Gregory William Van Oije

Gregory William Van Oije, our beloved and precious son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend has passed away from this earth. We are all devastated, but filled with sweet memories of Greg's tender heart, his sensitive soul, his unconditional love, his intelligence and his incomparable sense of humour.

In his 27 short years, Greg gathered around him a far-reaching group of people who adored him. Tall, handsome, charismatic, and with a big smile, a big laugh and a big hug, everyone he met quickly came to love him. "Everybody Loves Gregory."

Greg had recently found some joy for himself with a job he loved as an apprentice electrician with Pyramid Corporation. Greg lived in Calgary and commuted to his work in northern Alberta. He loved the nature he discovered there. Greg was so proud of his job, and was to start his first year electrician program at SAIT in March. Everything was coming together for Gregory, but it was not to be.

One of his favourite places was Fish Creek Park, where he spent so much time over the years with his family and friends. Greg loved to travel. A trip that he took to Europe with his family will forever be a treasured memory. He loved to watch movies and Game of Thrones, especially with his Dad. He was a huge NFL football fan and cheered on the Pittsburgh Steelers, he loved to game, he loved music and reading, and he loved the "pretty girls."

Greg leaves behind his mother, Susan, his father, Bill, and his younger sister Kristin, as well as his Grandmother Mary Wilfong in Burlington, ON, his Aunt Kathy in Waterloo, ON, and his Aunt Helena in Surrey, BC. His beloved Oma, Anthonia Van Oije, was waiting for him when he passed, as were his Opa Willem Van Oije and his Opa Hans Braungart.

Born and raised in Calgary, Gregory attended Woodbine Elementary, Woodman Jr. High, and Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School. It speaks to Greg's wonderful character that many of the friends he made in life go back to his early school days.

We are so proud of Gregory and the enormous impact he's had on all of us. He had a brilliant energy and spirit that brought light and life to the world. His life was love.

His funeral is being held privately by his family. There will be a Gathering for Greg on Saturday, October 18 at the Woodcreek Community Hall, 1991 Woodview Dr. SW, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and all of his many friends are invited.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Greg, please do so to the Oxford House Foundation of Canada, #204 1409 Edmonton Trail N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 3K8.