I know there are people who feel that they don’t want any fuss made about them when they die. They just want their death to go unnoticed. But, once you are dead, your death isn’t about you anymore. Your death is about your loved ones now, and their opportunity to grieve, in whatever form that takes. Grieving usually involves a gathering of the caring, with stories of you, a rejoicing of your life and your contribution while breathing the air of this good Earth.

Please do not deny the community of survivors the opportunity to grieve your loss, expect your loved ones to celebrate your life after your death.

I went to school with Greg’s sister Nita, but failed to graduate in 1967. I tried again to graduate in 1969-70. That was when I came to know Greg who was a friendly person with long legs and a short trunk. I left Oliver in the early 70’s and Greg didn’t. It was 10 years later when we reconnected again as I returned to Oliver to visit friends and relatives. By then, he had filled out. Greg was a man who was driven, but I didn’t realize how much his drive affected people until his memorial.

Greg’s death came as a shock. I began to plan my return to Oliver to mourn his loss whenever the first opportunity came. That date was set for March 10th at 10 am in the Oliver Community Hall. We arrived about quarter to the hour and there were already 500 people in the Hall. There were estimates ranging from 700 to 1000 people who attended the memorial.

We were asked to bring cookies, with Greg’s family to supply the beverages. Six thousand cookies, cakes, donuts, and bannock showed up. Yes, bannock! I didn’t see it, but those who ate it said it was delicious! I talked to more than one person about how tasty it was.

The agenda included 16 scheduled speakers with an open mic afterwards. I don’t have the spelling of everyones name correct who were scheduled to speak, so please forgive my errors. The first was Jesse Norton, then his sister Sara, Robert Mattes, Linda Larson, Graehm Nelson, Brenda ( nee ) Hutton, nieces Kim and Debbie, George Bush, Gerry Neilson, Jean McCartney, Bill McKay, Ms. Singh, Lorna ( nee ) Tompkins, Brian Meadows, and Mike whose last name I didn’t get but who spoke of the importance of loving and accepting one another.

Each speaker informed us of Greg’s contribution to their lives and the lives of those whom he had dealings with. He got things done to the best of his ability. I didn’t count the number of organizations he helped with, and some which he started, but his impact was far and wide. He definitely will be missed.

Many of my school friends were at the memorial. Of course you can’t see everyone, but as I spent the week-end in Oliver I found that others I met later had been at the memorial too.

Saturday evening yielded a bonfire at the Norton residence where upwards of 100 gathered, not just adults but children too. There were beverages for all ages. Jesse Norton lit up the sky with a wonderful fireworks display, Greg would have enjoyed it. The Norton family put on a first class party.

On the trip back to Edmonton, we realized that of those who flew into Penticton on the previous Friday, many were going to the memorial, all of us unknown to one another!  We met cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws at the airports and on the plane during our return.

My Dad, Wally Smith, once told me that he had more friends that were dead than were alive. Greg joins my list of friends who are dead. His death reminds me to enjoy those living while we are yet able.