Dr. Brian Gregory
January 12, 1938 to February 5, 2021
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at home on February 5, 2021. Brian was born in Derbyshire, England on January 12, 1938. In 1963, together with his wife, Marion, they moved to St. John’s, Newfoundland. Here he started a long and distinguished career as a Chemistry professor at MUN until his retirement in 2003. In 1991, Brian was awarded the Memorial University President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Leaving to mourn his beloved wife Marion; his devoted children Alastair (Sharon), Helen (Mark Harris Evans) and Jonathan (Kumiko); grand-children Haruto Ethan and Amelia Hana; and his faithful dog Chip. Also leaving a large circle of friends, colleagues and a great number of students of whom he was very proud.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the visitation that was originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 has now been cancelled. A celebration of Brian’s life will take place at a later date.
Flowers gratefully accepted.
Dr. Gregory is so much more than a professor of organic and medicinal chemistry to myself. Any success which I have achieved either professionally or as a man can be traced at least in a large part to this incredibly beautiful, kind soul who made an incredible influence in such a positive way it cannot be described in words.
Rest well, Dr. Gregory.
To Marion and family, I wish you peace. Know that the man which we pay tribute here was loved, respected and admired literally by generations of students. Dr. Gregory continues to be a difference maker in this world, as he is a part of every good thing I do in my daily life.
Should a memorial service become scheduled again and there be a manner in which I could possibly attend, I would appreciate the opportunity to be present.
Kindest regards,
Murray Park
Torbay, NL, formerly of Gillams, NL.
My deepest condolences to your whole family. Dr. Gregory was the supervisor for my BSc Honours thesis back in 1973-1977. He was a kind and inspiring teacher. I know he would have liked me to continue my graduate work with him at MUN, but instead he encouraged me to broaden my horizons and go elsewhere for my grad studies. I took his advice, got my PhD and subsequently had a long career in chemistry. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and advice.
Marion & Family,
I just learned of Dr. Gregory’s passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep each other close with the wonderful memories. He always said for me to call him Brian, but he will always be Dr. Gregory.
Take care,
Lisa
Dear Marion, Alastair, Helen and Jonathan – Desolated to hear about Brian’s death. So many memories and mind pictures of him as a much enjoyed neighbor.
Thank you for him. Ann M (was Rosenberg)
Mr. Alastair Gregory and extended Family: We thought that we would get over to pay our respects to you in person, but COVID had other plans. Please know that we are thinking about you at this very difficult time. Remember all the wonderful memories you have of your Dad and we are sure that in time they will a bring a smile to your face. God Bless you and all your family.
Dear Alastair & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. This is never easy and is even more difficult in these challenging pandemic times. May your many memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Mrs Gregory,
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Dr. Gregory. I am not sure that I have told him but he was such an inspiration to me. He motivated, inspired and believed in me and I honestly believe that I would have never completed my degrees without his support.
Many years later I ran into you both at interesting places such as ‘ the sprout’ and even at ‘Pearson airport’! On all of those occasions you both always expressed deep love for all of your children.
Words cannot explain the deep respect I have for my mentor, my friend Dr. Brian Gregory, he has left a legacy in all students who crossed his path.
Sending deep peace and love to you all.
Darla (Pond) O’Reilly
Alastair and Sharon,
So sorry for your loss. Until you have lost a parent it is really hard to know what someone is going through. I certainly do. I lost my Dad who was the same age 3 months ago. It is very, very difficult but in time your wonderful memories of him will replace the sadness. Treasure every one of them.!! From all the comments I have read, he was a remarkable man!
Take Care
To Alastair and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you must miss him very much. May the memory of your father bring comfort and love during this difficult time..
Alastair and Sharon,
We just heard the news of your Dad’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Alastair and Family
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your Father. I didn’t realize the connection before, but your father taught me Chemistry at MUN. I remember Dr. Gregory as a warm, inclusive educator. Chemistry was never my forte, but I will never forget his kind attention and support to me. Hoping that sharing this memory helps you and your family, in some small way, fill that void I know you are feeling. Take Care.
Alastair, My condolences are with you and your family at this time.
Tom Gosine
To Jonathan and the Gregory family,
Our sympathy for your loss is heartfelt. Though I was only in your home a few times as a young person, I remember the smiling faces and the beauty of your home and the people in it. May your love for each other help you through this sad time.
To Helen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. It is always so difficult when losing a cherished parent. We are sending you hugs and comforting thoughts. You are in our thoughts.
Not all professors were wonderful teachers, but Dr Gregory was. He was certainly a favourite. I can still hear him saying “and now for something completely different”, quoting Monty Python, as he move from one topic to the next. Always friendly, helpful and encouraging. I hope I live up to his example. I use his line and try to be as helpful and encouraging to my students as he was to me. I used the practical skills he taught me in 2020 in synthesizing nitrile rubber as part of NL’s COVID-19 response. Thanks for everything Dr. Gregory. Tony Hussey. Chemistry Instructor, CNA.
