Letters and cards from friends and family have given us strength and filled
our hearts with hope.
Greg was
always the guy making everyone laugh on the bus on band trips. On
behalf of all the sousaphones I’d like to say that Greg will be missed. -
Benjamin S.
I had a
lot of fun with Greg in Marching Band. He was always a riot to be
around, while being welcoming and kind at the same time. I’m
very sorry for your loss. - Sabina M.
I found this one picture of me, Greg, Danny M. and Chad S. standing
next to a
fake Mark Twain man when we were in Saint Louis my freshman year for the
Illini/Mizzou basketball game. We all look so young! I think the picture was
taken in the base of the St. Louis Arch. I don't know if you've ever gone up
in the arch before, but you have to go in this really tiny pod-type thing
and I remember us just laughing hysterically all the way up.
I'm thinking about Greg...especially when certain songs come on the
radio...American Pie...anything from the Blues Brothers Soundtrack...Hey
Baby...you know, Marching Illini standards. I remember one time at a
Volleyball game last year, we were about to play the song Hot Hot Hot just
before the game started. Greg was maintaining the trombone standard of
arriving VERY fashionably late...and the 1st trombone part in that song is
pretty exposed a the beginning. Needless to say I was in a bit of a
panic...but as soon as the conductor gave us the downbeat Greg came out of
nowhere and leaped into the bleachers at Huff Hall right next to me and all
was well with the world once again. -Jersey
I knew
Greg throughout, well, junior high, high school and college. And you never
really
realize how many memories you have with that person you always said hi to
and laughed with and always saw around, until they are gone. I have been
home to Naperville, many times, and gone to Greg's grave, It is such a
comfort that it seems visited often, there are always flowers. Every time I
have gone, a handful of times, I have looked across the fence to the high
school and practice field where I spent so many hours with him and so many
other great people. And
I wonder why it affected me so much, perhaps it makes it even more
obvious that such tragic things can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. I
was unable to attend the funeral, and am now
out of state, but I think of Greg often and think we should all be thankful
especially as the
holidays come up, that his friendliness and outgoing nature really had such
a profound effect
on so many people. - anonymous
We are so
very sorry to hear of Greg’s accident. What a wonderful guy. Our hearts go
out to your terrific family.
"This world is not conclusion, A sequel stands beyond; Invisible as music,
But positive as sound” --Emily Dickenson
Love,
Sally A, and family
Greg was truly a
great person and will be missed by all. His family and friends will
always remember and honor him in whatever they do. Sincerely, Curtis
B.
My deepest
amount of sympathy and grief is extended to your family on the loss of a
son, a brother, and a man that seemed to be truly something special. Greg
really and truly sounds like a man that in his life created a legacy that
can’t be duplicated in any way, a true Vasich; a person that loves everyone
above themselves and will help a neighbor no matter what for. I am very
sorry about your loss, and my family and I are praying for you .
Love, Greg Van. and Family
I
feel myself blessed to have been able to go through elementary school,
junior high, high school and college with Greg. You should be so proud
of the son you raised. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. -
Sincerely, Erika I.
There are
no words for such a tragedy.
I am sorry for your loss and the loss to the world of such a fine young man.
- Joyce H.
We are so
sorry for your loss. Greg was a talented, gifted and good person. While his
life was too short, we know that it was a rich life, with a great family.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. - Sincerely, Lori H. and Family
Truly Greg
was a very special young man – amazing in so many ways but especially
excelling in the way he related to others and made them feel. He is a
tribute to you all and your family and you know many hearts are broken and
grieve with you May all our thoughts and prayers and God’s loving arms make
a difference in the next days, weeks and months. . Love,
Margaret L. and family
Gregory
was a blessing to all who knew him. God Bless,
Bridget D. and Family
Greg
mirrored your love, your faith and passion for life. He took it to the
ultimate level to rejoice for all to hear, see and know. How remarkable the
child, the boy, the man, Greg was on this earth and who still is. He who
understood the meaning of life as it is to be—unlike so many others. I believe that from you,
Carol and Milt (and unto you both) begot Greg, because of your unselfish
love, faith and goodness. To enrich and spread enlightenment into the lives
of all he touched –to pave the path to goodness and completeness, as he will
continue to do so on a much greater level. It is with this thought that I
can make sense and find peace. I have enclosed a wind
chime to be hung by Greg, if you would like, just to keep the music going
for this special angel of yours.
