Robert Donald Gregor
(Died February 26, 2015)
Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Robert “Don” Gregor was an extraordinary man. He lived life to the fullest with honesty, integrity and honorably as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, serviceman and businessman. Don passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC, Don underwent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force graduating as a teenage fighter pilot. He was then assigned to the Royal Air Force’s 100th Group in England. He flew the Mosquito and the Beaufighter during World War II and later transitioned into the US Army Air Forces. Upon his return, Don attended and graduated from Amherst College where he was a member of Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity (later he received his Master’s Degree from George Washington University). To be able to continue flying while at college, he joined the reserves at Westover AFB as a flight instructor. In 1950, Don was recalled and continued his 32 year military career where he flew or tested 55 different aircraft types and flew in combat using 16 diverse weapons systems. He served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and as a test pilot in the Test Squadron at Tyndall AFB, doing what he loved…flying! He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the American Distinguished Flying Cross numerous times as well as the British DFC which is normally presented by the King. Colonel Gregor retired in 1973 after serving as the Base Commander of Tyndall AFB and Vice Wing Commander of the Weapons Center and then began his second career in the civilian sector. After retirement, due to his excellent leadership skills, Don was asked to set up the Comprehensive Health System for NW Florida and was instrumental in bringing dialysis to Panama City. He and his partners started and ran Bay Office Supplies. He also worked on Downtown Redevelopment, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and envisioned/re-purposed the old funeral home on Harrison into a vital and working headquarters for the Board of Realtors! As a realtor, he worked for Harbour Realty and later, Talcor. Don was also active in various clubs and organizations in town. He served as President of the Downtown Rotary Club, became the District Governor District 6940 in 1989-1990 and started the Northside Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris recipient 4 times as well as a Paul Harris Benefactor for his service to Rotary. He was also a member of QBs (QuietBirdmen) and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots. Don also served on various committees at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as an Elder. For many decades, he has been an active member of these organizations and a much sought-after speaker with fascinating stories! Always a gentleman, Don will be sorely missed by many but especially by his loving wife, Helen, of 64 years; his daughter, Ann Fleming; granddaughter, Katie Erfurt and granddaughters, Emily and Molly; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest daughter, Eileen Owens. The Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rotarians, the Daedalians and the QBs. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staffs at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, especially in the ICU, St. Andrew Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, Bay Covenant Hospice and to Dr. Angel Nunez, Dr. Masood Ahmad and our special friend, Leighanne. Their care, support and friendship touched us deeply. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don Gregor’s name may be made to Northside Rotary Club, P.O. Box 16544, Panama City, FL 32406; Grace Cares at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1415 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405; or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
Posted by Wilson Funeral Home
February 27, 2015
(Died February 26, 2015)
Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Robert “Don” Gregor was an extraordinary man. He lived life to the fullest with honesty, integrity and honorably as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, serviceman and businessman. Don passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC, Don underwent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force graduating as a teenage fighter pilot. He was then assigned to the Royal Air Force’s 100th Group in England. He flew the Mosquito and the Beaufighter during World War II and later transitioned into the US Army Air Forces. Upon his return, Don attended and graduated from Amherst College where he was a member of Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity (later he received his Master’s Degree from George Washington University). To be able to continue flying while at college, he joined the reserves at Westover AFB as a flight instructor. In 1950, Don was recalled and continued his 32 year military career where he flew or tested 55 different aircraft types and flew in combat using 16 diverse weapons systems. He served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and as a test pilot in the Test Squadron at Tyndall AFB, doing what he loved…flying! He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the American Distinguished Flying Cross numerous times as well as the British DFC which is normally presented by the King. Colonel Gregor retired in 1973 after serving as the Base Commander of Tyndall AFB and Vice Wing Commander of the Weapons Center and then began his second career in the civilian sector. After retirement, due to his excellent leadership skills, Don was asked to set up the Comprehensive Health System for NW Florida and was instrumental in bringing dialysis to Panama City. He and his partners started and ran Bay Office Supplies. He also worked on Downtown Redevelopment, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and envisioned/re-purposed the old funeral home on Harrison into a vital and working headquarters for the Board of Realtors! As a realtor, he worked for Harbour Realty and later, Talcor. Don was also active in various clubs and organizations in town. He served as President of the Downtown Rotary Club, became the District Governor District 6940 in 1989-1990 and started the Northside Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris recipient 4 times as well as a Paul Harris Benefactor for his service to Rotary. He was also a member of QBs (QuietBirdmen) and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots. Don also served on various committees at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as an Elder. For many decades, he has been an active member of these organizations and a much sought-after speaker with fascinating stories! Always a gentleman, Don will be sorely missed by many but especially by his loving wife, Helen, of 64 years; his daughter, Ann Fleming; granddaughter, Katie Erfurt and granddaughters, Emily and Molly; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest daughter, Eileen Owens. The Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rotarians, the Daedalians and the QBs. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staffs at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, especially in the ICU, St. Andrew Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, Bay Covenant Hospice and to Dr. Angel Nunez, Dr. Masood Ahmad and our special friend, Leighanne. Their care, support and friendship touched us deeply. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don Gregor’s name may be made to Northside Rotary Club, P.O. Box 16544, Panama City, FL 32406; Grace Cares at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1415 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405; or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
Posted by Wilson Funeral Home
February 27, 2015
Robert Donald Gregor
(Died February 26, 2015)
Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Robert “Don” Gregor was an extraordinary man. He lived life to the fullest with honesty, integrity and honorably as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, serviceman and businessman. Don passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC, Don underwent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force graduating as a teenage fighter pilot. He was then assigned to the Royal Air Force’s 100th Group in England. He flew the Mosquito and the Beaufighter during World War II and later transitioned into the US Army Air Forces. Upon his return, Don attended and graduated from Amherst College where he was a member of Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity (later he received his Master’s Degree from George Washington University). To be able to continue flying while at college, he joined the reserves at Westover AFB as a flight instructor. In 1950, Don was recalled and continued his 32 year military career where he flew or tested 55 different aircraft types and flew in combat using 16 diverse weapons systems. He served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and as a test pilot in the Test Squadron at Tyndall AFB, doing what he loved…flying! He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the American Distinguished Flying Cross numerous times as well as the British DFC which is normally presented by the King. Colonel Gregor retired in 1973 after serving as the Base Commander of Tyndall AFB and Vice Wing Commander of the Weapons Center and then began his second career in the civilian sector. After retirement, due to his excellent leadership skills, Don was asked to set up the Comprehensive Health System for NW Florida and was instrumental in bringing dialysis to Panama City. He and his partners started and ran Bay Office Supplies. He also worked on Downtown Redevelopment, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and envisioned/re-purposed the old funeral home on Harrison into a vital and working headquarters for the Board of Realtors! As a realtor, he worked for Harbour Realty and later, Talcor. Don was also active in various clubs and organizations in town. He served as President of the Downtown Rotary Club, became the District Governor District 6940 in 1989-1990 and started the Northside Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris recipient 4 times as well as a Paul Harris Benefactor for his service to Rotary. He was also a member of QBs (QuietBirdmen) and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots. Don also served on various committees at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as an Elder. For many decades, he has been an active member of these organizations and a much sought-after speaker with fascinating stories! Always a gentleman, Don will be sorely missed by many but especially by his loving wife, Helen, of 64 years; his daughter, Ann Fleming; granddaughter, Katie Erfurt and granddaughters, Emily and Molly; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest daughter, Eileen Owens. The Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rotarians, the Daedalians and the QBs. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staffs at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, especially in the ICU, St. Andrew Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, Bay Covenant Hospice and to Dr. Angel Nunez, Dr. Masood Ahmad and our special friend, Leighanne. Their care, support and friendship touched us deeply. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don Gregor’s name may be made to Northside Rotary Club, P.O. Box 16544, Panama City, FL 32406; Grace Cares at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1415 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405; or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
Posted by Wilson Funeral Home
February 27, 2015
(Died February 26, 2015)
Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Robert “Don” Gregor was an extraordinary man. He lived life to the fullest with honesty, integrity and honorably as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, serviceman and businessman. Don passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2015. After graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School in NYC, Don underwent flight training with the Royal Canadian Air Force graduating as a teenage fighter pilot. He was then assigned to the Royal Air Force’s 100th Group in England. He flew the Mosquito and the Beaufighter during World War II and later transitioned into the US Army Air Forces. Upon his return, Don attended and graduated from Amherst College where he was a member of Phi Delta Gamma Fraternity (later he received his Master’s Degree from George Washington University). To be able to continue flying while at college, he joined the reserves at Westover AFB as a flight instructor. In 1950, Don was recalled and continued his 32 year military career where he flew or tested 55 different aircraft types and flew in combat using 16 diverse weapons systems. He served his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and as a test pilot in the Test Squadron at Tyndall AFB, doing what he loved…flying! He was a highly decorated officer, receiving the American Distinguished Flying Cross numerous times as well as the British DFC which is normally presented by the King. Colonel Gregor retired in 1973 after serving as the Base Commander of Tyndall AFB and Vice Wing Commander of the Weapons Center and then began his second career in the civilian sector. After retirement, due to his excellent leadership skills, Don was asked to set up the Comprehensive Health System for NW Florida and was instrumental in bringing dialysis to Panama City. He and his partners started and ran Bay Office Supplies. He also worked on Downtown Redevelopment, was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and envisioned/re-purposed the old funeral home on Harrison into a vital and working headquarters for the Board of Realtors! As a realtor, he worked for Harbour Realty and later, Talcor. Don was also active in various clubs and organizations in town. He served as President of the Downtown Rotary Club, became the District Governor District 6940 in 1989-1990 and started the Northside Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris recipient 4 times as well as a Paul Harris Benefactor for his service to Rotary. He was also a member of QBs (QuietBirdmen) and the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots. Don also served on various committees at Grace Presbyterian Church as well as an Elder. For many decades, he has been an active member of these organizations and a much sought-after speaker with fascinating stories! Always a gentleman, Don will be sorely missed by many but especially by his loving wife, Helen, of 64 years; his daughter, Ann Fleming; granddaughter, Katie Erfurt and granddaughters, Emily and Molly; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Copeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest daughter, Eileen Owens. The Honorary Pallbearers will be the Rotarians, the Daedalians and the QBs. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staffs at Gulf Coast Regional Medical Center, especially in the ICU, St. Andrew Bay Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center, Bay Covenant Hospice and to Dr. Angel Nunez, Dr. Masood Ahmad and our special friend, Leighanne. Their care, support and friendship touched us deeply. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 – 3 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don Gregor’s name may be made to Northside Rotary Club, P.O. Box 16544, Panama City, FL 32406; Grace Cares at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1415 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405; or Covenant Hospice, 107 W. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405.
Posted by Wilson Funeral Home
February 27, 2015
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
