Willam Lewis Garth Greenaway

December  31st, 1925 November  22nd, 2024
St Albert, Alberta
Willam Lewis Garth Greenaway

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings."
~ High Flight, John Gillespie Magee Jr.

Soaring Onward: Remembering Garth Greenaway

Devoted husband of Jean for 67 years, beloved father to Carol (Kathryn) and Kathleen (Douglas), cherished Papa to Melanie (Steven) and Aaron (Jackie), and proud great-grandfather of five.

Born on December 31, 1925, Garth grew up in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. At 17, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and served in bomber command on the West Coast during World War II.  His career as a Wireless Air Gunner on B-24 Liberators was cut short when he contracted polio.

After making a remarkable recovery in Vancouver, Garth returned to Edmonton to study for his Bachelor of Science degree at the U of A. It was then that he met Jean—“the girl of his dreams”— and after a lengthy courtship, they married in 1950.

Shortly after graduating university, he followed his older brother Ted to Red Deer for a short stint as a driver for Sorensen Bus Lines. Garth and Jean then returned to Rocky Mountain House, where he worked in real estate and insurance.

Times were lean, so in 1956, he re-enlisted in the RCAF, embarking on a 20 year career as an air traffic controller. Attaining the rank of Major and rising to the position of Commanding Officer of the Canadian Forces Air Traffic Control School, he was admired for his expertise and dedication to mentoring others in the field. His career took him and his family overseas to Marville and Metz, France and across Canada, including Red Deer, Alberta; Grand Bend, Ontario; Goose Bay, Labrador; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Bagotville, Quebec; Borden, Ontario; and Namaio, Alberta.

When he retired from the RCAF in 1975, Garth and his family returned to Alberta, eventually settling in St Albert. He worked for nearly 20 years as the personnel manager at McCoy Brothers in Edmonton. Garth was instrumental in the founding of the Ex-Air Gunners’ Association of Canada serving as its president for many years as well as being on the board of the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. In his retirement, Garth continued his lifelong love of flying, finally retiring his pilot's license at the remarkable age of 98. An adventurer at heart, he also enjoyed travel, photography, music and sharing stories of his experiences.

Garth passed away peacefully in his sleep, under the compassionate care of the palliative team at the University of Alberta Hospital. Garth will be deeply missed by all who knew him and remembered for his warmth and adventurous spirit.

Donations in Garth’s memory can be made to Wounded Warriors Canada (www.woundedwarriors.ca). A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date to celebrate his remarkable life.

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Memories

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December 27, 2024
Garth was one of our Super Star Employees at McCoy Brothers. He was always very concerned for the welfare of our employees and their Families. There were many employees that Garth mentored regarding lifestyle and family responsibilities. Garth was a great listener.
Garth was also my friend. He and I kept in touch until last year. Garth would visit Dianne and me in Victoria most winters.
I will truly miss Garth.
Dennis J McCoy
December 23, 2024
I have many good memories with Garth at the farm in Rocky Mtn House. He was like a brother to me. My loving thoughts are with the family at this time.
Dawn (Brierley) Philips
Dawn (Brierley) Philips
December 21, 2024
Jean and Garth were our neighbours in St. Albert for about 20 years, then they moved to Erin Ridge. That was most upsetting for us because they were amazing neighbours. Garth giving rides to our grandson Kyle in his wheelbarrow., I don’t know who had the most fun Garth or Kyle. And then came the little blue sports car - again big smiles from both of them. We took Kyle up to Villeneuve Airport and Garth was happily showing Kyle “the ropes” — they had a lovely afternoon.
One winter Garth said to me that we should buy a snowblower and we went halves. He told me not to worry about me blowing the snow from the driveway, because he would do it for me..
Garth was a wonderful, kind, helpful neighbour and we all loved him and will miss him.

Lorraine and Rusty, daughters Julie and Jane and grandchildren Courtney and Kyle.
Lorraine Sadownik
December 21, 2024
Carol and Katie,

"Dillers" and I are so sorry to learn about your Dad. He was one of the most positive, supportive persons one could know---not only of your Mum and you two and your families, but also of his friends. We have many wonderful memories. He has now passed those gifts on to your generations. May his memory be a blessing.

David Jones.
David Phillip Jones
December 14, 2024
We sure have had a lot of good times, you and I. I miss the hell out of you! While we've taken our last flight together, I know you will always be with me. Much love to you.
Melanie Greenaway
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