Gregory Lintner

Gregory Lintner, 48

Died: September 12, 2008
Greg helped me in the Glendale train crash. I was critically injured and couldn't move. Without regard to his own safety he dug me out of the debris and stayed with me until the paramedics arrived. He was a real hero. I am so shocked and saddened by this.
— Patti Hudson
In 2005 Lintner walked away with only scrapes and bruises from the Metrolink train crash in Glendale that killed 11 people. Patti Hudson, one of his fellow passengers in that crash, called the Army veteran her "hero" for staying by her side as they waited for help to arrive.
 Permalink  Delicious  Digg  Facebook  Twitter

52 memories of Gregory

God Bless you Gregory. Hope you have a beautiful place in heaven.

— Christine
September 14, 2008 at 8:25 a.m.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to your family in this time of great sorrow.

— Anonymous
September 14, 2008 at 8:31 a.m.

I didn't know Gregory, but want to send my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends at this difficult time.

— Patrice
September 14, 2008 at 8:38 a.m.

I did know Greg...he was a colleague and mostly a good man. I jst found out a few hours ago...God Bless his wife and his children....Greg...I know you're up in heaven right now with that big ol'e smile and great laugh looking down and watching after us all!

— Lisa C.
September 14, 2008 at 11:22 a.m.

I worked with Greg and knew him. I was at his house a long time ago, for his son's birthday party. Back in 2000, we competed for the same promotion. He got it. I was mad because my ego was bruised, but I was truly happy because a smart, technical, hard worker got the job, not some "friend of management". In fact, in my experience, it was fairly hard to be friends with Greg - that is what I liked about him. He did not run his life like some phony personality contest. He was a great father and loved his son very much. He will continue to love him from Heaven. His Dad died about the same time as mine. He also had a brother who died a long time ago, I think. He is home now with both. God Bless you Big Guy - I will miss you knowing you are there.

— Tom C.
September 14, 2008 at 1:49 p.m.

Greg helped me in the Glendale train crash. I was critically injured and couldn't move. Without regard to his own safety he dug me out of the debris and stayed with me until the paramedics arrived. He was a real hero. I am so shocked and saddened by this.

— Patti Hudson
September 14, 2008 at 2:41 p.m.

I worked with Greg and Tom C. Greg was always a true gentleman to me and also a good friend to both me and my husband, Roger. He had a very good sense of humor and was a delight to be around. We haven't worked together for some time now, but every time I was in the LA office I would make sure I stopped in to visit with my friend. Greg was a super father to his son and a devoted husband. God will bless Greg for all the good he did in this life. Be at peace Greg. We love you and will miss you.

— Jeanne Shelby
September 14, 2008 at 5:11 p.m.

May god be with you and your M. and your Son. We are very, very sad.... He is now an angel watching over you and your son. Please, if you need anything, we are here for you and your son, M.

— Gris and Juan
September 14, 2008 at 8:44 p.m.

Gregory Lintner was a great business colleague, exceptionally knowlegable. He was always ready to answer any and all questions his fellow workers had with intense precision. A survivor of the previous Metro train crash in 2005, the memories I have of him will never fade from my mind. Our office will never be the same again.

— Fellow employee
September 14, 2008 at 9:11 p.m.

Helen-to you, your family, and Gregs family, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I didn't know Greg as an adult but from what I've read above he sounds like he was a great guy. How could he not be with you and Charlie as parents.
Know that you will all meet again in Heaven, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

— Susan
September 15, 2008 at 5:44 a.m.

Greg and I came in as Revenue Officers together, along with Tom C and Jeannie and Roger S. He was a person that walked to the beat of his own drum and had true intelligence and wit. I am stunned to hear of his death and he will be remembered fondly. My heart goes out to his wife and son and they are very much in my thoughts and prayers as are the other victims.

— Kim B.
September 15, 2008 at 10:07 a.m.

I worked with Greg for the past few months; he was always very professional and always a gentleman. Even though I never met him, his personality shone through in our telephone conversations. I will miss him.

— fellow employee
September 15, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.

