Greg was a proud educator. He was Vice Principal of Holy Angels High School for most of his teaching career, retiring in 1994. He was President of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union and the Canadian Teachers Federation as well as Vice President of the World Congress of Organizations of the Teaching Profession and Education International. Greg was also an active member in his community. Highlights of his involvement include serving on the Board of Governors of UCCB (now Cape Breton University), as well as serving with the Council of Churches, the Children's Aid Society, Cape Breton Labourers Development Organization and Our Lady of Fatima Parish Council. His involvement in the community stopped due to his declining health.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary (Cuddihy) and daughter Colleen (Victoria, BC). He is also survived by in-laws Rita O'Keefe, Ellen (Fred) Warner, Tom (Ann) Cuddihy, Catherine (Len) Hickey, James Cuddihy, Maureen (Ron) Poirier, Walter (Elva) Cuddihy, Theresa (Kevin Hutchings) Cuddihy and Madonna Cuddihy. Greg loved and was loved by his numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents John J. and Tilly (Burgey) O'Keefe, and siblings Larry, Ollie (Jos) MacPhee, Redmond (Jessie) and Sr. Maria Lawrence.
Greg's involvement in teachers' organizations allowed him to travel to Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America and all provinces and territories of Canada. He was a prolific photographer. Some of his happiest times were spent going for drives to explore the backroads of Cape Breton and capture its beauty. He was interested in the world around him and was gifted at making connections with people. Greg cherished spending time with his friends and large extended family.
Greg will be remembered for his joyful smile, his wonderful sense of humour and keen wit. Above all else, we are blessed that Greg remained a kind and gentle person who loved his family dearly and shared these gifts with us until his passing.
Mary and Colleen want people to celebrate Greg's life. Greg faced health adversities over the past several years, yet his kind and gentle spirit never waivered. He can best be remembered through acts of kindness and finding joy in the everyday; be it telling a tale, watching a sunset, hugging a loved one, petting your cat, doing a crossword or whatever may bring you joy. Greg would delight in such tributes to him.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00pm on Thursday, April 11 at TW Curry Parkview Chapel,755 George St., Sydney. A Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 11am on Friday, April 12 with Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. Reception will follow in the parish hall. To view the service or to leave a memory or condolence for the family please go to www.twcurry.com.
Mary and Colleen are grateful for the excellent care Greg receieved during his time in Harbourtsone. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg's memory may be made to the Cape Breton Metro VON or a charity of your choice.
