Brian (Bear) James Gregory
August 6, 1946 - November 11, 2019
Funeral Details: Tuesday December 3, 2019 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm South Shore Community Centre
Brian (Bear) James Gregory
August 6, 1946 – November 11, 2019
A courageous and hard fought 12-year battle with cancer finally took our beloved brother, uncle, great uncle, husband, partner, friend.
Brian was born in Toronto, to William Albert Gregory and Evelyn May Gregory. He went to Roden Public School, Riverdale Collegiate and Waterloo University. He played football all through high school and put himself through university by working as a lifeguard, but mainly on the rescue in Toronto Harbour.
He pursued and enjoyed a lengthy teaching career, with his final teaching years at Goodfellow School in Innisfil. After retirement he was a tutor for many years, continuing his love for teaching.
Brian had many passions in life. He was a gifted teacher (known as Mr. G) and will be remembered for helping students who often found school difficult. He shared his love of cooking and was especially proud of his membership in the Marmitons cooking club at Georgian College. His curiosity and love of travel saw him visit many wondrous and strange places in the world. He always returned with trinkets and stories from his adventures.
Brian is survived by his sisters Roslyn and Elaine. He was a loving uncle to Michelle and Jeffrey (Annette) and Gary (Joanne) and Laura and Leslie. He will also be missed by many great nieces and great nephews.
Brian was supported by many friends. He was especially blessed to have three special ladies in his life. His wife of 49 years Dianne Halika (predeceased), his loving partner for the last 5 years, Caroline and his dear friend Monique.
A celebration of Brian’s life will take place in Tuesday December 3, 2019 at the South Shore Community Centre between 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations in Brian’s name to Hospice Simcoe. 705-722-5995 www.hospicesimcoe.ca
We love you and we miss you.
Rest In Peace
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Taylor Audrey
Posted on: Thursday, November 21, 2019Farewell Brian, your persona was bigger than life and you regaled us with stories of your world travels. You shared your love of music, sports and good food always served in style or “top shelf”. as you liked to describe things. Sincerest sympathy to our dear friend Caroline and your sisters and families.
scott dewson
Posted on: Thursday, November 21, 2019Brian lived a full and exciting life. He went everywhere, did everything and had an opinion he loved to share about what he experienced. We should all be so lucky to pack so much into a life. He set a fine table for friends and knew how to entertain. He will be missed by those who worked with him, and his impact on students was immense. I like to think he’s enjoying mussels and good wine with other Bon Vivants in the best hotel at the end of all things. Bye Bear salut!
Jill Pangborne
Posted on: Thursday, November 21, 2019Bear you will be so very much missed. Everyone loved your joy in life and all the good things it can hold. You were a generous host, a great story teller, and a good friend.
Joe and Laura Penberthy
Posted on: Thursday, November 21, 2019We are very saddened with Brian’s passing but are thrilled to have had him as a part of our world. His view on life and everything associated was infectous. He will be missed. Rest in peace, friend.
Linsay kilpatrick
Posted on: Sunday, November 24, 2019I can remember coming to class for many years
He taught me my addition and also my cursive.
He was always very patient to help me learn which he did. I remember him always entering the class with a hello ladies and gents. Or the odd time saying ladies and germs just to get a laugh out of us kids.
I’m 34 now and was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer two years ago. I will never forget what he taught me Because he made a huge difference in my learning and took the time to spend one on one time to help. So for thank I’m thankful he will be missed by many. RIP mr.G
Linsay
Travis Durham
Posted on: Tuesday, November 26, 2019My condolences to the friends and family of Mr. G. Although he was never my teacher, I always remembered the kind interactions he had with me and my friends at school. I also recall as a teenager struggling to get to work in Alcona, Mr. G picked me up hitchhiking and gave me a ride home one evening. Truly a kind gentle giant. RIP.
Steve McDonald
Posted on: Saturday, December 18, 2021I graduated college this week, it was because of you and noone but you would have believed it possible some 20+ years ago … You had such an impact on me I wish I knew it then… Thank you