Gregory S. Weeks

[ Originally published on: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 ]

SALEM, Conn. -- Gregory S. Weeks, 58, of Salem, formerly of Greenfield, MA, and Cincinnati, OH, died Thursday, May 1, 2008, at home of pancreatic cancer.

Born July 17, 1949 and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, he attended Taylor High School and the University of Cincinnati.

An athlete, intellectual, wandering soul and adventurer, Greg was well-known for his stories of travel, trouble and humor, from Greenwich Village to Haight-Ashbury and all points between. Over the years he was a taxi driver, urban planner, community loan officer, hospice assistant, database administrator, national and regional trucker and truck driving instructor. Each kind of work was in part a result and reflection of his life expression.

He was also a survivor. In his mid-30s, while living in Greenfield, it seemed his life would be cut short by a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. Over the next few years, however, he not only survived the cancer, but also became a father, got sober and began a new life in recovery. In that emergent space he found in himself a gift for helping others who are facing the challenges of terminal illness and addiction.

By his mid 50's,Greg had created a balance in his life, with a rich personal spirituality that readied him for the partnership, calm and happiness of the new love he would find with his second wife, Holly.

In late 2006, after nearly 20 years of working to become a presence without his addiction, and after a new marriage and a move to Salem, CT, Greg was diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. Even in that, he defied expectations and lived for a year and a half, demonstrating a grace and depth of character born of his life experiences.

Greg is survived by his wife, Holly; son, Nathaniel, former wife, Laurie; parents, Ray and Joan; siblings Debbie, Kevin, Randy and Lori; his stepdaughter, Tina and her daughters; and a combined, extended family of nieces, nephews and others from Cincinnati to New England.

The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at his home in Salem.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Eastern Connecticut. Visit: www.hospicesect.org.

 

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