Obituary of Wallace Gregory Maguire
It is with heavy hearts and much love that we announce Greg’s passing after a courageous battle with cancer. Wallace Gregory “Greg” Maguire, age 76, of Bishopville, passed away on November 17, 2023, in Valley Hospice in Kentville, with his wife, Della at his side. Better known as Greg, he was born in the Truro hospital on June 23, 1947. He was the oldest of three children born to Nellie Laura Watson and Clarence “Mick” Maguire.
Greg attended school in Grand Pre, Newport Station and Hantsport and sea cadets in the red barn at the Hantsport Memorial Community Centre. He was in his teens when he met Della, the love of his life, on their 18th birthday. Greg didn’t believe Della when she told him it was also her birthday, but in later years Greg loved telling people that Della was older… by 12 hours, although he would often leave that last part out! They were married on March 17, 1967, in Hantsport at the Anglican Church.
Sports were a constant in Greg’s life. He started out playing baseball in the 70’s for teams such as the Tides and the Mariners. He played broomball in Brooklyn as well as playing and coaching fastball in Avonport. He spent some time in the bowling alley, mixed league on Wednesday nights and a competitive men’s league on Thursday nights. He wore each uniform proudly. He was also an avid watcher of all sports on TV, such as hockey, baseball, darts, and bowling. Another favorite past time for Greg was fishing, whether it was for brook trout, shad on the Annapolis River, or fly in fishing in Northern Alberta to hook a monster rainbow trout.
Greg’s first job after getting married was on the gypsum boat out of Hantsport which travelled down the eastern seaboard to Florida. He then attended Kings Vocational School to become an electrician. Greg established a business called W.G. Maguire Electrical Ltd which was well known throughout Nova Scotia. During the late 70’s, Greg and Della opened a store front of the same name, where they sold appliances and lighting fixtures. In the early 80’s, the store moved to William Street across from the Hantsport post office. Later in life he became a red seal electrician which allowed him to work across Canada for himself as well as contract bidding for electrical companies.
Never taking the time to rest, Greg and Della built their three homes over the course of 20 years, starting in Hantsport in 1974 and then moving to Lockhartville. The last house, built on Ben Jackson Road, is now the office of Glooscap Ventures. The purchase of the house and surrounding land by Glooscap First Nation, was an integral part of establishing what is now Glooscap Landing. Greg has had a long involvement with Glooscap First Nation, as he was awarded the tender for building the first 2 homes on Smith Road in the late 80’s, which in turn opened the community for expansion.
In 2015, Greg was a double lung transplant recipient at the University of Alberta (U of A) Hospital in Edmonton. After Greg’s recovery, they returned to Nova Scotia in 2016, settling in Bishopville. Over the past 4 years, Greg had developed an aggressive form of skin cancer that required several surgeries and radiation treatments. Unfortunately, this cancer was caused by one of his anti-rejection drugs that was required after the lung transplant. Greg was very thankful for the opportunity to receive the transplant, which added years onto his life. He was able to enjoy his hobbies such fishing and tinkering in the garage. His greatest pleasure was having the chance to spend time with his family. Knowing that his children and grandchildren were “doing good” in their lives, gave him peace and contentment.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the many health professionals on his care team at the U of A Hospital in Edmonton, specialists in Halifax, his Nurse Practitioner in Hantsport, the Palliative Care team, and those at the Valley Hospice in Kentville for their care and kindness.
Greg is survived by his loving wife, Della; son, Shawn (Fran) of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; and daughter Stacey of Glooscap First Nation. Greg enjoyed every moment spent with his three grandchildren, Andrew, Kayla, and Skylar. He is also survived by his special aunt, Joyce R. MacInnis of Hantsport; his brother, Garnet (Marie) of Blockhouse; and three nephews, Michael, Hamilton, and Christian.
In addition to his parents, Greg was predeceased by his sister, Debbie Maguire of Greenwood.
For those of you who knew Greg, you knew he was a very private man. Cremation has taken place and following his wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greg’s name may be made to Valley Hospice in Kentville or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