Love to you all always, Mary H.
Greg was a
special person as you all know. It’s tragic for all of you. May you have
peace. Our deepest sympathy and prayers.
Sincerely, the
Mrs. M. and Family
I could
tell from the rest of your family and so many friends, that Greg had to be
happy and joyous in all his endeavors. Know he is there for you when you
feel sad.
Carroll S.
This was
no ordinary LIFE. This was a life well-lived and well-loved. A life that
will be deeply missed. Thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
Tony and Vanessa K.
May your
loved one, so suddenly taken from you, find a peace we can only imagine. We
cannot begin to express our sympathy enough – its so hard to imagine Greg
not here - he was such a sweet and polite boy - he will be missed, but
remembered.
Sincerely, Kim and Tim O.
Greg is,
without a doubt, the finest young man I have ever known. He will never be
forgotten. Hoping you’ll find comfort in many warm memories of your loved,
one, and strength in the companionship of those who share your
loss.
With love, Gail H. and kids
We send
our prayers and heart felt sympathy to you. Your boys are such beautiful
examples to our children – our family has always looked up to your boys at
the piano recitals. Your family sets the bar! The loss of your son touches
our neighborhood as well as our society. He had accomplished such fantastic
goals already as a young man. We are so very sorry for your loss. We
send our love and prayers,
The Angela G. and Family
I’m very,
very sorry for your loss. When my mother called me to tell me. I was shocked
and saddened; Greg was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He always made me
smile and laugh whenever I saw him. He was talented academically and
musically. He was well liked by everyone and will be sadly missed. Your
family has been in my prayers and will continue to be. I am sorry that I was
unable to attend the wake and the funeral but I had to play a concerto with
the orchestra.
Leighann D.
Nothing
beautiful in the world is ever really lost….those we cherish will always
live on in memory. Greg was a special person. I am grateful to have known him.
With sympathy, Abbey
G. and Matt R. (MI Trombones)
Earth has
no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. May you find peace in God’s promise of
eternal life. We are deeply sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and
prayers.
Rosemary B. and Family
A life
well-lived doesn’t end any more that music ends…it echoes through time with
whispers of beauty and grace. If we listen, we can hear the encore with our
hearts, for the song plays on, just as love lives on. The mass for your son,
Greg, was a beautiful tribute to your whole family. Everyone there felt his
goodness and your strength as a family. You are all I'm my thoughts and
prayers. Love, Jackie M.
I was so
sorry to learn of Greg’s tragic death. I remember him as a happy, friendly,
caring child a Maplebrook School who grew up to be a wonderful adult. I know
you were all very proud of him and loved him deeply. My hope is that the
strength of your family and faith will sustain you at this time and in the
future. Wishing you peace, hope faith, and courage. Fondly, Donna Y.
I’ve told so many people
that Greg’s funeral was a sad, but glorious event. As indeed it was. And it
was a magnificent tribute, too. Thinking of you all every day. Love, Edith
Your loved
one was so special. What gives meaning and beauty to life is our capacity
for giving to others – our ability to experience joy and to share it with
those around us. Remembering with you the wonderful ways your loved one
touched the lives of so many people. We can only pray
for your family’s peace and be glad we knew Greg.
Susie G. and Family
Each soul
is a beautiful flower that passes from this earth… only to bloom again in
heaven’s garden. Praying God’s peace will fall freshly upon you. It was with
such sadness that I heard of Greg’s death. Greg was in the second class I
taught at Maplebrook and I remember him as a bright, well-mannered boy. Your
family is in my thoughts and prayers. ‘The gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus'. Romans 6:23
Sincerely, Jane S.
