James Derek Greenwood

James was born in Fort MacLeod Alberta on April 30, 1938. He was the second son born to Major John William Greenwood and Edith Greenwood (nee Armer); a baby-brother to Bruce, and big-brother to Linda (Sedaros).

James was raised in Fort MacLeod and Picton, Ontario.

He attended Queens University in Kingston. He worked as a telecommunications expert for CP Rail in Montreal; CP Air in Vancouver; the Ontario Provincial Police in Toronto; and ultimately retired from the Royal Bank Financial Group in July 1997.

In October of 1963, James married Elizabeth Chisholm of Oakville, Ontario. Together, the couple had two beautiful sons: Derek Andrew Greenwood was born May 29, 1965, followed by John Kenneth Greenwood on May 26, 1969.

In 1981, James met his best friend, Shirley Ann Friesen. The two were married December 28, 1988, and remained inseparable. Their shared love of travel and adventure brought them great joy and many happy memories: they enjoyed romantic trips to Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Venezuala, and Mexico; they spent several weeks in Australia; enjoyed an extensive trip to Greece and Turkey; shared a 3-week jaunt across western Canada with their beloved granddaughter Ashley Rose; and enjoyed the beauty of Ireland together. James’ final vacation was to Runaway Bay Jamaica in February 2004, when he treated his family to a beautiful holiday where they could celebrate sun, sand, and family ties.

James took great joy in sharing life and laughter with his granddaughters, Ashley Rose Hiemstra and Chloe Emma Greenwood.

He will always be affectionately celebrated by his daughters-in-law, Carol Diane “Pickles” Greenwood (nee Coates, wife of Derek), and Kimberley Ann “Kimbers” Robinson, fiancé to John.

He will be happily remembered by his sons as a master of tools; an avid family camper; a lover of all things golf (a truly skilled flogger); an able hobbiest and handyman; and above all, a loving father and friend.

James never wasted a day in his life - he lived each day fully and with passion. He loved to laugh and to share in laughter with others. He gave freely of himself - his kindness, his humour, his wisdom, his love. He offered his friendship to any who would have it, and many did. He will be sadly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to share in his life.