Gregory Lance Dierks

Gregory Lance Dierks was born September 3, 1946, to Harvey and Audrey Dierks in Dinuba, CA. Raised with his older brother Les in Cutler, CA, Greg grew up playing in and working at his father’s auto mechanic shop. He graduated in 1964 from Orosi High School where he played football, baseball and ran track. He attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia where he also played football. As an adult, Greg played rugby and slo-pitch softball for many years. In 1969, Greg landed a job with Southern California Edison, moved to the Los Angeles area, and continued working for Edison for the next 40 years!

In 1974, Greg married his wife Pam. They were married for over 48 years and filled their lives with love and adventure. They spent many summers waterskiing at Lake Powell and riding quads in Glamis Dunes, traveled the country in their RV, cruised through Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii, and spent much of their last 11 years at their second home in the desert.

Greg was a family man, who loved his two daughters, Shayna and Kari, beyond measure. Through the years, he was always there for them, fixing things that were broken, working on their cars, moving them in and out of college dorms and apartments, or just shooting the breeze. Greg proudly wore his title of Grandpa. He fiercely loved his four grandchildren, Addison, Abby, Logan, and Donovan, and his bonus grandson Keegan. He loved attending all their extracurricular activities and was deeply invested in all of their successes. Through the years, Greg loved all his pets and always had a golden retriever and a rescue dog by his side.

Greg had a great passion for cars and this is where he spent most of his time and energy. Whether it was a day at the races or watching NASCAR on TV, building them, or even racing them, cars were his #1 passion. He built a midget race car with his brother along with 2 sprint cars, and even started racing in his early 60s! He was an active board member for WRA and also served as Secretary for many years. For the past 9 years, Greg and Pam volunteered at the Ronald McDonald house every month where Greg was known for BBQing a mean tri-tip for the families of children getting treatments at the hospital.

Greg passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2024, at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife, Pam Dierks; two daughters and their spouses, Shayna and Charley Finney, Kari and Scott Zacharias; and five grandchildren, Keegan, Addison, and Donovan Finney, Abby and Logan Zacharias.