Gregory M. Baehr

Palmer resident Gregory M. Baehr, 71, died April 7, 2011, at his home. A celebration of Greg’s life is at 6 p.m., April 23 at Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel, 1015 S. Check St. in Wasilla.

He was born Dec. 30, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minn., to Russell and Mary Baehr. He was raised in Bend, Ore. He enlisted in the Air Force after high school and spent four years traveling throughout the Pacific. Upon completion of service he enrolled in the University of Oregon, from which he graduated in 1967. He then began a career as a medical laboratory technician. He worked in several hospitals throughout Oregon before moving to Alaska in 1980. He continued his career as a medical lab technician at Providence Hospital in Anchorage until he retired in 2006.

Greg enjoyed hiking, hunting, fishing, flying and puttering in his shop. He had a great love and respect for nature, animals and the outdoors of Alaska. He was an avid birder, who enjoyed feeding, watching and identifying them. He was very proud of his fossil collection. He liked bluegrass music, as well as classical. His favorite was banjo picking. He liked to cook for family and friends. His specialty was anything with salmon. He was a kind, openhearted man who was always there for his neighbors and friends. He loved to visit with people; he could talk to anyone and make them feel comfortable. He was a great listener and was always willing to lend an ear to anyone in difficulty. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen Foley Baehr; brothers, Tom of Colfax, Calif., James and John of Medford, Ore.; sisters, Sue Persaud of Portland, Ore., Bernadette Knopiks of Kalona, Iowa, Patricia Ross of Mt. Vernon, Ore., Christine Chambers and Mary Baehr of Bend, Ore.; granddaughters, Heather, Alicia, Melissa and Jamie.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Patricia Kent; and his parents, Russell and Mary Baehr.