I was deeply moved by a letter he sent me a short time ago. And in the early days of the brigantine Pathfinder sailing off the west end of the Toronto Islands; he was so curious - about everything, afloat and ashore.

Fond memories of a decade of fun with the Cook family at Nora’s Bocce Ball tournaments, with the kids climbing trees ( and Sandy falling down one of them) , friendly competition, music, fun and laughter. It was always good to spend time with Anne and Greig and to see how they supported each other.

I first ‘met’ Greig when I sailed as a trainee on Playfair in 1979. I say ‘met’ because in those days trainees never really met their captain. His projection of calm wisdom was unmistakable, however, and brought a sense of confidence to the entire crew.

After passing through the program myself and then years later just after the beginning of the new millennium when a group of alumni including myself were in the throws of pulling together the program, it was Greig who volunteered to help with the hiring of ship’s captains – a seemingly simple task, but critical to the success of the program.

My condolences to Greig’s family, and to the entire Brigs universe as it has lost a giant.

We still can’t believe we won’t be seeing Greig again. Sending love and support to Anne, Leigh Anne and Paul

Dear Anne and family. We were saddened to hear about Greig's passing. Please accept our condolences. I still remember when Greig was first hired by RPA. I have known and worked with Greig for almost 30 years. We worked on many projects together over those years. I knew him to be a quiet, dedicated and loyal team member and employee. We directed many different tasks and challenges at Greig. He always rose to the challenge and never complained. He did "what ever it took" to get the job done. A real "professional". I am sorry the he and I lost touch over the years since we both retired. He was a true gentleman and I feel privileged to have known him.

I am so sad to hear about cousin Greig's passing. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.

Greig had a kind, gentle, helpful soul. It has been my privilege to live next door to him for the last 10 yrs. He was always willing to help and lend his expertise in any situation. I will miss his smiling face looking up from his book and saying hello while reading on his front porch. May the wind always be at his back.

I remember with fondness meeting up with Greig and Anne at the Goderich Celtic Roots festival in Goderich. Greig was a kind and calm person and added to our enjoyment of the festival weekend. My condolences to all the family for their sad loss of a husband, father and brother-in-law.

I remember when Greig started his Pathfinder career in 1968 (Playfair had not yet been built). Like his older brother Art (whose Pathfinder career preceded ours), Greig was relatively soft spoken. Captain Maurice D. Smith and XO Mike Leigh certainly appreciated his arrival. But it was 1968 Watch Officers John Clinton, Ross Hunt and myself who fought over him. We all wanted this tireless dynamo on our watch. He was the hardest working and most talented person of his generation that I saw. Having him on your watch (and I did) was a game changer. He made an enormous contribution to the Pathfinder / Playfair program.

My deepest condolences to every member of his family. He was a wonderful and extraordinarily talented person.

Gregg was such a kind person. He would come to pick Anne up at work. Was this man sitting in his car yelling at her to hurry up and get in? No this man parked the car and came into the building to wait. When he saw her he would take her bag and walk her to the car.

I’m so sorry he’s gone. I’m happy he went peacefully with the family he loved by his side.

Dear Anne and Family,

We are so sorry to hear about our cousin Greig. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Sending lots of love.

Very sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was a fine member of the family, and a friend to many.

I am very sorry to hear of Greigs death. He always took the time to visit my parents (Jack&Mary) during his trips to Cape Breton. He was also kind enough to email me recently, and his positive attitude in spite of his diagnosis was truly admirable. Sending my sincere condolences to Anne, Leigh Anne, Paul, Arthur and Mary Anne.

I had many fond memories of sailing with Greg on Pathfinder

I knew Greig through Anne’s piping career. I remember him as a calm and thoughtful person, the ultimate gentleman, with a quiet sense of humour.

My sincere condolences go out to you Anne, and to your family. Greig’s passing is a great loss to all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Living next to Greig for almost 10 years provided such a great sense of community within our little laneway of houses. I will always remember the kindness he showed my family and long conversations he had with my Dad about home renovations. He will be deeply missed.

Captain Cooke said to me that he was glad not to be sleeping down at the Brigantines one foggy night at the Toronto Harbour. It was his sense of humour to tease the teenagers who were there for the weekend of work at the old Maple Leaf Mills workshop. I found him to be a calm and capable captain. Perhaps one of the reasons I am also captain on the Lake ships now.

Heartbreaking to receive the news of “ sainted Greig “ passing. While I only met Greig a handful of times, he was married to Anne, a cousin loved & adored by all in her paternal Gaskin Family. He always seemed to be ready with a gentle smile and a kindly countenance. Sending all our love to Anne & Greig’s Family as we try and absorb his untimely loss.

We had a lovely lunch together a couple of years ago at Lake on the Mountain, near Picton. Lots of laughs.