Bob was a city boy whose idea of country living was spending every possible moment at his parents, Norman and Ivy’s cabin, on Falcon Lake. Growing up in the Wolseley area of Winnipeg, he would be found chumming with his brother Ken, his many friends and doing his best to annoy sister Donna.
It was Gary Rummery and wife-to-be, Lil, that introduced Dad to his future – Elaine Nicholls, who over the next 60+ years would change his life. Eventually she talked him into moving out of the city onto the acreage fondly referred to as Gregg’s Grove in Cooks Creek. By now their family had grown to include 4 kids; Bev, Mo, Debbie and Russ. Over time Gregg’s Grove was turned into a country paradise with ski trails, a baseball diamond, pond and animals.
Dad was a big supporter of the community. When we moved to the country in 1973, he quickly became an indispensable part of the Hazelridge Community Club. Before he knew it, he was fundraising for building additions, organizing the fair, doing volunteer roofing jobs, building garages for neighbours, doing income tax for half the countryside, and so much more.
Dad loved his family and besides doting on his girls, spent countless hours with Russ and sons-in-law Allan Doern, Richard Nault and Dani Pokornik. These guys became his best friends, and he loved having them around whether they were building a house with Stan Duplak – aka Father Time – fishing, golfing or just enjoying a beer. He also embraced his daughters-in-law Alexa (deceased) and Corene with open arms.
Dad loved so many people and was loved by so many; the families of Ken & Lynda, Donna & Russ, the Nicholls, Batters, & Grants clan, neighbors, clients and almost everyone he met.
From the beginning Dad said he wanted a baseball team of grandkids, and we did not disappoint. The roster includes: Jillian (Jeremie Lambert), Jennifer (Kyle Risto), Jodelle, Melanie (Matt Bedard), Wilem, Liam, Rylan, Ben, Teron, Katie, Calli, with “great” additions to the bullpen being Bram & Isla Risto.
Dad had a very strong work ethic and always taught us to love what you do. He started his career at James Richardson & Sons in the 60’s eventually becoming an investment advisor with Richardson Greenshields (ultimately RBC Dominion Securities). Even blizzards didn’t stop him from enjoying his daily commute to work.
He had an equally strong play ethic and while never competitive, he entertained many; on the golf course, the curling ice, or at the family cabin of 75 years. Dad’s claim to fame was jumping off the dock on one ski until well into the later years of his life. He loved to hike and was affectionately titled “father fartz a lot” on the trails where he’d encourage us to sing to pass the time. Dad loved to sing and was well known for leading sing-a-longs; around the bonfire, at family gatherings, at Dugald Estates, in the car… everywhere.
Mom and Dad were inaugural residents at Dugald Estates where they created yet another network of friends. In fact, his greatest wish is that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to the proposed assisted living residence – Dugald Place. Dad insists you get a tax receipt, so make cheques payable to RM of Springfield and mail to 1000-800 Jaffray Street, Dugald, R5P 0E9.
Many thanks to all involved in our health care system. Dad’s favorite sayings to ponder: There are no bad days when you’re at the lake…He’s not heavy, he’s my brother… What goes around comes around…
Celebration of Bob’s Life: Saturday, Nov 19, at 11 am Cooks Creek Community Center
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert John Gregg Thursday November 10th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba