Gregory A. Jenkins

So just as the swans last song is the sweetest of its life so loss is made endurable by love, and it is love that will echo through eternity More precious was the light in your eyes than all the roses in the world Like a birds feather plucked from the wing The bird still flys but it does not soar

Remembering, Greg, today on his 62 birthday…. I had no idea that I had just met my future husband! It was summertime and we were both at Saguaro Lake enjoying the cool lake water on a warm sunny day. He was on a jet ski and I was with my father on our 16’ Catamaran sailboat. Throughout the day I kept noticing this jet ski flying across the lake and jumping waves. This jet ski was unusual because it shot up this huge stream of water off the backend like a rooster tail. I was only 15 years old and I thought that this was very cool. Spending all day at the lake, as usual the wind dies down in the late afternoon, and my dad and I were left at a stand still across the lake for some time. It was very hot with the sun beating down on us and welcomed any means to get cooled off. My dad was the captain of the boat and would rarely jump in the water because if the wind came up I would be left to figure out how to turn the boat around. So off in the distance, I see that unusual jet ski not to far away. I stood up on the pontoon started waving him over so he could spray us down with water to cool us off. My dad was ok with my idea. So, I finally got him to come over, he pulled up right next to the sailboat and turned his jet ski off asking, “Is everything ok? Would you like me to tow you guys over to the dock?” I said, “No, I was wondering if you would use your jet ski and spray us off?” Then Greg, said, “Sure if thats what you guys want, I can do that.” Then Greg noticed my dad looking over his jet ski, “Would you like to try out the jet ski?” Greg asked him. “We can swap, I’ll get on the sailboat while you take the jet ski for a ride.” My dad was curious about riding it, but then looked over at me then back at Greg and said, “No, not at this time.” The whole thing was pretty funny, the look on my dads face, I’m sure processing the scenario of this 22 year old young man left with his youngest daughter…. That was NOT going to happen! I did everything in my power to keep a straight face. Then Greg started up his jet ski he rode out a distance, gained some speed made a sharp turn that produced a huge spray of water. And that was the first time we met. He left me with a really fun memory at Saguaro Lake on that summer day. Then after 11 years, our lives crossed paths again, fell in love, and got married. We made many more fun memories together from that day on. Having Greg in my life was such a blessing. He called me “puzzle” he said I was his missing peice…. It was as if meeting was not just by chance. Now I leave you with the writings by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner There must have been a time when you entered a room and met someone and after a while you understood that unknown to either of you there was a reason you had met. You had changed the other and he had changed you. By some word or deed or just by your presence the errand had been completed. Then perhaps you were a little bewildered or humbled and grateful. And it was over. Each lifetime is the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. For some there are more pieces. For others the puzzle is more difficult to assemble. Some seem to be born with a nearly completed puzzle. And so it goes. Souls going this way and that. Trying to assemble the myriad parts. But know this. No one has within themselves All the pieces to their puzzle. Like before the days when they used to seal jigsaw puzzles in cellophane. Insuring that All the pieces were there. Everyone carries with them at least one and probably Many pieces to someone else’s puzzle. Sometimes they know it. Sometimes they don’t. And when you present your piece Which is worthless to you, To another, whether you know it or not, Whether they know it or not, You are a messenger from the Most High. (Kushner 1977, 69-70)

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me attributed to David M. Romano – 1993 When tomorrow starts without me And I’m not there to see; If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today; While thinking of the many things We didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me As much as I love you; And each time that you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name And took me by the hand. She said my place was ready In heaven far above; And that I’d have to leave behind, All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye; For all my life, I’d always thought I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, So much yet to do; It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad; I thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday Just even for awhile, I’d say goodbye and kiss you And maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized That this could never be; For emptiness and memories Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow; I thought of you, and when I did, My heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven’s gates I felt so much at home; When God looked down and smiled at me From His great golden throne. He said, “This is eternity And all I’ve promised you; Today your life on earth is past, But here it all starts anew.” “I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last; And since each day’s the same day, There’s no longing for the past.” “But you have been so faithful, So trusting and so true; Though at times you did do things, You knew you shouldn’t do.” “But you have been forgiven And now at last you’re free; So won’t you take my hand And share my life with me?” So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart For every time you think of me, I’m right here in your heart.

I share your grief and send you all my love during this time of sadness. Greg had brought so much joy to our family. We will always remember him and his great sense of humor he had. He always had something funny to say and made us all laugh. He was a very caring and generous person. I know Greg enjoyed many hobbies like golfing, motorcycle riding, car shows, as well as traveling, going to dinner and he loved to watch movies. I will always remember him and all the good times we shared together. My deepest sympathies for your loss. Linda Waggoner

The moment that you left me, my heart split in two. One side filled with memories, the other side died with you. remembering you is easy, I do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away I hold you tightly within my heart, and there you will remain. You see life has gone on without you, but will never be the same. I would like to share, A moment in time…. Before Greg had his heart attack June 2007 he had dreams that he would be able to compete in the golf long drive competition. He loved the game of golf, but even more than that he loved to power drive the ball hard as he could down the golf range. He was really good at it. Most of his balls will go over the net at the end of the range. Every evening after work, he would go practice for the competition and power drive a bucket of 250 balls or more. It was impressive to see, he always amazed me with how strong and skilled he was. In remembering, we keep those we cherish close to our heart. I will never not remember you, Greg I find you in the beauty of the evenings sunset. I feel you when the wind blows softly over my skin. All the world around me are wonderful reminders of you. Diane Jenkins

My heart goes out to the Jenkins family Greg was truly one of a kind. He was so thoughtful and giving and such a kind soul. I know that he will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. The world will not be the same without you Greg.

My true love. My love of my life! I am so grateful for every day we spent together. They were the best days of my life. Thank you for letting me into your life, being close to you is the best feeling I’ve ever known. You brightened each day with your smile, love and laughter. You always brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart. The life we had was truly magical, I will never forget it. I loved how you let me see the world through your eyes. You shared your knowledge and ideals with me. I loved being with you, never wanted to be without you. You showed me unconditional love, kindness, tenderness and happiness. We traveled to so many fascinating places together side by side with my hand in yours. I loved our picnic outings, walks with our puppy through the park, off road adventures, so many fun trips and movie time at home together. Our love for each other was true and grew with each day. You are so much a part of me, my joy, my smile, my happiness, my love, my spirit. My soul is lost without you, completely broken. I am devastated that my love of my life has been ripped away from me. Life as I knew it won’t ever be the same. Somehow I must continue on without you. I am truly grateful to have known you and so thankful to have had so much time together. I will always remember your touch, your kiss, the way you’d look at me, your smile, your laugh, and the stories you would tell. Love you more than you know. Yours Forever! ♥️Diane♥️ May Peace Be With You Greg Jenkins 5/24/62-8/6/23 @ 6:33pm Mayo Clinic ICU 2W 129 Phoenix, AZ 61 years old