Kenneth ‘Greg’ McCracken
Nov. 16, 1963 – May 22, 2026
Kenneth Gregory “Greg” McCracken, 62, passed away peacefully May 22, 2026.
Greg was born Nov. 16, 1963 in Garden Grove, Calif., to Edward and Emilia McCracken, the oldest of three children – Greg, George and Stephanie.
Greg moved to Sweet Home with his family in the late 1960s. As a devoutly Catholic family, they were parishioners at St. Helen Catholic Church until the family moved to Corvallis in 1974.
While generally a private and closely guarded person, Greg was also thoughtful. He would take his younger sister Stephanie on trips with his friends to Skate World in Eugene and to Farrells for ice cream.
Greg always wanted to look sharp and well-dressed. When he was little, he wanted to “look grown-up like Dad,” so any errands like going to the bank or grocery store meant “borrowing” one dad’s ties … even if the ties were way too long.
Greg was patient and gentle, especially with the family donkeys. This really showed with Blossom, when she gave birth to Miss BJ. Greg was the only person Blossom allowed to be near her baby.
As Greg got older his interests grew, although his faith remained with his favorite saint, St. Michael. In high school Greg excelled academically, especially in math and accounting, becoming a part of the Honor Society.
He had a wide variety of interests including Formula 1 racing, exotic cars, extreme motor sports, tennis, basketball, football and home renovation shows.
He listened to 1980s rock and hair bands like Def Leppard and Bon Jovi.
Greg helped his dad and brother to restore a ’52 Chevy pickup that George raced at Woodburn Drag Strip.
To earn “car” money, Greg and George had a lawn maintenance business for a few years.
After high school and some college, Greg worked as a manager at Knechts Auto Parts in Salem and Medford before starting a career in financial planning services. This career took Greg to Arizona, where he enjoyed the much drier climate and traveled to places like France and Hawaii.
Unfortunately, Greg lost his way in Arizona and came into some difficult times. During these hardships his faith was rekindled and Greg became a faithful member of the Traditional Catholic Church.
Greg returned to Oregon and his family late in life, when his physical and mental health declined to the point of being unable to live on his own and needed the assistance of residential car e facilities. The last three years of his life were spent at Avamere in Lebanon and Sapphire at Sweet Home, where his life was a combination of struggle and peace – struggle with the pain caused by a failing body and mental challenges but peace that he was among people who cared for him.
When physically able, he was very generous with the staff and residents of Sapphire, sharing with them the treats and snacks his sister Stephanie kept him supplied with. Greg would share stories of his life and travels and show the intelligence he acquired over the years on many subjects.
One of his favorite activities was to sit with Dana, the activities director and Christie and Jennifer the Sapphire RNs, for companionship and to shop for things he wanted, especially shoes…lots of shoes!!
Greg is survived by his sister Stephanie and brother-in-law John Baxter of Bend.
He was preceded in death by his father Edward; his mother Emilia; and his brother George.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 5, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Sweet Home.