Born in:
Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born on: 22/09/1961
Passed away in:
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Passed away on: 15/11/2009
It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Gregory Charles Nearing, 48, announce his unexpected passing on November 15, 2009 at his home in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Born in Glace Bay, September 22, 1961, and raised in Reserve Mines, he was the son of the late Basil and Margaret (MacDonald) Nearing.
Gregory is survived by his wife Diane Buckland; sons David and Thomas; daughter Sara (Jason) Hood and grand-daughter Avah Gray Hood; brother David (Paula) Nearing; sister Marion (Bill) Turner and nieces and nephew Amandah, Megan and Brandon.
Gregory graduated from Reserve District High in 1979, Saint Francis Xavier University in 1982, and Dalhousie Law School in 1986. He was called to the bar of the Northwest Territories in 1987 and to the bar of Nunavut in 1999. He practiced criminal law and worked as a crown prosecutor and defense attorney. He also held the position of Executive Director of the Legal Services Board of the Northwest Territories for a number of years. He served as Treasurer and President of the Northwest Territories’ Law Society prior to the Territories separation, President of the Nunavut Law Society and various positions with the Canadian Bar Association.
By far the most significant position he held was not one with an official title - it was his unofficial role as mentor to young counsel. Gregory always took the time to assist young lawyers -whether it was on a particular file, helping them adjust to practicing law for a living, or helping them deal with personal issues. His genuine kindness towards all who knew him and unselfish compassion for those less fortunate than he, had no limit.
His quick wit will also be sadly missed.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation with will be held on Monday, November 23, at the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at Saint Joseph’s Church, Reserve Mines, Tuesday, November 24 at 1 p.m. with Father Robert McNeil officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall, with interment at Saint Gregory’s Cemetery, Donkin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at dbandpaula@seaside.ns.ca or williamturner@ns.sympatico.ca .
Online condolences to the Nicholson family may also be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca
"Greg was Executive Director of the NWT Legal Services Board when I was Chair of the Legal Services Board when the Nunavut Territory was established and the Nunavut Legal Services Board was established. He was a very good trial lawyer who was devoted to legal aid and its aims of helping those with lesser means in conflict with the law. He did his work with compassion, dedication and respect for the diverse population we served. He was also a good friend, devoted father and husband and proud Cape Bretoner who responded to the challenges of life with rigorous self analysis and ever present good humour. His contributions to developing legal aid and the legal profession in the north are a lasting legacy. Rest in peace, my friend. "
"We were very sorry to hear about Greg. Our deepest sympathy to Diane, David and Thomas. I babysat for Greg and Diane when they lived in Yellowknife, and he was a very kind, comical person. "
"David and Paula, So sorry to hear about Greg, I didn't really know Greg but hear he was a very nice man.
I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
"
"I grew up with the Nearing family and I'm very sorry to read about Greg. He was a wonderful young man and was nice to everyone. I'm very sorry for your loss"
"Saddened to learn of Greg's sudden passing. I can attest to Greg's compassion for assisting young lawyers with adjusting to life in the North and the practice of law. From my first interview and throughout his time at Legal Aid he offered his staff endless support and made every effort to strengthen Legal Aid. I have only good memories of Greg."
"David, So sorry to hear this, am thinking of you. Your brother has your smile - I see your humour in his face. My heart and blessings goes out to you and your family. Love, Rachel"
"So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Greg,he was a nice person and very well liked in school."
""It is with a deep sense of consternation and dismay that I learn of my friend Greg's passing. Although the years have intervened to place time and distance between us, I remember him fondly. Strong is my memory is an enthusiastic wit which was always accompanied by that mischievious grin. Rest in peace knowing that you have left your imprint on many. ""
"It is with a deep sense of consternation and dismay that I learn of my friend Greg's passing. Although the years have intervened to place time and distance between us, I remember him fondly. Strong is my memory of a wit which was always accompanied by that mischievious grin. Rest in peace knowing that you have left your imprint on many. "
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