Don Gregory Hallock

October 9, 1952 – October 24, 2026

Don Gregory Hallock, known to most as “Greg” — or affectionately as “Grog” to his family — was born on October 9, 1951. He was the firstborn child of Don and Marlene Hallock, with siblings

Debbi, Doug, and Dani following over the next eight years.

Greg grew up in Southern California and graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario in 1971. He spent much of his early adult life in the Inland Empire, exploring different interests and

occupations. He particularly enjoyed drafting classes in high school and was especially excited to have the opportunity to work alongside his Uncle Fred at his architecture firm.

Greg was blessed with two children, Michael and Michelle, whom he affectionately called his “M&M’s” when they were little. While time and distance kept them apart for many years, he was

proud of them and loved them deeply.

Some years later, Greg followed his mother and stepfather, Bob, to Lake Havasu, Arizona. There, he joined the volunteer fire department, happy to serve alongside Bob, who was the fire chief. That let Greg to make a decision that would become one of the most rewarding chapters of his life — to join the United States Navy. And what a wonderful decision that turned out to be!

Greg loved his years in the Navy. He enjoyed traveling and he took great pride in his service. While deployed aboard the USS Carl Vinson, he was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his work

in nuclear welding. He served six years on active duty, followed by 14 years in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 20 years of military service and he remained a proud veteran until his last breath.

After his active-duty service, Greg stayed in Pocatello, Idaho, for a few years. Then, with encouragement from his sister Debbi, he returned to Southern California and used some of his VA

benefits in the San Diego area. He eventually settled in Vista, where he became involved in several community organizations. He had a servant’s heart and enjoyed volunteering. He received more

than 100 certificates commending his various services, including work as a peer support specialist, volunteering with the Sheriff’s Department, and donating blood platelets for an incredible 20 years!

But there was one particular volunteer opportunity that would change his life forever. While serving as a driver for the North County Transit District, he met the love of his life, Patti, when he transported her and her daughter, Deanna, to medical appointments. Soon they married and made their home in

Escondido, California.

We can’t forget to mention that Greg was a devoted San Diego Padres fan! Whether attending games in person or cheering them on from the couch, he was a loyal fan who loved rooting for the

home team.

Above all, Greg was a Christian who loved Jesus. He and Patti attended Coastline Baptist Church in Oceanside, where he faithfully served in the parking ministry. Then COVID came along and, as it

did for so many of us, changed the rhythm of their lives.

But Greg would soon face a challenge far greater than anything he had encountered before….

In July 2025, Greg received the devastating diagnosis of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

He knew what that diagnosis meant. -We all did- But Greg faced it with courage and determination, aiming to do as much as he could for as long as he could. The Veteran’s Administration was a

tremendous help to Greg and Patti, providing medical equipment, supplies, and home health care so he could remain at home as long as possible. Greg was excited when he received a set of “Hot

Wheels” — his power wheelchair, complete with bright blue wheels.

As his illness progressed, Greg experienced several hospital stays, both locally and at the VA Medical Center in La Jolla. There were several efforts to bring him home, because that was where

he most wanted to be. But his growing care needs made that difficult, and he spent the final months of his life at the VA. Even then, Greg wasn’t giving up. He was learning to use special eye-tracking technology that would allow him to communicate if ALS eventually took away his ability to speak. Thankfully, that day never came. Greg could still talk, and right up until the end, he was flirting

with his sweetheart, Patti, and asking her for kisses. Even ALS couldn’t take away that part of him!

When it became clear that his time with us was drawing to a close, Greg was finally able to return to the place he wanted to be most — home. He arrived under hospice care on Thursday morning,

and late Friday evening, October 23, 2026, Greg peacefully slipped into the presence of his Savior, with his beloved Patti there, in his own living room — just the way he wanted.

ALS is a devastating disease. It takes so much from those who suffer with it and from the families who love them. But Greg faced his illness bravely, trusting that even in the midst of suffering, his

life remained in the hands of his Lord and Savior. For those of us left behind, it’s difficult to understand why. We have questions that may never be answered this side of Heaven. But perhaps we can learn something from Greg’s example — to trust the Lord even when we don’t understand His plan, to ask Him for an extra measure of grace when our hearts are hurting, and to hold tightly to the precious memories we have been given. We take comfort in knowing that Greg is no longer suffering. He’s not hurting; he’s breathing freely, and is in the presence of the Savior he loved.

And in a turn of events none of us could have imagined, Greg’s brother Doug in Oregon, who had been diagnosed with ALS only weeks before, followed his big brother into Glory just a few days

later. Two brothers. Both stricken with the same terrible disease. Both called Home within days of one another. God’s Word reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that to be “absent from the body” is to be

“present with the Lord.” And in John 14:2, Jesus tells us: “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” So, while our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in picturing Greg and Doug together again — healthy, whole, and strolling along those streets of gold. And who knows? Maybe their mansions are right next door to one another. Neighbors for the very first time. What a beautiful thought.

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