Condolences
My heartfelt sympathy to Greg’s family and Friends. I had the pleasure of working for Greg as his assistant, from 1997 until he retired in 2002. I always admired Greg for his kind, gentle and thoughtful way; his deep love for his family and his dedication to the Zoo world. I also marvelled at how gracefully he could get in and out of his prized Miata…how did he do it?! To Greg’s family, May you experience great comfort and peace today (and always) as we gather to share the many precious memories of a very special man. With a grateful heart, Alanna Loftus
Greg was such a great colleague and friend. We spent hours travelling and chatting and I loved listening to his stories and his wisdom. He loved his family and was so proud of Sarah and oh how he loved to tease us about his great escape to Mexico during the winters. I learned so much from him and will cherish those times.
On the eve of the Celebration of Life for Greg, Gary and I, The Marranos Team CoZumel and the many other riders who we shared that joy with are sending their deepest and heartfelt condolences.
One memory I would like to share, is the day we convinced Greg to give up his beauty sleep and come ride in a locally organized race. They were giving out age category prizes and we knew Greg was going to be a “ringer”. Greg reluctantly agreed to meet us at the ferry road at 6 M
And we would ride to the start.
We got to the start, they wrote our race numbers on our arms. At 6:30 the start gun went off and we headed out on our 60 km race. There were amateurs, there were IRONmAN, there were even a couple of Mexican pro racers. Greg took off like lightning. Man, he was going to podium for sure in his age group.
Gary and I crossed the finish line second last and last respectively. We waited and thought there is no way Greg would be behind us. We thought maybe he had a flat, maybe he found a buddy to ride with and coach or maybe he finished and just plain got tired of waiting for us.
We connected with Greg at dinner time. We shared all the dirty details of the race. I asked him where his prize was as I knew for sure he would have placed. Greg, in his quiet, yet confident way clearly stated, I was so far ahead, I didn’t see anyone for the last 20 km of the ride. We were like, really!!! He said he didn’t see anyone at the end giving out prizes.
Now, for the rest of the story…..Greg doesn’t ride with his hearing aids in, hence he never complained about my disco or country music. Apparently when Greg was flying by Rastas, which was one of the designated water stops, he felt so great he didn’t want to stop. However about 1 km ahead was the race marshal signaling that was the turnaround to head back to the start line. Greg didn’t hear, he was so dialled in on the ride he didn’t see and he rode the whole way back to Papa Hogs in 1st Place!
We still laugh about this day, and Greg winning!
We miss you, we love you, and every beach day includes a Tecate Light. See you further on down the road my friend.
We shared several early Christmas dinners with Greg and his sister Cindy and their Aunt Audrey in Toronto. Greg was a very interesting ,knowledgeable person and we really enjoyed our conversations with him about his travels. Deepest Sympathy to his family in Calgary.
Barry & Pat McMonagle
My deepest condolences to Greg’s family. I was his travel roommate on a Civilized Adventures travel tour to Belize. He and I shared a great adventure with Freddy the frog living under our sink at one location as well as snorkeling adventures in the Caribbean reefs. A warm, adventurous and animal preservation focussed man who shared his love of life with all who met him! He will be greatly missed.
Bruce Wilson, Calgary
I didn't know Greg well (just a couple of Thanksgiving dinners) but found him a very interesting conversationalist. Condolences to Sarah and family.
Christa Faehndrich
Our deepest thoughts go to Sarah and her mom Audrey, and all of Greg's family. Greg and Audrey were our guides to Ecuador in 1997 and we became dear friends after that. I got my dream job working at the zoo along with Greg later that same year and our families delighted in spending time together. Greg blessed Dario and me by agreeing to marry us in a very special outdoor ceremony, led by his gentle and kind spirt. We are so sorry he has left us too soon, but he left us, and everyone who had the good fortune to know him, with the grace and gentleness of his being. We thank the Creator for allowing us our time with Greg. Rest in peace dear friend. Dario and Alva Sodero
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