Holden police chief’s memory honored in celebration

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - One week ago, the community unexpectedly lost Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley.

Friday, hundreds came out to honor his memory in a celebration of life.

The procession began in Brewer to the Anah Shrine in Bangor.

One of the themes of the service was just how many ways Greeley impacted others.

Greeley’s wife, Donna, called him a jack-of-all-trades, and a master of one: kindness.

It became the signature mission of his community policing in Holden.

Greeley was also remembered for his talent as a musician, service as a state representative, love of sweets, and unmistakable laughter.

”I miss the sound of Chris’s infectious laugh, his hushed little giggle that he had,” said Donna Gormley-Greeley, Greeley’s wife. “And you guys who know him well, know that giggle. It was really silly. I miss the music that flowed from his fingertips. I miss how he would wrap me in his arms, kiss me on the forehead, and just pause without speaking a word. Chris was really good at reinventing himself without losing himself.”

Greeley’s brother-in-law, Keith Tasker, offered this summary:

“I mean, who has a professional and public resume that reads something like: musician, comedian, salesman, skydiver, black belt karate guy, boxer, weather reporter, national public speaker and trainer, book author, audio training CD creator, deputy, patrol officer, state legislator, coach, radio show host, Chief of Police, community service leader, community policing advocate, husband, father, stepfather, brother, uncle, and fiercely loyal friend?

“I thank you, Donna and Ali, and Sam and Cole for being Chris’s center of love, his grounding and his purpose for all of these years.”

“When I first started at Holden P.D., I noticed the many thank you letters Chris had received over the years,” said Sgt. Andrew Whitehouse, Holden Police Department. “It was also hard not to notice the steady stream of people and phone calls to the police department just to talk to the chief. Chris knew and cared greatly for the citizens of Holden.”

“If you really want to know what someone is all about, you look at their words and their deeds, the fruit that they produce in their lives,” pastor Steve Smith said. “I’ve never known anybody that produced better fruit than Chris. I invite you to think about those seeds - that fruit, that kindness, that grace, that generosity that he produced, that you experienced - in your own life.”

He leaves behind his wife Donna, son Cole, and stepdaughters Ali and Sam.

Greeley was 60 years old.

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