Gregg Lee Waalkes

In Loving Memory of Gregg Lee Waalkes August 6, 1944 – February 09, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Gregg Waalkes, at his home in Newberg, Oregon , surrounded by his loving family and dear friends on February 9, 2025, at the age of 80. Gregg was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and integrity that will forever be cherished by all who knew him. Gregg was born on August 6, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, to Katie (Crockett) and John Waalkes. He was the third of four children, which included older brothers John Jr, and Ronald, along with younger sister Ellen. Gregg’s early childhood was spent in the Jennings Lodge neighborhood and later on moved to the Sellwood neighborhood in Portland. He attended Sellwood Elementary School and his high school years were spent at Benson High School, graduating in 1962. He made many friends during his school years, some of which he remained in contact with throughout his life. In 1963, he began what would become his lifelong career, working in the lumber industry, designing sawmill equipment for lumber mills. He was employed by The Ellison Company in Portland from 1963 until 1981 and through those years rose to become President of the company in the later years of his employment there. After leaving the Ellison Company in 1981, he was employed by PowerTech in Tualatin, again involved in the lumber industry. In 1988, he took a new position with Sierra Pacific Lumber Company in Anderson, California and he and his wife, Sandi, relocated there. In 1989, he made the decision to become self-employed, and returned to Oregon, forming the R & W Company with a business associate continuing to do design work for the lumber industry until 1997, at which time he retired. Gregg married Nancy Becker in 1965, they later divorced. In 1981, he married Sandi Thomas Clark and they were married 44 years until his passing. He treasured time spent at their home with family and friends hosting several gatherings throughout the years. They were always happy to host parties for their children and grandchildren and friends at their home, for birthdays, Halloween, and graduation through the years. Gregg was a devoted father who instilled in his children and step children the values of hard work, compassion, and integrity. He was always there to support them in their endeavors, whether it was attending their school events, offering guidance on their pursuits, or simply being a loving presence in their lives. As a grandfather, Gregg found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He often shared his love of life with them through outings, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by them. He was very proud of the young adults they had become and always told them so. Shortly before his death he was told he was going to be a great grandfather and he expressed his happiness at the news. Gregg was preceded in death by his parents Kate and John Waalkes, sister Ellen Slapikas, brother John Waalkes Jr. He is survived by his wife, Sandi, sons, Jason (Debbie) and Garrick (Katie) Waalkes, Shawn Clark, and his daughters, Piper Waalkes and Xan (Tom) Sattler. Grandchildren, McKenna and Spencer Trout, Shelby and Chayse Sattler, Alyssa Clark, Jared and Christina Waalkes a, 2 great grandchildren, 1 great grandchild due in August and his brother Ronald Waalkes. He was a lover of cats and dogs, having many pets over his lifetime. Please join us in remembering our beloved Gregg who passed away February 9th, with good food, good company, good conversation, good music and most of all good memories of a good man who loved his family and friends. So many of our best memories of our 45 years together were made in our backyard and our family felt a casual gathering was a great way to honor him. Whether you’re a relative, an old friend, a new friend, a neighbor, a business acquaintance, all are welcome, and every one of you have impacted our lives in one way or another. Drop by and stay as long as you like. We hope to see you all soon. Sandi, Jason, Shawn, Piper, Xan

Gregg Lee Waalkes

August 6, 1944 - February 9, 2025