Obituary of Gregory Edward Dubeau

Gregory Edward Dubeau (b. 1957) was a strong and loving husband, father, and friend. Although he faced many challenges later in his life, his family was always at his side, and he inspired us with his strength and love. We love him dearly.

On the morning of March 11, 2023, Greg passed away in his sleep - a terrible shock to everyone. Greg was 65 years old, and although he had many chronic health conditions, nothing was out of the ordinary at the time. Brian, Greg’s brother-in-law, found Greg and we are deeply appreciative for his heroic efforts and loving support.

Greg was born in Owen Sound and raised in Penetanguishene and Bracebridge. In his early life, he had amazing energy, a great sense of fun, and a sharp wit, and developed many lifelong friendships. He loved to play sports in high school, and hockey in university. A four-season sportsman, he loved cars too (remember that yellow Camaro (so hot) and his later lust for a Beamer?). High on his scoring list were his dad’s red boat and water-skiing, as well as alpine/cross-country skiing; over the years he enjoyed the high hills and occasionally the backcountry. As an adult, Greg learned to play golf, playing with his father and sister on occasion. Music was a passion, especially rock 'n' roll; he amazed us with his knowledge. Greg also became a skilled builder while working on houses for his parents, and was a self-proclaimed improver!

As a young man, Greg met Sita one evening at the Albion in Gravenhurst, when he was out for a social evening with family and friends. It was love at first sight. Greg wrote love poems to Sita from his home in Toronto, and when he met her family, her brother, Brian, suggested Greg was the man for her. Greg followed up with a marriage proposal, made in the howling wind on the Don Mills Rd. Bridge over the 401, and a wedding in June, 1985.  

Greg was a man who never had an image problem he could not solve! He was a photographer from the get-go in high school, and worked his talents and leadership into a most successful imaging sales career with Canon Canada Inc., building a new video and photo presence in the Ontario market. His skills were enhanced during early years in management positions with Simpsons stores in Toronto; he mentored many colleagues during his career and continued with his own kids. His oldest son Devin, then studied Media Arts at university, and Dylan went into Radio and TV at Ryerson, and both work in their fields. Nadia is a right-brainer too, with a music degree, and found inspiration in her dad’s awesome ideas.

Family was very important to Greg, and he enjoyed family gatherings. He could be counted on to record family events with great photos and memorable videos. Family vacations to Myrtle Beach became an annual event with Sita, Nadia, Devin, and Dylan - these continued until 2022 when Greg and Sita bought a vacation home in the south. Greg would have loved to have spent more time there with Sita. Greg introduced Sita and his kids to the joys of cottaging and building family memories, as well as cottages, at Proudfoot Lake, and later at Six Mile Lake. These experiences profoundly influenced the family.

When Greg was at the peak of his career (2011/12), he was diagnosed with a brain tumour that was quite advanced. He had treatments which deeply affected the rest of his and his family’s lives. Even though he faced huge challenges not physically apparent to others, Greg worked every day of his remaining years to get better. He was an expert at Sudoku and the New York Times crosswords. Sita and Greg’s marriage was lifetime happy and they were very well suited. Their children gave them great pleasure as well as their grandkids. Sita took early retirement from her career to be at home and support Greg and the family after his medical treatments. They travelled to warm climates together and hot tubbed together every day. Greg also loved for Sita to read aloud, sharing a passion for action mysteries, along with their pets, Jake and Giorgio. He smiled every day, especially when he brought home treats and coffee from Tim’s!

Greg was a loving husband, and cherished his family - Nadia, Devin (Emiko), and Dylan (Samantha). Proud and loving grandfather of Ashton, Rose, and Teddy. Predeceased by his parents, John “Jack” Dubeau and Donna Louise (Crooke) Dubeau, and father-in-law, Samuel Elder. Survived by his much-loved siblings; Cheryl, Sandra, Steve (Kim), Valerie, and Kim (John), and their children, Vaughn, Brent, Ryan, Nicole: as well as brothers-in-law; Shaun (Maureen), Brendan (Angelica), Brian (Voahangy) and their children Abby and Owen: sister-in-law Janice (John), as well as many other members of his extended families. Greg particularly enjoyed a close relationship with Betsy, his mother-in-law. 

Greg, you have left a void in our lives, you are a special man, loved by many and rarely daunted. You never judged anyone, and always shared your love for your family and friends. Committed to a peaceful and happy family and personal life, Greg showed us how to be kind, thankful, and resilient. We miss you and love you. And although you left us too soon, every day we had with you was a gift. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honour of Greg to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (braintumour.ca) or Diabetes Canada (diabetes.ca).

© 2023 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.