John William Greer's Obituary
John William Greer
January 19, 1956 – February 4, 2018
John Greer passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 4, 2018 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was able to celebrate his 62nd birthday with the ones he loved most — his beloved wife, Kathy, his son, Adam and daughter-in-law, Elena, his daughter, Amy and son-in-law, William and his adored grandchildren, Connor, Jacob, Nolan and Delaney. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters, Camden and Sarah, and countless relatives, friends, and business associates. He was predeceased by his parents.
John was born in Lynchburg, Virginia to Virginia Camden and John William Greer. At the age of 12, his mother moved the family across the country to Albany, California — where he met his future wife. John graduated from Albany High School in 1974, then went on to earn both his Bachelor’s and MBA at the University of California Berkeley (Go Bears!). John and Kathy married July 15th, 1978 and raised their two children in Oakland. A job relocation took them to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2005 where they fell in love with the desert and the slower pace of life. It remains one of their favorite places to return to. John’s business ventures brought them back to the Bay Area in 2010, and although sad to leave Arizona, they were happy to be closer to family and old friends.
John had a successful, almost 40-year career as a commercial real estate developer. To his business partners and colleagues he was known to be reliable, patient, and humble in all of his dealings. In recent years, John explored his spirituality at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and through volunteer work at Laguna Honda Hospital with the Zen Hospice Project
John had a way with people and his kind heart served him well. Whether you knew him for 5 minutes or 50 years, he made an impact. John enjoyed golf with his buddies, Giants games, Cal Football, a good tequila shot, and spending time with Kathy and their family, especially his precious grandchildren who love their “Papa” immensely.
Throughout his battle with cancer, John showed an incredible amount of strength, grace and calm. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and specialists at UCSF, as well as Chapel of the Chimes for the care and compassion shown to John during his illness and passing.
A Memorial Service will be held on February 26th, 2018
At The Scottish Rite Center in Oakland, CA
Doors open at 1:30pm and the service will begin at 2:00pm
Donations in John’s honor can be made to Zen Hospice Project
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