The Gregory Family
Dr. Gregory was a wonderful teacher. We enjoyed his unique wit and dry humor. We were saddened to hear of his passing. Deepest condolences to your family.
Don and Sarah Osmond
To Mrs Gregory and family, my sincere condolences. Mr Gregory was a very gentle man. Neighbors for 23 years, I will miss his quiet and smiling presence. May beautiful memories bring comfort and peace.
I had the great privilege of being a student of Dr. Gregory in 1970. He was a wonderful professor and an exceptional human being. Our paths crossed occasionally many time over the years and we enjoyed a chat, he always had time for his students. Our last chat was at the Saburu dealership last fall.
Dr. Gregory thank you ….I will miss you, “go rest high on that mountain your work on earth is done”.
My condolence to your entire family.
Marion and family. We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was such a nice person and a fine colleague. Our sincere condolences to you all.
Catherine and Niall
Sincere sympathy to Brian’s family . My husband Peter and Brian were colleagues in the Chemistry Department at MUN for many years, as well as both coming from England to teach at Memorial. Brian will be remembered with fondness by colleagues and all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Greetings Helen,
am very sorry to hear of your loss. Your father has a very productive and satifying life. May he rest in peace.
My sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Dr. Gregory was one of my favourite professors as an undergraduate – he was always kind, patient, and helpful to me and my classmates. It was a privilege to have taken his class. He will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to Marion and family, particularly to John and Kumiko who have been very good friends of our son David for many years.
My sincere condolences to Marion and the family. Brian was a good friend, a sincere gentleman and scholar, and will be missed within the university and by the community as a whole.
My condolences Marion and your family. I remember how much my mother enjoyed meeting you and Dr. Gregory (as I knew him) on our walks in the years after her retirement from MUN chemistry. Her memories of working with him were with respect and fond.
My heart goes out to your family. I did not know Dr. Gregory, however, his son Alastair treated me like a daughter. If this is any indication, I can can only imagine the compassion and kindness Dr. Gregory treated everyone with. Sending condolences to all of his family.
Sincere condolences to Marion and the family, I have lost a good friend over many years. I first met Marion in 1954 when we were both on a Commercial Course at Derby Technical College and remained friends every since. My husband I went to Marion & Brian’s wedding in Swanwick, Derbys. and visited them in Nottingham from time to time and watched their family7 grow up. They then went to St. John’s, Newfoundland but did come over once to visit family and friends in UK. We have kept in touch over the years. RIP Brian.
My most sincere condolence to Marion and the Gregory family. On times, when I worked in the Physics Department, I would see Dr. Gregory and he would always say hello and chat for a few minutes. He was so mannerly. I also saw him at a doctors office last year and enjoyed talking to him. He has gone home to the Lord now and those left behind can take comfort in knowing he is in good hands. You will all see him again someday Remember the good times you shared with him while he was here with you all and this will help you through the days ahead. May the Lord Jesus strengthen you through this difficult time.
My condolences to the family. Dr. Gregory was an exceptionally professor and mentor and gentleman. He once told me while I was his student that he always remembered his students names. Sure enough, a number of years later I ran into him in the Avalon mall and he said hello Steve!
So sad to learn that Brian is not with us in body form any more but now in our memories. I enjoyed meeting him with Marion in the grocery store from time to time. My condolences to the Gregory family.
Dear Marion and family: So sad to hear of Brian’s passing. I remember him as a very kind and gentle man. Thinking of you at this very sad time.
To the Gregory I pass on my sincere condolences. Professor Gregory Inspired many students by his kind and caring approach to teaching. Thoroughly enjoyed all his courses and tried to emulate his teaching style the best I possibly can( but never as good as Professor Gregory). It was an honour the be his student..
Wayne Gulliver
Marion,
My condolences to you and your family.
I well remember Brian’s infectious smile.
I hope your many memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time! You are in my thoughts.
My deepest condolences to the Gregory family. Dr Gregory was such a lovely man and student advocate, especially those of us who were members of the MUN Chemistry Society. He will be missed by many!
Marion, I’m so sorry to hear about Brian’s death. He was a truly wonderful person who contributed so much. He was always willing to listen and so fair in his decisions. He had a lovely sense of humour. He will certainly be missed. I’m thinking about you at this difficult time.
Shirley Solberg
My thoughts & prayers are with you on your loss. Dr. Gregory was a dear, gentle man who I had the pleasure of knowing while working with Dept. of Chemistry. The lovely picture shown here, is just as I remember him., smiling eyes with an undertone of grin. You have been blessed having this fine man in your lives.
Marie Dunphy Harding
Such a gracious, kind, funny gentleman. Dear Gregorys, I am sorry.
