Saying Good-Bye

Ian's Grandpa Steve McGregor passed away peacefully on December 12, 2013.

We hold a very special bond with him as we live in "his home"... he was born here, raised here and lived here raising his own family with Grandma Noreen (Granny).  We were fortunate to buy their farm from them over 10 years ago but this always remains his home.  Ian was extremely close to him, working alongside him throughout his life.  It has only been a few years that Grandpa Steve has not been here to see the farm grow.  Ian has more memories of his precious Grandpa than could fill these pages and it was with a heavy heart that we laid him to rest this past weekend on Dec 15, 2013.

Ian's cousin, Hannah, spoke at the funeral and she read my own words:

I feel privileged to live in the home he loved so much.  His home.  I feel him all around here, outside on the farm and inside the house.  To our children and I, he is our Big Boppa; strong, funny, caring.  To Ian he is so much more.

Ian was fortunate to speak at the funeral as well:

Memories are simply moments that refuse to be ordinary.  The memories Grandpa has given us have shaped our lives in a special and unique way.  We remember Grandpa's strong hands, tanned dark by the sun and calloused from hard work; his shy smile when we was welcoming us to Glenroy Farm or to the Manse, his music, his joy in his children, his legendary ability in crokinole and softball, his quiet words of wisdom to help us get through a rough patch;  One of my favourites was when I would be chatting with him when something wasn't going my way, such as the weather during planting season, he would smile and say "the pleasures of farming!". And of course his love for our Grandmother.  I am thankful to be able to have worked alongside this great man and I am proud to be a McGregor.  He taught us about our history and where the McGregors orignated from.  He wasn't flashy and always made do with what he had, even if it took some baler twine, blackwire or duct tape to make it last.  I love what I do and I know he was a big part of the reason I chose to begin farming.  He was a steady and calming influence on all of us.  Good bye Grandpa and we all love you.


Grandpa Steve was "Big Boppa" to our children, named by Grace when she was just beginning to talk.  Grace and Alex are very lucky to have memories of him as the rest of his great-grandchildren may not as they are still so young.  Music was a big part of his life and his fiddle came out at numerous family events.

Big Boppa playing alongside wee Grace (Aunt Janie behind).

That smile is priceless.  He loved holding babies - here he is holding Alex at our church.  2007

Jean is mesmerized by Big Boppa's amazing hands... big, callused but gentle.  2009

This past Christmas season was a little bittersweet as our McGregor family had to say good bye to him but we all felt him in our hearts.