Gregg H. Roberts

Gregg was born Feb. 7, 1962 in Tacoma, Washington. Gregg was raised on a farm in Buckley, Washington and after the age of two, his days of exploring and adventure began. Gregg attended the Enumclaw Adventist Elementary School. During this time, he spent many days building forts in the woods and challenging his siblings with lots of fun, humor and laughter. At the age of 10, against his mother’s wishes, he began commercial fishing in the family business at Bristol Bay, Alaska. He enjoyed the thrill and adventure of each summer while fishing with his family and friends.

Gregg attended Auburn Adventist Academy. As he entered his high school years, his love for all sports, especially basketball, and his desire to become a PE teacher flourished. He went on to Walla Walla University where he received his BS in Physical Education. During this time he met and married the love of his life and best friend Gail Petersen. From the day Gregg and Gail met at the Walla Walla University Gym, January 1985, they knew they were meant for each other. Before their Senior year at Walla Walla University, they were married on September 8, 1985 in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Together, they finished up their Senior year at Walla Walla University.

Gregg became an Athletic Director and PE Instructor landing his first job at Mile High Academy in Denver, Colorado from 1987-1989. From there, he went to teach at PUC Prep School in Angwin, CA from 1989-1995. During their time at PUC Prep, Landen Cole was added to their family on November 8, 1991, followed by Olivia Claire on April 26, 1994. Coaching basketball here at PUC Prep was the highlight of his basketball coaching career. From there, the family moved to Seattle Washington where Gregg taught K-10 PE at Cypress Elementary from 1995-1996. After his year there, Gregg was recruited to be the Athletic Director and PE Teacher at Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary in Battle Ground, WA from 1996-2003. The family became complete when Cade Alexander was born on December 4, 1998. During this time Gregg earned a Masters degree in Education from Grand Canyon University and in 2002 became a volunteer firefighter. Over his teaching years the students, parents, teachers and families truly impacted who he became.

In January, 2004 his dream came true when he was hired with the City of Vancouver as a firefighter. He became an active member of the Firefighter Honor Guard. In 2010 Gregg’s leadership skills advanced him to Captain. His fire career was the highlight of his last ten years where he truly became a hero not only to his family but his friends, colleagues, church and community.

Gregg’s life concentrated on providing a loving home with humor, pranks and laughter. He leaves to his family happy memories of camping, holiday traditions, snow skiing, coaching his children’s sports teams, golfing, beach trips, fitness routines and a healthy lifestyle. If you weren’t sure where Gregg was, you would most likely find him on his property clearing brush and chopping trees with his beloved chainsaw. His wife and children were the center of his world and the light of his life.

Gregg is survived by his hot, loving wife (that was his favorite thing to tell her) Gail of 28 years, his amazing children Landen Cole, Olivia Claire and Cade Alexander; his mother Patricia Wolcott, father Fay Roberts, siblings Daniel Roberts, Ranee’ Dearing, Kenneth Roberts and Gwen Ingram; his sister-in-law Beverly Roberts, brother-in-laws Lorie Dearing and Gary Petersen; and many nieces, nephews and cousins; many friends including the Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary Faculty, City of Vancouver Fire Department, his close friends, his church community and numerous students he taught and nurtured over the years.

Friends, colleagues and peers may pay their respects at a viewing on Saturday, June 14 from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Vancouver Funeral Chapel, 110 E. 12th St., Vancouver, WA. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 16 at 1:00pm at the First Church of God, 3300 NE 78th St., Vancouver, WA. Following the service a reception will be held at the Meadow Glade Adventist Elementary Gymnasium, 18717 NE 109th Ave., Battle Ground, WA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Gregg Roberts Benevolent Fund at Umpqua Bank, account #974841959 or you can call the local branch at (360)713-6220.