GEORGE LESLIE GREENGRASS

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GEORGE LESLIE GREENGRASS Peacefully at Beacon Hill Lodge on November 15, 2008 after a long and fulfilling life Dad passed away. Dad was predeceased by his five brothers: William, Gordon, Roy, Robert, and Allan, and one sister Dorothy. Left to cherish Dad's memory are his three sons: James, Roy, and Frederick; grandchildren: Gary, Candice, Karen, James, John and Caroline; great-grandchildren: Kaily, Nicholas, and Cassidy and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Dad was born on February 18, 1914 in a rooming house in Transcona, Manitoba, he was the second son of John Henry and Mary Helen Greengrass. In his early days Dad was very inquisitive and would often come home with a collection of frogs or butterflies or other such wildlife only to spring them at unsuspecting friends and family members. As he grew older, he developed a great interest in hockey and since there was little organized sports activity in Transcona, he was instrumental in encouraging interest in organized hockey and in the later 1920s with the help of his Dad and brothers established the Transcona Maple Leaf Hockey Club, as Dad was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey and built the Maple Leaf Community Club adjacent to his parents property. He encouraged participation and young enthusiasts warmed up with a cup of cocoa in his parents house. In the 1930s as the great depression took its toll, many transients would warm up in the community Club House and Dad would ensure that they would be provided for. In summers Dad would enjoy canoe trips at Malachi Lake in the Whiteshell. He began his career in the Canadian National Railways in 1932 as an apprentice. He learned many skills including carpentry that would prove beneficial in later life. Dad was musically inclined as well and joined the Transcona Pipe Band as a trumpet player. Dad took an active interest in Tennis and it was his involvement with the Transcona Tennis Club that he met Mom the love of his life. Both were athletic by nature. They were married at St. John's Cathedral in July, 1938. Even though times were hard in those early years, Dad managed to spare enough of his paycheque to help those less fortunate. Mom and Dad raised three sons, James Robert (1941), Roy Allan (1948), Frederick George (1955), all of whom they were very proud and loved. After Dad's brother was killed in action during the Second World War, Dad enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy which relocated him to Halifax and Cornwallis. He was primarily responsible for ship building and was promoted to Chief Petty Officer. After the war Dad became politically motivated and believed that those who have should provide for those who have not. He became active in the Trades and Labour Congress and attended many conferences in Ottawa to promote the betterment of the lives of the common worker. Dad was an active Legion Member in Transcona and served as President and Treasurer. He looked after the bookkeeping for many years refusing any remuneration. At annual remembrance Day Celebrations, Dad would play the trumpet for the Last Post Reveille and Lament. Dad's dream was to build a cottage for his boys, so they too might benefit from sport and recreation and so with the help of family members and friends, constructed by hand a cottage at Victoria Beach in the 1950s. Dad loved the beach and became quite involved with the community. Dad re-established community interest in tennis and volunteered to take care of the courts. Dad instructed many enthusiasts in the techniques of serving and receiving and conducted tennis lessons for the kids. Dad was passionate about swimming and would often venture into the lake far into the horizon for hours. In winters Dad was an avid curler. Dad was very comical, and would amuse many folks. Dad would often start debates and walk out on a crowd only to find them arguing upon his return. When asked what they were arguing about, no one could remember who initiated the discussion. Dad was full of one liners, humour and dry wit that had you rolling in laughter. After retirement, Dad spent his summers at Victoria Beach. Dad continued to improve upon the cottage. Well into his eighties, Dad was seen actively pursuing a game of tennis, still skillful in his spin shots. A celebration of dad's life will be held at Wheeler Funeral Chapel, 211 Regent Avenue on Friday, November 21, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in George Greengrass's memory to the Manitoba Sports Federation. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS IN CARE OF: WHEELER FUNERAL CHAPEL 211 REGENT AVE. WEST AT (BOND) 224-1525

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 17, 2008