September 20, 1948 – November 24, 2005
The background white quilt material is from one of Greg’s lab coats. He was the Chief of Neurology Research at the VA Medial Center in Coatesville, PA. He was doing research on Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy. He also taught fourth year doctoral students at Thomas Jefferson University. At his eulogy his colleagues said “I regret that the students in years to come will miss out on Greg’s class. He was an excellent teacher, so good in fact, that students fought to get into his class.”
The actual miniature doctor’s lab coat represents his dedication to helping others not just as a Neurologist but also in his everyday life. People came to Greg seeking help with all kinds of health issues, and with the help of his medical network, he was instrumental in saving their lives.
The two shamrocks represent the deep love of his Irish heritage. He always dressed from head to toe in green on St. Patrick’s Day. Our family was fortunate to travel to Ireland in 2004. We’ve never seen Greg so happy and content. He had dreams of retirement, moving to Ireland and setting up a Bed & Breakfast over there. As a family we promised each other that we would visit Ireland every 4 years. Our family will keep this promise and return in honor of his memory in 2008.
The basketball items represent Greg’s favorite pastime. He would play basketball every Thursday and Sunday with the St. Pat’s Basketball team. Greg’s last independent breath was playing basketball with his buddies.
The two hearts represent his two beautiful daughters: Melissa Golden and Kara Golden.
The dog paw is for his little buddy Powder, the family’s Yorkshire terrier. He would come home and sit with Powder in his arms watching TV until they both fell asleep.
Melissa, Kara and his wife Fran, of 34 years of marriage, made this quilt section with “Love and Kisses” in memory of our beloved father and husband Dr. Gregory T. Golden, to whom we miss and love very much. You are forever in our hearts.