Last Wednesday (November 12), his comments took on added meaning as many in the Millgrove community and beyond gathered in Millgrove United Church to say farewell and celebrate his life. Greenland, 86, died peacefully Saturday, November 8 at McMaster University Medical Centre.

Former Millgrove General Store owner, Wil McKay of Owen Sound, presented a touching eulogy about his good friend. He spoke of Greenland’s various experiences and vocations throughout life, including his stints as a Second World War soldier, a truck driver, an OPP officer, a Gulf Oil depot manager, a Flamborough town councillor, Hamilton-Wentworth regional councillor, deputy mayor, and school bus and cab driver. And he talked about Greenland’s involvement in the community, as a lifelong active member of Millgrove United Church, a member of the Niagara Escarpment Commission, a director of the Ontario Heritage Foundation, and a member of the John Howard Society.

There were many other affiliations, including membership in the Waterdown Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Waterdown Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. All these, along with his roles as husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, helped earn Greenland the affection and respect of many.

“Fred was always willing to work on any project or cause that would benefit others,” McKay recalled. Greenland’s sense of humour, positive attitude and enjoyment of other people’s company were also lauded.

Predeceased in January by Lavinia, his wife of 62 years, Greenland was an affectionate father of three, Brian, Brenda Greenland and Debbie Baker. “Most of you will remember about our real estate in Millgrove—the six-unit condo in the (Millgrove) cemetery,” Debbie said to funeral guests. “Well, my mother will be pleased to have my dad join her as she has been waiting for someone to help share the condo fees. The two of them will head up the Condo Board and will have all the policies and rules in place for when the rest of us join them.”

Debbie also noted that it is fitting her parents will be reunited for the holiday season, “as they have never been apart for Christmas and so, this year, will be no different.”

Known as a man who loved his country, Greenland taught his children to do the same. Debbie recalled several entries from her dad in autograph books that he signed years ago. He always wrote the same message: “Always be proud to be a Canadian; there is no better land.”

Church life was also important to Greenland. His association with Millgrove United started at the age of eight, his daughter said. “His parents, my grandparents, were the caretakers of the church and this was the start of his deep faith and love for Millgrove church and its community,” she noted. “As children, we grew up in the church, going from Explorers to CGIT and on into the Young People’s group. My mom sang in the choir; dad would do services when the minister was away and (he also) taught Sunday School.”

Donald James Frederick Greenland, 20, and his 15-year-old sister, Taylor, also shared cherished memories of their great-grandfather with the crowd. “I remember when grandma and grandpa would come watch all of their great-grandchildren play baseball in the summer and no matter if we won or lost, they would take all of us to Stoney Creek Dairy for ice cream,” Taylor said.

Donald explained that the “great” in “great-grandfather” isn’t “only a title,” but also describes a lot about Greenland. “He was a great talker and a great listener…and I’ve heard from everyone, he was an all-around great guy.” Donald promised to share his great-grandfather’s legacy of love and understanding with future generations of the family.

Besides his three children, Greenland is survived by: three granddaughters, Becky-Lynn, Robin-Lea and Penny; four great-grandchildren, Donald, Taylor, Ashley and Celeste; a sister-in-law, Alma Hunter and several nieces and nephews. Interment was in Millgrove Cemetery.