

"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
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.
Dawn (Brierley) Philips
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.
"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.


