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MAJOR JOHN EDWARD GREATRIX
Born: Feb 25, 1929
Date of Passing: Jun 07, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryMAJOR JOHN EDWARD GREATRIX (SQUADRON LEADER) February 25, 1929 - June 7, 2015 Peacefully on June 7, 2015 our beloved John passed away at Golden Links Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba in his 86th year. John is survived by his daughters Cheryl Chase (Robin) and Nancy Tremblay, his sons Mark Greatrix and David Greatrix, his grandchildren Colin and Hilary Tremblay, and his sister Muriel Savage (Norm) of Peterborough, Ontario. He was predeceased by his wife Carmel in 2012, his parents Frank and Lena Greatrix, his sister Bernice Manley and his brother Bill Greatrix. John was born on February 25, 1929 in Peterborough, Ontario. He enlisted with the RCAF in 1948, receiving his pilot wings in 1949. He married the love of his life, Carmel Fraser, in 1952 after meeting her while stationed at the Chatham, New Brunswick air base. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012. John served with the following squadrons: 421 Red Indian, 430 Silver Falcon, 441 Silver Fox and 429 Transport Squadron. He served with the NATO forces in France and Germany flying F-86 Sabres and CF-104 Starfighters. After receiving an honourable discharge in 1975, he became a Civil Aviation Inspector with Transport Canada until his retirement in 1989. John received the Canadian Forces Decoration, the NATO Service Medal and a Certificate of Recognition from the Canadian Government for 41 years of public service. Dad loved singing, playing the piano and trumpet, swimming, but most of all flying. He took a great interest in Canadian politics. He was happiest spending time with family. The family would like to thank the staff that cared for John at 2 Cornish, Misericordia Health Centre and Golden Links Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice in memory of John. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Interment will follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. Family and friends wishing may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2015
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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While on the CF104 course in cold Lake we had terrible news late on a Friday afternoon that John had not returned from a training mission.We all met at the mess in very sombre mood fearing the worst of our "veteran" favorite course member. We got great news after dark that he had safely ejected and been picked up by helicopter when someone saw a match that we carried in our safety equipment. About 30mins later a bedraggled John walked into the mess with a ripped flying suit and was going to the bar until he was captured and escorted out for a manditory medical check. That was John, a truly wonderful man who enjoyed life to it's fullest. My sincere sympathy to the family. - Posted by: Kip Caudrey (Course Colleague) on: Jun 16, 2015
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I didn't know John in the Air Force -although I had heard of him -he was a living legend! I got to know him while working for Transport Canada at Tower C seventh floor in Ottawa -which might just as well have been 451 Squadron RCAF as it was full of ex RCAF guys -and I always marvelled that it was exactly the bunch you hoped you would deal with after retirement. Those you never wanted to see again were simply not there. The very best ones were -and John was among the leaders. It is sad to hear of his demise -the guys are falling like flies it seems -but it was an honour to know them and to fly with them. Godspeed John! Say Hi to the guys! Jock - Posted by: Jock Williams (Friend) on: Jun 14, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, Nancy. - Posted by: Christine (Hallem) Ward (School friend of Nancy's) on: Jun 14, 2015
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Another good one gone. One of the best. - Posted by: Peter Hall (Respectful Military pilot and Transport Canada Inspector) on: Jun 13, 2015
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As Course Senior for CF-104 Course 27, you spent many hours molding some very young want-to-be fighter pilots into Officers and Gentlemen. You were our mentor and we grew watching and emulating the way you handled yourself in the air and on the ground. A friend, an Officer, and a great fighter pilot. Rest in Peace Squad John. - Posted by: Dave Bartram (Wing Man) on: Jun 13, 2015
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One of the kindest gentleman aviators I ever had the pleasure of knowing..He brightened everyone's day...he will be sorely missed... - Posted by: Larry A. O'Brien (ex-starfighter friend and fellow airman) on: Jun 13, 2015
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From MacDonald Manitoba in the 50's, to 104's in the 60's and 70's, a great pilot. John was a compassionate, caring and great friend. We love you John. Peter and Julie Russell - Posted by: Peter Russell (Fellow pilot and special friend) on: Jun 13, 2015
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I am sorry to hear of John's passing. We served together in Germany. He was a good friend. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Dave McIntosh (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2015
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I was on the ICP course when John was the CO . As part of the course we did a trip - to the USA on my course and I got to fly in the Dakota with Sir John . Nobody else on course was interested in the cockpit. Our routing was Winnipeg-Dickie Goober(Richards-Gabaur AF , Kansas City)-Randolph, Tx and back. I remember mucking about trying to engage the autopilot when John reached into his briefcase , pulled out a a stick with a suction cup on the end and proceeded to set the AP with it . There he said when finished "thats how it is done" . I almost died laughing . He was a beautiful guy . God Bless Him. - Posted by: Jack Orr (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2015
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I remember as a 104 student at Cold Lake in 1973 being at the lower bar one Friday after flying , with instructors and CO 417 Sqn Sam Firth and DCO Jim Gillespie. JT Price was in from St. Hubert.The repartee and quick wit among the threesome was absolutely amazing. Then into the bar strode John Greatrix, in a grey flying suit with his Mae west still strapped on having just parked his T-bird, he announced.!! Once the four of them got going , it was simply astonishing,funny and unforgettable.It represented the best of the fighter pilot camaraderie . God Bless you John. My sincere condolences to the Greatrix family and friends. - Posted by: Hank Morris (Friend) on: Jun 13, 2015
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Sleep well old friend !! - Posted by: Bill Hind (friend) on: Jun 13, 2015
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I first met John about 1956 when he lent me his car, I was a stranger from #1 Wing, but to him but a fellow RCAF pilot who needed wheels. Not many chaps would lend their car to a relative stranger but John did, an act of kindness that I remember to this day. That was John! - Posted by: Norm Hull (S/L RCAF Retired) (ex- 421 Sqn #4 Wing) on: Jun 13, 2015