I worked in the same office with Greg since 2000. Even when he was promoted to a new position, but was still physically assigned to our office, he still would answer technical questions when he didn't have to. That's the kind of person Greg was, always willing to go the extra mile to help his fellow employees. In addition, I know he was a great dad because I heard him talk to his son on the phone with great love and respect which was an inspiration to me and others. My prayers go out to his wife and son. I will really miss Greg.

— fellow employee
September 15, 2008 at 12:22 p.m.

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIEND. GOD BLESS YOU ALL IN THIS TIME OF SORROW...

— ANA GARCIA
September 15, 2008 at 1:12 p.m.

Greg and I survived the 2005 Metrolink crash.

About an hour before he boarded the fateful train last Friday, I sent an e-mail on the upcoming NFL Sunday games. Shortly before I left for the 3PM Amtrak train, he e-mailed back. These my have been the last lines Greg sent....

Next year, Greg will be missing the annual memorial services for the victims of the Metrolink 2005 crash. We would attend those togetehr or make a special effort to send each other reminders.

Farewell Greg. You don't have to ride Metrolink trains anymore.

With deep sympathy, I wish his wife and son all the best in these very trying times.

— Ernest Zimmermann
September 15, 2008 at 3:27 p.m.

Greg was such a honest and sincere person, always willing to help anybody at work. I loved laughing with him and just sharing stories. This is a man that was so devoted to his wife and son. He loved baseball and was able to catch some games last month in St. Louis,MO with his son and was able to visit his Mom at the same time. All Greg said was he had a Great Time! That time with his son & Mom was so special to him. Greg, when God took you he took one of the good guys,you and your family will always be in my prayers. May the Grace of God lighten their heart ache.

— Alice B.
September 15, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.

Many years ago, Greg was in my training class at IRS. He was distant and difficult to know!until my first daughter was born. Surprisingly, he appeared at my house with a gift for her and some kind words and philosophies about parenting and such. His dry wit could be hilarious. He remained somewhat distant and aloof at work, but I would occasionally run into him in Simi Valley, where we both lived. He was always with his son when I would see him, and he was always a different person with his son. Eager to talk and joke, it was clear to see what mattered to him most. I'm very sorry for the pain and grief his family must be feeling.

— Tim S.
September 15, 2008 at 10 p.m.

My heartfelt condolences to Greg's family. I met Greg in 2002 when i moved to LA for work. He was always very caring & helpful. Our office had a conference in Atlanta & Greg helped me with the travel & made sure I didn't walk off alone. He also showed great concern for me since the transition to LA was sometimes difficult. He silently watched over the people in our office as a protector & big brother. I loved hearing his stories of the great times he spent with his son, going to baseball games & other sporting events. He always spoke so lovingly of his wife & son. Although it was difficult for some to understand his boldness & honesty, he is thought of with great respect & admiration. Greg, who always had a hearty laugh, who always brought me a copy of the NFL season schedule, who often sent emails to encourage me with work & remind me to remain a trooper through the many challenging times. I know you're up there in Heaven still watching over all of us. Rest In Peace to Big Brother Greg, who bravely continued to ride in the 1st car. I will miss you.

— cnn
September 15, 2008 at 10:38 p.m.

I knew Gregory Lintner very well, Gregory Lintner was my uncle, and every summer I would go over to his house as a baby and play with Andrew, now at the age of 18, I see that he has now passed away, I still look upon the past with him, when we would go out and play baseball in the backyard toward the school, and how we would sit in the mornings as I grew older and eat while we watched sports on T.V., and at times our aunt would yell at us for doing something wrong or loud, and he would tell her to lighten up, I love how he loves Andrew so much, always kissed him, and took care of him every time, I would miss when he would pick me up and carry me in the air and made me feel like I was high in the skies, now he's watching over all of us in the skies.. He's in paradise, but he was taken too soon, I just want to say thank you for taking care of me when I was younger, and being so kind. Rest In Peace. I love you, Uncle Greg, and I hope the best of wishes for Andrew and my Aunt, I love you very much also, and this is unbearable for me.

— David Kim
September 15, 2008 at 10:39 p.m.

I worked with Greg for several years, he was a very kind and knowlegeable person.

