Gregory Lee Short

Gregory Lee Short (AKA “Shorty”) Born: April 3, 1957 Died: July 21, 2012 A loving and devoted husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law and friend died at home after a 10 month battle with Gliosarcoma surrounded by his loving family. Greg was born to Ethelyn Jean Fox and Richard Alvin Short at Itazuke Air Force Base, Kyushu, Japan on April 3, 1957. Due to his father’s occupation Greg and his family moved frequently never living in one place longer than 4 years. Growing up and around the Air Force Greg was influenced to seek an appointment to the Air Force Academy. Greg graduated from the Air Force Academy class of 1979 (LCWB!!!). Greg was a married to Yvonne Marie Petty. The two met on a blind date while Greg was attending the Air Force Academy and Yvonne was attending nursing school at the University of Northern Colorado. The couple endured a 3 year engagement and was married on June 16, 1979. To this union was born Skylar Richard Short (1980) and Danan Eldon Short (1984). After graduating and getting married he reported directly to Vance AFB, Enid, OK for pilot training (class of 80-08). His first assignment was a T-38 pilot instructor at Vance AFB. From there he transitioned into RF-4’s and was stationed at Shaw AFB, Sumter, SC. Following this assignment he transitioned into flying F-16’s which he flew to the end of his Air Force career. He was stationed at Torrejon AFB, Madrid, Spain where he flew many missions for Desert Storm. Taking a brief break from flying he did his staff job at Ramstein AFB, Germany. Returning to the states he became an F-16 instructor at Luke AFB, Phoenix, AZ and ended his career as the Regular Air Force Advisor (RAF SOB) to the Air National Guard at Buckley AFB retiring in 2000. He received many commendations and medals which included two distinguished flying crosses during desert storm. Next to his wife and children the Air Force and flying were the other loves of his life. He used to say “yep – they pay me to do this job!” After ending his distinguished Air Force career and until his diagnoses Greg worked at Ultra Petroleum as an Operations Technician. Greg always said how much he liked being a lieutenant again! Greg is survived by his loving wife of 33 years Yvonne Short of Centennial, CO, loving sons Skylar Short of Centennial, CO and Danan Short (fiancé Liz) of Fort Collins, CO, mother Ethelyn “Jean” Short (husband Joe Kyger) of Forsythe, MO and brother Mitchell Short of Denver, CO. Greg was preceded in death by his father Richard Short and his father-in-law Norman Petty. Greg was also survived by the following family members: mother in-law Vetha Cormier (husband Roger), sister-in-law Yolanda Petty, Teresa Treaster (husband Rick), Victoria Stroud (husband Dan), many nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends. Greg Short was the life of any party and the leader of many a song. Shorty always had a good time and made sure everyone else had a good time as well. There is nothing that would make Shorty happier than to raise a glass of cheer and toast to his last flight. He will be sorely missed. A service for Greg will be held on August 1, 2012 at Harvey Park Christian Church, 3401 S. Lowell Blvd, Denver, CO 80236, 303-789-3142. The viewing will begin at 1100 with the funeral services beginning at 1200. The full military burial service will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, Colorado 80236, 303-761-0117. The burial service will begin promptly at 1430. Please be at the staging area “B” on Wyoming Street prior to 1430. The procession will be lead to the committal shelter “B” for the burial service. A reception is immediately following at the Valley Country Club, 14601 Country Club Drive, Centennial, CO, 303-690-6373. Condolences can be sent to 8170 S. Madison Way, Centennial, CO 80122. -The Broken Chain- We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death We do the same. It broke our Hearts to lose you, you did not go Alone; for part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You Left us peaceful memories, your love Is still our guide; and though we Cannot see you, you are always at our Side. Our family chain is broken, And nothing seems the same; But as God calls us one by one, The Chain will link again. “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your hand, and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13