George Henry "Harry" Greer
December 31, 1928 - March 29, 2026
In his 97th year after a brief illness, Harry passed peacefully and with honour at Centennial Place Long Term Care Home in Millbrook, Ontario. Pre-deceased in 2022 by Joan Penfold Greer, his wife of 72 years. Also predeceased by all of his siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Hayes, Shirley George and John (Jack) Greer. Loved Father of Norman (Linda) Greer, Marilyn (Robin) Barnes, Barry (Linda) Greer, Karen Greer and Lynn (Greg) Varga. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Amy, Andrew, Genny, Joanne, Alexandra, Natasha, Denver, Evan, Iantha, Liam and Aidan as well as his great-grandchildren Esme, Isla, Levi, Joanie, Mable, Preston, Stella, Adrian, Ellia, Charlotte, Norah, Austin, Marigold, Fergus, Ruby and Henry.
Harry Greer, in addition to being a loving husband and father was known for his passion and dedication to the Fire Service. A lifelong resident of Cobourg, Harry served the Cobourg Fire Department for 37 years and was Chief from 1971 until his retirement in 1990. Greer officially began his firefighting career in 1952, as a volunteer with Cobourg Fire Department after learning the ropes as a young boy manning fire pumps alongside his grandfather, who was also a member of the Cobourg Volunteer Fire Department. In 1956, Greer joined the Canadian Forces base fire department in Cobourg, serving there until 1962. That year, he became the third full-time firefighter in Cobourg history, joining the permanent municipal department as a lieutenant. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1964 and to Acting Chief/Chief in 1971 following the retirement of then Chief Bob Fitzgibbon. Fire Chief Harry Greer led the Cobourg department for over 19 years. He also served as county co-ordinator for the Northumberland Mutual Aid Association, facilitating emergency support among 15 municipalities. His work was recognized by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office for exceeding expectations in service and coordination.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Service will be held at 1:00 pm with interment of ashes at Cobourg Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or please also consider donating to the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Cobourg.