Obituary of George James Greer

The family of George James Greer, age 89 years old, are saddened to announce his passing on November 17^th, 2025 at Thomas Hall with his wife, Gayle and daughter, Karen at his side.

George is survived by his spouse of 64 years, Gayle (Robb) Greer; children, Karen (Marc) Voisine, Sue Greer, David (Maria) Greer; grandchildren, Rachelle (James), Alex (Alice), Stavros and Christos; sister, Blanche Thompson; sisters-in-law, Heather Petura, Gwen Hoare, Fern Currie; brother-in-law, Stephen (Debbie) Robb; as well as many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Henrietta Greer and brother, Herb Greer.

Our dad was born and raised in Saint John, NB. He liked to tell us how, as an air cadet in his youth, he learned how to fly (and crash!) a plane before he learned how to drive a car. A fascination with the underground world led him to study mining engineering at the University of New Brunswick and the Technical University of Nova Scotia. Following graduation, his career choice would first take him to the small, northern mining community of Lynn Lake, Manitoba, where he met our mom, a new teacher.

After they married, they moved to the Yukon Territory where Karen and Sue were born, then to Bathurst, NB, where David joined his sisters. The family returned briefly to Lynn Lake, before finally settling in beautiful Fredericton after dad accepted a position with the Department of Natural Resources, where he remained employed until his retirement. Our parents, while not lifelong residents of the city have lived here with great contentment for over 50 years. 

Dad enjoyed curling, golfing, spending time in nature and bird watching with our mom. His colleagues joked that he would retire to become a protected osprey nesting site! Dad designed and built cottages at Lake George and Oromocto Lake with help from family and friends. He spent countless hours there, creating a relaxing summer retreat for us. Dad’s carpentry hobby resulted in carefully crafted chests and cabinets his family will treasure forever. Dad volunteered with a number of organizations and was especially fond of tutoring elementary school children with their reading. He was active for many years on the vestry of Christ Church Parish Church.

Dad was an eternal optimist who never complained even after dealing with a series of health challenges. Thanks to EMP and a strong network of community supports; Dad was able to remain at home as long as possible. He spent a long, daunting year on 4E at the DECRH while waiting for a nursing home placement but Dad made the best of it! He loved hearing about his health care providers’ life stories.  For his family, this last year has been an unexpected but welcome opportunity to spend more time with our dad and discover new things about him, such as his extensive knowledge of geography and history.  Most recently we were able to share his excitement as he cheered on the Blue Jays from the comfort of his new home at Thomas Hall.  We are grateful beyond words for the care dad has received from dedicated and compassionate health care professionals in the community, at the hospital and at Thomas Hall – Thank you for your thoughtful and gentle care of our dad in his last days.

We are thankful as well to dear friends who kept dad’s spirits up with phone calls, visits, and keeping up with traditional monthly outings to Harvey’s for lunch with buddies. 

Finally, we are so very grateful for our sister, Karen who retired from nursing to become a full-time nurse to our parents.  In addition to being there daily for dad, she tirelessly navigated the complexities of  senior health care, advocated endlessly for his well being and carried out hundreds of little gestures to make him as comfortable as possible. 

Dad loved animals of all kinds.  We like to think he is now reunited with his beloved cats in a cozy chair, as they snuggle and purr on his lap.  Donations to CARMA Cat Rescue Maritimes, Fredericton Chapter or an animal rescue/sanctuary of your choice would be much appreciated.   

In accordance with our dad’s wishes there will be no funeral or visitation.  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Please enjoy the beauty of the approaching holiday season and time with your loved ones.