June 19, 1946 – January 31, 2021
Gregory Smith Munson was born June 19, 1946, in Port Angeles, WA at the Davidson Hay Hospital. He was born grandson to Pioneers Harvey and Adeline Smith and son of long time Beaver residents Art and Betty Munson. Greg attended grades K-5 at the Old Beaver School and 6-12 at Forks High School, graduating in the class of 1964.
After high school, he briefly attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, but soon after decided he wanted to quit school and get to work! He worked in the shake industry where he attained the position of shake sawyer. On September 1, 1972, Greg was appointed by the Washington State Liquor Control Board as the manager of Agency 559 in Forks, where he worked for nearly 40 years, retiring on May 7, 2012.
In 1978 he built a home on a parcel of land on the family farm located on the Beaver prairie where he lived out his final days of life.
Greg was briefly married and wed to Sharon Kreykes on May 7th, 1982 at the James House in Port Townsend. The marriage produced his daughter Monica Smith Munson, the adoption of Ashley Rudolph, and 4 stepchildren; Lara, Heidi, Charlie, and Melissa. All of whom he maintained a close relationship with.
He was a lifetime member of the Grange, a long-term charter member of the Elks Club 2524, as well as a member of the National Sporting Clays Association, West End Sportsmen Club, and Port Angeles Gun Club. He was an avid collector and enjoyed firearms, especially side-by-side shotguns, and 1960s muscle cars, and Corvettes. He loved history and had an extensive knowledge of history, particularly the Civil War era.
Upon retirement, he spent a lot of time traveling to Nashville, TN and Northern California to visit his children and celebrate the many events in his family’s lives. Never one to miss a good time, he lived life to the absolute fullest and soaked in every day. ‘Always enjoy the moment in time’ he’d say. He was a unique and special man. Witty and smart with a little spice, and loved a good laugh. His giggle was infectious. He was a dearly, dearly beloved father. The memories and great times he created with his daughters will be deeply cherished. A beloved grandfather, brother, and to so many, a friend. A good friend. Good times shared over decades with lifelong friends and acquaintances all over the Peninsula. He is a spirit and soul that will be truly missed by so many.
Looking out the window over the valley he grew up on, he was surrounded by family as he took his final stroll into the gates of heaven.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Betty Munson, brother, Arthur Munson Jr., sister Mona Olman. He is survived by his sister, Linda Munson, children; Monica Horseman and Ashley Rudolph, step-children; Lara Mackay, Heidi Robison, Charlie Akins, and Melissa Akins. Grandchildren; Sierra, Jared, Lauren, Carter, Bradley, Easton, and great-grandchild, Nathaniel.
Harper View Funeral home in Port Angeles will be handling the flowers and services. Graveside service and burial to be held 2 p.m., Saturday, February 6 at Quillayute Prairie Cemetery on the corner of Quillayute Rd. and Mina Smith Rd. in Forks. Burial welcome to all community and friends. There will be a private viewing at 11 a.m.
