MAZUR, Gregory

February 26, 1951 — December 21, 2023

Gregory Gordon Mazur, born on February 26, 1951, in Antler, Saskatchewan, peacefully departed in his sleep on December 21, 2023 in Kelowna, BC.

Greg’s early years unfolded at Clover Hill one-room school, and he later graduated from Reston High School. His thirst for knowledge was evident during his high school years when he read over 1000 books. Greg’s passion for learning continued to shape his journey, leading him to a number of universities: The University of Manitoba, the University of Saskatchewan, and Mount Royal University in Calgary all were privileged with Greg’s sharp wit and wisdom. Between his studies, Greg worked in various roles, including a stint in Thompson in the early 1970s at Inco. At this time, he met and later married Leona Sawicki and from this union a daughter, Nicole, was born in 1974.

After Greg and Leona’s separation a few years later, he found employment at Henrion Equipment in Redvers, Saskatchewan, where he discovered his true calling as a salesman. Greg and John Deere proved to be a dynamic combination—an ultimate salesman paired with an exceptional product. His journey in John Deere salesmanship led him from Redvers to Brandon, Manitoba, where he joined the team at Wilton Implements.

In October 1979, fate intervened as he crossed paths with the love of his life, Peggy Nowosad, from Killarney, during a chance meeting at one of the local taverns. Greg and Peggy moved to Neepawa for a short time, and Greg became a sales manager for the John Deere dealership there. The couple “dated” from 1979 to 2019 and finally decided to settle down in 2019 and get married. Life was a constant adventure for Greg and Peggy, travelling many miles on the Harley and in the red Corvette.

The next great adventure occurred in 1981, when Greg had the opportunity to establish a new John Deere dealership in Roblin, MB so, with the assistance of Peggy, his brother Larry, and Dad and Mom Mazur, the new dealership was established. Many memories and great times were had at that dealership, as Greg’s personality and integrity were the key to building and maintaining relationships over the years. Northwest Implements, under Greg’s guidance, vaulted to be in the top 10 John Deere dealerships in Canada and won numerous awards over the next few years.

Unfortunately, crashing stock markets, low grain prices, and prolonged crop failure forced the dealership to close in 1987-1988. Greg and Peggy moved on to British Columbia, where they took up employment in Armstrong. At this time, they were blessed with the birth of their two sons, Christopher in 1990 and Daniel in 1992.

Until 1991, Greg and Peggy dedicated their efforts to the farming community. Subsequently, Greg transitioned to a pivotal role at WIAC (Western Indian Agricultural Corporation). Over the span of 25 years, he served on the board of directors for ANTCO (All Nations Trust Company), fostering enduring friendships. Greg’s leadership extended to the presidency of the Shuswap Metis Association, where he successfully expanded the membership from a modest group to a dynamic and thriving community. Notably, he played a crucial role in uniting various BC Metis organizations, fostering collaboration instead of competition.

In 1993, Greg embarked on a six-month tenure with the federal Indian Affairs, requiring weekly commutes to Vancouver for work.
Subsequently, this experience paved the way for a full-time position in 1994 within the realm of equal employment opportunity in the provincial government sector. Greg, Peggy, and family made their home in Sidney, BC until 2002. He then accepted a federal position in Hull, Quebec, and the family was off on another adventure to Eastern Canada. The family called the beautiful Gatineau Hills near Aylmer, Quebec, home during that time.

Greg was proud to play a crucial role in the success of AWPI (Aboriginal Workplace Initiative). He helped create partnerships between the Aboriginal community and different job opportunities. Some notable accomplishments during Greg’s time at AWPI included successful partnerships with Michelin Tire, Maple Leaf Foods, and the Nurses Unions across Canada.

Greg won a federal position back in Vancouver in 2007 as the Opportunities and Partnership Development Officer. During this period, Greg’s health started to deteriorate due to cardiovascular issues. In 2007, he and his family made the move to Kelowna. Despite commuting to Vancouver for work, Greg received long-term disability benefits, which eventually facilitated his decision to take early retirement.

Retirement did not slow Greg down as he soon became President of Kelowna Metis and Metis Association of Central Okanagan. Greg was a member of the BC Metis Federation team for many years, most recently serving as the Director of Industry Engagement. In this role, Greg led a team that has helped Métis contractors and workers gain access to incredible economic opportunities, making a significant impact in the lives of many Métis families throughout the province.

He bought a nice big cruising boat (that so many people enjoyed a trip on), and started back into his long-time love of motorcycling, which continued right up to the day of his passing. Peggy and Greg already had motorcycling plans for Sturgis 2024 bike rally and a cruise in Australia to visit their son and daughter-in-law, Chris & Sydney.

Greg’s primary passions centred around his love for his wife, Peggy, and their boys. He also found joy in music and motorbikes, imparting valuable life lessons to his sons through these shared interests. Greg was an accomplished artist, mechanic, and tech/computer enthusiast. He could and would take on any construction project that they (Peggy and Greg) could dream up.

Greg also enjoyed his regular trips back to the farm to help his brother, Larry, with seeding and harvest operations. Coca-Cola, Cheezies, licorice and chocolate bars were the trade menu for Greg on the farm and the local grocery stores will sadly miss their favourite customer.

Greg was predeceased by his father, Russ, in 2007 and mother, Azilda, in 2011. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Peggy, along with his daughter, Nicole, and his two sons, Christopher (Sydney) in Kings Beach, Australia, and Daniel (Mechelle) in Kelowna.

His generosity, wit, and love will be missed, and his memory will live on.

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