Gregory James Banken
Gregory James Banken, 65, of Woodinville, Washington, succumbed to his year-long battle with cancer surrounded by his family on May 12, 2015. Greg is survived by his wife, Linda, their children Tyler (Amy) Banken, Jamie (Beau) Fruits, and Heather (Gavin) Forseth, three grandchildren, and nine brothers and sisters.
Greg was born on August 12, 1949 in Appleton, Minnesota where he was raised on his family farm. There he learned the value of hard work and practicality, skills that helped to shape the person he became. He started his education in a one-room school house and later attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering. After graduating, Greg moved to Seattle where he took a job at Boeing.
In April of 1976, Greg and Linda were married, starting their family shortly after. During this time, he also earned a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. After leaving Boeing, Greg began a successful consulting career, working on engineering projects for organizations such as Hanford Nuclear Facility, the Department of Defense, the New York City Subway System, the Seattle tunnel project, and NASA, including the Orion spacecraft.
Greg enjoyed spending time with his family and gardening in his yard. He was so happy to have a chance to know his three grandchildren and spend time with them before his passing. During his 39 years of marriage, he and Linda were able to travel the world together, visiting Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Services for Greg will be Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 am at his beloved place of worship, Timberlake Church in Redmond, Washington. The service will be conducted by Lead Pastor Ben Sigman. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Timberland Church in memory of Gregory Banken, 4505 236th Avenue NE, Redmond, Washington, 98053.
8 Responses to “Gregory James Banken”
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Please accept my heartfelt condolences to the whole family. I so enjoyed Greg’s warmth and friendliness as I became acquainted with him at church and in a home Bible study.
God bless and keep you all as you learn to live with Greg being in Heaven, waiting for you to come to him.
We are so saddened by Greg’s passing. He was an amazing inspiration in our Timberlake Growth Group. While a thoughtful listener, he was also always ready to contribute thoughtful, knowledgable and inspirational input to our discussions. We feel so blessed to have gotten to know Greg over the last few years and to continue to hold Linda near and dear. We will miss Greg greatly.
The world is a better place for the gift of Greg’s life and the time he spent with us. Greg and Linda’s friendship has enriched my life and the life of my daughter, Nicole. It will be a comfort to me and I hope to the Banken family when we gather at Timberlake to celebrate to celebrate Greg’s life on Earth and his Heavenly life now. My love and condolence to the entire Banken family, Susan Cerelejia
Our entire family (grand babies included) loved Greg. He was a good man and he blessed the lives of all he touched. Linda – know we are here for you if you need anything. We love you all.
The Keohohou family, Kailua, HI
To my dear, strong, loving, and kind friend. You know those who love you will be there for you however long you need us. Greg never failed to treat us SOS girls with friendship, humor and kindness. He will never be forgotten by any of us. While his earthly form is no longer here, his blood flows through the veins of generations of Bankens to come. Life is good. Much love to you, and may you feel the love you are surrounded by, peaceful thoughts and calm in the days to come. We love you. Linnie
Linda, we are so saddened to learn of your loss. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of the many “old timers” out there. I am sorry that we will not be able to attend the service. We will be out of town that day. We will however, be there in spirit. Much love to you and your family.
I’m late in telling of my sadness at Greg’s passing. From the time I met Greg – in about year 2000 – I was immediate and always impressed by a genuinely nice, wholesome, extremely hardworking and nurturing man. I’m further saddened that I missed the chance to say good bye until this late date, but I wish Linda, her family and loved ones all good thoughts and my prayers. Love.
Linda,
We have missed seeing your family in Manson, Washington over the years and just became aware of Greg’s passing. A very belated sorry to you and your family on your loss. We miss seeing you guys and wish you all the best as you are in our thoughts and prayets.
The Wunderlich’s