December 1, 1948 – October 9, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather John Greenhill, at age 76, after a short illness. Left to cherish his memory are his partner of 31 years, Michelle Hooper; his eldest children Damian (Kelly), Geoff (Stacey), Melissa, and their mother Susan; his younger children Gwen and Alex; and his grandchildren Sophia, Jaxsyn, and Riri.

John will be lovingly remembered by his brother Nick (Anita) and sister Sarah (Gary) all of England, and many extended family members and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents Reginald and Ruth.

John was born in Islington, England and grew up in post-war London. He loved to fish and spent many days cycling across London with his cousin Adrian in search of the best fishing spot. John started riding motorcycles at age 16, which greatly expanded his range for fishing and adventure.

John had a keen scientific mind and loved building things. He was given a chemistry set and conducted experiments in the kitchen when his parents were away at work, determined to make his own explosives.

John studied at the Royal School of Mines in London, England and earned his degree in 1971 as a Pyrometallurgical Engineer. In search of adventure, John took a summer position during his schooling at a mine in Zambia. After graduation he moved to Rustenburg, South Africa, to work at the nickel mine.

John returned to England in 1974, where he met and married Susan. They emigrated to Thompson, Manitoba where John took a position in the INCO Smelter, and raised their three children, Damian, Geoff and Melissa.

John embraced the northern lifestyle and taught himself to hunt. He enjoyed back country canoe trips with his friend Milt and built a remote cabin on Paint Lake for the young family to enjoy.

John later built and moved to a house at Paint Lake where he met Michelle and resumed motorcycling. John and Michelle moved to West St. Paul in 1998 after John was laid off from INCO. John worked for a few more years as a contract engineer for INCO and as a house inspector before fully retiring. John embraced his second round of fatherhood when Gwen and Alex were born in the early 2000’s.

John loved to read, and was able to converse on nearly any topic, usually from personal experience. He was happiest when he could help solve a problem with an innovative solution, a true engineer.

After retirement, John had more time to devote to interests such as building furniture, model airplanes, and designing wooden clocks. John joined the NASSIR Goldwing Forum, and went on many motorcycle trips with Michelle, Gwen, Alex, and his good friends Miles and Don. The family moved to Cooks Creek in 2009, where John enjoyed relaxing with a cup of tea and a good book.

A live-streamed Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 68152, MB-212, Cooks Creek, Manitoba, with reception to follow in the church hall.

Many thanks to the staff at the hospitals in Selkirk, Winnipeg and Pinawa for the kindness and care given to John during his illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in John's memory to the Canadian Lung Association , the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or a charity of your choice..

Livestream Link