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
My cousin Greg was one of those people that, especially as a kid, you wanted to be next to at a family supper, or in a restaurant, or just doing anything spontaneous. He was fun and funny, and his form of fun usually led to a little bit of trouble for all those involved. As children, my sisters and I would fight over who got to sit next to him at dinner when he’d come to visit us in Picton. The way he’d show up was always a little bit off the beaten path, figuratively and literally. I remember once he came down our driveway holding a giant cardboard thumb that he used to hitchhike to our place. I think that visit involved a small police escort to our house. He wasn’t in any legal trouble, but I guess he got on the local police’s radar with that entrance to our little town. There was also another side to Greg that I saw only once, when he was defending me from a man who had just wiped me out on the ski hill. I was sprawled on the ground trying to untangle myself from my poles while this man yelled at me, blaming me for our accident. Next thing I know there is a huge spray of snow and a guy starts yelling at the man to back off, tells him that it was his own fault for the wipe-out as he was above me on the hill, that I WAS JUST A KID for god sakes! Greg had put his ski ticket up the tassel of his toque so it stuck straight up from his head like a pompom on a stick, which made him seem a bit silly, but there was nothing silly about the way he told that man off. Nor was it silly the way he drew attention and applause while he effortlessly did whirly bird jumps all over the ski hill with that pom pom sticking straight out of his head.
I will miss my cousin and hearing about what he’s up to. I am glad Greg was a part of my life, especially while growing up. He taught me to be light-hearted and to be an individual, but also to look out for myself and others. My heart goes out to his family. He will be sincerely missed, and it will always bring a smile to my face when we talk about him. Love Hope
All of us need to pay tribute and recognition to this incredible human who left us all too early. We will miss you, Greg, and you left us all too soon. You were one of the GREATs on this earth and we are lucky to have benefitted from your efforts and your awesome sense of fun – so many wonderful and impactful projects and memories!!! A twinkle in his eyes and a fast laugh, he was powerfully strategic and seemingly effortlessly effective.
Greg’s Linkedin profile says is all – and I have first hand seen it in all of his official and informal actions, be it at the Premier’s Technology council days with Don Mattrick et al, or at Innovate BC with Alan Winter et al or at the DIGITAL with Sue Paish, Bill Tam et al.
Huge supporter of all things technology, innovative, challenging, women and diversity. His ability to combine systems thinking with rallying support was unparalleled as was his humility and ability to inspire, guide, support others.
Here is his bio copied as is and his profile photo says what was most important to him – family:
“Greg Caws goal is to bridge society and technology so that everyone can benefit. He enjoys entrepreneurship – creating something new, bringing it to life and growing it. As a technophile, he is interested and well versed in many technologies.
Greg is an experienced leader who encourages his teams to shine. Educated in engineering and business administration, Greg has put his skills and enthusiasm to work building out big ideas to create long lasting organizations.
Greg is inspirational and can work with ease with all staff and executive leadership to accomplish corporate objectives in all aspects of business and technology development.”
Deep and sincere sympathies to you, Catherine, Jenny and Emmanuelle, and the rest of the family.
Dear Catherine, Emmanuelle and Jenny,
Our hearts are broken to hear of your loss. May time heal the pain but may it never dim the wonderful memories you will all forever hold dear to your hearts. All our love Jane & Meghan (Fejes)
Chères Catherine, Jenny et Emmanuelle. Je viens d’apprendre le décès prématuré de Greg et je suis encore sous le choc. Difficile d’imaginer que quelqu’un d’aussi vibrant puisse nous quitter si soudainement. Je me souviendrai toujours de sa gentillesse et de sa joie de vivre. Mes condoléances les plus sincères à toute la famille. Prenez bien soin de vous-mêmes.
Nos plus sincères condoléances pour la perte de Greg, compagnon de vie extraordinaire de Catherine et père dévoué de Jenny et Emmanuelle. Nous vous souhaitons à toutes les trois, ainsi qu’au reste de votre famille, beaucoup de courage en cette période de tristesse profonde.
Betty-Joan et Lionel Traverse
Catherine and Family, I’m so gutted to hear of Greg’s passing. I first met Greg back in the early eighties, windsurfing in Comox. We crossed paths a few times over the decades, but truly reconnected through sailing in the last few years. Greg was such a wonderful, energetic, positive person. I know he will be deeply missed. My condolences. Take care.
Chère Catherine,
Toutes mes condoléances à tes filles, à toi, à ta famille et à tes proches pour la perte si soudaine de ton conjoint. Je n’ai malheureusement pas eu l’occasion de rencontrer Greg, mais je me souviens de tes belles histoires et de tes anecdotes imagées à propos de vos aventures en famille dans la mer des Caraïbes, dans les eaux de l’Atlantique, du Pacifique et ailleurs dans le monde. Puissent ces beaux souvenirs demeurer intacts dans ton coeur et te réconforter durant les moments difficiles.
With my deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
So sad to hear this Marion. I got to know Greg a bit more through the military. He was a great guy. Take care of yourself.
Dear Greg,
Your passing leaves a void that words cannot fully express. Your kindness and supportive nature touched everyone who had the privilege of working with you. I’ll always remember how you made every interaction meaningful, always ready to lend an ear or offer guidance with genuine care and understanding.
Your boundless curiosity was truly inspiring – the way you approached challenges with enthusiasm and saw possibilities where others saw obstacles. You had that rare gift of taking ideas to new and exciting places, always encouraging others to think bigger and reach further.
Thank you for being not just a colleague, but a true mentor and friend. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you’ve influenced and the positive impact you’ve made. You showed us that leadership isn’t just about achieving goals, but about lifting others up along the way.
Rest in peace, Greg. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit of kindness, curiosity, and courage will continue to inspire us all.
With gratitude and fond memories
We first met Greg and Catherine about 30 years ago whilst walking the docks at Granville Island. We were looking at the sailboats with a view to buying one. Subsequently we became firm friends, sailing, windsurfing/kiting and skiing/snowboarding together. Greg was always up for doing stuff and everything he did was with great skill, passion and enjoyment. Greg was a very well rounded person from the sports he pursued and the businesses he started. He exuded excellence, humility and massive enthusiasm which was infectious.
We were gutted to hear of his passing and wish Catherine, Jenny and Emanuelle lots of strength at this sad time.
Rest in peace good buddy. Sean, Gesa, Tristan and Tania