Gregory Scott Kimzey

Greg was born January 29, 1960 in West Covina, CA and moved to Santa Clara with his family when he was 6 months old. He passed away after a battle with cancer on February 1, 2022 in Campbell, CA surrounded by his wife Marilee, his children Michelle Kimzey Rogers and Eric Kimzey; stepchildren Rachel Tarcon and Danny Bick; and brother, Don Kimzey.

Greg is survived by his wife, Marilee; son, Eric(Malinda); daughter, Michelle Kimzey Rogers(Jesse); stepson, Danny Bick; stepdaughter, Rachel Tarcon(Chris); mother, Delores “Dodee” Balandis; brothers, Don Kimzey(Jill) and David Kimzey(Anne); sisters, Jan Kimzey(Jurgen Garbrecht) and Cheryl Spang(Brian); father-in-law, Thomas N. Weide; brother-in-law, Robert Weide; sisters-in-law, Beckey Brown, Linda Littlejohn and Tracy Haggerty(John); grandchildren, Zach, Jordyn, Owen, Annabelle, Londyn, Juliet, Jesse, Reece, and Corbin; many nieces, nephews and their spouses; friends from 27 years of service at the FAA Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center; friends from Dance Boulevard, life long friend Randy Daly; and close friend Kevin Power. He was preceded in death by father, Donald E Kimzey; stepfather, Bill Balandis; first wife Gwen (née Brown) Kimzey; parents-in-law, Johnny and Ila Brown; mother-in-law, Marian Weide; and brother-in-law, Tom Weide.

A celebration of life was held February 11, 2022 at Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, CA with family and close friends of which there were many. Greg’s son, Eric, wrote an insightful tribute to his dad that sister Michelle read. Realizing, as a single dad, Greg raised him and Michelle and always did what “he had to do”. Eric told a few fun stories including a favorite. He and Michelle would unexpectedly get checked out of school for dentist appointments. They never knew if it was a real appointment or a trip to Candlestick Park for a SF Giants game. Eric expressed his admiration and love for Greg as a Dad and hoped to be that kind of example and dad for his (3) kids.

Memories from Greg’s early years tried to capture Greg’s unique personality and fun-loving nature; however, there are just too many feelings and good things to say. Greg’s mom said there was always something to celebrate with Greg. We were blessed to see Greg as an adult and witness the joy and love he shared with Marilee, his kids, and grandkids.

Greg’s best friend from childhood through adulthood, Randy Daly, told his story of the genuine, loyal, fun loving friend Greg was. Greg was president of the high school backpacking club and his love of the outdoors was lifelong and shared with his family and friends.

Marilee was able to express her love of Greg as a best friend, soulmate, fun loving partner in adventure, travel, and dance, co-supporters in life, romantic, and full of wholehearted love for his family and friends.

The eulogy delivered by Reverend Haggerty included a letter from one of Greg’s longtime colleagues at the FAA Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center in Fremont, CA. Greg is described as the “the good guy” willing to help on professional and personal levels, and a stabilizing influence in a sometimes chaotic environment. He helped train and would encourage and see the best in others.

Letters from grandchildren described what a fun grandpa/papa he was and their adventures of camping, hiking, fishing, and annual family trips where love was a big part of the time. Others shared memories of Greg as always being willing to help others and problem solve. He was creative when it came to being prepared for anything, earning the title of “MacGyver” from friends and family. If anyone needed something, the standard response was to “ask Greg”.

Pastor Don Fugate of Foxworthy Baptist Church met Greg in 1983 and said one thing he knew is that Greg said yes to Jesus. To love is to grieve at some point, but Greg is with Jesus free of pain and tears. We will be together again when we are called home.

Greg will be laid to rest at Mission City Memorial Park in Santa Clara, CA on March 21, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Greg Kimzey may be made to the American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org/, a charity that was close to Greg’s heart.