Gregory VARETTE

Praying for you and your family old friend

Always in my thoughts. Spring is coming wish you were here. You were my garden handyman.

Greg is the kind of guy you just know is cracking up all those on the other side ... We all know what fun he was when he was called upon ... We can't ever forget ya ... Good guy, GREAT guy !!!

Months have grown day by day
It's now a year since you passed away
Thoughts are full and hearts do weigh
Without you here to share the way
Time may dull the hand of fate
Memories forever recall the day
They say memories are golden
Well maybe that's true
I never wanted memories
I only wanted the old you
Love you old man

one year has passed :) thinking of you!

Hey funny man, my special little brother,it's almost a year and I can still hear your laughter and jokes, and I thank God for the time you had in this world - you made me smile, a lot.
And remember,
in high seas or low seas my bro,
I'm gonna be your friend.
Said, high tide or low tide,
I'll be forever by your side. big big love,
Patti-cake xo

Still thinking of you buddy - to your family i hope all is well!
Your friend always - thanks for all the good times and your happy way of going!
Bill,

My condolences to the Varette Family... Grade 1 to 7 went spent hanging out with Greg... school, playing hockey and having fun. Greg is a big part of my Ottawa memories... we'll miss him

I recently heard of Greg's death and although had not seen him since he was a child was very saddened.I spent many happy visits at the Varette family home/cottage when I was a student in Montreal,that time was always special to me.My deepest sympathy to Greg's wife and children and to all the Varette siblings on your great loss.

No words can express how my heart goes out to you, Diane, Oliver and Adam.
Raising such good sons is the Greg legacy I know personally.
May peace and acceptance come to you,
(Mrs.!) Barbara Dalton

Diane, Ollie, Adam, Sharon, Patti, Paula, Maureen and Peter, and your families - my sincere condolences to each of you. May you find comfort and strength through each other, and in your memories of Greg. Although it has been many years since I last saw him, I have not forgotten Greg's infectious humour, his generosity and his love of his family. My thoughts are with you.

I've just learned of this today, My thoughts and prayers to the family, memories of greg and all our childhood friends playing hockey at the outdoor rink at Knightsbridge and Lockart will never be forgotten, allways a smile on his face and only kind words were spoken, thanks Greg for the memories and your legacy will live on through your kids, god speed.

Varette Family:
It is a very sad time for everyone who knew Greg. Godspeed to a fine man who left us far too early.

Rob Carabine

I am so sorry to hear of Greg's passing. He became a good friend first through work and then hockey. I hadn't spoken to him in a few years but thought of him often. I will miss him greatly.

Happy valentines day Greg, gone but not forgotten. Thank you to everyone for all your kind words and prayers.

Thank you to everyone who sent their kind and loving thoughts about Greg. Greg was the special one, the gentle one, our funny baby brother. We love him so. Patti

the Dooher family to the Varette,s frank and MARY were the best of friends in the early years of our very succesful lives.We worked together partied together and raised our kids together .Gregs father was my mentor and best friend in those days.I lost track after walter,s untimley death. From what I hear greg was like his dad and so he had to be a great guy. to all his surviors and family what great memories you will have .Our thoughts are with you all.Frank&mary

We are all so sorry for your loss. Greg was always there when times got tough. A great and positive coach. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts are with you and the boys.
Janet, Julia, and Christopher Roberts

I will never forget the time in a dressing room at the Chesswood arena where we heard, through the ventilation system of the arena, a coach in another dressing room, berating his team of 11 year olds for losing a game. We all sat in stunned silence just listening. When it was over Greg told the kids that he hoped that they never had to be subjected to that kind of abuse. Greg was always there for his players. He was an inspiration to me as I was learning how to coach. Now, a few years later, I often think of Greg when I'm at the rink. Diane, Ollie, Adam, I'm so sorry for your loss.

To Mrs. Varette and her sons,

As far back as our student days at Our Lady of Fatima Greg was an especially outgoing, naturally funny, friendly person. I was saddened to hear of Greg's passing through a mutual friend from Fatima. My condolences.

Murray Anderson,
Surrey, BC

To all who loved Greg, inparticular his boys and Diane; he will be missed greatly and we will all remember his warmth, sense of humour and his infectious smile. We are greatful to have been touched by him in our lives.

The Smith Family (Nault)
Niki, Sheira Gerry, Janet, Steve, Catty and kids
(And Barry)

Diane, boys and all the Varette Family,
Since Greg was one of the 'younger' cousins I didn't really know him. However,it sounds like he was a truly wonderful man. Please accept our condolences.
We have made a donation to the Boys and Girls Club.
Sharon (Cusack) & Richard Stephens
Providence Bay, ON

Dear Diane; Deepest sympathy to you and your sons. May you, in time, find peace with your memories. Take Care and I will be thinking of you at this very difficult time
Dawn Seguin

A true friend with who i shared the same passions. Family, construction and teaching our game. My thoughts are with you my friend. I will just tell it like it is love ya man. Wish we could have done that Saturday boating together.

Diane,

You are in my thoughts now and always will be.

I have admired Greg from afar because of all the stories that you have shared with me. A wonderful loving husband and father. He will be missed by many.

My sincere sympathies to you.

Cindy Seely

Diane,boys & all the Varette Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.We remember meeting Greg, Diane & the 2 boys on P.E.I.when they visited the Cusack family farm a few years ago.We were home from Ontario and staying at the farm. Greg & family were staying at a cottage near Borden but came to visit the farm where his mother grew up.We all thought he was so much like his father Walter who was a very kind man. They also joined us for a BBQ at my brother Leonard's one evening. I remember the one thing he wanted to do while on P.E.I. was to go to the Blue Goose Restaurant and have a hot Hamburg sandwich. He said they used to do that when he was a kid with his mother & father. We thought we might meet up again some day but God had other plans.May he rest in the peace of the Lord.
Maurice & Rose Cusack Whitby On

My friend will be missed by a great many people. Greg has been many things to many people and all who knew him are enriched by exposure to his wit, his honesty and sincerity. Kids in the rink and bigs kids on the golf course just love being around when he slips in a funny remark and gives his distinct chuckle. You just feel good. Greg will live in the hearts and minds of those he lived, loved and worked with, forever.

Our sincerest condolences to Diane and the boys from the Stevers. I had the privilege of working with a great number of volunteers over the years with the Knights, none better than Greg. What a great attitude and approach with those boys and what a great legagcy to have made such a significant contribution in his community. Rest easy Greg...

Shane, Rory and the Stever family.

Dear Diane and family

My deepest sympathy to all of you on the loss of Greg.

Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Greg was a great man and will be missed.

Hold on to all your precious memories as they will help you in the days and weeks ahead.

Maureen

Dear Diane and family and my Varette Cousins,
I just heard about Greg's passing and was very saddened by the news. I last saw Greg at a Cusack BBQ on PEI a few years ago and it was such a pleasant surprise to see him on the Island. I have fond memories of visiting Ottawa and being welcomed in to the Varette home and spending time there. Greg had a distinctive laugh and I will remember him by that! Thinking of you at this time.
Laurie Cusack, Toronto

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Greg. You are all in our hearts at this very difficult time. Life just doesn't seem to be fair in times like this.
Barb,John and Kiara Scrim

To ALL of Gregs' family and friends I would like to express what a great fellow he was to all who knew him. I always looked forward to seeing Greg wether through work or on the rink or the golf course. we always enjoyed each others company and had many laughs together. He will truly be missed by myself and everyone in our industry that grew to know him over the years. His wife and sons I know were always first in his heart and he spoke of you all whenever we were together. Godspeed Greg and keep your head up! your friend Stewart Watson.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I would like to share my deepest condolences to the Varette family. I have been a coach in the Cumberland Minor Hockey system for 10+ years and coached on the opposing bench from Greg for many of them. For those seasons, I always looked forward to playing the Golden Knights because of the respect I had for Greg and the way he coached his teams. No matter how intense the battle was on the ice, we always enjoyed those few minutes outside the dressing rooms before and after games, catching up and sharing tales. Greg was a true gentleman.

Nothing but great memories of Greg, growing up with a wonderful group of friends, We all shared some special times. Our thoughts are with you Diane and your boys and all of Greg's family.
Patti McIntyre & Glenn Kaetzel

Diane and family, Maureen, Sharon, Peter, Paula and Patty -- I am so very sorry to hear of Greg' passing. I remember so many times when we were all together at the house and there was always so much laughter, much of which Greg created. He was such a happy soul and full of joy.

My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.

Diane and family, Sharon, Patty, Paula, Peter and Maureen - I am so very sorry to hear of Greg's passing. I remember many times with all of you together and all the laughter, much of which Greg created - he was such a happy soul and always kept everything upbeat with a story to tell.

My thoughts are with you all at the difficult time.

Dear Diane, Ollie and Adam..

Susan and I send our thoughts and prayers at this extremely painful time for us all .. We remember Greg from many years ago, his late teenage years, his marriage to the love of his life, and you just knew that this warm and wickedly funny, and genuine young man was destined for great successes.. Greg was a gentle and thoughtful person who made time for everyone he came in contact with .. To know Greg and to joke with him was something very special.. Greg was a loving husband and very proud father who simply adored his boys.. We are shocked and saddened by this news, and will keep all of you in our hearts and prayers ...
To Sharon, Paula, Peter, Maureen, and Patti, we share your sorrow and pains, and we will remember many, many great times around your parents home.. We will keep those backgammon games, warm summer swims and the love of that little brother forever in our souls.. You just gotta know that Walter and Annie received Greg with open arms... Guys like Greg are like a Hailey's comet, that shone so bright, and then is gone far too soon.. We will miss you Greg, and we could never forget this GEM of a human being !!

Susan and Peter McAllister

I am deeply saddened by the passing of Greg Varette. The Varettes are like a second family to me, and growing up in Ottawa, I probably spent as much time in their home as my own. Greg was such a positive, upbeat person and incredibly funny and witty. He will be deeply missed by all that were fortunate to have known him.

The George-Anggraini family, both in Abu Dhabi and Ottawa, send their deepest condolences to the Varette family. We know in these difficult and sad times family and friends will also be able to celebrate Greg's life and happiness he brought them.

?Diane, Oliver & Adam, I can't hold the tears back long enough to type and speak from my saddened heart over your loss. No words or gestures will ease your heart-filled pain Oliver & Adam you are the greatest gifts your dad gave this earth. So each day you will represent all that was beautiful, strong and kind in your dad.

All of our thoughts and prayers

Valerie

Diane ,Oliver,Adam
What a privilege it was to have worked and shared good times with Greg at Fuller.His mix of hard work and humour ensured that there was never a dull moment on the job .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time

I want to say on behalf of the Ottawa West Golden Knights organization how proud and fortunate we were to have Greg be part of our hockey family for so many years. His love of coaching was obvious to so many and his enthusiasm was such a wonderful quality. You will be missed.

Mark Arnold

I'm very sorry to hear about this. Greg was an amazing coach for the Golden Knights. His love for the game was bar none. And he taught all of us who played for the knights how to love the game. He will always be #1 coach in my books. RIP

Dear Diane, Oliver, Adam, Patti, Maureen, Paula, Peter, Sharon and extended Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences in your very huge loss. I was so very shocked and saddened to read of Greg's passing and my heart is with all of you during this very difficult time.
I cherish some very fond memories of Greg as my best friend's little brother when we were younger. Greg always had a way of bringing a smile to your face... and I can still picture him with Kevin Keohane, very often coming or going from hockey.
I am thankful I had the chance to catch up with Greg a few years back when I was home in Ottawa attending my nephew's hockey game at Pinecrest Arena - home of the Nepean Golden Knights - and obviously home to one of the Knights' finest of coaches - no surpise to me!
The accolades I've read at this site, certainly speak to the fine human being and friend Greg was to so many.
His spirit will live on in the hearts of many ... including mine.
Sincerely,

My condolences to the Varette family. I will always have fond memories of Greg and the fun we all had cruising in his Comet and Mazda.

We will always cherish the great memories of days on Badger. Greg was such a big part of these times. From the road hockey games in his trademark converse running shoes, to Halloween routes, Canada Day fireworks in the park, putting up Christmas lights and of course the hot days spent by the Varette's pool being a lifeguard to the boys, just to name a few of the moments we shared with our boys. When life moved over to our local minor hockey rink, where trophies list his name, Greg coached and contributed to many, many successes with such heart and dedication. Go Knights Go!
Always a hearty ‘hey neighbour' when he saw you and of course a ‘good you?' when asked how he was. His licence plate even said it for him. We could always count on sharing a good laugh.
You will be greatly missed and are forever loved.
Love Jan and Derek Brennan

Too young, too soon. One of a kind. My condolences to the entire Varette family.

It had been a while since I last saw your dad, boys, but I always looked up to him; he was a remarkable guy, so quick and kind. I know that these are just words, but take what you can from them. Thinking of you.

Simply an acquaintance,and a friend (ONCSC)..........My deepest sympathy.May God give you strength at this very difficult time.....Bryan (Gormley)

Tam and I have been thinking of all the good times we had with Greg - from growing up with him playing hockey at McKellar park and Lyons arena to camping together, cottage winter-fests, the Chaud, the Vomet, the Chubby Corkscrew, the basement of 439 Westminister, Kingston trip down canal - water skiing behind the Georgie Girl on Lake Ontario, RoughRider games, Concerts at the Civic Centre, going to play-off games at the Montreal Forum, getting stranded over night at Montreal bus station, bunking behind Tim's Mini, hockey rivalry Bruins-habs-style, Halifax surprise visits, golfing at the Champlain, Bob's Lake cottage rental, Merton, Badger.... so many good memories. He was fun to be with and will always be part of us. Our thoughts and love are with you Diane, Oliver, Adam, and all the Varette family.

Greg Varette is what minor hockey should be about...kids having fun. I was stunned to hear about him passing. You have to know there is a hockey team in Heaven who just took on a fantastic new coach. My condolences to the entire Varette family.

Friendship and love never die. The memories and laughter Greg and I shared will remain with me forever. Greg was always a great friend, skater, and swimmer, and had the most beautiful golf drive that I have ever witnessed. He will be forever missed and loved. Best regards to Diane, Oliver and Adam, and all of the Varette family, from Bruce McIntyre and his family.

To the Varette Family,
So sorry to hear of Greg's passing. A number of years ago, Greg and his family spent a wonderful afternoon in our backyard on P.E.I. I had always hoped we would cross paths again. Our condolences to Diane and the boys.
Kate and Leonard Cusack

Diane, Ollie and Adam

My heart goes out to the three of you. I will never forget the years spent at the rink with all of you. As you know Jesse, Bryan and myself have been down this road (losing Luc) and it is not an easy one. We will pray that you all heal and if you ever need to talk to someone who has been there (kids to kids or moms to moms) we will always be there. Bet you Greg and Luc are coaching together once again

To the Varette Family,
deepest condolences on the passing of Greg. I was fortunate enough to meet Greg over a “cold beverage” at the Sports Club. The subject of our many conversations always made it to a discussion about hockey and the Knights. A terrific member will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Steve Boston ONCSC

Diane and family; My wish for you is that the joyful memories and the love in your hearts overpower the sadness you feel in the days ahead. Sincerely,

One of my best friends in elementary school and junior high. He was a great kid, and from what I am reading here, grew up to become a very good man. I am not surprised. Quite sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family. Michael Preiss (Los Angeles, CA)

Diane, Oliver and Adam: I had both the privilage and honour of knowing Greg as both a friend and collegue. My father and his built a business, many friendships and memories together. I would like to think we carried on the tradition together. Greg was his father's son - a real people person - salt of the earth and an extreemly generous man. I am sure our father's are turning over in thier grave's at some of the choices we have made together!
Greg was the heart and soul of Fuller Construction! When the going got tough Greg could make the clouds go away with his positive attitude and everlasting sence of humour.
Greg, say hi to all the boy's up there - Walter, Art, Barry, Ruddy and other's. If they happen to ask how I am doing give them you standard line - " Good You".
Diane you have two fantasic boy's - draw strength from them and friends - God be with you and your family in this difficult time!

Diane, Ollie and Adam,
Its been a number of years, since Matt, Charlie and I moved away from the street, but nothing but fond memories of our years there, and having you as our neighbours. Words cant describe what you and the kids must be going through right now. You are in my prayers and thoughts during this very difficult time.

Diane & family, it is with great sadness I send this message. From our days at Our Lady of Fatima to more recent times I always treasured my friendship with Greg. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with all his family.
David & Renuka Harris

Di, I have great memories of good times in the good ol' days when I was lucky to be involved due to Tom and Greg's long and close friendship. I was especially fond of Greg because he had such a sensitive nature that touched your heart. I'm very saddened to see him leave us so early. Love and hugs, Barb

Diane, Oliver and Adam:

Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. Our thoughts are with you all in this sad time.

Sincerely,

Brenda and Cory May

Diane, Ollie, and Adam, My heart is breaking for your loss. I will always remember the wonderful times we shared during the minor hockey years. Greg was a devoted coach and was a hero to many young hockey players whose lives he touched. He will always be in my heart.

Greg was my favourite "little brother" and to me was always the original Ferris Bueller. He had a wicked sense of humour and could park a frisbee within an inch of any target (usually over water). Seeing him skate as I did at the local rink from time to time with the Knights was always special- he could really move and was an inspiration for the kids he taught to play the game he loved so much. Born, raised and brought up (many times as we used to joke) in his city of Ottawa, a Canadian kid to the core. It's so cruel that the baby of the family has to leave us first. He leaves behind a truly great group of siblings and large extended family who adored him. We will miss you Greg- and never forget our brother who died on Super Bowl Sunday.

Diane,Ollie,Adam:

Greg's smile will forever be embarked on all our hearts.

May you stand in a place where you can hear God's whisper...reminding you to breathe and find inner peace.

~Edith,Sara,Mark Lisa Simmonds

So very very sorry to hear this sad news. Greg was a great guy, and I send our most heartfelt condolences, from the entire Currie family. There was a Varette kid for each Currie kid, I think! Our hearts and thoughts are with you.

To the Varette Family
My deepest condolences on the passing of Greg. I was fortunate enough to work with Greg many years ago at Fuller Construction and he definitely knew how to make you laugh. It was a true joy to know Greg.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Keeping you all in our prayers during this very sad time. If you need anything please call us.
Love & Support
Bob,Sue Mike and Matt Rosebrook

Diane, Oliver and Adam: Greg was a wonderful, wonderful human being and the type of person you wanted to surround yourself with. I had both the privilege and the 'task' of sharing an office with Greg for a few years at Fuller. I will never forget that time and the laughs we shared on a regular basis, when I think of my time at Fuller I think of Greg. He was a mentor to me and a great friend who loved his family very much, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Andrew and Bree Splinter