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John Greatrix
February 25, 1929 - June 7, 2015
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<div itemprop="description">Major (Squadron Leader) John Edward Greatrix. Peacefully on June 7, 2015 our beloved John passed away at Golden Links Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba in his 86th year. <br /><br />John is survived by his daughters Cheryl Chase (Robin) and Nancy Tremblay, his sons Mark Greatrix and David Greatrix, his grandchildren Colin and Hilary Tremblay, and his sister Muriel Savage (Norm) of Peterborough, Ontario. He was predeceased by his wife Carmel in 2012, his parents Frank and Lena Greatrix, his sister Bernice Manley and his brother Bill Greatrix. <br /><br />John was born on February 25, 1929 in Peterborough, Ontario. He enlisted with the RCAF in 1948, receiving his pilot wings in 1949. He married the love of his life, Carmel Fraser, in 1952 after meeting her while stationed at the Chatham, New Brunswick air base. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012.<br /><br />John served with the following squadrons: 421 Red Indian, 430 Silver Falcon, 441 Silver Fox and 429 Transport Squadron. He served with the NATO forces in France and Germany flying F-86 Sabres and CF-104 Starfighters. After receiving an honourable discharge in 1975, he became a Civil Aviation Inspector with Transport Canada until his retirement in 1989. <br /><br />John received the Canadian Forces Decoration, the NATO Service Medal and a Certificate of Recognition from the Canadian Government for 41 years of public service. <br /><br />Dad loved singing, playing the piano and trumpet, swimming, but most of all flying. He took a great interest in Canadian politics. He was happiest spending time with family. <br /><br />The family would like to thank the staff that cared for John at 2 Cornish, Misericordia Health Centre and Golden Links Lodge.<br /><br />In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to a charity of your choice in memory of John.<br /><br />Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Interment will follow at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens.<br /><br /></div>