Visitation
Funeral Service
Obituary of Brian Greig
Greig, James Brian (August 20, 1946 – April 10, 2024) – It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the family of Brian Greig announce his unexpected passing at the Saint John Regional Hospital on April 10, 2024. For the past four years, Brian fought a courageous battle of endless complications due to diabetes. James “Brian” was the only child of the late James and Hilda (MacKinnon) Greig and lived his whole life in Saint John. After graduating from St. Malachy’s High School in 1964, he attended St. Francis Xavier University and graduated with a BA degree in 1969. He cherished his X Ring and proudly wore it wherever he went. He then received his BEd from UNB in 1970.
Brian is survived by his three children James (Trysh) Greig, Joanne (Shay) McGrath, their mother Ann Louise, and Erin (Kyra) Greig and her mother, Sheila. He is also survived by two granddaughters Jessica (Anthony) and Samantha (Bailey), and his grandsons, Washel, Capeson and Macley McGrath.
Brian started his teaching career in 1970 at Inglewood School and in 1976 went to River Valley Junior High School. At River Valley, he was affectionately known as the “Popcorn King.” In 1997 he went to Harbour View High School and taught until his retirement in 2015. He primarily taught history and English throughout his career and was a popular, well respected teacher among colleague and students.
He was well known among his colleagues for serving as a staff representative for the New Brunswick Teacher’s Association from 1978 to June 2015. During those years, Brian served as Branch Grievance Officer, Branch President, Vice President, and for many years was an elected member of the Board of Directors for the NBTA. In April 2015, he received the NBTA Branch 0820 Award of Excellence for Service to the Branch. Even in retirement, Brian remained very active in the teaching community, becoming president of the New Brunswick Society of Retired Teachers – Saint John Branch until 2023 when his health forced him to resign.
Brian had one of the longest running careers in the teaching profession in New Brunswick as he retired after 45 years. In June 2015, he was recognized for the profession, he loved so much, from the NBTA and the Premier of New Brunswick for his dedication to the profession, contribution to education, and service to its people and the government.
Brian was a pillar in the basketball community. He was one of the original driving forces in developing Lancaster Minor Basketball Association to what it is today. He spent decades being on the LMBA executive committee, refereeing, volunteering, and coaching basketball at the minor, middle school, and high school levels. In 2007, Brian received the Executive Award from Basketball New Brunswick in recognition of outstanding service to basketball in New Brunswick.
Brian had cherished childhood memories of his summer home on Ragged Point Road and loved spending time on “his” beach. This is where he met his lifelong friend, Glen Brown. Later in life Brian spent his summers enjoying multiple trips driving to Florida (stopping at all historical places along the way), vacationing in Old Orchard Beach, and trailering in St. Martin’s.
Brian was a lifelong Boston Celtics and New England Patriot’s fan. It wasn’t often he wasn’t watching or talking about basketball or football. Before complications with diabetes, Brian loved to hike and run. He ran many marathons, including the first Marathon by the Sea. He loved watching old movies, tv shows, watching sports, reading, playing cards, studying history, bonfires, playing washer toss, shopping, and listening to 50's music. In his younger years, he played basketball, curling, and bowling. He loved all gadgets, often being referred to as the “Gadget Man” and always had the latest technology items. He loved Star Wars and was a true Whovian who was very proud of owning the 4th Doctor’s scarf. Brian was extremely proud of his Scottish heritage and on his 70th birthday he was gifted a plot of land in Glencoe Wood, Scotland. This purchase officially made him a Lord and he never let anyone forget it.
After his retirement in 2015, Brian enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and watching their many sporting events, especially basketball, baseball, and football. He loved nothing more than to be with his children and grandchildren. He was very involved in their lives and was a very proud father and Grampy. He never hesitated to let them know how proud he was of them.
Brian will be missed for his seasoned knowledge, one liners, quick wit, and constant jokes. He had a wonderful circle of friends including Peter, Nicky, Dixie, Judy, Dianne, Shirley, and the late Mac Taylor. In 1969, Brian met his chosen “brother”, David Williamson, and they have been best friends ever since. He will also be sadly missed by Nutmeg, Luna, Suki, and Tunes.
Thank you to David Smith at Beacon Ortho Ltd. for making Dad’s dream come true by providing him the feet to be able to walk again. Thank you for the excellent care Dad received while in the hospital on 4CN. Thank you to everyone at Tucker Hall, although Dad’s time there was short, you treated him like family, and he felt at home there. We know Dad greatly appreciated his family for all their love, support, and dedication during these past four difficult years.
Dad/Grampy – We are so proud of you and all the strength you have shown over these past four years! You can finally run free!
“We’re all stories, in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?”
- Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, New Brunswick, (506-634-7424). Visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. The Funeral Service will begin at 5:00 PM in the Brenan’s Chapel. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Brian may be made to the Diabetes Association or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
