Gregory B. Carter

Florence - Gregory B. Carter, 72, of Florence passed away on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at his home in Florence, MT with his wife Susie by his side. For those who know Greg you won’t be surprised that the below are his words written just after his diagnosis of liver cancer.

“Seems strange to be writing my own obituary, but then again, I’ve read so many obituaries in my life that were written by people, that while meaning well, just missed the mark of the person they were writing it for. Life is truly a gift and while sometimes tough it is still better than the alternative. I believe it to be all about your attitude and while life can contribute to one’s attitude it doesn’t have to control one’s attitude. Enough said about that. I was born in 1951 in Livermore, CA to Richard and Evelyn Carter, who provided a strong two parent upbringing…. straight and narrow. Dad brought home the bacon; mom fried it up in the pan. Thank you, Mom and Dad. Raised in the Southern California mountain town of Big Bear Lake for the first 10 years of my life with my brother, Scott, who was three years younger than I. Dad took a job in Auburn, CA in 1962 as a systems engineer for Placer County Water Agency. I went to Placer High School. Loved football and track. Attended Sierra College in Rocklin, CA to study Architecture and to stay out of Vietnam. Played football and competed in Track and Field. Did well enough to be recruited by Chico State University to compete in Track and Field. It was in Chico that I started to shape my life for the next 4 decades when I was introduced to the music business. Chico provided me with the creative energy and confidence to pursue the music/entertainment business. My first and only band was called The Bop-A-Dips. We played in many states and countries, and it was the vehicle that got me to my beloved home of Montana in the summer of 1978. I had a long career in the wine business where I worked at Earl’s Distributing until I bought into Vehrs Mountain State Beverage. From there I opened Broadway Wine that branched off into a partnership with Noodle Express on Broadway, then a short but sweet venture into the distribution of Mustard Seed Sauces.

Both of my children were born in Montana, Kasey in 1979 and Kyle in 1989. Wonderful people who I love very much. Raised in the shadows of a silly father, thank God they turned out just fine. Much will probably be said about me when I’m gone…hopefully some will be good. Guess it doesn’t matter much. The mark you leave and how you are remembered depends on how you shared and contributed to others.

Yes, life is short. You never think about it when you’re young. You don’t feel the pains of your body breaking down or your short-term memory fading. You remember the times when you felt invincible, strong, sharp and clever. You want it back, you want to show your children the right way to progress through life unscathed and you want to do it with a clear mind and a lean, healthy body. Yikes! Surely, I’m not the first to think this, you just never think it will be you that fades from your once formidable self.

So, my children and my young friends…live life, enjoy and do not fear that lies ahead for you will soon enough discover the truth. Plan for your future, set aside some of your strength, try not to become too tainted by what life hands you. It is after-all, life, and it is to be cherished…good, bad or indifferent.

Without a doubt, the three most significant, challenging and fulfilling times in my life were the births of my children, raising those children and the third seeing those children reach adulthood. Looking beyond my children through a long list of things that were significant in my life, moments that defined me, built upon my character and formed the opinions I now carry about life, now, all seem so minor. I have led a very wonderful and interesting life but I’m sure, only to me. would make for a good book or better yet a movie, but then again, probably not.

Let us toss one back to life, happiness and an attitude of gratitude! Thank you, God!”

I leave behind my loving wife, Susie Doran Carter of 20 years. Staying true to our vows of in sickness and in health. The trials and tribulations of combining our families that made our house a home over the years. Children Kasey Carter, Kyle Carter and wife Kayley, Christopher Doran, Stefany Fray and husband Jasen, our grandchildren Nayella George, Cole Fray, Samantha Fray, Dane Doran, Daxon Doran, and Henley, Leandra and Krue Carter. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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