Richard Playfair Greig

Mar 19, 2016 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2016 | 1 comment

Richard Playfair Greig
1932-2016

Richard “Dick” Greig passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 16th of March 2016, surrounded by his wife and family. He was 83. Dick was born in Detroit on the 17th of March 1932, to Gordon Tait Greig and Isabel Anderson Greig of Detroit, Michigan. He is now in heaven, reunited with many dear ones who have gone before him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Peter Greig. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Merle Greig, his sister, Gael Scott, his five children; sons R. Michael Greig and his wife Carla of Austin, TX, Daniel K. Greig and his wife Karen of Overland Park, KS, Peter G. Greig and his wife Viviane of Prairie Village, KS, John C. Greig and his wife Nikki of Houston, TX, and his daughter Kerri Umentum and her husband Bart of Olathe, KS. He is also survived by eighteen wonderful grandchildren, M. Stratton Greig, Samantha Greig, T. Carson Greig, Ashlyn Perry, Emma Perry, Andrew Greig, Isabella Umentum, Jack Greig, Madelyn Umentum, Thomas Greig, Austin Greig, Brett James Umentum, Ava Greig, Genevieve Umentum, Quinn Greig, Gianna Umentum, Ty Greig and Sophia Greig.

Dick grew up in Franklin Village, Michigan. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving his country overseas Dick was honorably discharged after an accident at sea. Upon return to the U.S. he enrolled at Michigan State University where he earned a degree in business and met Merle. After a few short months of dating, Dick and Merle married in Chicago on August 28, 1958 and moved to Troy, Michigan to begin their life together. In 1963 Dick and family moved to Ramsey, New Jersey where Dick had a successful career in the automobile industry working in executive sales roles for both Cadillac and Volkswagen. In 1973, Dick moved the family to Overland Park, Kansas and began his career as the business owner of collision repair centers. The warmth and friendliness of the people of Kansas City is why Merle and Dick decided to stay to raise their family here.

Dick knew how to enjoy the simple things in life. He took immense pride and joy in his and Merle’s backyard flower garden which eventually took over the entire backyard. Dick loved spending time amongst the gardens with Merle during the magnificent spring and fall Kansas days, reading the paper, drinking their morning coffee, or sipping a glass of wine. Dick always enjoyed being surrounded by his large family and close friends. He always had a grandchild in his lap or by his side and was affectionately given the name Daddy Dick. The Greig home was where family and friends always gathered. Dick and Merle taught the children that in their home, friends are family.

Weeks spent with family at the lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks were some of his happiest and most memorable family times. In his later years he truly relished the game of golf, which he played two or three times a week well into his late seventies, making many life-long friends along the way. To Dick, golf was much more about the camaraderie than the sport, but a good round still put him on a high for days. Dick and his golf buddies started annual golf trips where they traveled the country and internationally trying their skills at some of the most beautiful golf clubs in the world. These trips were very special to Dick as were the men he traveled with. Dick cherished his deep relationships with close friends and family. He was loved by many, and will be missed by all.

A memorial service celebrating Dick’s life is to be held at 5pm on Monday, the 21st of March, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Viviane Greig.

The entire Greig family would like to thank the unbelievably caring staff of doctors, nurses, and volunteers at the Kansas City Hospice House for their care of Dick and the entire family during the past few weeks. Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC

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Sonny Smith

7 years ago

Dear Merle, and family:

My sincere sympathy upon hearing about Dick. He was such a nice man, always smiling and upbeat
. I have many fond memories of the Greig family and the Kings – Helen and Harlow together as friends.

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Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

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