Obituary of Gregory Alan Dyson, Sr.

Gregory Alan Dyson Sr. was born in Tucson on August 24, 1947, and went to be in God's care on February 23, 2019.  He was an imposing figure at 6'4" and 200+ pounds, and his heart was equally huge.  He loved life, and gave unending love to his family.  He was the best husband and father anyone could ask for.  He was silly, fun, and oh so quick witted!  

He attended school in the Amphi District, and graduated high school in 1965.  He was a first-rate athlete, competing in football, basketball, and baseball.  He was honored as an All City Basketball player, an All State Football player, and also participated in the North/South All Star Football Game his senior year.  He received a basketball scholarship to Cochise Jr. College where he played for 2 years.  He continued his education at the University of Arizona where he earned his Bachelors of Science in Education in 1970, and a Masters of Education in 1974.  While earning his degrees, he worked at Shakey's Pizza Parlor, Pima Mines, and the U of A Biology Department to help support his family.

His first teaching position was at Magee Middle School where he taught Physical Education, Biology, and Health.  He coached football, basketball, and track, and also was the advisor for the Boys Letterman’s Club.  After 15 years, he moved to Palo Verde High School where he taught Physical Education, Biology, Drivers' Education, and Behind the Wheel Drivers' Training.  He had the perfect disposition for this harrowing job, and his students loved him.  He coached Junior Varsity Basketball for several years and started a Leadership Club which he led until moving on to become the Student Council Advisor.  Greg always went above and beyond to be a positive influence for his students. He was named as a "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" in 1992, and was honored with the Arizona's Association of Student Council's Advisor of the Year for 1999-2000, which was also the year he retired from teaching.  During 21 of his 30 years of teaching, he also had a summer job as a community pool manager and lifeguard.   

He was married to his high school sweetheart, Evelyn, for almost 52 years.  They had 2 children, Greg Jr., and Marcy. He was an amazing dad, the perfect blend of easy-going, fun-loving, and disciplinarian when necessary.  He always showed his kids that he loved them, often being the biggest kid himself;  hence his nickname, Big Kid.  He loved the outdoors and took the family camping on many occasions.  After his grandchildren came along, he was their mentor, playmate, fellow explorer, and care giver, making him a true Grandpa Extraordinaire! 

 He was an amazing soul; loving and very much loved by everyone who knew him.  As Will Rogers said, "You must judge a man's greatness by how much he will be missed", and Greg will be missed by many forever.  Simply said, he was a truly good man!

 Funeral services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 300 N. Tanque Verde Loop Rd., Sat. March 2, at 10 AM.