Richard Cregar
March 16, 1952 ~ June 3, 2024
Richard Cregar, 72, passed away on Monday, June 3, 2024, at UnityPoint Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois. Masonic Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery. Luncheon will follow at Gwen's Restaurant, Lisbon.
Rich was born March 16, 1952, son to William and Elaine (Biskup) Cregar. He married Virginia Brower on August 10, 1972, in Lisbon, Iowa.
Rich's last employment was a training delivery specialist for John Deere. His skills and knowledge led him to be an instructor in sustainable transportation technologies at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Rich was also the co-director of the Transportation Sector of North Carolina's Code Green Super Curriculum Improvement Project. He was also named a GlaxoSmithKline Fellow at the Institute for Emerging Issues at North Carolina State University. In addition to teaching, Rich developed and presented continuing education workshops dealing with the production of biodiesel, clean diesel technology, vehicle emissions systems, hybrid electric drive systems and electric vehicles. Rich has also written dozens of articles about renewable fuels, advanced drive systems and workforce development for green transportation. He was invited to the White House to receive the Champion of Change award for his excellent work in alterative engery.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge, Mercedes Benz Club of America, and various British Car Clubs. He also had his hands on anything with four wheels. He was always fixing, selling, talking, and sharing his knowledge about cars.
He was selfless to his family understanding that his greatest legacy lay in their happiness and success. His grandchildren, inspired by his example, are committed to service in their communities and beyond ensuring his legacy continues.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Cregar; children, Mercedes (Dan Godsil) Cregar and Genevieve (Michael) Flanagan; grandchildren; Tristen Alvis, Jenna Alvis, Danny Godsil, Richard 'Bode' Alvis Benjamin Flanagan, and William Flanagan; siblings, William Cregar and Elyse Cregar; sister-in-law, Patricia Cregar; and many loving family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Heidi Alvis.
Memorials may be made out to your local Masonic Lodge's scholarship fund.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
I am deeply saddened to read about Mr. Cregar passing. He was truly an amazing teacher and a renaissance man. I have so many fun memories from his classes. Mr. Cregar played a huge roll in my success in the automotive industry. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be his student. Creg’s you will always be remembered rest in peace Sir.
May his spirit soar high above the trees , watching over you Each branch is a memory and each blossom is letting you know that his spirit lives on
Rich was a great person and an inspiring teacher. He taught me a lot about what makes a vehicle, a fleet, and a maintenance shop run well. I’m sad he’s not with us.
Rich Cregar was a fantastic teacher. I have many great memories from his classes. His influence turned a lot of kids into professional technicians.
I worked with Richard at Wake Tech. His passion and knowledge and commitment for alternative automotive technology was amazing. He helped many to understand the importance in searching for solutions to the challenges of transportation with alternative fuels.
While I was at Wake Tech teaching, I asked him to share with my environmental classes and he was always gracious and kind when students ask questions and always patient and explaining some very complex systems. If I wanted to know anything about alternative vehicles, Richard was my go to for knowledge and I will miss him.
I have followed his career and have always been amazed by his dedication and commitment to the industry and to sharing knowledge with others.
What an honor to have known such a wonderful man.
My condolences to the Cregar family please know you are in my prayers.
He was a great CarGuy. His talent and personality will be greatly missed. A void in the training world.
Tell me I listen, Show me I learn
Hervey Forward
The CarGuys
Virginia, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this time.
Shocked to hear this news. I was a student of his many years ago. We stayed in contact as I went from position to position as I grew in my career. A technician, assistant service manager, service manager, and then to work for an OEM as a district manager.
He was very influential in my career and he will always be remembered as the best teacher I ever had!
Sending our sincerest condolences for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
In loving memory of Our Brother and Uncle Richard. You will be greatly missed.
Truly sorry Ms Virginia for you and your entire family. Praying for God’s peace and comfort. Love you dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am sadden to learn of Rich’s passing last year! He was the smartest man I have ever had to work on my collection of Mercedes Benz (while he lived in Clayton, NC)! I texted him a few days ago, but I did not get a response. I knew something was amiss! We had mutual respect as he worked at Wake Technical College while I was in administration at Edgecombe CC! He will live on forever in the lives of the hundreds of students he taught as well as those of us who considered him a good friend!