Earl Gregory “Greg” McCartney, born January 28th, 1951, died this past Thursday, September 21st at the age of 66 with his family by his side. Greg battled bravely in recent months with brain cancer and complications surrounding that. He is predeceased by his mother, Sarah Jane “Jean” McCartney and father, Earle James McCartney. Greg is survived by his wife Bev, daughter Christa, son Scott (Heather) and granddaughters Anna and Emma and by his brothers Wayne (Sue), Garth and Brent (Lisa) McCartney, stepmother Trudy McCartney and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Greg had a marvelous life highlighted always by new and exciting experiences. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and raised on his family farm in Tuxford, Greg had a humble childhood but learned much including curiosity, self reliance and ingenuity. He attended school in Moose Jaw where he excelled in scholastics and sport, earning the title of Mr. Football in his senior year. Greg then went on to the University of Saskatchewan where he studied business.

His desire for adventure then took him to Banff, Alberta where he lived as a “ski bum” for a couple of seasons. His gracefulness on the slopes won him the heart of Bev Zimmerman and the rest of his adventures in life would be those they shared together.

In Assiniboia, Saskatchewan, Greg served as Councilman and managed Great West Auto at the age of 25. His curiosity and thirst for new experiences took Greg and his family to Canyon Lake, Texas where his entrepreneurial spirit led him to reach great heights in real estate development. Texas brought great experiences along with humility, another attribute Greg had learned as a young man growing up on the farm.

Adventure continued back in Saskatchewan and then ultimately brought him and his family to White Rock, British Columbia. With BC as a home base, Greg experienced business ventures in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Costa Rica. More recent endeavors had him starting Genesis Bioventures, with the goal of creating diagnostic and therapeutic products for breast cancer. His experience with Genesis Bioventures allowed him the expertise required to begin his own successful asset management firm, Taylor, Butterfield and Worth Asset Management Corporation. With several projects under this umbrella, the one he was most passionate about was that of CNA Diagnostics, a company specializing in the development of genome-specific biomarkers for the global diagnostic market. Greg always wanted to “do good by doing good.”

His genius in business can only be surpassed by the character of the man himself. Greg’s memory and legacy will continue to teach all who knew him about how to be patient, calm, thoughtful and kind. He was always positive, no matter the challenge and his laugh was so infectious he could have an entire room laughing right along with him. Greg was kind to everyone, always the first to invite friends and strangers into his home, cook them a meal and show them a place to sleep if needed. He loved to cook and did so with care and passion and made every meal an experience. He also loved golf. He loved the process of getting better at it and understood how the measure of a man’s earthly characteristics could play a direct role in how well you golf your ball. His swing was as smooth as butter, he hit the ball straight and true and could hit a flop shot that could make its way on the Tour. After every round, he came home having found the “secret.” He used feel and intuition to guide his experience on the golf course much like he did in life. Greg achieved his greatest goal in golf by traveling to St. Andrews, Scotland, and playing many golf courses including the famous “Old Course.”

He loved his family above all else and took great care of them. Greg showed them a beautiful life filled with laughter, love and wonderful experiences. He took them on exciting adventures and taught them important lessons including what it means to be a good person. He was so proud of his family and the love they all have and show for each other every day. Greg was an angel on earth, always seeing the best in and bringing out the best in others. Brilliant and extraordinary is the man who will continue to be with us and teach us long after this day.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to your local Hospice Society in memory of Greg.

Forever in our hearts, he will always be loved.