Gregory Dean McKinnon
April 30, 1982-July 10, 2000

Gregory Dean McKinnon was born on April 30, 1982. He grew up in a small town in New Hampshire called Goffstown amongst a large network of family and friends.

In his 18 short years Greg managed to touch the lives of so many people. Even with complications such as Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, and behavior problems, Greg faced challenges with his head held high in the air-- often we'd forget he even had disabilities because that kid could make you laugh without
saying a word.

Gregory grew up in a warm and incredible family-- Mom, Dad, and 3 brothers (Ben, Chris, and Adam). Members of his family touch the lives of everyone they meet with their unconditional love. They have great respect for each other and those around them, and that showed every day in Greg. Greg made you feel special when you walked in the room-- he'd glance up, see you, and instantly start laughing. Often he'd get up and walk over to you to get a hug or touch your arm-- anything just to say hello.

Greg's parents spent a lot of time and energy fighting for his right to fair and equal education. There's a lot of red tape and administration to work through to gain the adequate Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for a special student like Greg to thrive in.  Gregory eventually ended up at NECC (The New England Center For Children), where he thrived under the encouragement, positive reinforcement, and behavior modification programs from supervisors and teachers as well as their genuine interest in Greg's well-being.

Greg was a very social young man.  He loved to stop and chat with friends in the hallway, and he liked making new friends too.  Even though Greg couldn't speak-- he could convey so much with his gestures, his smile, and his contagious laugh.

This skill was particularly helpful on his job sites.  He participated in many social vocations, like working at the school copy center, and delivering mail and newspapers at nursing homes.

Greg used a combination of gestures and a Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) book, which was filled with over a hundred pictures for him to use, making a sentence to communicate his needs.  And... Greg really knew how to get what he wanted, using humor and persistence!  He was very good at reading people and figuring them out-- and subsequently finding just the right persuasive tactics to get what he wanted (in other words... he had us wrapped around his little finger!).

Everyone who was at all acquainted with Greg consistently noted his contagious laughter, his warm smile, social nature, and big welcoming brown eyes... but especially his laugh and his intrinsic ability to make other people laugh.  He was more talented than any stand-up comedian at drawing genuine laughter out of someone who likely needed a good guffaw.

Greg passed away on Sunday evening, July 10, 2000, while he was sleeping at his school's sponsored residence on West Hill Road.  His body is gone, and those who knew his challenges walking believe he can now run and jump in the clouds-- but I believe he watches over his loved ones and his soul lives within everyone's life he touched (that's a lot of people).  He's got his place among the stars, and I'm sure it's a front row seat, with an endless supply of Auto Hunter magazines, chocolate bars, hot dogs, and soda. 

We miss him.