Dr G never seemed to hold it against me that all I could remember from organic chem was Avogadro’s number in Brian’s lovely accent .You are all very much in our thoughts.
It’s a lovely photo: you can see the kindness in his face. I’ll be sorry not to run into Brian and Marion out for one of their walks, as Liz and I did occasionally when we were running. Thinking of you all.
Condolences to all. Dr Gregory was always so good to us in the Chemistry general office, he treated us all so good and voiced his opinions on many things others tried to change, he was the best.
My sincere condolences on your loss. Dr. Gregory was my medicinal chemistry professor at MUN over two decades ago. He was a kind, gracious man who cared deeply about teaching and, more so, about his students. He has touched many lives in a positive way in his many years of teaching.
Marion & family.
My thoughts are with you during this time of great sorrow. I hope that the wonderful memories of your life with Brian will bring you peace, strength, and comfort.
Condolences to the whole family. I recall Dr Gregory as a lovely man and kind neighbor all those years ago. Rest in peace.
To Brian’s family,
I, too, am a former student who benefited from Dr. Gregory’s teaching methods. Like many of his students, I was intimidated by the academic mountain that, for me, was organic chemistry. With his humble, quiet demeanor, his humourous anecdotes and his modest confidence, I was able to overcome my fears, and achieve a passing grade. Years later, our paths would cross again in Freshwater , where we shared some classroom memories.
There’s not much to mourn here. Brian was a warm, intelligent, decent man- a life well lived.
Marion and family,
Like many others I was deeply saddened to read that Brian had passed away. He was among the first few people that I met when I came for an interview at the Chemistry Department at Memorial in 1975 and found him to be a gracious thoughtful and caring man. No doubt all that ever had the pleasure of knowing him feels the same way.. he was much loved.
Marion and family, your loss is deep but hopefully good memories will sustain you forever..
Paris and Janette Georghiou
Marion and family,
I was saddened to hear of Brian’s passing. He was an excellent teacher who was genuinely interested in the well being of his students, and was one of the people who inspired me to become a chemistry teacher. In addition he was a great teammate during our seasons playing soccer many years ago. May your great memories of his help all of you through this difficult time.
Helen and family, so very sorry for such a great loss. Thinking of you during this difficult time….
Marion and family,
We are sending our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Brian. We always enjoyed chatting with you both in Freshwater and shared your love of that beautiful setting overlooking Carbonear Island. Know we are thinking of you at this time.
Marion and family
Its been a while but like so many I have good memories of Brian.. My thoughts are with you. all.
Our sincere condolences for your loss of such a fine gentleman. Know you are in our thoughts at this time.
I am saddened to learn of the passing of your father, Jon. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you all at this time.
My sincere condolences to you Marion and Alastair , Helen , Jonathan and Family.. I was deeply saddened when you informed me of Brian’s passing . Having worked with him for many years and also a friend of the family we have certainly been left with many good memories .and these will help during your bereavement You are in my prayers .Take care and God Bless You.
Alastair, Sharon and family,
My sincere condolences for your loss.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace, Dr. Gregory.
Alastair, Sharon, so sorry to hear about your loss.
Alastair, my sincere condolences to the two of you, your Mother, siblings & the entire Family.
You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
Today and always, may loving memories bring you peace, comfort, and strength.
KRISTINE & CORY SAVICKY
Marion, Helen, Alastair and Jonathon, so deeply sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a kind and gentle soul. Many many good conversations and laughs were had through the years. My thoughts are with you all ❤️
Helen,
Sending you and your family my heartfelt condolences. Take good care of eachother..
To Helen, Alastair, Jonathan, and Mrs Gregory:
Dr. Gregory was a gentleman and a gifted teacher. Helen and I attended Jr High and High School together which is how I first met him. I remember being in awe of his expansive library of classical music recordings. which he said he purchased with the money he saved from not drinking or smoking! He and your mom faithfully attended our symphony performances at the Arts & Culture Centre. I will miss not seeing him in the audience.
Later in life, I was fortunate to have him for some organic chemistry courses. The care he had for his students was particularly evident during the semester when a potential strike at MUN was looming. He looked at us with great concern and said that, while he was not permitted to give out his phone number, he was “in the book” should we need him. The strike didn’t happen so classes continued. Toward the end of term, he told us that if we ever found ourselves at cocktail party and wanted to impress, we simply had to sidle up to someone with our drink and casually mention oxymercuration-demercuration reactions. He really had a great sense of humor!
In recent years, I would often see him and your mom walking around Kent’s Pond with their dog. Seeing him always put a smile on my face.
Wishing all of you comfort in your memories of this wonderful and gentle man.
Helen, Sending you and yours my heartfelt condolences.
