Obituary of Alan John Greer

With the provision of MAID (Medical Assistance In Dying), Alan Greer passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 11, 2024, surrounded by his five children (and their partners): Pamela (Phil Mosher), Charles (Nathalie Fortin), Peter (Jennifer Klassen), Alison (Terry Higgins), and Thomas; and his two eldest grandchildren, Andrea and Sarah (Enrico Vallis). It was a bittersweet experience, but exactly how he wanted to leave. His final meal was a feed of oysters on the half shell, fine scotch and lots of laughs - some of his favourite things. Since his cancer diagnosis early in August, Dad was blessed with visits from many family members and friends, and he also received many calls and emails from others. He was grateful and humbled by all of your messages. We thank you all so much!

 

Alan was born to William Thomas Greer and Ruby Clarabell (Sparling) Greer on August 2, 1927. He attended Stanstead College and later joined his father, working with the United Customs Brokers in Rock Island, Quebec, from 1947-1968. Alan married Gwendolyn Muriel Berry in 1951. In addition to raising a family of five children, Alan was also a reserve member of the 27th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery (Coaticook), where he rose to the rank of Major, commanding the 72nd Field Battery, RCA, 1965-1968. He was also the Commanding Officer of the Stanstead College Cadet Corp.

 

Alan moved to Montreal in 1968, working for the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation until 1974. He also completed all the requirements for his Certified General Accountant certification on September 1, 1974. After his time with Churchill Falls, Alan worked for Brinco Ltd., Francis Hankin, and Stadler-Hurter (1974-1979) and finally for Atco Ltd. from 1979 until retiring from corporate life in 1987. He was subsequently self-employed, keeping himself very busy until 2012 when he finally decided to end his accounting activities.

Divorced since 1968, Alan married Merle Gweneth Anthony – mother of Jo-Ann (Brien Whalen) and Sandra (Rupert Ross [deceased]) – on June 30, 1978. They shared a wonderful life together. Merle was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, and required more care than Alan could provide, so she moved into the longer-term care facility at the Foyer Dorval in 2004, and subsequently into the Bayview, where she received a more intensive level of support until her passing in 2009. Alan then became a volunteer worker at the Bayview until 2020, when COVID effectively shut down the volunteer programme. Alan moved to Kitchener, Ontario, to live with Alison and Terry in 2020, then moved with them to Maugerville (near Fredericton), NB, in 2022.

 

Alan is survived by his five children, two stepdaughters, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving sibling in his immediate family, pre-deceased by Ron, Adele, and Dorothy.

 

Alan’s remains will be interred along with those of his loving wife Merle, in the Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal.

 

A tribute to Alan’s life is under construction at: https://www.alan-greer-was-here.com/

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.