Gregory Nearing
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: September 22nd, 1961
Passed in: Lethbridge, Canada
Passed on: November 15th, 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
