Gregory Matthew Dolphin

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Dolphin, Gregory Matthew Was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 18, 1954, to William and Dorothy Dolphin, he left us on Thursday, February 15, 2024, his mother's birthday. On that day he succumbed to the Frontotemporal Dementia (FDT) that he was diagnosed with in June of 2016. Greg's father died when he was 6 years old. He was raised by his mother, Dorothy who taught him to cook and prepare the family meals from the age of 10. He was an excellent student, active in choir and theater with a love for the German language in his formative school years. He graduated in 1972 from Armstrong High School and the University of St. Thomas in 1976. His professional career started while he was still at St Thomas as he was also running the sales desk for Dolphin Staffing, a company he ran from 1977 to 1984. In 1984 he became a Burger King (BK) Franchisee establishing Dolphin Fast Food, Inc (DFF) which grew to 21 BK stores in Minnesota by 2016. During that time DFF also acquired the territorial rights to do stores in the Frankfurt Germany area. Being fluent in the German language, he made frequent trips to Germany to develop the territory. In 2016 he sold the 21 Dolphin Fast Food locations in Minnesota. After the sale he was semi-retired and in a consulting role. All during his life he was active in various singing groups. He joined the North Star Chorus and was a member of a number of barbershop quartets. His most successful group "Excalibur" made many records and tapes that were distributed at barbershop events. His highlight, was the multiple times Excalibur competed in the National Barbershop Quartet Championships. In 2001 he married Joan Lynden and they welcomed daughter Dora in 2003. From Dora's earliest years he was passionate about helping to develop Dora into a professional dancer, singer, and actress. He devoted countless hours with the goal of helping her achieve her dream. He traveled all over the country to various competitions with Dora. He was most proud of her accomplishments and would tell everyone about her successes. In June of 2016, right after selling DFF, when he was at the top of life, he was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia (FTD). The diagnosis and the effects of FTD had overwhelming impacts on and drastically changed Greg's life adversely over his last 8 years. FTD as it is called is a disease that manifests itself first in the executive decision making skills which affect a person's judgement and initiative. It causes a decline in socially appropriate behavior and over time the person eventually losses control over all bodily functions including speech, balance and mobility. A special thank you to Louise Bas, the lead caregiver/household manager since 2017 for Greg. Also a thank you to Bob McNamara, who was there throughout and at his end of life. Others that were there at different times in the care were: Bill McLee, Susan Duhamel, Samantha Robinson, Kristin Ferguson, Tamika Walker, Charmel Stewart, Suhur Guled and Lori Malvey. Finally our Hospice Nurse Zippy Ngugi was wonderful to assist with Greg, end of life. There should be a special place in heaven for people who can do this kind of work and do it as well as these people did. Greg, was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy Dolphin and he is survived by his brother Thomas (Ellen) and his sister Kathleen (Michael), his daughter Dora, nephews Tom Jr (Kat) and Jon (Ashley) Dolphin their children and nieces Sophie and Audrey Jonsson. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, 2700 Horizon Drive Suite 120 King of Prussia, PA 19406 or the Basilica of St Mary's Landmark Fund. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday February 23, 2024 at the Basilica of Saint Mary's, 88 N 17th St Minneapolis, MN 55403. Reviewal at 10am with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on February 25, 2024