Perhaps
they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones
shine down to let us know they are happy (Eskimo legend). I am so sorry I
was unable to make it home to grieve with you. Such a loss is a great burden
to bear. I am only glad you do not have to bear it alone – Greg touched a
lot of people’s lives. In my own life I often told Greg he was the adopted
brother I never had. I wish I could have been home to share some of the
wonderful memories I have of him, it sounds like it was special. Greg
watched over me in high school, and I am sure he continues to watch over us
all. Take care. I look forward to seeing you. Thinking of you with sincere
sympathy.
Michaela
We can’t
know why some things happen, but we can know that love and beautiful
memories outlast the pain of grief. And we can know that there’s a place
inside the heart where love lives always and where nothing beautiful can
ever be forgotten. Those we cherish will always live on in memory. He will
greet you again, - he’s simply left first.
Love, Susan K. and family
We were
stunned and saddened to learn of Greg’s death. He was a fine young man whose
loss will be felt by all who knew him. Please accept our sympathy.
George C.
A new star
shines in the sky. Love lives on forever. My mother absolutely loved having
all 4 of your boys for piano. Greg was such a wonderful person and my mom
always appreciated him helping out with the piano recitals. (taping them) He
will be truly missed; my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Melissa
M.
We grieve
with you over the loss of your beautiful son, Greg. We don’t want to intrude
on your privacy at this time, but we want you to know that you and the boys
are in our thoughts and hearts. If there is something we can do, big or
small, to help I any way. Please don’t hesitate to call on us. Our heartfelt
love and support.
Dave and Gail B.
There are
no words that can truly ease the pain of a sudden loss like this, but if
caring thoughts can help, they are with you right now. You may or may not
remember me, but I was in band with Greg at both Lincoln and Naperville
Central. Greg was a grade ahead of me and I didn’t know him all that well,
but I can tell you he was always making people smile, and everyone loved
him. I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
Matt W.
Dear Milt, Carol, Mike,
Chris and Paul – Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We pray that your
memories of Greg and his kind and loving spirit will comfort you in the days
ahead, with deepest sympathy,
Chris M. and family
At a time
when words are hard to find I just want you to know I’m praying for you.
Our whole family is thinking and praying for you all. Greg was a very
special person…loved by all. You are a blessed family to have had him… and
to have one another. Know that in the days to come, we will continue to lift
you up to the Lord…who understand what we cannot “He will send down help
from heaven…because of His love and His faithfulness….PSALM 57:3
Love, the Patti M. and family
Solingen,
Germany 5.5.04
Dear Family Vasich,
It is so terrible, we
are so sad. Greg was such a wonderful person. We loved him. We love him
further, him and his family. We will give you force and hope to accept this
destiny.
In love and deeply
grief.
Gisela M. and family
Some lives
are like a song – every note rare and precious. We feel lucky to have heard
the music. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Elise C.
Thinking of you. May the comforting thoughts of friends and family warm you, surround
you, softly as sunlight. With deepest sympathy. I weep for your loss. Greg
was a great friend and he will be missed. You are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Love, Erica K.
Dear
Carol, Milton, Mike, Chris and Paul,
I am so sorry for
the loss of Greg. He was so bright and positive. He made a big impression on
me and Tyler; and Ellen thought highly of him. May God help your hearts
heal. With deep sympathy, Donna C. and family
Dear Carol
and Milt,
Please accept this expression of sincere sympathy on the loss of your loved
one. You have our thoughts, prayers and tears with you and your family at
this time. Drew’s friendship with Greg has been a wonderful thing and
those memories never to be forgotten. Our hearts go out to all of you. Love,
Peggy and Sid S.
We can't take away your loss, but we are grieving with you.
love, Your Neighbors
Wherever
you are, near or far, the Lord always keeps you close to my heart. Thinking of
You. Mr. and Mrs. Vasich, not a day goes by without Brad and I thinking
about Greg. We want you to know that we are thinking of you too and hold
your family in our hearts. “…The God of Love and peace be with you.” II
Corinthians 13:11
Betsy and Brad B.
