GREGORY "GREG" CECIL READ

Gregory Read was born May 19, 1960 in Burlingame, CA. He moved to Honolulu in 1962, to his first Hawaii home at Iolani School, where his father was a teacher, then spent a year in Hilo before returning to Honolulu where he was raised. He attended Aina Haina Elementary School, Niu Valley Intermediate, and Kalani High School. He joined the Navy at age 18 and served in nuclear powered fast attack submarines.

Growing up beside the ocean gave Greg a great love for diving, fishing and surfing. He spent many years on O’ahu’s North Shore.

Moving to California, where there were better jobs in his field of aircraft builder and mechanic, Greg eventually built a very successful business, working out of Reid-Hillview Airport in San Jose. His work took him all over the U.S. and overseas to Brazil, France, Latvia Japan and more.

His reputation as a race plane builder and mechanic was legendary. He also served as a judge of experimental aircraft at Oshkosh Air Venture. He and his wife Chiwami participated in the Reno air races and he was very proud of Chiwami when she won. He and Chiwami also introduced the Tarragon aircraft to the United States.

Greg is survived by his wife Chiwami Takagi-Read of San Jose, mother Dorothy Mason of Honolulu, father George Read of Honolulu, sister Bonnie Smith (Stanley) of Wadsworth Nevada. He was preceded in death by his sister Lani Read, niece Patreace Smith and nephew Chris Smith. He had many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Greg did not want a memorial service. At his request, his ashes were placed in the waters off Oahu’s North Shore by a dear friend. Donations in his memory can be made to Assistance League of Hawaii, 1505 Young St., Honolulu HI 96826.