Philip Gregory Ofton

joined the Marines in 1976 at the age of 19, he found it easier to go by his first name, Philip.

Whatever name you knew him as, everyone thought of him as a kind, generous man, who loved to tell

funny stories. At the age of 28 while still serving in the Marines, stationed in North Carolina, he

suffered an aortic dissection. He survived that heart operation to repair the dissection, but was placed

on permanent, physical disability retirement from the Marines in July, 1990.

Greg moved back to California to be closer to family. He decided to go back to college and attended

RCC. He ended up having a second heart surgery at Loma Linda University Hospital in 1992 He was so

thankful to survive, he said he would forever thank God for whatever time God blessed him with. God

blessed him with 28 more years.

Greg went on to graduate from California State University, San Bernardino, with a Bachelor of Science.

He worked for the VA Hospital in Loma Linda for a short time, and then later got a job working for the

Department of Defense. He worked in Texas and New Jersey, and later requested to be transferred

back to California. He really enjoyed his job and the people he worked with, but his doctor suggested

he take an early retirement. He started having health issues and the long commute every day was

hard.

Greg loved traveling, either taking road trips or cruises. He loved sports, especially football and

baseball. He joined a gold prospecting club in Temecula, and dreamed of striking it rich while panning

for gold. He took guitar lessons at the Moreno Valley senior center, and made many friends. He loved

his steak dinners at Pinnacle Peak steak house. Every year on his birthday, he asked for a pineapple

upside down cake. He was a faith filled man who loved bible study classes.

Greg passed away from advanced congestive heart failure. He was preceded in death by his parents,

Jean and Phil Ofton; brother-in-law, John Sides. He is survived by his sister, Cathy Sides; niece, Robyn

Sides-Ingram (Richard); niece, Kathryn Sides; nephew, Robert Sides; great nieces, Isabella Ingram,

Madison Beard, and McKenna Beard. He also leaves behind many cousins and a great bunch of

friends.

A special thank you to Dr. Silvet, Greg’s long time cardiologist at the VA hospital; to Julia, his hospice

nurse who was so kind and caring. Also, to all Greg’s/Phil’s friends who provided support to the family

in so many ways.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Ofton family.