GREG LOWE

Condolences & Memories (28 entries)

• I just heard of Greg’s passing on the radio today, listening his music on JazzFm91 here in Toronto. The host referred to him as the “late” Greg Lowe. I was stunned. No longer living in Winnipeg, I had no idea that he passed, almost 7 years ago now. What a loss. I know the Winnipeg Jazz scene must have felt his passing quite acutely. I used to watch him perform regularly with Walle Larsson, and then went on to study with him at Professional Musician’s College & then privately in the early 90s. He was a wonderful teacher & mentor, with a wry sense of humour and broad range of knowledge. I’m lucky to have had him as part of my musical education. Condolences to Josephine and his friends and family. - Posted by: Chris J Bailey (Student ) on: Mar 13, 2024

• I was going through some old records and pulled out a pristine copy of Manitou Music that I picked up long ago. It reminded me of a time when I loaned his band my Hammond B3 for a gig out here in KENORA. He was a beautiful player with a great ear and his playing on this record with Wayne Kelso and Lippy Lindstrom is a gem. What a talent. Long overdue posting but never too late to listen. - Posted by: Sean Moore (Friend from long ago) on: Aug 29, 2020

• I was just watching an old video of Lou Reed when he appeared on Letterman. I was struck how much he reminded me of Greg. I also remember Greg telling me how generous Paul Schaffer was when Greg showed up in NY City and called Paul -(Greg told me this story) Paul had him over and they jammed and talked for hours. Last time I saw Greg he happened to be walking his best friend (Read DOG) up Craig street and I got to introduce my son Hugh to him. I really liked Greg so much. Obviously I wasn't close like many of you you were, but we had many nights together sitting on the porch back when I lived on Gertrude with his friend Frank.(sometimes at the Palm Room) But my best nights were simply Greg pulling out a guitar at midnight and strumming. What a great guy. Life is short and he packed a lot into it. He was a great talent - and I miss him. Just a thought I wanted to pass along. It has been over a year since Winnipeg lost someone who should have been a national treasure. - Posted by: Colin (aquaintance) on: Nov 09, 2018

• I did not know that Greg passed away. I recently learned about the sad news. I remember seeing and hearing Greg in his backyard playing his guitar. I’m sending sincere sympathy to Josephine and to the Lowe’s family. Sincerely a former neighbour. Rick Sobiak - Posted by: Rick Sobiak (Former Neighbour) on: Aug 13, 2018

• I was very shocked and saddened to recently hear of Greg's passing. I knew Greg through musical and theatrical circles. Greg was one of my favorite guitarists and all-round musicians, locally or anywhere. We shared a common alma mater (and instrument) having both attended the jazz program at Grant MacEwan College in different years. Greg will be missed. - Posted by: Duncan McGregor (Musician friend) on: Nov 14, 2017

• My condolences to Greg's family. I knew Greg Growing up near Rabbit Lake and as a young man we all knew he was destined to forge his own path in music. We lost touch over the years, but his talent came rushing back to me when I saw with his documentary of Lake of the Woods. I am saddened by his passing and know that his music will provide comfort for his family. Rest In Peace Greg. - Posted by: Laurel Skinner (Beach) (Friend from Rabbit Lake and High School) on: May 25, 2017

• I am still shocked and filled with sadness to know of Greg’s passing. Josephine, my heart goes out to you. Although I left Winnipeg many years ago, I had opportunity to spend time with Greg and Josephine and other friends in their basement when we’d sing (or howl) and laugh for hours while Greg smiled and played on. He allowed us all to feel a apart of his world in such an easy, cool way. It was so memorable. I will always remember Greg’s keen wit, his generous warm heart and his immense talent. My thoughts of comfort go out to Josephine and all of their family members and the many friends in the communities that knew him so well. - Posted by: Barbara Halcrow (Friend) on: May 23, 2017

• This is such a loss. I'll never forget Greg's voice. And his wry kindness. His talent. And curiosity. He could talk to anyone -- even my dad. I'm so sorry, Jo. - Posted by: Margaret Sweatman (Friend ) on: May 23, 2017

