Gregory Sorensen

Greg was born Gregory John Sorensen on May 28, 1947 to parents Sigurd and Dorothy Sorensen. Born in Jersey City, he grew up in Hillsdale, New Jersey with his four younger siblings: Rich, Jack, Beth, and Mark. At Pascack Valley High School, he was a track star, and played basketball. Greg stayed in Hillsdale until 1966 when he was drafted into the army for the Vietnam War. He was a Unit Supply Specialist and achieved the rank of Corporal. Greg returned to Hillsdale after the war and stayed until 1970, when he headed West to California in search of a new start. He made a stop in Colorado to visit a friend, and decided to make Denver his home. In Colorado, Greg married his first wife, Patricia Chaney (in 1974) and they had three children together; Ben, Emily, and Katherine. In 1992, Greg then married Patricia Saloka and they lived overlooking Overland Golf Course in Denver until 2018. Greg and Pat enjoyed their 33 years together while having large family gatherings with their blended family; including Pat’s adult daughters: Andrea, Beth, and Christy, and Beth’s son Danz. Greg worked as a plumber most of his life. He was a member of the Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union. Over the years, he worked on a number of memorable projects in the Denver metro area; including the Denver Zoo – Tropical Discovery, the Downtown Aquarium, the VA Hospital, and the Cash Register Building . As much as possible, he spent his spare time fly fishing around Colorado and tying flies to prepare for his next fishing outing. Greg took up golf, playing frequently across the street at Overland and practicing his short game in his own golf-course-like yard. He loved to BBQ and have his large family over to celebrate all of the holidays over the years, together. When he retired from the Union; he spent his days caring for his yard and cultivating several other hobbies. He impressed his family with his oil paintings of landscapes, still-lifes, people, and an occasional pink flamingo. His granddaughter Riley was particularly honored to receive a painting of Eric Carle’s – Very Hungry Caterpillar. Greg spent a great deal of time cooking and baking, often focusing on one dish until it was perfected or trying out Norwegian and Irish recipes to honor his heritage. His breads and rolls were family favorites and he enjoyed including a variety of vegetables from his garden in his dishes. He eventually made his way back to tying flies, and although he wasn’t able to fly fish again, he enjoyed researching the subject from every angle. Greg’s first granddaughter, Riley, was born in 2009 and he relished in being Grandpa Greg. Greg and Pat spent many evenings with Riley in her early years inventing toys, creating art, and baking assorted desserts. Greg was eager to let Riley make important decisions like how much whipped cream or sprinkles belonged in a recipe. As a Grandpa; he was relaxed and silly and able to cherish every moment. Greg was happy to watch all of his grandchildren grow – Danz, Riley, McKenna, Jordan, and Hudson – and was lucky enough to become a Great Grandpa to Danz’s son Landon in 2017. Greg had a huge heart and a soft spot for family. He loved to learn about anything and enjoyed sharing his knowledge on everything from golf swings to pizza dough. He took pride in being independent. He was such a giver and made sure every birthday and every Christmas was special for the ones he loved. Greg is survived by wife Pat Sorensen, brothers: Jack Sorensen and Mark Sorensen (and wife Ellen), sister Elizabeth Hedderman, sister-in-law Vicky Sorensen, son Benjamin Sorensen (and wife Daryn), daughters Emily Sorensen and Katherine Kelley (and husband Ken), step daughters Beth Ertz and Christy Devlin, grandsons Danz Martinez (and wife Giuli) and Hudson Kelley, granddaughters McKenna Ogilvie Sorensen, Riley Kelley, and Jordan Sorensen, great grandson Landon Martinez, and nephews Erik Kirby, Scott Kirby, Mike Sorensen and niece Lizzie DiBiase. Greg was predeceased by his parents Sigurd and Dorothy Sorensen, and brother Rich Sorensen.