REES, Gregory “Greg” Allan

June 05, 1956 – April 23, 2018

 

It is with sadness and love that we say good-bye to Greg Rees of Cochrane, Alberta, who passed away on Monday, April 23, 2018.  Born on June 5, 1956 to Avis and Daniel Rees in Calgary, Greg was the youngest of three sons.  Greg joined the Calgary Fire Department in 1980 and retired as a captain after 28 years of service.  He was respected and admired by his fellow firefighters and officers throughout his firefighting career.  He also found it very rewarding to be a dive rescue instructor.  Greg was the first Calgary firefighter to participate in a work exchange in Melbourne, Australia. During his time in Melbourne, he discovered a love of waterskiing.

Greg was a gifted athlete with a lifelong passion for track and field.  He competed all over the world in the World Police and Fire Games.  A highlight was a record breaking, gold medal win, in the decathlon at the 1997 World Police and Fire Games in Calgary.  Greg made many good friends that he stayed in touch with after the games.

Greg loved travelling and after meeting his true love, Norma, they had many wonderful tropical vacations. He also loved music and dancing and with Norma, spent many enjoyable hours on the dance floor.  Another interest was hot rods and Greg especially enjoyed the spring hot rod run, concert and dance in Sandpoint. He will be remembered for his sense of fun and adventure.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Espersen, his mother Avis, children; Shane (Angie), Shannon (Andrew), Shelly, his brother Colin (Donna) and his stepchildren; Krista (Karl), Brett (Rawnie) and Brody (Katelyn).  Grandchildren; Raina, William and Wesley, step-grandchildren; Sienna, Isabel, Konner, Caden, Nolan, Scarlett, Easton and Briggs. Greg was predeceased by his father Daniel and brother Byron.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 29th, 2:00 p.m. at the Cochrane RancheHouse (101 RancheHouse Rd, Cochrane).   Donations may be made to the Cognitive Neurosciences Program in support of Dementia Research (www.ucalgary.ca/esmithresearch/donation)

 

 

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  1. On 25/04/2018 at 2:10 pm Melody and Phil Sheepy Said:

    I’m very sorry for your loss Norma and family.I hope in the days and weeks to follow you can find comfort in all the joyful memories you shared.
    Melody and Phil sheepy

  2. On 25/04/2018 at 6:56 pm Melissa Elves Said:

    My deepest condolences to you Norma and your family. I am thinking of you and sending you lots love. Melissa Elves

  3. On 26/04/2018 at 7:56 am Brenda Hoskin Said:

    My deepest sympathies to you, Norma, as well as to Tom, Cindy and all of Greg’s loved ones. I never had the opportunity to meet him but I know, if you chose him, Norma, he was a worthy fellow indeed. May peace be with you and your family.
    Brenda Hoskin

  4. On 26/04/2018 at 8:57 am Gloria Johnson Said:

    My deepest condolences to you Norma and your family. Gloria Johnson

  5. On 26/04/2018 at 9:07 pm Kathy Ridenour (Brautigam) Said:

    My thoughts are with you Norma, as well as with all your family. Deepest condolences. May you find peace and healing in the memories of your life together. Sending you many hugs now and in the days to come. Kathy Ridenour (Brautigam)

  6. On 27/04/2018 at 9:45 am Kathy Plaudis Said:

    My deepest condolences to you Norma and everyone in both Greg’s and your family. Greg was a kind dedicated man and I know how deeply he loved you. I know your kindness, compassion and your love were a great comfort to Greg throughout his illness. God speed Greg we will see you on the other side
    Love Kathy

  7. On 27/04/2018 at 7:09 pm Connor Bays Said:

    My condolences to Norma and everyone in Greg’s family.

    Greg was my and my brother’s first track coach, and was extraordinarily encouraging, patient and generous with his time. His enthusiasm and love for track was contagious. I’ll especially treasure memories of our training camp in Las Vegas in 2005 when Greg was expert in finding us the best ham & eggs after a gruelling morning training (and he’d be running too, fresh off a knee surgery!). A truly inspirational and lovely person.

  8. On 28/04/2018 at 8:44 am Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Our sincere condolences to Norma and the Rees Family on the passing of “Brother” Greg from all of us in the Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association.

  9. On 30/04/2018 at 8:31 am David Vickers Said:

    I’m so sad to hear of Greg’s passing. My deepest condolences are with Norma and Greg’s family. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead, and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. You lived a life of adventure. Rest in peace now, Greg. I’ll always treasure my memories of summer trips to Sandpoint with the family! Love, David

  10. On 07/05/2018 at 9:33 am The Cole Family Said:

    We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in family and friends (Proverbs 17:17). For additonal strength, may you find it in God who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Please accept our deepest condolences.