• A wonderful man. Greg will be missed! We are lucky he left some of himself behind in his music. Condolences to Jo and the Lowe family. Maureen Scott - Posted by: Maureen Scott (Friend) on: May 23, 2017

• We followed Greg's work and life through his sister-in-law and want to pass along our sincere sympathy to the family. You are very much in our thoughts during this difficult time. His music and memories will live on. - Posted by: Marion and Phil Taylor (Friend of the family) on: May 23, 2017

• Greg and I played our last concert together last August. I am deeply saddened that after 35 years of playing together this was to be the last concert. Greg always kept in touch and was a true friend. A book could be written about all of our road stories and all of the crazy things that happened along the way. Greg always blew me away with his incredible chops. I always tried to solo before him because he was a hard act to follow. Greg had a playful competitiveness about his playing that would pull the best out of anyone on the bandstand with him. Life will not be the same without Greg in it. Condolences to Josephine and the rest of Greg's family... - Posted by: Walle Larsson (Friend) on: May 20, 2017

• Greg and I worked on many student recordings @ RB Russell School Studio, Trillium studio after my students had won a talent contest and on many of my original recordings in his basement man cave studio. He suggested me as a teacher evaluator for the Professional Musicians College. Our lives intertwined many times and we were always glad to see each other. I will miss our long conversations about music and our music students' successes. Sorry for your loss Jo. - Posted by: Albert Kelsch (Friend / Mentor /Teacher) on: May 20, 2017

• Greg was kind and caring person. His musical abilities exceptional! Sincerely, Luci Merritt - Posted by: Lucille Emond Merritt (friend) on: May 20, 2017

• I had the good fortune to work with Greg on a number of shows at PTE, and to become friends in the process. Working with him was always something to look forward to, because you knew that it wasn't really going to be work. I'd like to think that I'm a better person for having known Greg, and that a bit of him is in everyone who had the good fortune to know him. My condolences to Jo and the rest of his family. Until we meet again, my friend. - Posted by: Allan Sansom (Friend & Colleague) on: May 20, 2017

• We were fortunate to have Greg score some TV series my life partner produced. I remember his charm, grace, easy-going nature, and of course his talent. It was such a shock learn of his passing. Peace and comfort to his family and friends. Buddhism teaches that there is "no Birth no Death, no Being no Non-being, no Defilement no Purity, no Increasing no Decreasing." We are better people to have shared this time with Greg. - Posted by: Andrew Koster (friend) on: May 19, 2017

• Just want to say, that he has been a part of my landscape my whole life. Early days of the music scene in Winnipeg "went up a notch" when he entered the scene. A posser of Dignity, grace and humanity which added up unleashed an awesome player! Wow! - Posted by: Jo-Ann Drobot (Friend, observer, lover of music) on: May 19, 2017

• Greg's passing came as a complete shock and brought tears to my eyes for losing such a special soul. My memories of Greg reach back to Lakewood Highschool when I used to listen to him practicing under stairwells or any other private little space he could find. I remember thinking in those very early days that he had a special talent that would someday take him far in the world of arts and music. He certainly proved that to be true and never faltered from his creative journey. His recent documentaries are stupendous and reveal his genuine creativity and talent as well as his deep love and connection to Lake of the Woods. I keep with me that special warm smile and happy, friendly connection that he always shared whenever our paths crossed. R.I.P. Greg. - Posted by: Kim Pirie-Milko (Friend) on: May 19, 2017

• My heartfelt condolences to Josephine and the entire family. I know I can speak for our musical community when I say that the shock of Greg's passing cannot be overstated - nor can the sense of loss. Greg's creative accomplishments were myriad, but for me he was an intimidatingly accomplished guitarist and a humble, kind, welcoming, encouraging soul ....with a wickedly sly sense of humour - what a treat to have experienced that! Peace, Greg. - Posted by: Laurie MacKenzie (fellow musician) on: May 18, 2017

• I am deeply saddened to hear that Greg is gone. We were classmates in grades 7 & 8 then remained good friends and rivals throughout high school. As many have already stated, Greg was a gifted guitarist; l have most of his CD's and highly recommend every one of them. Greg was also an athlete... an amazing basketball player and a track & field star. As good as he was, Greg was always a very good sport. Looking back I'd have to say Greg was one of the very best friends I ever had. There is no doubt that Greg will be missed... probably by just about everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him. - Posted by: Dan Towsley () on: May 18, 2017

