APPLETON — Gregory Graham Ellis died May 18, 2017, at the Sussman House in Rockport. He was 64 and suffered from pulmonary fibrosis.

Known simply as “Ellis” by friends, he was born June 8, 1952, to George and Mary Ellis in Rockland. Greg spent his childhood with family in Rockland, leaving Maine to attend college in New Mexico. Arriving next in California, Ellis settled in the North Bay area of California, putting down lasting roots in and around the San Geronimo Valley. There he met his future wife, Margit, and over time the couple moved in 2005 to make the coast of Maine their home.

The lifelong self-taught musician and songwriter used his skills to help children affected by behavioral and learning disorders. Ellis performed this work on both coasts, in the San Rafael (California) Brown School for Special Education, and later in the Rockland (Maine) middle school, now known as RSU 13. His passion for music and his down-to-earth way of speaking was a gift he shared, connecting with kids who found it difficult to thrive in conventional classroom settings.

He is survived by Margit Ellis, his wife of 15 years with whom he shared a home in Appleton. He leaves his siblings, Brett Ellis of Martha's Vineyard, Mass., Kathleen Norton of Camden, Chuck Ellis and his wife, Gaby, of South Thomaston, Maureen Ellis Tinson and her husband, Ted, of Alamo, Calif., and Ann O'Hara and her husband, Bob, of Owls Head. He is fondly remembered by nine nieces and nephews, plus a namesake grand-niece. And Buddy, his Australian cattle dog.

Greg also leaves extended musical families in Woodacre, Calif., and Rockland. All will miss his boundless energy, his raucous sense of humor, his favorite song lines and the reliable back-beat he laid down for each gathering.

Margit Ellis said of Greg, "My husband was a storyteller, a man who loved to talk. His distinctive voice and charisma naturally captured an audience. He was a gentle, inquisitive, and peaceful man who loved music, the ocean and the great outdoor natural world."

From a favorite poet of Greg's:
" I see my light come shinin' from the west unto the east
Any day now, any day now, I shall be released..."

Donations may be made in Gregory's name to: thegiftofmusic.org.

Services have been entrusted to Direct Cremation of Maine and are private.