Gregory Lynn Bauska, 64
On March 20, 2021, we lost the hero of our family, Greg Bauska. Our beloved Greg died in Queens Hospital in Honolulu. On March 3 he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, which was a blood vessel bursting in mid-brain. The hospital performed several procedures to try to save him, but the damage was irreversible. He was in a coma for over two weeks and passed on March 20.
Greg was born on Dec. 27, 1956, to Camilla Metcalf Bauska and Lester Bauska, in Kalispell. He attended Elrod Grade School, Central Junior High, and Flathead High School, graduating in 1975. He played forward with the Flathead Braves, and got a full-ride scholarship to the University of Montana. He later transferred to Western Montana College (now University of Montana Western). Somewhere about this time, he was given the nickname Goober, by his Aunt Marian. Many still know him by that name.
He was an entrepreneur beginning back in high school when he had multiple jobs, from selling baseball caps to organizations, to pumping gas at Buzz Berry’s service station. He proudly managed Moose’s Saloon for a number of years. He also managed the restaurant at Four Season’s Motor Inn. He owned and managed his own business, Ozzy’s Bar & Grill, before going into business with Steve Ferkovich, buying Glacier Lanes in Columbia Falls. They went on to open three other establishments: Ferk’s Casino, Glacier Gold and Gold Country. In addition he sold real estate through Flathead Valley Brokers since 2005.
Greg felt a calling to mentor and coach young boys, by volunteering to coach the Columbia Falls High School team, Big Brothers and taking a special interest in friends’ sons when they needed encouragement and guidance. Many young men could testify to the difference he made in their lives. He was a very generous man, always willing to help others without hesitation.
Besides his family and friends, Greg loved basketball (playing, watching and coaching), and old cars, which he collected like friends. His first love was his 1965 white Mustang, which he painted orange in high school to show his school spirit, and later had repainted to white. His favorite old TV show was the “Andy Griffith Show,” and Barney Fife was his hero. He said every episode had a lesson on life.
Greg will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humor, his loyalty to family and friends and his integrity in doing the right thing. He found peace and renewal at the family cabin on Ashley Lake, sitting on the deck and watching the loons. He enjoyed taking everyone for a ride on his pontoon boat.
Greg was especially fond of and loyal to his pets: cocker spaniels Celtzee, Elliott, and Fritzee and cats Dave, Cosmo and Pumpkin. Predeceasing him are his parents, brother-in-law Homer Millspaugh, and brother Roy.
Left to mourn his passing are Leslie Millspaugh, Jack Bauska, Kathy Bauska and Kelly Semenza, several nieces and nephews, several godchildren and a ton of good friends, both male and female. Many would describe Greg as their best friend, always there when they needed him. His family could always rely on him to step forth with comfort and support, with examples being his trips to Seattle to be with Leslie during difficult health issues with Homer; with his trip to Washington when Roy had a serious operation and again after his death; with his trips to Mayo Clinic with Jack, and taking him to infusion appointments in Kalispell. He was extraordinarily attentive to his parents before their deaths.
An open house celebration of the lives of Roy and Greg will be July 11, from 1 to 4 p.m., at Snowline Acres, 3315 Hwy. 93 South, Kalispell.