Greg came to TAS as A Revenue Officer Technical Advisor and was stationed in the LA Office. He soon earned a promotion to a National Office Analyst position. Although, he no longer worked for the LA office, we would not let him go. He still remained our unofficial (in-house) Technical Advisor. One could say, that he was doing two jobs and only getting paid for one, yet , he never complained. He was always willing to take the time to help with any problem and answer any question no matter how busy he was. I will truly miss his bright smile and witty comments.

To his son, be proud of your father, for you were blessed to have such a loving father. All of us at work knew that he was very proud of you and that you were his pride and joy.

Be assured that, by the grace of God, one day the pain and sorrow will be replaced with warm loving memories.

I pray that God will comfort you and your family.

— Rochelle W.
September 16, 2008 at 7:06 a.m.

Greg was my cousin. This should never had happened--to survive one crash and then to die in another one. The last time I saw Greg was in 2006 at his father's funeral. We all had talked about getting together for a trip to California but we never got around to doing it and now it can't. I know it will be hard for Michelle and Andrew for some time but hopefully family will help them through this very difficult time. Rest In Peace, Greg.

— Marsha Neuber
September 16, 2008 at 8:14 a.m.

I will miss my friend and co-worker Greg, dearly.Greg gave me many rides when I needed them for work, since we both lived in Simi Valley. He was always there to help me technically at work, even though as stated by others, he didn't have too. I enjoyed his love of baseball. He had a dry sense of humor which I loved & a wonderful heartfelt laugh I will miss so much. I was blessed to have know himas a friend. I valued his intelligence and advise at work. I know the LA Angels was his son & his team. His son Andrew was his pide & joy. Andrew, your Dad was a wonderful friend to me. Knowing him was like hitting a home run! My deepest sympathy to all Greg's family.

— Madeline A.
September 16, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.

I was one of the crew memeber of a ambulance that responded to the accident on that day. I just wanted to say. I'm sorry for your lose.

— Thomas EMS
September 16, 2008 at 9:36 a.m.

I never meet Greg but we spent a lot of time on the phone. He always helped when ever I called for help. To the family, God will heal all pain and wipe alway all tears. Rest in peace, Greg

— Co worker
September 16, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.

Since I had never met Greg, this was a wonderful tribute to his life and I can see he was a wonderful man, husband and father. I have known his brother, Ernie, most of his life and can certainly see some similarities. My thoughts and prayers to all the family.

— Doris Vincent
September 16, 2008 at 10:10 a.m.

OUR CONDOLENCE IS WITH THE FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU

— CONNIE FIELDS
September 16, 2008 at 2:35 p.m.

My thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
Michelle and Andrew, remember his gifts of joy, laughter,strength,and courage. God bless you.

— Beverly W.
September 16, 2008 at 3:43 p.m.

Greg and I worked together in Van Nuys. When I met him, he was a new guy on the block, who basically kept to himself. But you could tell that he was going to be an asset to the Service because he was smart, interested in learning his new job, and a very hard worker. On occasion, he and I went to the field together. I remember one time in particular, Greg, who was a big strong guy, was asked to accompany me, a short older woman, to the field to serve papers on an unhappy client. He gladly did, but when the client's dog ran out of the house barking, Greg left me there with the angry client and ran about 100 yards up the block. Although Greg was a big strong guy, he was afraid of barking dogs. We laughed all the way back to the office, and talked about the incident every time we ran into one another. I haven't seen Greg much in the past few years, but whenever I did run into him downtown, we were always glad to see one another and catch up a bit. I am very saddened by Greg's death, because he was just a good, good guy.

— Laura L.
September 16, 2008 at 5:04 p.m.

How can it be that a man later dies who spent his last minutes helping another? Surely he shall see the face of GOD.

— stewart
September 16, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.

Michelle , Our prayers are with you and your son . May GOD help you in this hard time .

— mary luz velasquez and lina reese
September 16, 2008 at 8 p.m.

I went to High School with Greg back in Beardstown, IL. I was a Freshman when he was a Senior. I'm not surprised that he was so well liked in California, because he was very well liked by his family and friends back in Beardstown. Greg - You will be missed by everyone back in Beardstown and especially the entire BHS Class of 1978.

— Tony Fritz
September 17, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.

Clearly a huge loss for the service. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

— employee
September 17, 2008 at 2:28 p.m.