Peace
Sheilagh
Condolences to you and your family, Alastair, during this difficult time. Your father taught me several organic chemistry courses and I always arranged my schedule around the time he was teaching so I could be in his classes. He was a brilliant teacher who was very caring and kind to me and all students. Rest in peace, Dr. Gregory.
Marion,
Rasul and I are saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. Our sincere condolences and the hope that time and the support of family and friends will help at this sad time.
Alastair, Sharon and family – Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May you find comfort in your memories of Brian.
Marion, Alastair, Helen & Jonathan — I was deeply saddened to learn of Brian’s passing. He was a favorite neighbor across the street, always bright and friendly, with a gentle way, quick sense of humor, appreciation of the arts, and part of a wonderful family. My deepest condolences to you all; I know you have many warm memories to sustain you in this difficult time.
To Allister, Jonathan and family – please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. May all your great memories of him comfort you In your time of grief. Rest In Peace Dr. Gregory.
Alastair so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember going to his office in the Chem building with you a few times and very often seeing him in the hallways of the building. He was a ways very nice and friendly.
My deepest condolences to the Gregory family. I had the privilege and pleasure of being taught by Dr. Gregory. As others have said he engaged even those of us who were less than enthusiastic about this requirement for our nursing degree. Many of us were mature students balancing work and study and he was always so interested in our lives and so incredibly supportive. I had the pleasure afterwards of often seeing him and Mrs. Gregory at the NSO and he always was so warm and such a beautiful gentle man. God bless.
Extending sincere condolences to Marion and family on the loss of Brian. A gentle soul and a pleasure to work for.
Blessings
Kay Scott
Marion,
I’m deeply saddened to ear of Brian’s passing. I have such fond fond memories of you two during our times at Stella’s Restaurant! He always had a smile and twinkle in his eyes.
Until we meet again,
Leona
Jonathan,
Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. I never got the chance to meet your dad but can tell what a great man he was just by knowing you. My thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I have very positive recollections of Brian, being a colleague from the Physics department. Prayers will be offered for Brian and his family.
Marion, Helen and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a true gentleman and we always enjoyed your visits to the store. We particularly remember his funny story about being on a diet but ‘demolishing’ the whole top layer of a box of chocolates. I’m sure you have lots of good memories that will help you in the times ahead. We are thinking of you at this time. Tom & Kitty Whalen/Rick Clarke
Marion, Jonathan and family, sorry for your loss. As a neighbour down the street, whose sons hung out together, had many a chat with Brian and Marion during my walks and meeting them on their walks with their dog(s). Always a pleasure and a gentleman. RIP Brian.
Alastair, Sharon and family. Very sad to hear about the loss of your father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless.
Marion and family. So sorry to hear of Dr. Gregory’s passing. He was a true gentleman. We were so privaliged to have become friends with him at MUN. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Seymour
Lew Feltham
The Gregory Family,
My condolences on the loss of a gentle, kind, and inspired teacher and colleague at Memorial. I was one of his pupils in the course he taught, Chemistry for Nurses in 1985. He made a difficult subject understandable using humour, analogies, and great stories. He was one of those special people whose impact continues to be felt. My thoughts are with you.
Sandra LeFort
Al , Sharon and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gregory was a lovely man and an incredible teacher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frankie and John Tracey
Please accept our sincere condolences. Thinking of all the family and friends at this time.
My deepest condolences to all the Gregory family . Alister and sharon I know you will miss him terribly. Hold on to the beautiful memories that you shared over the years. God has him in his keeping but you have him in your heart.
Alastair
It was privilege to have your father as my organic chemistry professor back in 1967. Later, we were colleagues in the chemistry department at Memorial
University. He was a gentleman for whom I had much respect.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Marion – It was a pleasure knowing you and Brian when our careers intersected at MUN. Brian was a gentleman and a scholar, and his mentoring was valued by his students and his colleagues. My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss.
We send our deepest condolences to you Marion, Alastair, Helen and Jonathan. Ellen and I are late comers to the area but in the short time here we had great chats with Brian and you. He was a gentle quiet gentleman. Your many memories will keep him in your hearts.
I’m sure many, many students will speak of the kind, gentle inspiration that Dr. Gregory was. As a nurse who returned to MUN to complete a second education, chemistry terrified me. Dr Gregory reassured us that as nurses we were already dealing with the most complex chemistry everyday and we could master the molecules, isomers, carbons and all other matter that was actually important for us to understand. I have forgotten much of the chemistry, but have never forgotten the life lessons he taught us. Later we saw each other at Parkdale and enjoyed meeting each time. May you all gain some comfort knowing that Dr Gregory has left an indelible mark on so many.
Margaret Butt
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to all the family .Alister & Sharon -i know you will miss him terribly. U. Peter & A. Winnie
Marion and Family
We are saddened by Brian’s passing. After having you for our wonderful neighbours for more then 50 years, Brian will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this sad time.
Sincere condolences.
Elsie and Don.