Kenneth Richard Greger

Just as the sun began to rise on January 4, 2025, Kenneth R. Greger passed away after a valiant 6-month battle with cancer.

Ken was born March 4,1953 in Vancouver, WA; the third of three children born to Leonard and E. Jay Greger. At the age of three, Ken’s family moved to Antioch, CA where Cub Scouts, church, swimming, and school were the source of a rich network of friends. Moving to West Linn, Oregon in 1963, Ken continued to expand his network of relationships and fostered a growing faith through his participation in his church’s youth group. Ken began drumming at age 3, eventually becoming a musician in a rock band.

In 1989 while living in Los Angeles, Ken met a dazzling Kentucky girl, Cindy Richards, and a beautiful relationship was born. Married in 1992, Ken and Cindy shared many common passions, from professional ambitions to travel, music, faith, and love of family. It took an earthquake to move them out of California, and in 1994, the couple settled in West Linn, Oregon to be near Ken’s extended family. A son, Ryan, was born to them in January of 1998. Three years later, Ken and Cindy lost their second child at birth, a daughter, Ashley. Twins, Brent and Hannah, were born in May of 2003, filling their home with love. Ken was known for being devoted to his children and family. From elaborate birthday parties to choir performances and school plays, Ken never missed an opportunity to be present, cheering for his kids. He deeply loved his entire family and was known to the extended family as the fun uncle. In the summer of 2020, Ken and his family built a beautiful home in Owensboro, Kentucky to be near Cindy’s family, whom Ken adored. The Owensboro Messenger Inquirer recently featured Ken in an article highlighting his professional accomplishments and community leadership.

Ken also enjoyed a rewarding career, driven by his integrity, sharp insights, and deep relationships. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Portland State University in the mid-1970’s and becoming a Certified Public Accountant, Ken quickly gravitated toward executive search and leadership. Soon thereafter, Greger Peterson Associates was formed, becoming one of the most highly regarded executive search firms in the nation. Ken later became a partner with New York-based August Leadership, and he was named among the Top 25 Travel and Hospitality Consultants and Leaders in the U.S. in 2024. At the time of his death, Ken was leading multiple national and international projects.

Ken was widely loved by everyone he met. Ken is survived by his wife, Cindy; children Ryan, Hannah, and Brent; sister Gay Greger (Jim Sjulin) of Portland, OR; brother David Greger of Lake Oswego, OR; mother-in-law Jeanette Richards of Cloverport, KY; sister-in-law Cathy (Bill) Hughes of Owensboro, KY; sister-in-law Caroline Greger of Portland, OR; his loving nieces and nephews Elizabeth, Christine, Jenna, Brandon, Jack, and Jordan; and several great nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 9th at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, 900 Old Hartford Rd., Owensboro, KY 42303. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Owensboro will follow the service.

In addition to the Owensboro service, a Celebration of Life will be held this spring in Portland, Oregon.

Contributions in Ken’s memory can be made to Chemo Buddies in Evansville, IN at https://www.chemobuddies.org/memorial

Memories and condolences may be offered online at www.glennfuneralhome.com.