I worked with Greg in the L.A. TAS office. I never met a more genuine (to all) person. Each day when he entered the office at about 6:30 a.m, I would be leaving for an a.m walk in the building. The routine was I would be exiting the door as he entered. He would speak with a smile and ask, are you going for your walk? I answered yes, and he'd say, be careful. This was repeated daily but I felt he was sincere. I will always remember those words as I walk. I pray that God will watch over your wife and child... Ditto to the R. Wallace's statement, dated 9/16/08. God Bless.

— Dorothy M
September 18, 2008 at 7:16 a.m.

Bless Greg family always my prayers go out to his family.

— L. Luna-IRS family
September 18, 2008 at 8:48 a.m.

I am deeply moved by the posts I have read about my dear friend, Greg Lintner. I would like to add my own thoughts:

Greg was the ultimate Pro. He never allowed preconceived notion or bias to enter his domain. He was unapologetic about his quest for Truth when assisting clients. He was relentless and worked with the precision of an attorney in his pursuit of justice and equal treatment of the taxpayer, no matter where the trail led. Most significant of all, family was everthing to Greg. He spoke fondly of his son and wife. When Greg and Bob Casaburi came up to Fresno on business, we became the three amigos and hung out together. These are times I will always treasure. My wife Barbara and I wish to pass long our profound sense of loss and prayers to family and friends.

— Anthony Arcure
September 18, 2008 at 10:05 a.m.

Most people say they never forget a face... They may forget a name, but not a face. I never had the opportunity, until now, until seeing a picture of him as a Metrolink victim, to put a face to the name: Greg Lintner. In my case, I never forgot his name...

As I read the list of victims I kept wondering why I knew the name Gregory Lintner and then I read his bio. He worked for the "dreaded" IRS. Of course! Greg Lintner saved my life 8 years ago. I struggled for ten years as an "innocent spouse victim" to remove IRS liens that had put a huge financial burden on my everyday life. I had many an agent not stop to listen, not stop to care, and not stop to remember that I was a human being. Around my eighth year of fruitless efforts I miraculously came across a taxpayer advocate named Mr.Lintner. He always listened, he genuinely cared about me and my future, he took the time to tell other agents that they may be wrong and to take another look...He didn't stop fighting for me and my rights as a taxpayer.

I remember when he called to tell me the liens were finally going to be removed and I told him I wished I could hug him through the phone. As I said before, we had never met so I had no idea what he even looked like, but in my mind, he was an angel sent from above. And as I look at his picture today, I know for certain that he was an angel in life just as he will be in death.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and son. The world has truly lost a good man.

If there is some type of memorial fund set up in his name I would love to know.

— Glori S.
September 18, 2008 at 12:19 p.m.

The entire Fresno Taxpayer Advocate office was stunned into silence and profound sadness. Greg has been to our office many times; he assisted all of us with our complex cases and technical issues. He was bright and professional and a great help to us in Fresno. We looked forward to his visits and chatting with him about baseball and his family. Whether in person or over the phone, he was the ultimate technical advisor. He will always be in our hearts and memories.

— A Fresno Taxpayer Advocate
September 18, 2008 at 6:41 p.m.

i know exactly how you feel, my father had passed in that accident, i will pray for him and the whole family. HUGS

— Mey Chao
September 19, 2008 at 9:35 a.m.

Dear Greg and family. I work for the IRS in Pennsylvania and was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. Who would of ever thought after rescuing one person from a train crash that that would be his fate. I am too deeply moved by everyone's thoughts and I would like express my condolences with his beloved family and may Greg rest in peace.

— Sandra Finney-Washington PA
September 19, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.

So Sorry for your loss, Greg was my co-worker and would always help me with difficult questions and always would give me a quick response and never complained. I will miss him.

May God Bless the family and comfort them in their time of need.

To his son and wife you now have a Guardian Angel in Heaven wathing over you.

— Liz S.
September 19, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.

I never got the chance to meet greg but for the last month we have been talking on the phone almost everyday and I feel like i have know him forever.Greg was helping me with some serious IRS issues that has been ongoing.Until I meet Greg I thought there was no hope for me and my business would close.But Greg was helping me to see the light again,he was very patient,understanding,and eager to help.I spoke with him on Friday September 12, 2008 about 3:00pm and he told me dont worry try to have a good weekend and he will take care of everything first thing Monday morning.Although Monday never came for him I know he was a GOD sent because he gave me hope again.To his family my prayers are with you.And remember that GOD only takes the best.

