Obituary of Gregory Charles Plastow

It is with sadness that the family of Gregory Charles Plastow announce that the world has lost a terrific guy with Greg’s passing on July 20, 2023. Greg was born in Red Deer in November of 1953, a second son and fourth child, to Alice (nee Hoover) and Charles (Ted) Plastow. He grew up in the middle of a lively family of nine children of which he might have been the liveliest as a toddler.

As a boy Greg was always fascinated by cars and trains. This interest in cars eventually led to a long career in the auto body industry where he was highly regarded. He was an expert welder, particularly in aluminum, which is difficult to master.  He also spent several years building aluminum boats in Alberta and B.C.

Greg grew up watching the trains go by his backyard. This fascination with trains led to him becoming a model train enthusiast as an adult with an extensive, museum quality collection in his home. It was always fun to visit Greg’s house.

Greg valued his friends and had lifelong friendships. He was also a wonderful friend to have. He was very generous with his time and was always available to help friends, family and neighbours with their projects and moves. He was easy going and could always be counted on. He was also very generous with his home sharing it over the years with friends and family who needed a place to stay. Greg never aspired to be front and centre, and was usually the guy in the group at the back of the photo.

Greg had a great sense of humour which he somehow managed to hang on to throughout his illness. He left his lovely home in Sylvan Lake on January 20, 2022 for his first cancer surgery and, with the exception of three days and a few visits, was never able to live in it again. This had not been anticipated. He spent over a year in the Red Deer Regional Hospital during covid restrictions which was a difficult experience in itself and made far worse by several weeks in a couple of rounds of isolation. We marvelled at the grace with which he accepted his lot. He did amuse himself by teasing and on one occasion gave very creative answers when the nurses were trying to determine his awareness. We will miss his humour and his great laugh. It was always fun to laugh with Greg.

Greg spent the last five months of his life at Extendicare Mitchener Hill in Red Deer. He was so happy there. His room had a large window with a view over a field. The staff were wonderful and the care and food were excellent. He was able to pursue his hobbies, go on excursions and enjoy his life.

Greg was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Patrica and Evelyn. He is survived by his siblings; George (Valentina), Darlene (Ian), Carolyn, Pamela (Jamie), Jackie (Larry) and Leslie (Arezou); as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Thank you to the friends, family and neighbours who kept in touch with Greg during his illness. He really appreciated the visits and phone calls. Thank you also to Greg’s neighbours in Sylvan Lake who looked after his yard and house after his hospitalization.

A celebration of Greg’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to a charity of ones choosing. Condolences to Greg’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Plastow” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944