David Grant Greig

David Grant Greig, beloved dad, partner, brother, and friend, peacefully left his body in the late evening of March 1, 2025, with his family at his side. David was 71.

David was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec (Verdun) to Grant and Shirley Greig on May 19, 1953.

At the age of 19, after completing his schooling, David found his way up to the Yukon Territory, where he began a deep love affair with Canada’s great north, a 35-year career in alternative education, and a profound connection to the earth and its soil.

In 1983, David met a woman whom he later described as ‘the best thing that ever happened to me’. The two of them began what would become a 42-year-long partnership.

The other ‘best things that ever happened to me’ were the birth of daughters Zoë and Mischa. David loved nothing more than his family and his role as Dad within it.

In 1994, with David’s earthworms strapped to the top of their Toyota Space Cruiser Van, David and his family moved to Victoria, BC, so he and Yvonne could pursue graduate degrees. This led David to a position as an instructor at Camosun College, where he founded a gardening program for students who didn’t fit within the traditional college education programs. The unique blending of ‘people and plants’ inspired David to study and become a registered horticultural therapist.

David was a jack of all trades, including a fly fisherman, novice djembe drummer, improv performer (on and off stage), sea kayaker, master composter (official title), worm farmer, minister (by online accreditation only), and costume wig aficionado.

When David wasn’t lending a hand, ear or heart to one of his loved ones, he could be found exploring remote fishing spots on the northern part of Vancouver Island, collecting his hair from his haircuts to bring home to his organic worm bins, or in his garden tending to his vermicompost, growing 90+ varieties of organic and heirloom tomatoes, and planting a stunning array of dahlias.

David will be most remembered for his soft and gentle heart, his profound curiosity about life and people, his deep care for the earth, and his playful sense of humour. He was a deeply compassionate and kind dad, partner, and friend, who never shied away from offering an “I love you” or hug. He was the type of person who would go out of his way to learn more about the quietest person in the room or to subtly perform acts of service like adding air to a bike tire or turning on an entry light for a late-night arriver.

David was predeceased by his brother, Derrick Greig. He leaves behind his life partner, Yvonne, his children, Zoë (Britt) and Mischa, his brother, Danny (Sam), nephew, Darren, and a huge and diverse community of loving friends.

A deep thank you to the Palliative Care team at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their compassionate care and expertise. They truly made David’s final days more comfortable and supportive than we could have imagined, and we are eternally grateful for your heartfelt care.

A celebration of life will be held at the Victoria Unitarian Hall on May 10, 2025, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compost Education Centre or to Our Place Society.