— Diane Bonaparte
September 19, 2008 at 8:43 p.m.

I worked with Greg for five years 2001-2006 in the Taxpayer Advocate office in Los Angeles. I remember some good time with him in the office and on work related trips we took together he was the one who sugguested going to comedy clubs. I remember talking about little leauge baseball with him something both are sons were plahing at the time. He will be greatly missed by all who worked with him. God bless his family during this hard time.

— Fred Crane
September 20, 2008 at 6:20 p.m.

Greg was in my class at Beardstown High School. I didn't know him well but I can see by those that did that not knowing him was my loss. My condolences to his family!

— Dianna
September 21, 2008 at 4:24 p.m.

What a shock to learn of the loss of a fellow Beardstown High School classmate. He was a kind hearted and quiet person with a sense of humor, as most people have mentioned, even after 30 years. My heart felt sympathy go out to his family in California and at home in Beardstown, Illinois. Always remember he is in no pain, at peace and you will see him again some day with faith in God above.

— Monica Yost Behnen
September 22, 2008 at 8:01 p.m.

I have not seen or spoke with Greg for years butI know in my heart and what I've read that he was the same good guy he was when we grew up and graduated together. I'm shocked. I know that heaven awaits him and he will be deeply missed by the countless hearts he has touched. My prayers are with all.

— Brian C.
September 23, 2008 at 3:09 p.m.

Michelle, I am really sorry for your loss. God bless you and your son. Patricia Becker.

— Patricia Becker
September 28, 2008 at 12:17 a.m.

My condolences to you and your family. Take care and God bless.

— Jojo Ludovico
September 30, 2008 at 10:10 p.m.

Mrs. Lintner,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was at the Chatsworth High School the night of the accident. Your love and devotion to your husband as you searched for his name on the list was made it heartbreaking when I saw the news of his death. My prayers are with you, it is clear he will be deeply missed.

— Maureen Reilly
October 3, 2008 at 8:26 p.m.

We didn't know Gregory but we want to send our prayers to your family at this most difficult time. We also lost our son in this tragic accident and know the sorrow so many are dealing with. May the wonderful memories of him help sustain you.

— Donna & Roy Aiken
October 4, 2008 at 1:59 p.m.

I never really thought too much about it until today during Arbor Day when they planted a cherry blossom tree in his honor. My thoughts immediately went to his wife, and his son, Andrew, whom I've known since preschool. I remember always seeing Andrew with his dad smiling whenever they were together. I knew Andrew had a really special bond with his dad, one that is rare and genuine. To know that he is gone leaving Andrew and his mother behind is a great shock for me. I pray that he's in heaven and that his family and friends that he left behind are all well.
We'll all see him on the other side.

— Daphne Trinh
March 28, 2009 at 9:29 p.m.

hi, Greg!

just wanted to say your brother Ernie misses you very much although you know, he's not very good with words...we've been talking about you and trying to make a sense out of this...but we really can't. Hopefully, we'll find some kind of closure soon...

Michelle and Andrew...miss you and hope to see you soon!

Love,

Ernie and Lucia

— Lucia
July 28, 2009 at 9:18 a.m.

The world changed a year ago. It became dimmer and quieter. Greg was a big man with a gentle soul. During periods of stress Greg would say Group Hug! and his wife would hug their son and Greg would envelop them both in his arms. I miss him and think of him often. Mike

— Mike
September 6, 2009 at 2:04 p.m.

Share a memory of Gregory.

  Required
  Optional
Email addresses are not republished or used for marketing purposes.
Keep in mind
  • The Times initially mispelled the name of Michael Hammersley and Beverly Mosley.
  • The coroner's office reported a 26th victim the afternoon of Sept. 15, but a few hours later said the tally was 25.

Chatsworth Metrolink Crash is the Los Angeles Times' database of fatalities from the Sept. 12, 2008, train collision.
Advertisement

Latest Numbers

25 dead

135 injured

About the Data Desk

This page was created by the Data Desk, a team of reporters and Web developers at The Times.