I just heard about his passing. I am so sorry for your loss.

I worked with him at the Post-Bulletin, and he always knew how to stay in good spirits even during stressful times while on the job. I still remember him bringing in bagels one morning - I had a terrible week and he made my day by offering me one! Amazing what food can do to brighten someone's spirits. When I landed a new job at a different paper, he wished me well and gave me some amazing advice that's helped me already. He was one of the most humble people I have ever met.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace, Greg. 

Melissa Walfoort 

Sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family.

Just keep him in your hearts and minds and he will not be forgotten.

Our Love Always, Pamela and David Shane

Melissa & family, I was saddened to hear that your father passed away.  While you will not remember me I do remember you as a little girl who squealed with delight while running around the yard at your parent's home in NW Rochester.  I first met your parents as a young teenager who loved to draw and paint waterfowl paintings.  I was introduced to your father by my older brother John who became friends with your dad at Erdman's grocery story on north Broadway.  Your dad and my brother became friends as your dad would stop at the store late at night when my brother and Gary Quandt worked the night shift.

I was a shy kid but your folks made me feel at home in their apartment just north of the old Erdman's grocery store.  Your father gave me lots of tips for painting waterfowl and other natural scenes.  Unfortunately, as a teenager my desire to paint waned due to work and other activities.  I lost track of your dad after your mother's funeral which was about the time I went off to college.  But I never forgot about your folks and all they did for me.  I did not know that your dad was into dog training.  That is a sport that I took up about fifteen years ago.  I wish I would have run into your father at an event as I would have loved to get reacquainted with him and his family.

Your father was an inspiration to me as a kid and I know he was a positive influence to a young red headed kid that was raised by a widow with 8 kids at home.  You and your family, along with the world, have lost a genuine gentleman and friend.  While Greg is gone from the physical world, he will always remain a shining star in my life.  May God bless you and your family and watch out for you during these difficult times.

You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers,

Jim & Wendy Sehl

I had the good fortune to work with Greg at the Post-Bulletin for several years. We shared many laughs and spent a lot of time ribbing each other for various reasons. He was a good sport and we often shared stories about art and animals. I was sad to hear of his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. RIP Big Guy.

Debonie and Loring Guenther

It was evident to anyone who met Greg how much he loved his family. Every conversation we had somehow went back to his grandchildren and how much he loved them.  His family is in my thoughts.

To Greg's Family,

You have my deepest sympathy.  Greg was a great guy in so many ways.  Whenever I talked with him he would give me the latest update on his dear daughter.  I could tell that being a father was his first love.  And he also loved the arts.......what an artist he was! His paintings were simply amazing.  I also admired his willingness to share his knowledge with others, always the teacher, always the friend.  And also, SEMVA probably wouldn't be in existence if Greg hadn't gotten the ball rolling.  I feel privileged to have known him and to call him my friend.

With warmest regards,

Charlotte Wiskow

Melissa and family,

I have fond memories of going over to Rochester and assisting your uncle Craig (Lepo) put in kitchen cabinets, etc. in your dad's home in 2002.  I remember how your dad loved to "cook - barbeque" and we had great meals during our stay.  That is when I first met you and I could tell the strong bond between father and daughter.  He absolutely adored you and your family were "the light of his life!"

Your dad's artistry is amazing and I will always be impressed with his talent.  Kevin and I have a couple pieces of his artwork and we enjoy them everyday.

 We are so sorry for your loss.  But I also believe he is with you in spirit and lives on in your heart. 

Take care.  

Marie Gallagher

PS  I would be there at the funeral but I am working in Appleton, WI. and won't be home until tomorrow.

Melissa, please be strong in these tough moments of your life.

I am also still experiencing the same situation.

One thing I can only say is, just enjoy all the moments you had with your Dad.

Our thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Please give Brian, Riley and Broadie our huge embrace from us.

Our love and sympathy

Tita Lucy, Marlon, O'Dalee and Mabelle

An artist and all-around good human. Having worked so many years with you Greg, those who knew you the best, also knew your loved ones through your eyes. They were a treasure to you. I would often sit and listen while you talked to customers over the phone, during your time in Agri News. I was always impressed by the kindness and honesty - not always the strongest card a sales person plays, but it was yours. Peaceful journey fella.

Greg was my first instructor in oil paints.  He was so encouraging and helpful.  He loved to teach.  There was always something good to say about a completed painting.   As time went on, he accepted me as a peer, although my work was never par with his.  This acceptance as a fellow painter encouraged me.

I will miss his love of art and his friendly smile and commentary.

Greg –

You are your daughter's rock.  You and Melissa have such a special bond that no one else can imagine.

You are a hero to your grandkids.

Your artist talent brightens the world and people around you.

In a society where many kids don't have an active father figure, you were the opposite.  You raised Melissa, you supported her, taught her, (stayed up late waiting for her) and encouraged her.  You raised your daughter to be one of the kindest people I have ever met.  A devoted wife, a loving mother and a successful woman.

And so dear Gregory, though you have left this earth too early, may your presence stay in the hearts of the Semiras and all those you have touched forever.

Love,

Amber

Steve and I enjoyed many good times with Buzz at the annual New Year's Eve party.  He was a great storyteller and wonderful at charades.  We will miss his fun style at our get togethers.  We are so sorry for the loss of your father, Melissa and YaYa to your kids. 

I'm so sorry to hear of Greg's passing.  He was a great guy and a great artist! I first got to know him through SEMVA and had the honor of participating in a few shows with him at the Rochester Art Center.  I learned a lot from him, and those shows we did together will always be a highlight for me.  Rest in Peace, Greg.

Jan Huffman Case

A great guy with a huge heart!  Will always remember those awesome days spent with some of the best wildlife artists in the world in Greg's basement as they discussed the many details that go into a quality painting.  As a guy who cannot paint a lick to learn how to look at the elements of a painting from those guys was an honor.

As for family, it was what he held dearest, nothing meant more to Greg than Melissa and her family, I know they were always on his mine and he would do anything for them.  No matter how long passed between our conversation family and Melissa were always a part of it.

Going to miss those cold days in the goose blind with you!  God Bless!

Gary

Worked with Greg at Agri-News.Was sorry to hear of his passing.