Greg S. Ainley

Gregory Scott Ainley, age 57, died Sunday, September 13, 2015 in the Spokane home that he shared with his childhood friend. Greg was born at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane on October 11, 1957 to Charles and Virginia Ainley. He was raised in Spokane and graduated from Mead High School in 1977. During his school years, Greg was active on the track team as a short distance runner, achieving a city record at the age of 13 for the fastest 100 yard dash (12.3 sec) and lettering in track as a 9th grader. He also enjoyed playing tennis with his father and two brothers, David and Warren, at North Park Racquet Club. Greg graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree from Spokane Falls Community College in 1980 with a focus on Human Services as a Social Service Paraprofessional. Later on, he earned his CNA certificate and worked as a nursing assistant at Regency Care in Spokane. Other jobs he held included janitorial services, gardening and yard work. Greg lived with relatives in Alaska for 12 years working on a community farm raising animals and serving the people who lived there. He moved back to Spokane in 2004, where he lived with his brother David and sister-in-law Evelyn. As a toddler, Greg developed viral Encephalitis and was hospitalized for two weeks. The resulting effects were devastating to the family as Greg subsequently developed Acute Cerebellar Ataxia which affected his speech, communication abilities and muscle control. Later on, Greg was diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, and he often struggled with social situations and maintaining employment. In spite of these developmental challenges, Greg was a positive, cheerful person. He had a rich sense of humor and especially loved linguistic humor, spoonerisms and plays on words. With a gentle heart, he looked for ways to bless and serve the people he loved. Like his father, Chuck Ainley, Greg loved to start up conversations with strangers, showing his fondness for people, and looking for opportunities to help anyone in need. Greg was a passionate believer in Christ and attended the Rock of Ages Christian Fellowship for many years. Most recently Greg found a place to worship at City Church. His faith in God motivated him to readily share and defend his beliefs. On any given day, one could see Greg walking down the streets of Spokane, carrying a sign warning of end times or the brutal reality of abortion. Greg was never afraid to talk to anyone about his convictions, regardless of how much they may have offended, but he didn't have a mean bone in his body. Greg was unashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but he lived out his faith with compassion and grace. While his signs may have shocked with their harsh truths, he took their messages without apology to the furthest reaches and seediest parts of Spokane- day and night. Recently, Greg accepted an invitation from his lifelong and best friend, Mike, to move into his home in North Spokane. They were both looking forward to spending more time supporting and encouraging each other, as they had throughout their lives. However, a tragic and unexpected turn of events cut short their anticipated adventure, and Greg’s life was suddenly ended. Greg is survived by his two younger brothers, David (Evelyn) and Warren (Glenna), six nephews, one niece, along with numerous great nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Virginia Ainley. His entire family will miss him dearly but are grateful he is with His Lord and Savior, whole, healed and healthy. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Sozo Church, 2131 West Woodside Avenue in Spokane. Reception will follow.