Gregory Perry Sarachman

It is with profound sadness that we announce that our father, Gregory Perry Sarachman of Blyth, passed away suddenly on Dec. 16, 2020 at the age of 75.

 

Greg was the cherished soulmate of Roberta (née Andrews) of 51 years, whom we lost just seven months earlier. He was a wise and caring father of David, Jonathan (Sally) and Amanda (Andrew Hostler). He was also the much beloved Gida to his grandchildren, Sophie and Liam Hostler. Greg is sadly missed by his siblings: Roseann Moyer (Lorne), Joanne Kelch (Dwayne) and Allan Sarachman (Sheree), brother-in-law William Andrews (Donna), and sister-in-law Mary Andrews; his nieces and nephews, many friends, and extended family.

 

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Elaine Sarachman of Sarnia, his parents-in-law, Orest and Minnie Andrews of Lively, his brother-in-law Terry Andrews of Lively and his nephew Dana Andrews of Kitchener. He will also be missed by his King Street family of Blyth, to whom the family wishes to extend its love and gratitude for their unending love and support.

 

Greg will also be sadly missed by his puppy, Farley whom he adopted after the loss of his wife. His grandchildren make the promise to love him and take him on many walks, and give him lots of meatloaf.

 

Greg was born in Port Arthur, and was a graduate of Laurentian University (1965-1971), where he met the love of his life, Roberta. They were married in Lively on Sept. 6, 1969. Greg’s loyalty and unending devotion to his wife was respected by all right up until her death earlier this year.

 

Greg achieved many accomplishments that were a testament to the people and things for which he was passionate.

 

At the beginning of his career he travelled the world on behalf of Simpson Sears. From there he moved to Cochrane Dunlop where, when the company downsized due to the economy, he donated his severance to his co-workers who had also lost their jobs. For a brief period he helped run the front end of a local pharmacy which then led him to Drug Trading, a path that would place him in the perfect position to start his own consulting firm GPS and Associates.

 

One of the places Greg was strongest, however, was in his love of the community of Blyth, where he became an active participant in all manner of causes. He petitioned against the closing of Blyth Public School and joined the Blyth Festival board for directors. After meeting with neighbours on many puppy walks, Greg engaged the group by creating a puppy play group and even made up business cards for the members to stay involved during COVID-19 lockdowns.

 

His passion for politics and his love of “engaging the conversation” attracted quite the following on Twitter. Greg did not limit his political insights to social media, sharing his political beliefs and opinions as a frequent contributor to his local newspaper, The Citizen, where he was published numerous times. He did this all while continuing to successfully operate his consulting firm well into what should have been his retirement.

 

Greg was many things to many people: to some he was a wise mentor, to others an engaging conversationalist with a deep philosophical outlook towards the world and the people within it, and to some he was a loyal friend. To his children and his grandchildren he will always be a towering figure who worked tirelessly to provide for his family, loved his wife with a passion that transcended all adversity and a father who loved his children and grandchildren unconditionally.

 

Due to COVID-19 limitations, a private family gathering and cremation has already taken place. A joint memorial for both our parents will take place at a later date.

 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, we ask for donations in his name to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society at ontariospca.ca.