follow in the church's Friendship Hall. The children who touched his life are especially welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Village Church Child and Family Development Center Building Fund or KC Hospice 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO 64114. Please offer condolences at www.mcgilleyhogememorialchapel.com

Arrangements under the direction of McGilley & Hoge, Overland Park, KS.