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 miss Greg. When I think about him, one word comes to mind. Enthusiasm. It didn’t matter whether it was work, windsurfing, shrimp fishing, sailing or whatever. He had a real zest for life and people. You could also see that in the love he expressed for Catherine, Jenny and Emmanuelle. It was contagious and the best part of it was how he wanted to see others succeed as well, not just himself. It is frustrating and painful to lose someone like that. At the same time, it is a blessing to have had someone like that cross your life and something to be grateful for. I am. Peace.
Greg was a dear friend of our family and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. My husband Ivan met Greg on Sunset Beach in Vancouver in 1995, while their daughters, Nina and Jennifer, played in the sand. Right there on the beach, Greg hired Ivan at Cinax, a startup he founded with his friend and partner, Eric. Later, he invited me to join him at Burntsand, which became a stepping stone for my career. In 2002, Greg brought Ivan to Telus, where Ivan recently retired. He was our guardian angel. I will always remember Greg as a wonderful person and friend – kind, welcoming, smart, and genuine, with the warmest smile and a huge love for life and his family.
I shared the sad news of Greg’s passing with our mutual colleagues from Burntsand, and many have sent their condolences. Here are some of their messages:
“My thoughts of love and much strength go out to all family and friends.”
“Greg was such a smart, energetic and creative person – we were lucky to work with him during our time at Burntsand. My thoughts go out to his family – rest in peace, Greg.”
“I am very sorry to hear about Greg’s passing suddenly, he helped many in his career!”
“Very sad news, indeed. But Greg lived a full life doing things he really liked to do and being with people he loved. I regarded him as a mentor during the Burntsand days and learned a lot from him!”
“What a sad news indeed. I remember my first job in Canada as a new immigrant about 25 years ago, and Greg acting as a mentor to guide me through the idiosyncrasies of Canadian Internet business, and how we had some sailing adventures with his boat from Semiahmoo. Later I ran into Greg many times during our tenure at Telus.
Heartfelt condolences to Greg’s family. Such a colourful person; he will be missed and remembered.”
“I remember him as an inspiration, a genuinely good person, talented, kind and helpful.”
“I will always remember Greg as an adventurous soul and kind person. My condolences to all.”
“I am so saddened to hear about Greg’s sudden passing. He was thoughtful, kind, a natural leader and always fun to be around. His life adventures were both inspirational and admirable. I don’t think my career and life path would be where it is had Greg not reached out to me to be part of his next team after Burntsand. There is some solace in knowing that he lived a full life doing what he loved and was clearly loved by so many. Please send my condolences and prayers to his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Greg.”
“Very sad to hear the news. Mt condolences to his family and friends. I fondly remember Greg taking us on his boat (my first time on a sailboat). His joy and enthusiasm were infectious.”
“I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I recall how he embraced everyone and everything with such an infectious positive energy. Passing on my condolences to all his family and friends.”
Godspeed, Greg, our dear friend. Rest among the stars.
We were devastated to learn of Greg’s untimely passing and continue to feel the profound loss of such a wonderful person in all the forms he took in his personal and professional lives.
He pursued life with an unmatched passion in every way imaginable.
As the very lucky neighbours of Greg and Catherine’s, we got to witness firsthand on a daily basis Greg’s zest for life; his love of Catherine and his children, his commitment to innovation and the potential for technology to serve, his numerous activities that always involved his cherished and foundational connection with nature.
Greg was the most engaged person we’ve ever known and he was always eager to connect with others in an exchange of ideas and experiences.
Courage, honour, curiosity, compassion, boundless energy, conviction, love and kindness. And that only touches on the qualities Greg possessed and shared with all of us.
Greg generously shared the adventures and travels with his adored wife and family with all of us so we too could be with this wonderful community of explorers.
Greg was defined by his thoughtful and reflective intelligence. To spend time with him was to learn, become informed, and to feel more curious. He was also very quick to laugh and express pure joy at all of our good fortunes.
Greg not only provided a blueprint, he gave us detailed instructions on how to live a meaningful and fully present life.
His passing is an immeasurable loss for Catherine, Jenny (Ian), Emmanuelle (Ethan), his father, his sisters and their family members.
We share in your loss and grief.
With love
The Fraser-Browns
Lucie and I were so saddened and surprised to hear of Greg’s sudden passing. We were privileged to know Greg and Catherine through boating. What an amazing man – friendly and warm, well informed, and very knowledgeable. Greg was always ready to offer his assistance when we struggled with problems of boat maintenance. And in our social interactions he was invariably fun and interesting. He will be missed. A lot. Our hearts are with you Catherine, and your family, during this difficult time.
