Gregory Holmes Black

On Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Gregory Black, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 71 years from a battle with melanoma cancer. Gregory was born in Emporia, Kansas to Bernard and Elizabeth Black. He overcame a childhood stroke at age six as a result of complications from a surgery that left him partially paralyzed. Greg’s disability and joy in serving others developed a strong passion for working with children and assisting others who needed a helping hand. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyn, on June 24, 1978 in Nikiski, Alaska. They loved each other dearly for forty years and took great joy in raising their two children and serving their community of Sutton, Alaska. Greg was a devoted teacher and reveled in inspiring and mentoring his students. He will long be remembered for his steadfast Christian faith, his servant heart and his ability to connect with children. He was a generous man who could play an intense game of ping-pong and Frisbee and made it his mantra to “enjoy life” with a sparkle in his eyes. His wife Gwendolyn Black, children Robert Black and Heidi (Curran) Johnson, his twin sisters Cynthia (Sherwood) Hall and Jeannine (Jack) Sellmeyer, many nieces and nephews and wonderful grandchildren Dillon, Logan and McKenna Johnson, survive him. A memorial service will be held September 29, 2018 at 3:30 pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wasilla, Alaska. Greg took immense pride in motivating his 3rd/4th grade students to strive to climb to the top of Lazy Mountain every year. A memorial hike will occur at 1 pm at the Lazy Mountain Trailhead on September 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Sutton Elementary with Greg Black memorial in the memo or to the Sutton Food Bank.