D. Gregory Main

D. Gregory Main, 74, died peacefully at home on Sunday, June 4, surrounded by his loving family. Husband, father, exemplary public servant, accomplished executive and beloved friend, Greg Main distinguished himself throughout his life. Above all, he considered his highest achievements to be the love and esteem of his family and friends and his steadfast commitment to his Catholic faith. Greg was the President of St. Gregory's University from 2011-2016 where he established a Catholic nursing program, a partnership with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation and several bold initiatives resulting in the University's revitalization. His 40 years of economic development experience included tenures as president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and i2E, Inc. of Oklahoma City; Secretary of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce where he created the nationally recognized Quality Jobs Program; Chisholm Private Capital Partners of OKC; deputy director of the Michigan Department of Commerce and executive director of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development Regional Commission. His strategic leadership skills have been recognized in both Oklahoma and Michigan for spurring high impact economic and employment growth. Throughout his career, colleagues, employees, three governors and community, business and political leaders considered him a man of integrity who earned their high regard. Extensive community involvements included board and leadership roles with Oklahoma Academy for State Goals, Oklahoma Venture Forum, Science Museum of Oklahoma, Creative Oklahoma and St. Eugene's Catholic Church. Born to Barbara and Western Main in Belding MI on November 1, 1942, he grew up in Lansing, graduating summa cum laude from Michigan State University in 1970 with a degree in urban planning. He completed extensive training and post graduate studies in a variety of management specialties and received an honorary doctoral degree from St. Gregory's University. Greg is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Barbara, and their children, Todd Main (Theresa Amato), Jennifer (Gary) Berwick, Adam Main, Katie (Josh) Fry and Elizabeth Main. He has ten grandchildren (Carolyn, Maggie, Lizzie, Nova, Isabella, Stella, Vittoria, Ryan, Matthew and Adam) who were proud to call and tell him how they distinguished themselves in school. He is also survived by his brother Tim (Martha) Main of Madison, WI and sister, Michelle (Ted) Holmberg of Lansing, MI. Jaunty bowties were emblematic of his refinement and elegant style. Greg read extensively, enjoyed travel and outdoor activities, took up painting with considerable skill later in life, savored varied music and rooted with great gusto for Michigan State University. A dinner invitation from Greg and Barbara was known to their countless friends as a sure evening of delicious food, well-chosen wine, delightful conversation and time with an extraordinary couple and their family. Visitation with the family will be Tuesday June 6 from 1-3:00 pm at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 N. May Avenue, OKC and the wake service at 6 p.m. at St Eugene Catholic Church, 2400 W Hefner Rd, OKC. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday June 7 at 10:00 am at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Burial will be held in Lansing, MI this summer. Memorials may be directed to The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital, Oklahoma Academy for State Goals and St. Eugene's Catholic Church.