Gordon R. Greer

November 25, 1930 - August 28, 2016

Gordon Richardson Greer, 85, passed peacefully in Vancouver on Sunday, August 28, 2016. Gordon is survived by his wife, Joy Greer of Victoria, and her children, Nancy Maas and son, Mark, Alec Northup, Angela Northup and Bryon Northup, all of Halifax, an aunt, Bertha Girard, of Vulcan, Alberta, a niece, Arlene Long, of Saskatoon, a nephew, Brian Greer, of Vancouver, their children and grandchildren and more distant relatives. Gordon was predeceased by his first wife, June (nee Christie) and by his brother and sister-in-law, William (Bill) and Maxine Greer of Saskatoon (formerly of Regina). Gordon was born in Regina on November 25, 1930, the son of William James (born in Lisburn, Ireland) and Susan Richardson Greer (nee Bentley, born in Campbeltown, Scotland). Gordon and June came out to Victoria from Regina in the mid-1960s to start a new life. He and June separated, and June passed away shortly thereafter. Gordon was a Canada Post letter carrier for over 40 years, retiring in 1993 from his route in James Bay. He was a friend of Bill W.'s for nearly 50 years. Gordon was a long time resident of James Bay, with a house on the 500 block of Simcoe Street. Gordon and Joy were married in 1990 and lived together until 1996, first on Simcoe Street and then in Eldon Place. Gordon moved into the Glenshiel Hotel in 2004, and in 2013, when he required care, his nephew moved him to Vancouver to live in the Windermere Care Centre, in which he passed. Gordon had a great zest for life. He was a friend to many and a kind and generous person with a wonderful sense of humour. He loved to celebrate his Irish heritage, wearing all sorts of green outfits on St. Patrick's Day. He would don a top hat and tails, a clown suit or any manner of zany attire for other occasions. Gordon was well known around Victoria from his letter carrier route, his active participation in Alcoholics Anonymous and his involvement with the Salvation Army, particularly at the Harbour Light and distributing the War Cry magazine. He had a deep faith based on his own salvation. He especially will be missed by his nephew, Brian, with whom he had a close and special relationship. On behalf of Gordon, many thanks to the staff of the Glenshiel Hotel and Windermere Care Centre for their care. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2016, Salvation Army Victoria Citadel, 4030 Douglas Street, Major Brian Coles officiating. Flowers gratefully declined. For those who wish, please donate in Gordon's memory to a charity of choice. Contact: bwg4648@gmail.com