Albert Charles Alexander Greer, born February 23, 1937 in Toronto to Charles Alexander and Hazel Elvra Greer, died peacefully May 9, 2024 at Trillium Manor, Orillia, attended faithfully by his devoted wife of 37 years, Nynka, as well as by his loving family and close friends.
Albert is survived by his adoring children David (Melissa), Malcolm (Regan), Linda O’Leary (Kevin), John (Bonnie) and their mother, Carol West, and his beloved step-daughter Lenora Hamilton (Robin). He was a cherished Grandad to Adrian (Catherine), Kyle (predeceased), Cadence, Krista (Lubke), Savannah, Trevor, and Russell, as well as beloved step-grandad to Miya, Jared, Beckett and Isley.
He is predeceased by siblings Virginia (John Haysom), Hazel (Bruce Andrews), and Harold (Antonia Sanchez-Greer), and lovingly remembered by his surviving brothers George (Heather), Norman (Deena predeceased) and Kenneth, as well as all his Greidanus family-in-laws.
After graduating from University of Toronto Schools and the University of Toronto (BA), Albert embarked on a remarkable career in music as a tenor soloist, conductor, educator, and composer and arranger of choral music. Awards and appointments include the Choirs Ontario’s President’s Leadership Award, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada (CM).
As a tenor soloist specializing in oratorio and concert songs, he performed over four decades with major choirs and orchestras from coast to coast. Albert was acclaimed for the roles of Evangelist in the Saint Matthew and Saint John Passions of J.S. Bach.
It was important to Albert to encourage young musicians, first by teaching at high schools in Northern Ontario and Toronto. In 1980, he became Choral Director at York University, teaching voice, choral conducting and advanced musicianship until he retired in 2004.
Albert directed many choirs, including the North York Chorus and the Ontario Youth Choir. He served as Artistic Director and Conductor of Orillia’s The Cellar Singers for 35 years during which time he founded the Couchiching Young Singers. Albert shared his gifts of music as Organist and Director of Music at St. James’ Anglican Church, Orillia from 1981 to 2018.
A love of travel took him to destinations ranging from the Caribbean to China in addition to singing engagements as far afield as New Zealand. The Cellar Singers’ performances in Europe and Great Britain were particularly memorable.
Albert also loved the water which included jaunts in his Kavalk and a lifetime of experiences at family cottages near Brechin. Albert and Nynka created lasting memories for the many friends and family who visited their Cedar Island home.
We have lost a bright light in our family and in Canadian music. His hearty laugh, engaging personality and heartfelt tenor voice will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held at Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater Street East, Orillia on Wednesday May 15, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at St. James’ Anglican Church, 58 Peter Street North, Orillia, Ontario on Thursday May 16, 2024 at 11am.
Many thanks to the staff at Trillium Manor for their exceptional care over the past two years. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. James’ Anglican Church, Orillia www.stjamesorillia.com, or to The Cellar Singers www.thecellarsingers.com would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com.