Gregory Erling Flato

Gregory Erling Flato was born on June 27, 1947, in Astoria, Oregon, the oldest child of Erling and Esther Flato (née Kallunki) and passed away on April 8, 2025.

Greg grew up in the Westport and Clatskanie area of Oregon. He graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1965, where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. He then moved to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in history.

He served in the Vietnam War where he was exposed to Agent Orange, resulting in multiple health issues later in his life.

Greg became a general contractor in the Eugene area often working with prominent local architects on a variety of projects. He was a solid, reliable, and smart worker.

Greg had a wide and diverse circle of friends. Many of those lifelong friendships were formed during his Max’s years. Interests included following current affairs, sports, creating culinary delights, and reading a variety of genres.

Greg’s intelligence, humor, and unique perspective on life were always refreshing and enlightening.

Greg will be greatly missed.

Survivors include younger brother, Timothy, sister-in-law, Mary, and their three adult children, Allison, Eric, and Russell, and their offspring; numerous beloved aunts and cousins; brother-in-law, Russell Beasley; and wife and companion of 43 years, Gail Beasley.

A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Sponsored Obituary

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!