R. Gregory Paquin peacefully passed on Feb. 8, 2024. Greg was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, on Sept. 14, 1946. He is predeceased by his parents, Shirley Mahoney Paquin and Andrew Paquin, as well as his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Benton Mahoney.

During high school, Greg set his sights on attending the United States Air Force Academy. As the son of a single mother, Greg's goal was to ease her financial burden and serve his country. Greg resolved to meet all standards for entrance to USAFA. The result was an appointment to USAFA, graduating in 1968.

Greg held the honor code close from this point on. In high school, Greg's love for bowling resulted in a team Iowa state championship. His bowling career continued at USAFA where he founded a bowling team. This USAFA team won the Rocky Mountain Conference in 1967 and 1968 and brought home the first NCAA bowling championship in 1968.

Greg was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross when the C-130 the crew was flying lost all four engines one at a time over the Pacific. All engines were restarted allowing them to land safely. During the early 1970s, Greg was called upon to plan and lead a task force flying under UN identification.

Greg left the Air Force after serving as a C-130 navigator and captain assigned to standard eval. In civilian life, he worked for a variety of companies including Container Corporation of America, Hayes Microcomputer, Compaq Computer, Apple and Advanced Micro Devices. After retiring, Greg and Kathryn left the California Bay Area and moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in 2005.

His family is indebted to the kind and caring Little Rock, Arkansas, VA Home Based Primary Care Team 8 and the dedicated nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice. Greg is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn Conran Paquin; their children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial will take place at a future time.

Greg's 23-plus year journey with Parkinson's was attributed to feet-on-the ground and exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the memories he created, which will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Greg and Kathryn invite you to join them in contributing to Wounded Warriors or to organizations that provide service dogs to service members and veterans.                                                 (Kathryn Paquin, wife)