Gregory Stanton Rasmussen, beloved husband, father, "Papa", and esteemed local business leader, passed away on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, in Portland, Ore. at the age of 80. 
Greg was born on April 13, 1944, in Tacoma, Wash., the first of four children of Donald M. and Marie "Dottie" Rasmussen. His family moved to Oregon early in his youth and settled in the Cedar Hills area of Portland, where several of his extended family still reside today. Greg was a very proud 1962 graduate of the newly built Sunset High School, where he also played on the football and baseball teams. He then attended the University of Oregon, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. During his studies, Greg spent a year studying abroad at the Nyenrode Business Universiteit in the Netherlands, which he would often remember as one of the highlights of his time in college. He completed his degree in Business Administration in 1967. 
In 1968, he was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War. He joined the Navy Reserves and was assigned to their Seabees division. His tour of duty lasted the entirety of 1969, with him returning to American soil on New Year's Eve. 
After completing his service, Greg joined his father and brother at the Don Rasmussen Company, the family-owned group of car dealerships, which he would eventually go on to lead as President up until his passing. During his career, Greg served on several advisory councils for vehicle manufacturers, as well as having his stores receive numerous awards of excellence for their sales and customer satisfaction. He also used this opportunity to give back to the community through very significant donations to Arts, Educational, and Community Charitable institutions. Because of this impact on the community, he was selected to carry the Olympic Torch for a leg of its relay through Portland, enroute to the 1996 Summer Olympics. As a fitting capstone on a long and distinguished career, Greg was named Oregon's Time Quality Dealer of the Year in 2010. 
In the end, his love for the car business was only eclipsed by his passion for caring for his employees, who he always viewed as his #1 priority. He'd often share the wisdom he once got from his father that "They're in the family car business to help their employees raise their own families". 
Greg lived a full life outside of the automotive industry as well. An avid sportsman, he especially enjoyed fishing and bird hunting but probably enjoyed the camaraderie and late-night fire pit sessions during those trips the most. He was an enthusiastic golfer, never afraid to buy the latest and greatest new club or training aid, being sure that it would be the thing to finally straighten out that slice. He relished the opportunity to travel and see the world in both his personal and professional life, with two separate photo safari trips to Africa being amongst his favorite destinations. Nonetheless, given the choice to be anywhere in the world, it's pretty certain he'd choose to be sitting watching the sunset on the deck at his home in Sunriver with his dog by his side. 
While being naturally reserved and modest, Greg will always be remembered for his kindness and hospitality towards others, and for being able to light up a room with his toothy smile and hearty laugh. 
Greg will be missed immensely by his wife of 50 years, Jan; his children, son David; daughter, Amy and husband Mikkel Nieto, daughter, Erika Rasmussen and husband Bryon Slatten, daughter, Kristine and husband Matt Arbaugh; grandchildren, Kaylee, Ashley, Dylan, Nicole, Taylor, Hannah and Lucas; his sister, Janet and husband Steve Ferris; his sister, Ann and husband Jay Maher; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Greg was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Jr., and his sister-in-law, Jo Ann Learn. 
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m., on Sunday, April 13, at Portland Golf Club. 
In lieu of flowers, Greg's family suggests memorial contributions can be made to The Oregon Humane Society, The Alzheimer's Foundation, or The Susan G. Komen Foundation.