Greg Cozzens came into my life during what were painfully awkward teenage years while I was desperately trying to figure out who I was. People appear in our lives at different stages for definitive reasons; it’s never happenstance. Sometimes it’s only decades later that we realize why and what we’ve learned from those individuals. This is definitely the case as I reflect on what Greg meant to me. To say that he was a much needed father figure would be an understatement. Throughout his life Greg had acquired many qualities that made him a wonderful father, not only to his own children, but to a single parent kid like myself. He was endlessly kind, loving, playful, generous, humble, and complimentary. He was also quick witted, and could sometimes give you a verbal jab, all in jest of course. You knew that he was intellectually sharp enough to be hurtful if he wanted to, but he never was. I’m eternally grateful for the time and interest he took in me and my family while we lived in Reston Virginia. I have fond memories of growing up with Christi, Jo, Corey, and Lauren. Greg always made sure to include my brother and I in gatherings, games, and special events. He didn’t have to; but he did because it was just who he was. Always looking out for others and being inclusive. Years later he took me through my first LDS temple experience and helped foster what would become a life long love of temples. If it hadn’t been for his patience, encouragement, guidance, and knowledge during that singular experience, I’m not sure that I would have the same perspective about temples today. When I came back from my mission in West Africa he was once again inviting and receptive to hearing about all of my experiences. He eagerly wanted to know how I had changed and what I learned. Again, he didn’t have to, but it was genuinely who he was. When I later married my wife in Salt Lake City, both Greg and Alissa, held a reception for us in their beautiful Great Falls, Virginia backyard. They were so generous in ways that I will never be able to emulate, but I am again grateful to have had their gentle influence throughout my youth and young adulthood. As I think about Greg and what he meant to me, I can unequivocally say that he simply made my life better. He made me a better person, a better husband, and a better father. I didn’t know it then, but he gave me a clear example and a model to follow. I needed that then as a hopeless kid, and now I am trying to be the kind of man Greg was.