Tribute

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Donald Arthur Greenan (Don) on March 18, 2025.  Surrounded by his loved ones in his final days, he passed peacefully at home in his bed, fulfilling his final wish.

Don was born on January 30, 1938, in Vancouver to his mother, Kathleen, and father, Arthur Greenan.  He grew up in Burnaby and attended North Burnaby High School. After graduating, he joined BC Hydro in 1956 and worked his way up into management, forming many lifelong friendships along the way. Even after his retirement from Terasen Gas in 1996, he remained in close contact with many of his coworkers, continuing those friendships until shortly before his passing. Colleagues described him as unfailingly kind and understanding and as someone with a wicked sense of humour.

On October 24, 1964, Don married the love of his life, Pat, with whom he shared more than 60 wonderful years.  Together, they raised two children, Todd and Kristan. As a husband, he was deeply devoted to Pat, forever grateful for her unwavering support and care—especially as she stood by his side as his primary caregiver throughout his 23-year battle with cancer.

As a father, he was our North Star—always ready with wise advice or a compassionate ear, somehow always knowing which we needed most. He never hesitated to express his pride in us and encouraged us to follow our dreams. No matter the path we chose, he was there with both moral and financial support, always ensuring we had what we needed to succeed.

But it was in his role as a grandfather that he truly shone. Despite physical challenges, he was always ready to play—whether it was hide-and-seek, chase, or sitting on the floor playing cars and make-believe games that his grandchildren invented. He would enlist Pat’s help in crafting props, playing necessary roles, or calling time out for meals. As his grandchildren grew, he remained their biggest fan, cheering them on at sports games and events, always with Pat by his side. They were equally enamoured with him and loved to spend time and crack jokes to make him laugh.

Don loved the casino and horse racing, and for a time, he even co-owned racehorses with friends and colleagues from BC Gas/Terasen Gas. He cherished the time he spent at the track, whether with friends or family. He also loved a good trip to Reno or Las Vegas, especially with other friends and family along for the fun.

Throughout his decades-long battle with cancer, Don displayed remarkable strength, resilience, and dignity. Despite the many health challenges he faced, he never lost his wry sense of humor and always found joy in spending time with his family. He also had a deep love for animals, especially his beloved cat, Jasper, and his son’s dog, Bob.

Above all, Don will be remembered for his immense love for his family. His most treasured role in life was being a grandfather to his four grandchildren and a great-grandfather to his great-granddaughter.

Don is survived by his loving wife, Pat; his son, Todd (Jeanine) Greenan; his daughter, Krissy (Rod) Cooper; his grandchildren, Suzanne (Tory) Lardeur, Aedan Greenan, Trent and Travis Cooper; and his great-granddaughter, Isabella. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings and was deeply affected by the passing of his younger brother, Dave, and Dave’s wife, Barb, in January 2024.

Always missed, forever in our hearts.