Gregory Paul Canales, a longtime City of Big Spring employee whose work helped bring community celebrations to life and keep local parks welcoming for families, died November 9.

He was 45. Known to friends and family as Greg, Canales helped organize and oversee the annual City of Lights Festival and maintained city parks and grounds.

His work touched gathering places throughout Big Spring, including the Roy Anderson Sports Complex, where he could often be found checking on the soccer fields and watching children play.