Today, I celebrate the life of my friend Greg Eddie, who passed away this week after a long battle with kidney disease and a recent cancer diagnosis. Greg was the consummate gentleman, always willing to give his time and resources to a worthy cause or to strengthen a relationship. He understood and lived daily the values of duty and service, was a kind, compassionate, and generous friend, and loved his family deeply and unconditionally.

Greg was a dutiful volunteer who understood the importance and value of service. I first met Greg as my new neighbor when I moved into my SE Portland loft in 2009. Because of his background in finance, he was soon nabbed by me to serve as treasurer for our building's HOA board of directors, the ultimate thankless job. He willingly served seven continuous years, two of which happened during a disruptive and often frustrating $1.3 million building repair project.

Greg was an early and visible activist for LGBQT+ civil rights in Oregon. After his partnership with future Portland mayor Sam Adams ended in 2004, he and Sam sued the State of Oregon in 2007 to split Sam's state pension proceeds and won. While ever the proponent of LGBQT+ civil rights, Greg wasn't necessarily one to choose the spotlight. But on this important issue, he took the stage with Sam, paving the way for future government recognition of same-gender relationships, up to and including marriage equality.

Greg envisioned the life he wanted and acted to realize it. When he decided that the stress of flying to a new city each week to perform audits for KeyBank was too much, he returned to his roots in central Washington to run his family's apple, cherry, and grape farm. He built his dream home on the property and made a new life for himself, close to those who meant the most to him: his family.

Godspeed, Greg! Your steadfast, no-nonsense, compassionate, and generous presence was valued by so many and will be sorely missed.

Photo: Kurt Bedell and Greg Eddie at Greg’s 50th birthday celebration, April 2015