Although I had heard of Greg over 20 years ago when he was an entrepreneur in the tech sector and an expert on Y2K issues, I got to know Greg as a colleague and friend through his roles as Chair of VIATEC, CEO of Innovate BC, and president of the Premier’s Technology Council.
When Carolyn and I decided to move from Vancouver in 2015, Greg and Catherine welcomed us to Victoria, and we met their accomplished daughters, Jenny and Emmanuelle. Our common interests in science, technology, sailing and just having fun led to a profound friendship and I feel blessed to have known Greg. His positivity and enthusiasm were just contagious. His technical expertise was legendary. We owned two powerboats together, Blue Heron and then Celtic Wave, and we committed to each other to get out on the water each week, often ending up on one of the Gulf Islands for a hike and lunch, even during Covid. We raced together with friends on Winsome, and collaborated on community projects such as the Digital Supercluster, where Greg was the Vice-Chair.
Greg was always so proud of his family, and our hearts go out especially to you, Catherine, Jenny and Emmanuelle – and to the extended family, and his circle of friends. We all miss you, Greg – you were taken too soon, but your legacy of warmth, kindness, enthusiasm, fun, and friendship lives on.
A beautiful spirit taken too soon.
Heart felt condolences to Greg’s family and friends.
Our friendship traces back to our days at Royal Military College in 1980, where Greg and I discovered a shared passion that would define decades of our lives together. Water sports became our common ground, with windsurfing as our initial love then sailing. Over the years, our adventures evolved. Greg, along with our mutual friend Harry Weiler (who has since passed away), introduced me to the exhilarating world of kitesurfing during an unforgettable trip to the Bahamas aboard his sailboat “Alisee”. Just last year, I had the pleasure of returning the favour by initiating Greg to wing foiling, continuing our tradition of shared experiences.
My life’s trajectory was profoundly shaped by Greg’s remote but influential friendship. Thirty-six years ago, while I was working in Saudi Arabia, Greg sent a letter that would change everything. He suggested I meet his sister Michelle, who in turn introduced me to Crystal, the woman who would become my wife. Years later, as we contemplated returning to Canada from Asia, we were initially set on Vancouver. However, Greg and his wife Catherine once again played a pivotal role in our lives, gently persuading Crystal to purchase a condo right next to their home in Victoria. Their gentle guidance led us to this beautiful city we now call home.
Greg was more than just a friend – he was a companion in life’s greatest adventures. A master baker with an infectious enthusiasm, he generously shared his baking tips and traveled alongside me, making every journey memorable. His selflessness and companionship were gifts that enriched my life in countless ways.
Though we will miss him deeply, Crystal and I take solace in the wonderful family he leaves behind – a legacy of love, adventure, and connection that will continue to provide mutual support.
Greg was the most energetic person I have ever known. His zest for life was unmatched. We spent 4 years together in the Stone Frigate developing deep, life-long memories and bonds. Life had sent us in different directions but Greg was always there for a quick call or email. I especially appreciate this support during our friend Tim’s illness. You are missed.
Catherine, Jennifer, Emmannuelle, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful loved one. It is hard to believe such a vital, energetic and warm person has gone so soon. The memories he has left us with will be cherished and I was truly fortunate to have known him for over 40 years.
Greg arrived at CFB Comox the same day I did, and the sailboard sticking up out of his truck let me know we had stuff in common, leading to our sharing an apartment in town. Greg’s enthusiasm and force of will resulted in his creating and leading the first military windsurfing club, providing endless joy to many. His skiing prowess was evident when he anchored the military team in the Comox snow to surf race, which we won.
Years later, his adventurous spirit helped propel the 2 of us on an epic backcountry ski trip on the Neve Traverse behind Mt Garibaldi. Greg’s energy and generosity was also shown when he spent a weekend with me reroofing my house.
Greg, we all miss you, and thank you for enriching our lives.
Patti Miles
I worked with Greg for a couple of years at the end of the 1990s. He was a one of kind, great guy who made us laugh and regaled us with stories of his treasured family.
He was brilliant in his work, one of the most fun and funniest people I have ever worked with.
It was with great sadness that I learned of Greg’s passing. My deepest condolences to his wife Catherine, his daughters and his entire family.
Rest in peace Greg.