• "Be glad that Greg was on my path", as my cousin told me after. I am glad but I will miss him more. Jo, I hope you're holding up and I am so sorry for what you've been going through. - Posted by: Ross Campbell (School friend, room mate, pupil) on: May 18, 2017

• We're gonna miss you Greg...a whole lot of us..for many similar and many different reasons..you were great..thanks,bud...we rejoice and grieve at your living and your passing...someday,I hope,to rejoice anew...the full deal meal...you'd be proud... x0g - Posted by: graham shaw (friend and colleague) on: May 18, 2017

• A bright light was extinguished the day you left us Greg. Your music will remember us to your passion, gentle heart and extraordinary presence. You will be sorely missed dear friend. Heartfelt condolences to Josephine, Tilly and Greg's family close and extended. He leaves this world a better place for his being here. Ruby Raymond - Posted by: Ruby Raymond (Friend) on: May 18, 2017

• I spoke to Greg three days before he died and he never even mentioned that he was ill. It was typical of him to pursue his life with dignity and calm. He was so multi-talented as a musician that some people don't realize he was an ace film maker. About six years ago he got in touch with me and said, 'Hey, you want to make some documentaries together?" He had a new camera and was experimenting with it - he sent me a shaky, out of focus clip of a seagull that went on for about two minutes, I thought' "are you kidding?" Within months he had evolved into a maestro of HD video, using drones, airplanes, underwater cameras and all kinds of oddball equipment to make incredible movie footage. I think my favorite clip is the one he shot of a mallard hen launching her newly born ducklings from an elevated nest at Fort Whyte - he sat there all afternoon hoping to catch that shot. The gang at Fort Whyte loved the film and Greg beamed with satisfaction when it ended up on the big screen. We did many documentaries together and had many laughs and rambling conversations driving long distance on numerous missions -- all were fun and grumpy in a good natured way and he never complained about the many hassles and low pay of documentary work. He was also very scrupulous about book keeping, often patiently explaining to me that he still owed me money and asking me when would for him to drive over and drop off my cheque. So much detail work I didn't have to do because Greg always took care of it. My short career as a documentary writer began with him and will end with him too because I will never find a better project partner and buddy. Thanks Greg -Jake - Posted by: Jake MacDonald (Friend and Business Partner) on: May 18, 2017

• I am very sad to hear that Greg has passed away. Greg was an accomplished and welll-respected artist with a quick wit and an ever-present smile. I am thankful for all the music that he added to the world and for the countless lives that his creative spirit touched. To Josephine and Greg's family members, please accept my heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Janice Finlay (Colleague) on: May 18, 2017

• So sad to hear of Greg's passing. My condolences to the family. I haven't seen Greg in many years but thoroughly enjoyed his tribute to Lake of the Woods and touched base with him again to congratulate him. Such a loss. - Posted by: Lori Wilson-Bunda (High school friend) on: May 18, 2017

• A wonderful fellow, tremendous musician and someone I could always rely upon to share a deep love of the lake and the inspiration it forever provided us. Greg was the real deal and I'm blessed to have known his spirit in so many ways. My deepest condolences to Josephine, Greg's family and countless friends. - Posted by: Dan Donahue (Colleague) on: May 18, 2017

• to jo and families we are deeply saddened for you, and will keep you close in our thoughts. barrie and pat.fraser - Posted by: pat.fraser () on: May 18, 2017

• It has been many years since Joy and I have seen Greg. We had no idea that Greg was ill. Greg's parents were our next door neighbours at the lake. We remember Greg down at the lake with Josephine and their dog on many weekends. Greg would be on the deck playing his guitar and writing music. He loved to go wind surfing. I remember him being so proud of playing at Wayne and Janet Gretsky's wedding. He will surely be missed by many, but his legacy will live on in his music. Rest in peace Greg. Hans & Joy Janssen - Posted by: Hans Janssen (Former Neigbour) on: May 18, 2017