Greg Symons

Gregory Paul Symons, 59, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, surrounded by family.

Greg was born to Gary Keyford Mathisen and Gwendolyn Ruth Ford on December 19, 1963, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1965 mom divorced and moved with our grandparents, Carl and Mildred Ford, toddler Greg and baby April to Soda Springs, Idaho so grandpa could work for Monsanto. They then settled in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

Greg’s brother George Jr. “Terry” joined the family in 1968 and sister Mariann joined the family in 1982.

Greg went to school at Lava Elementary, Marsh Valley Jr High School and graduated from Marsh Valley High School in 1983. While in school Greg was affectionately nick named “Professor and Sarg” by his friends that knew him well.

As a young boy Greg delivered newspapers for the Idaho State Journal and washed dishes for the Pancake House.

In 1983 Greg joined the United States Army. Greg was decorated with the “Expert, M-16 Riffle” pin. In 1984 Greg was discharged from the Army and stayed active in the Reserves until September of 1989.

Greg was overjoyed to legally change his name to “Symons”, as our dad, George Terrel Symons had raised him and his sister from toddlers.

Greg was active in the Portneuf Gun Fighters Club, played darts and liked to go varmint hunting when he went to the valley.

Greg met the love of his life, RonaLee Breckenridge while she was working in Lava Hot Springs and they were later married at the home of Ronnies sister, Lois Bailey, in Pocatello, Idaho on June 21, 2002. Greg and Ronnie made their home in Pocatello.

Together, they loved to go “home” to the ranch in Tetonia to visit and watch them brand the cattle, go to Temple Emanuel, and attend family reunions. He was a proud member of the American Legion and helped the Legion Post in Tetonia as often as he could. He looked forward to Memorial weekend in the Valley with his father-in-law Dale participating in the Memorial Day programs.

While married to Ronnie Greg went to work for Portneuf Medical Center as a floor technician and later for an office cleaning company.

Greg was devastated by the passing of his wife and best friend in February of 2011. He didn’t quite know what to do with himself after her passing. He joined the Road to Recovery and was very proud that after all the years of drinking he was finally sober.

Greg is survived by his sister April (Mike) Hansen of Grace, brother George T. Symons, Jr, Lava Hot Springs, niece Stacie (Trent) Evans, great nephews, Weslee, Marcus and Lukas of Arimo, Idaho, nephew Austin Hobson of Rupert, Idaho, great niece Kayzlee Grace Hobson and great nephew Bentley Dean Hobson of Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. Greg is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.

Greg is also survived by Ronnies family whom he loved so dearly. Alice Breckenridge, David (Alene) Breckenridge, Ray Breckenridge of Tetonia, Idaho, Lois (Joseph) Bailey of Aberdeen, Idaho and Jay (Jenni) Breckenridge of Lehi, Utah. Nieces and nephews Lance, Dayana, Elena, Jeffrey, Danielle, Charly, Jim, Gary, Nick, Alysa, Chase, Kort, Haden, Sami, Phoniex, Remington, Stetson, Karli, Matt Gallup, Karsyn, Holland, Kelley, Stark, Natt, Jake, Kabe, Drew, Bobby, Stephanie, Braxton, Kaden, Hallie, Preslie, Reese, Krystle, Kotabear, James, Dallen, Lizzy and Kyra. The kids were so special to Greg he truly loved each one.

Greg was preceded in death by his wife, RonaLee Symons, parents Terrel and Gwen Symons, sister Mariann Ford Symons, grandparents, Ronnies parents, Dale and Ronell Brekenridge.

As per Greg’s wishes he has been cremated. A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday May 6, 2023, from 5 – 7pm at Wilks Colonial Chapel, 2005 S. 4th Ave. Pocatello, ID. The burial will be in the Hayden Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho on May 27, 2023.

The family would like to thank Quality Home Care staff, Michelle Geyer, EmmaLee Geyer

and Debanie Moore for taking care of him and his needs even though he just really wanted them to sit and talk with him. Greg’s neighbors at McKinley Manor especially Corena and Dave for always keeping an eye out for him and making meals and treats for him. Also, a big thank you to Enhabit Hospice for the care Greg received before and during his passing.

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