John Alexander Ussher Gregg
February 22, 1934 – November 11, 2020
It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Jack Gregg.
Jack will be forever missed by the love of his life, his wife of 52 years, Peggy, sons Gordon (Janet), Douglas (Sheri), daughter Erin (Sean) and grandsons Jacob, Carter and Blake.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Philippa. He is survived by his sisters Philippa and Sharon, and his brother Arthur, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
The oldest of 4 children, Jack was born in Liverpool, England. He grew up around Orillia, Ontario, and graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario in 1958 as a Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering Degree and a Bachelor of Science. Jack headed west to Alberta in 1962, working for Indian and Northern Affairs, then moved to the Department of Transport, where he met Peggy. They were married on June 22, 1968, and started and raised a family in St Albert, Alberta. In 1978, Jack became an instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, teaching Survey Technology and Civil Engineering. He retired from NAIT in 1995, and spent the rest of his time living in Edmonton, spending time with loved ones.
There was nothing that Jack could not design or build, he was a wealth of knowledge. He was likely the smartest person you knew. He built his own house once, from the ground up. He built an airplane, a couple of boats, cabinetry, and all types of furniture. All built from scratch with his own hands and skills. He could do math in his head faster than you could do it on a calculator. He was the strong silent type, but always had a one-liner ready to go. He enjoyed camping, fishing for keepers, not throwbacks, and going on vacations to Hawaii. He volunteered his time through various clubs, such as Air Cadets while his sons were enrolled, and also with the Edmonton branch of the Experimental Aircraft Association. While flipping houses, teaching at NAIT, or just being in his presence, Jack made sure to pass his knowledge on to you, and you are a better person for knowing him.
As per his wishes, no service will be held. A cremation has taken place.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in ward 6W, whose care and compassion for Jack in his last days helped us all.
In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the PSP Society of Canada at https://pspsocietycanada.ca, or to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation at https://www.royalalex.org.
My thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and Family at this time and the days ahead. Jack was always my big brother from the time I remember as a toddler and he was always there with special kind word or a joke to spirit me on. He had a special way about him with his jokes and humor. He is with his maker in his happy hunting grounds and catching the best fish. Rest in Peace dear brother Jack.
We have fond memories of visiting at the Gregg home. Jack and Peggy’s home was/is a family home; and when you visited, you were made to feel that you were part of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Peggy and with your family. Forever remembered by all who had the pleasure to meet and know Jack; and forever missed by family and friends!
My brother Josh and I spent a lot of time at my aunt Peg’s and uncle Jack’s home while growing up. We were always made to feel welcome and uncle Jack was nothing but kind to us. I will always remember his kindness, sense of humour and his quick wit. He was a great uncle. You will be missed uncle Jack!
Condolences to Peggy and the family. I was always proud of my big cousin Jack.
Pip Purvis
It’s been a while now, but I often find myself thinking about your passing. The hole you’ve left behind in the lives of the amazing family you built is huge, yet they and everyoneelse are better for knowing you. I loved your wickedly timed sense of humor, and i still dip my fries into the ketchup package like you. I’m thankful to have had you in my life during the time when I lost my own dad.
Happy Father’s Day to you today, Papa Gregg. Much love, Joey
February 22ñd was brother Jack’s birthday. I think of you often and would like to pick up the phone just to hear you voice.
I’m thinking of you flying that plane one summer when you flew from Alberta to Nova Scotia. Hope you are having a good time flying that plane in the heave nly skies in Alberta. Hope you caught some great fish on your last fishing trip.
Thinking of you dear brother Jack; you were always there holding my hand when
I was little. Later teaching me to ride my bike then later driving lessons. Telling me you had a puppy for me was a joke but scared the living daylights out of me when that huge Great Dane jumped out of the back of the truck. Sitting in the bumper seat of your jalopy was great fun. Ice skating across the lake was quite daredevil of you especially at night. Oh you remembered my birthday sending bouquets of beautiful cut flowers to a 13 year old. That beautiful doll you sent from Sweden in National costume when you were an exchange student was so adorable and well remembered. I remember your address at university 449 Frontenac Street as we wrote back and forth while you were at university in Kingston. So I’m remembering our times together and how your quiet humor was so calming. You are missed. Hoping you are getting ready for fishing season. Much love 💘 your sister.