MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
In his 97th year after a brief illness, Harry passed peacefully and with honour at Centennial Place Long Term Care Home in Millbrook, Ontario. Pre-deceased in 2022 by Joan Penfold Greer, his wife of 72 years. Also predeceased by all of his siblings Elizabeth (Betty) Hayes, Shirley George and John (Jack) Greer. Loved Father of Norman (Linda) Greer, Marilyn (Robin) Barnes, Barry (Linda) Greer, Karen Greer and Lynn (Greg) Varga. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Amy, Andrew, Genny, Joanne, Alexandra, Natasha, Denver, Evan, Iantha, Liam and Aidan as well as his great-grandchildren Esme, Isla, Levi, Joanie, Mable, Preston, Stella, Adrian, Ellia, Charlotte, Norah, Austin, Marigold, Fergus, Ruby and Henry.
Harry Greer, in addition to being a loving husband and father was known for his passion and dedication to the Fire Service. A lifelong resident of Cobourg, Harry served the Cobourg Fire Department for 37 years and was Chief from 1971 until his retirement in 1990. Greer officially began his firefighting career in 1952, as a volunteer with Cobourg Fire Department after learning the ropes as a young boy manning fire pumps alongside his grandfather, who was also a member of the Cobourg Volunteer Fire Department. In 1956, Greer joined the Canadian Forces base fire department in Cobourg, serving there until 1962. That year, he became the third full-time firefighter in Cobourg history, joining the permanent municipal department as a lieutenant. He was promoted to Deputy Chief in 1964 and to Acting Chief/Chief in 1971 following the retirement of then Chief Bob Fitzgibbon. Fire Chief Harry Greer led the Cobourg department for over 19 years. He also served as county co-ordinator for the Northumberland Mutual Aid Association, facilitating emergency support among 15 municipalities. His work was recognized by the Ontario Fire Marshal’s office for exceeding expectations in service and coordination.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at MacCoubrey Funeral Home Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, Service will be held at 1:00 pm with interment of ashes at Cobourg Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or please also consider donating to the Canadian Fire Fighters Museum in Cobourg.
Norm, Marilyn, Barry, Karen, Lynn and families. We are sending our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear father. Our family became neighbours and friends with Harry and Joan when we came to Canada in 1963. Their friendship and kindness will never be forgotten. We hope you will find comfort in the many memories you all share. Rest in peace dear Friend!
Rest in Peace and God Bless
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your father and grandfather. It's been a long time since our mother (June McColl) looked after you kids back in the 50's and mom kept reminding us about that part of her life. Harry lead a great life and a remarkable legacy he leaves behind. Treasure the memories and keep telling his stories and he'll live on forever.
So sorry Greer family for the loss of our beloved Chief Harry Greer. He was such a wonderful gentleman. Always had time for a quick chat when I worked for the Town. He was certainly a pillar of our community.
So sorry for your loss, my family were neighbors with the Greers when I was very little on William st before the underpass was put in. Condolences from the Hendry’s .
It’s always sad reading the obits of people that have been lifelong friends & acquaintances in our lives. Just not so long ago reading about birthday celebrations made me smile knowing he was still going strong. It’s been a lot of years as friends, team mates and our fathers working together at the fire hall that have brought as all together to grieve with you. Your Dad always had that quiet smile, gentle words and was always a well respected gentleman. Thinking of you all and sending heartfelt condolences.
Norm, Marilyn, Barry, Karen, Lynn and families. Our heartfelt condolences to you all on the passing of your dad. Treasure the lifetime of memories you all made together and keep them in your hearts forever. We too have many fond memories of Harry and Joan as longtime friends and neighbours to our entire family. Rest peacefully dear Friend.
Marilyn I’m sorry to hear your Dad has passed away. May the many memories help you through this time
My sincere condolences. I met Harry when he became a fire fitter and as a Rotarian.
Sending our condolences, Norm Linda and family. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Norm , Linda & family. Sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Barry & Marie Patterson
Prayers for him and his family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
My sincere condolences to all.
To the Greer family, Please accept our sincere condolences. As a retired member of the Cobourg Fire Department it was an honour to have served with your father as Chief. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Brian and Lillian Darling
Greer family I was saddened to hear that Harry has passed. I first met him in 1968 when I was 17 and started working for the Town. He was a good friend and colleague over the years and was as proud of his family as he was of being a Cobourg firefighter. RIP Harry.
Our sincere condolences to Mr.Greer family . I remember him as kind man , who let some local kids check out the fire truck . Great memories . Sincerely Diane Peacock
Sincere condolences to Harry’s family. Harry was the president of the Rotary club and contributed to this community in so many ways. He will be remembered Sincerely Tony and Carol Farren.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
Harry was instrumental in teaching so many school children about fire safety. We always looked forward to his visits to the school. What a good life lead! Our sincere condolences.
One of my fondest childhood memories was when Uncle Harry would pick up a new fire truck in Toronto. He’d drop by to visit our family (our Mom Shirley was his sister) and Harry would let me and my buddies climb on his new truck. Always a true gentleman. He will be missed. Condolences to family and friends. Rest easy Uncle Harry.
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Greers passing. Not only was he a well respected fire fighter. He was also my neighbour. Sincerest Condolences
My condolences to his family, friends and fellow firefighters. He was a wonderful person.
To all Harry’s family my sincere condolences. Harry and I had many interactions during our careers with the Town of Cobourg. Always a gentleman and a pleasure to work with.