Obituary of The Venerable Arthur W. R. Gregg
February 22, 1937 - August 10, 2023
Art Gregg died peacefully at home on August 10, surrounded by his loving wife Judy Gregg, and his three children, after a battle with cancer.
Arthur was born in Saint John, NB, the only child of Arthur Mount Gregg, and Jean Gregg (nee Smith). He grew up in Saint John with his parents, summering in Westfield. He was blessed to have Helen McLaughlin, of Norton, NB, as his childhood nanny, with whom he remained close throughout her life. His father died when he was ten, and in 1950, Jean married Campbell MacKay. Arthur attended Ridley College in St. Catherine’s from 1951 to 1956.
He attended UNB from 1956-57, then Sir George Williams in Montreal (BA), Montreal Diocesan Theological College in 1965 (LTh-Licentiate in Theology) after which he was made a deacon in the Diocese of Fredericton.
Married to Joyce Dentith (nee Carson) in May 1962, they had three children, Cam, Kathy and Margie. While serving in parishes around New Brunswick, he enjoyed summers on the Kingston peninsula, boating, completing building projects and visiting friends and family.
He served in the parishes of:
Canterbury - Holy Trinity & St. Mary the Virgin (Benton) 1965 - 1969.
McAdam - St. George’s 1969 -1974
Fredericton - St. John the Evangelist 1974 - 1987
Saint John - Lancaster Church of the Good Shepherd 1987 - 2001.
In retirement, he served at Lepreau, Grand Manan, Oak Point.
His Ministry was characterized by providing spiritual guidance and practical help. He was a self described “Marrying and Burying Sam”. You could often find him in the church hall kitchen, cooking pancakes or preparing turkey dinners; or with his tools, helping with building projects. He had a particular affinity and commitment to ministering to men. He continued learning throughout his time as a priest, taking part in bible studies, Kerseo, trips to the Holy land and Darien, Connecticut, taking parishioners along with him. He was appointed Archdeacon of Saint Andrews in the early nineties, providing oversight and support to other priests and parishes.
He retired with Joyce to Grand Bay-Westfield. He was a great cook and loved his food. His cooking prowess was enjoyed not only by the family, but by parishioners, and buddies at the fishing camp. His hospitality extended to friends, family, and travelling preachers.
He loved his games: solitaire, bridge, golf, backgammon, cribbage. He was creative with many hobbies: fishing, fly tying, stained glass, wood working including wood turning, wine making, building model planes and boats; and a lovely cedar strip kayak. Music played a big part in his life: singing in choirs, attending concerts and supporting organ music in his churches. He was instrumental in starting the Saint John Men's Chorus, and sang in it as long as he could.
Joyce, his wife of 54 years, died in 2016. Art married Judy Carpenter in November 2017, They had six very happy years together golfing, travelling, and sharing good meals with family and friends.
He is survived and dearly missed by his wife Judy Gregg, children Cam Gregg (Deborah Kennedy), Kathy Toogood (Jon Hall) and Margie Gregg, and two grandchildren, Alanna and Sarah Toogood, and step children Gord Carpenter (Brenda), Peter Carpenter (Sally), Cathy Prosser (Brian) and Wendy Knox (Dale) and their families.
He will be warmly welcomed at the rainbow bridge by his dogs Tess, Pat, Lass, and Mike, and cats: Mork & Mindy, Bobbi, and Charles. Max is keeping Judy company for a while yet.
In retirement, he became a three star mariner with Holland America, enjoying cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Bermuda, and a Danube river cruise. Closer to home, he became an active member and enjoyed the weekly fellowship of the men in the Lancaster Golden Service Club.
The family is deeply grateful for the medical care Art received throughout his cancer journey. Special thanks to Dr. Naz, Dr. Zed, Dr. Andreani, Dr. Michael, Dr. Stephenson, Dr. Wildish and the Saint John extramural care team.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB. Visitation is scheduled for August 14, 3 - 6pm at Brenan’s Funeral Home. Funeral service at Anglican Church of the Resurrection, Grand Bay Westfield, August 15 at 1 pm. Donations may be made to Bobby’s Hospice, or a charity of choice.
