Greg passed away at home on November 27, 2024 in Victoria, BC.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Catherine; his daughters Jenny and Emmanuelle; his son-in-laws, Ian and Ethan. His father Peter, sisters Marion, Michele and Nicolle, mother-in-law, Yvette, extended family from France, Nicole, Bruno, Caroline, all his nieces and nephews and so many friends will miss him equally.
Born on September 9, 1959, at the RAF hospital in Upjever, Germany, Greg grew up in a military family, living and traveling throughout Europe and Canada. Unsurprisingly, he was an adventurous child who loved exploring and goofing around with his sisters. From a young age, he had a love of water, fishing and canoeing; even rescuing ducklings on the Rideau River.
At 18, Greg joined the armed forces and pursued engineering at the Royal Military College (RMC), where he formed many lifelong friendships. After an enjoyable few years posted at CFB Comox, windsurfing and teaching skiing, he was moved to Winnipeg in 1987. There, he met his wife Catherine at the Winnipeg Ski Club. They travelled the world together, backpacking through South-East Asia, where they got engaged in the Himalayas. They married shortly afterwards in France on a beautiful sunny day, surrounded by friends and family.
Greg and Catherine then moved to Vancouver where they had two daughters. One of Greg’s most cherished experiences with his family was sailing for a year in the Caribbean on their beloved boat, Alisee III. In 2002, they left the big city and moved to Victoria to spend more time sailing, hiking, skiing and exploring Vancouver Island.
Greg was a passionate, generous and kind individual. His generosity was unparalleled and he wouldn’t hesitate to give his advice, always lending a hand or ear to anyone who needed it. He was someone who could make friends with anyone and cared about everyone. He excelled at everything he put his mind to, whether it be wind and water sports, running, sailing, gaming or technology, to name a few. He loved to share these passions with his friends, family and especially his daughters.
Greg lived life fully, embracing every moment without regret. His adventurous spirit, kindness and love will live on in the hearts of everyone whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 2:00 pm (PST) in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Funeral Home, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. For those unable to attend in person, the link is below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87051803192?pwd=HiPeGbanQB908P3rz98BGtk2kvMouW.1
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cardiac Care, Victoria Hospitals Foundation https://www.victoriahf.ca/cardiac-care/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
48 Responses
I am deeply saddened to hear of Greg’s sudden passing. I had the privilege of knowing him from our time at Burntsand. His joyful personality, infectious laughter, and unwavering positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
Immense tristesse et profonde désolation en apprenant la disparition si soudaine et prématurée de Greg, ce gentleman voyageur qui n’attirait que des sourires autour de lui ! Toutes mes condoléances pour toi chère Catherine, tes filles et tes proches. Avec vous de tout cœur et pour toujours…
My dear Catherine, Jenny and Emmanuelle, I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family and sending my love at this time of sorrow.
I only knew Greg for about a year, but his love for life and people really stuck with me. I’ll always remember his warmth, his bright eyes, and his amazing smile. He was such an inspiring person, and I’m so grateful to have known him. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends.
There are literally no words. Death is sad enough when anticipated, but so much worse when unexpected. Greg, you will be greatly missed by all of us that were lucky enough to know and love you.
Catherine and family: My heart aches for you. How can this be, life doesn’t seem fair sometimes. Greg was such an outstanding person that everyone that knew him smiles wide when thinking of him. Rest in peace my dear Greg, you will be missed and remembered.
Dearest Greg,
Your spirit and love for your family was as boundless as the open sea.
Your love for sailing was a reflection of the adventurous brave soul that you were.
Your courage to navigate the unknown, your enthusiasm for every voyage, and your joy in the journey itself were truly inspiring.
Those of us who had the privilege to work with you, will always remember your kind and supportive nature, your boundless curiosity, and your courage to take ideas to new and exciting places.
Though you have set sail on a journey beyond this world, your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew you. May you find peace and calm seas on your eternal voyage. You will be deeply missed.
My deepest condolences to Catherine, Emmanuelle and Jenny, and other family members
Fair winds and following seas!
Catherine and family, I am in a state of shock to hear of this tragic news. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling and offer my most sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Greg. It’s heartbreaking. It’s hard to imagine that Greg and I had just reconnected last summer while wing foiling, cycling, hiking and camping at China Creek. Life is too short. I was blessed to have known him since our windsurfing days at RMC and early years in the RCAF. He was a kindred and wise soul. His beaming smile and open spirit will always be remembered. We have an expression in the windsurfing community: “Shred till you’re dead!” Greg lived up to this motto as he maximized life right until the end. No matter the circle that one shared with Greg, his joyous passion for life has made an indelible impression on all of us. May the wind keep blowing hard in your sails my friend. Shred’em brah.
Greg, my dear Greg…..you left us like the unpredictable and warm wind that you cherished so much. You shall remain though….this cruel emptiness I feel will pass as your kind intelligence, love, and adventurous humour come visit as joyful breezes and playful waves.
I am so glad we met on our travels. Godspeed. As always, love, your friend.
Our deepest condolences to Catherine, Jenny and Emmanuelle, as well as to Greg’s other family members and friends. May the precious memories you shared bring you comfort and may they last forever. Nos pensées sont avec vous.