Obituary of Orville Greentree

Orville Henry Greentree was born on June 25th 1928 on the family farm located 5 miles northwest of McCreary Manitoba. He was second son of George and Lavena Greentree. Orville loved playing hockey, hardball, soccer, fishing, curling and golf. He attended elementary school along with his brothers Russell and Percy at Royal Oak School which was located on the same quarter section as the Greentree homestead making it impossible to skip school, as Grandma G. would always be able to catch him if he tried. Orville went to High School in McCreary. After school he left home at 17 to go to work. One of his many jobs in the late 40's was building bridges for CN. He met his first wife Edith, who was boarding at his older brother Russell's home, while teaching at Royal Oak school in 1948. They were married on May 12, 1949 in Makinak, Manitoba. Their son Don arrived in June 1950, followed by their eldest daughter Eleanor in 1951. Orville moved his family to Winnipeg in 1952 where he worked driving streetcars and transit buses. Their second daughter Arlie, arrived on July 30th 1955, just before they moved to Valleyview, Alberta, in March of 1956 where he worked in the oil fields with his younger brother Percy. Upon his father's retirement from farming, Orville moved his family back to McCreary in 1960 to take over the family farm with his younger brother. Then on March 26th 1966 Orville's youngest daughter Lois was born. 1967 brought another move, this time west to the B.C. coast landing himself a job as a field manager for York Farms in Chilliwack B.C He later became a lead hand in the cannery where he worked until the early 70's. After leaving York Farms he bought a business called Able Machine Shop in Chilliwack with two other partners and after working 3 to 4 years the business was sold. Orville then went to work at CFB Chilliwack for 2 years as a civil servant. Then in August of 1977 Orville joined Delores Giesbrecht (whom he later married in 1988) and her children Frank, Merl and Maxine. Her family adjusted well to the roving Greentree. On the move again in 1979 Orville and Delores headed for Fort St. John, where he started working for Texaco Canada, he was back in the oil fields as a battery operator. They bought a 1/2 section of land at Cecil Lake where they farmed while working their day jobs. I spent many hours helping to fix the machinery. Uncle Orville was always kidding me to never stop working because my taxes were going to be paying for their retirement! Upon retiring from Esso (formerly Texaco) in 1991, they moved to Vernon and tried the retirement life which did not last long. Within a few years they were back farming in Bay Tree, Alberta with help from their children whenever an extra hand was needed. When he wasn't farming he enjoyed spending his time at the local auctions visiting with neighbors and friends while seeing what the sale of the day was. Orville's children and grand children fondly remember learning to play cards and golf with him. Family get togethers were a huge highlight for him and he never missed a chance to tease someone or put a smile on their face. Beyond his travels to visit family and school reunions Orville and Delores recently took an Alaskan Cruise which he thoroughly enjoyed. Orville passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012 in the Spirit River Hospital, at the age of 83 years. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm Alberta time at the Bonanza Hall, Bonanza, Alberta. Pastor Gary Henderson officiated, Interment followed in the Hill Haven Cemetery. Orville was predeceased by his Parents; George and Lavena Greentree, Brothers; Russell, Percy and Grandson; Branden Giesbrecht. Orville is survived by his Wife; Delores, Children; Don (Renata) Greentree, Eleanor (Ed) Lewis, Arlie Greentree (Campbell), Louis (Gary) Roth, Step Children; Frank (Ruth) Giesbrecht, Merl (Carol) Giesbrecht, Maxine (Bill) Hutchinson, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, family and friends. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Orville to a Charity of Choice. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium