John Greenaway

John Greenaway

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of John Greenaway on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 93 years.

John is predeceased by his parents, sister Frankie, and daughter Lynne Greenaway.

Left to treasure his memory is his wife Louise; daughters Jacquie Bennet and Jennifer Little; sons-in-law Craig Bennet and Dave Little; grandsons Leyton Bennet and Laird Little; granddaughters Erin and Amy Little, all of Portage la Prairie.   He also leaves to mourn step-daughters Arleigh Farrell and Moneca Graves; step-son Bill Neville; niece Jill Worobec; cousins Jean & Ian Stephenson of Southport; very special friends Bob & Bev Barr of Winnipeg and Philip Dunn of Portage.

John was born August 31, 1921 in Winnipeg, to Elizabeth (Nett) & Frederick Greenway, and little brother to Francis (Frankie), who adored John until her passing, several years ago.

John lived in Winnipeg through his formative years, and at the age of 19, joined the RCAF as a radar mechanic, serving in World War II.  These are memories John carried with him throughout his life time.  He would share these memories with whoever would listen.  He would captivate his grandchildren with his stories and experiences, planting the seed of how important it is to give service to one’s country.  Upon returning to civilian life, he attended the University of Manitoba and earned his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. For many years, he worked at different corporations, and in later years, his career led him to Red River Community College, where he taught math and science.  John was a born teacher, and loved to share his vast knowledge of most everything with friends and family.  His sharp memory and wit served him well right until the end.

John enjoyed any sort of word puzzles, but Sudoku was his favourite; John spent many hours working on his puzzles.  Model trains were also an interest of his.  John never stopped wanting to learn – he gave careful attention to anything that would expand his knowledge of our world and how we can best manage and care for it.  A lover of nature, he cared for all creatures, great and small, and tended to all things green and growing.

John’s passion was travelling and travel he did!  The only country left on his bucket list was a trip to China, which would have completed the circle of travelling the world.  However, in very recent years, and due to a slow decline in his health, that dream was never realized.  He would often get lost in his memories of his travels, and these memories were made especially sweet when he looked back at all of the places he and Louise had seen together.

John’s real love was his family, and he considered them all a great gift. He treasured his two daughters and his sons-in-law, and the time he spent with them.   And our life’s bonus was having him share in our adult years. How special that was to us. We waited many years to receive the gift of such a special dad, and appreciate and recognize that as our chosen-dad, all of his love and respect he so freely gave us was a choice he made, never something we had to earn; this speaks to the beautiful person he was.

Having grandchildren helped complete his life, and he wanted to live long enough for them to remember him. Laird, Erin, Amy & Leyton - he is so happy to have known you. His wish for you is to live lives with meaning, contentment and satisfaction of who you are. He loved you more than words can say.

John was always thankful for his wife, Louise, that they were able to share eight beautiful years of married life together.  Of those years, they travelled, enjoyed quiet times together, and being a great supporter of the Arts, attended the symphony, ballet and opera.  They lived for each other’s health and happiness, and are a great example of true love.  Mom will miss him dearly.  His sense of humour and his strong silent nature supported her in so many ways, and she feels so blessed to have had him in her life.

John got all he wanted from life – peace, serenity, a sense of who he was meant to be. Contentment with who he was. We know we will see him again one day – but not too soon, as he wants us all to have a long healthy life.  So until then, as we go on without him, we will keep him close in our hearts and never far from our minds.  He really has left this world a better place for having been it in.  Thank you, John, for making such a difference in our lives, and for the tremendous joy you brought us.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel at 11:00 am led by Rev. John Zondag. Private family interment will follow at the Rosendale Cemetery.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com