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.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
Our sincere condolences to the entire Greer family for your loss. Harry (Mr. Greer) was a wonderful neighbour, friend and to my Father a very highly respected fellow firefighter and Chief. RIP sir, and thank you for all you did for our family, and the Town of Cobourg.
Uncle Harry was an amazing man who lived a long, full life. He was so proud of his family and dedicated to his second love, the Fire Department. He truly was a dedicated fireman serving in so many roles within the department. Recently speaking with others who knew him from his Fire Chief role, they all commented on what an incredible person he was and how dedicated he was to whatever role he was fulfilling. We so enjoyed our visits with him and he was always appreciative of us dropping by, eager to share family stories. We will miss those visits. Although he is gone from our sight, he will remain in our hearts forever. With lots of love from us.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
To Lynn and family, I hope that all the kind words, fond memories and heartfelt stories being shared by family and friends about your dad are comforting to you during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sincere condolences to the Greer family for your loss. Harry was a wonderful man.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
We were so sad to hear about Uncle Harry. We have very fond memories of your dad & mom visiting them in Cobourg over the years. Uncle Harry was a true gentleman who was soft spoken, interesting & kind. He will be dearly missed by us all. A donation has been made in his memory to the Fire Fighters Museum. Thinking of you all & sending our love.
Very sorry for your loss, Harry was a very well known, and loved by friends, and family. RIP Harry Greer.
Our heartfelt thoughts, Lynn, Greg and family, are with all of you during this time of grief and remembrance. May all the wonderful memories that your family shared be with you always.
Sincere condolences to the family of Harry Greer. I always enjoyed my visits with Harry when I worked at the Town of Cobourg. My father worked with Harry at the Canadian Forces base fire department and always had great respect and praise for him.
I had the distinct pleasure during my career at the Cobourg Police Service of knowing and working with Fire Chief Greer. He was a professional and compassionate leader in the Community. I looked forward to the Town retirement yearly dinners to catch up with Harry. Condolences to Harry’s family.
Our sincere condolences to the Greer family. Harry was a true gentleman.
Sending our sincerest condolences to the Greer family on the passing of Harry. He was a very well liked man by many.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
To the Greer family, my thoughts are with you. Many memories keep popping up, Don had the greatest respect for Harry, an outstanding leader, a man of integrity, always a gentleman.
My dad and Harry were coworkers and friends at the fire dept. Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
Norm, Marilyn and Family. Our sincere sympathy is extended to you. Mr. Greer was a well respected fire chief and a kind man. May your loving memories carry you through the days ahead. Evor and Brenda Leonard
To the entire Greer family, our deepest sympathies on such a loss, what kind giving man he was, can still hear his laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!🙏
Marilyn and family I send my sincerest condolences to you with passing of your father.
So sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. He provided me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. Serving as a firefighter under Harry’s leadership was indeed an honour. My condolences to the Greer family. RIP Chief.
Sorry for the loss of your father. He will be greatly missed by your family.
Our sincerest condolences to the family. Dad took me to the firehall when I was a boy and I met Chief Greer. What a great guy and dad always spoke very highly of him.
So sorry to hear about Mr Greers passing. He was a good friend for may years of my Uncle Bob Fitzgibbon when he was the Fire Chief
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
To Norm, Linda and family Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
So sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you and your family. My husband and I were reminiscing and making lots of connections. My grandparents (Andrews) living beside your dad. Petra (Langer) friends with Karen and something about a tree that Guidos mom (Inga Langer) got from your ditch. Wishing you all peace as you think of all your dad's accomplishments and service to our community. Guido and Kerri (jeffery) Langer.
Marilyn, Robin, Genny, Joanne & Greer family. So sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was such a nice person and will surely be greatly missed. Our thoughts and hearts are with you. Karen, Dale, Jeff & Danielle, Krista & Mike
To Fire Chief Greer’s Family- I had the pleasure of communicating with Chief Greer on occasion while I worked at Port Hope Communications as a dispatcher for Police, Fire Department, Works Department & other services. Chief Greer was always very friendly & wonderful to work with. Condolences to all. He will be missed by many.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Canadian Firefighters Museum
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.