Gregory C Lafave

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gregory C. Lafave on June 2, 2025, at the age of 86.
Greg was a devoted father to four sons: Daniel (Darlene; children Zachary and Austin), the late Paul, Joseph, and Mark (Lynne; children Taylor/Dane, Hailey/Mike, and Caitlin). He was predeceased by his wife Ruth and son Paul, who passed away in infancy from SIDS.
Born Gregory Simonson to Irene and Sigurd Simonson, Greg was brother to Rodney and Sandra. After Irene married Wesley Lafave, who adopted Greg and his brothers, the family welcomed a sister, Mary Jo.
Greg joined the Navy in 1960, training as a printer and serving in Hawaii, where he met and married Ruth. After returning to Duluth, they grew their family and, for a time, cared for their nieces Debbie and Julie when their mother was ill.
In 1973, Greg’s career path swerved and brought the family to Winnipeg, closer to Ruth’s relatives. He worked as a printer for several years before moving on to teach printing at Red River College. Greg was deeply connected to his Catholic faith and was ordained as a Deacon in 1982, serving St. Bernadette’s Parish in Winnipeg and St. Albert the Great Parish in Calgary.
Upon retirement from Red River College, Greg and Ruth moved to Calgary to be near Mark, Lynne, and their grandchildren. Greg enjoyed woodworking, volunteering at Heritage Park, and his deacon duties at St. Albert the Great Parish. He cherished teaching his granddaughters to drive and supporting his grandchildren’s activities. Affectionately known as ‘Munka,’ (the mispronunciation of Grandpa coined by the first grandchild) was a beloved grandfather.
Greg and Ruth shared 55 years of marriage, traveling across Canada, spending winters in Lake Havasu, and visiting family in Florida, Winnipeg, and Duluth. Their partnership was a source of strength and joy.
Greg will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His kindness, devotion, and sense of humor will be remembered always.
An interment will be held on June 17th, 2025, at 11:00am. At Green acres cemetery, located at 1 green acres lane in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada: https://alzheimer.ca/en/ways-to-give

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