It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own. On October 24 2011 Greg Waite was called home to God.

Greg was born and raised in Rugby, North Dakota, son of Laurence and Lena Waite. After graduating from high school in 1965, he moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, where prospects seemed brighter. He was drafted into the Army in 1966, and sent to Vietnam as a forward observer radio operator with the infantry.

After returning home, Greg met Rita Stenseth at a dance at the Mermaid bowling alley in Mounds View. The two dated for a year before marrying in January, 1970. Within a few years, they had their first child, Shannon, followed a couple of years later by son, Travis.

To help support his family, Greg spent the bulk of his career as a sheet metal worker. In his spare time, he discovered a love of hunting, which he combined with his generosity. Throughout the years, he was an active volunteer and served on the board of directors for Capable Partners and UFFDA - organizations whose mission is to provide outdoor activities for those who are physically challenged. He was also a patient escort at the VA Medical Center, and on the Leadership Track at Courage Center.

Above all, he loved spending time with his family and the many friends he and Rita made over the years.

In July 2011, Greg was diagnosed with cancer. He succumbed to this horrible disease peacefully at home on October 24, 2011. His mind and body gave out, but his spirit never will.