It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Greg Greenough, who passed away at the age of 91 years on February 27 in the comfort of his home surrounded by loved ones.
He is predeceased by his loving wife, Audrey (1930-2002). He leaves behind sister, Beth (Jim); children: Jim (Dianne), John (Debbie), and Gail; grandchildren: Chris (Alisha), Geoff, Amanda (Adrian), Adam (Laura), and Erin; as well as great-grandchildren, Felix, Lucy, Charlie, Kaia, and Jasper.
Greg grew up in Regina and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. He was passionate about hockey and played for the U of S Huskies and the Regina Pats, forgoing a professional hockey career with the Montreal Canadiens for a career in business. Greg moved to Edmonton and joined Winspear Hamilton, the last student to article under Francis Winspear to become a chartered accountant, ultimately being honoured with the FCA designation for his contributions to his profession. He joined Sandy Mactaggart & Jean de LaBruyère in 1958 as they created Maclab Enterprises, becoming the President and CEO for over 35 years and then Chairman in 1997. Jean famously introduced him one day: “Sandy is the ‘Mac’, I am the ‘Lab’ and Greg is the ‘Enterprises’.” “The Three Musketeers” were instrumental in building a legacy of real estate properties in western Canada and the United States.
Greg possessed a sharp financial mind, was a brilliant negotiator, an inspired developer, and a leader whom those around him aspired to. Greg was a great builder of Edmonton and of Canada. Greg’s contributions to his community were far reaching. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Edmonton for 10 years where he forged many of his lifelong friendships. He was President of the Club and a member of the national executive. As well, he chaired the committee that initiated, financed, and developed the Kinsmen Fieldhouse, the first of its kind in Canada. He chaired the Venues committee of the Commonwealth Games in 1978. He was the Treasurer and Director of the Edmonton Eskimos Football Club; Treasurer and Director of the Canadian Olympic Association; member of the Vancouver Olympics 2010 Bid Committee; Treasurer, Director, and Governor of the Citadel Theatre; and chaired the Downtown Business Association for many years. Greg’s gift for leading good governance through democratic process and goodwill found its way to the equestrian world where he made special contributions. He was President of the Alberta Equestrian Association, President of the Canadian Equestrian Federation, and was a member of the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) and on its Finance Committee. In 2019, Greg was inducted to the Jump Canada Hall of Fame.
Greg’s desire to improve everything he touched did not go unnoticed, being inducted to both the Edmonton and Alberta Sports Halls of Fame.
Beyond Greg’s accomplishments, he is remembered as a man of honour and commitment, whose word was his bond; a person who was empathetic and tolerant, treating everyone as equals; ethical, loyal and the very definition of integrity and honesty. Greg’s philanthropic contributions are too numerous to mention; he believed that gifts of his time, expertise, and financial resources was an honour, a privilege, and a requirement for the creation of a healthy community.
Greg loved his family and supported his children and grandchildren in their endeavours. He will be greatly missed by all who he touched. The family would like to thank Exquisicare Home Care and his caregivers, Idah, Sharon, Sheba, Almaz and Elsin. As well, special thanks is given to the physicians and health care workers at the Cross Cancer Institute, the University of Alberta Hospital, and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. We are so grateful for the care provided.
A quiet family service will be held at Rio Terrace Community Church where the family have been members since 1967, with a celebration of life taking place later this spring.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the University Hospital Foundation.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Gregory Greenough 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta