Saturday, May 15, 2021
To the family of Mr. Gerald Greening:
I was about 10 years old when I first met Mr. Greening. We had moved to Wesleyville from Ottawa when my father transferred with the RCMP. I was in Grade 4 and at the time and I dreaded every minute during the move (not unlike the beginning of most transfers). However, it was not long after that it became one of my most favourite places to live and it brought with it a lifetime of incredible memories.
One of my most memorable was when Mr. Greening was the helicopter pilot that flew me from Wesleyville to Fogo Island one summer to visit my grandmother. I could not contain my excitement. It was my first time flying in a helicopter and observing all the sights along the way. I don’t think Mr. Greening had a giddier passenger in all his experience. He flew in close to a pack of sea ice so that I could get a better view of a herd of seals and some pups. I had never seen a seal in person before so this was pretty incredible. I was smiling from ear to ear the entire trip.
When the chopper landed in the field just up from my grandmother’s house, there was a lineup of locals waiting to see a Helicopter land right in front of them. I’m sure they were wondering who was coming to town! I remember Mr. Greening reminding me to keep my head down low when I got out. I looked up at the crowd and felt a little shy and embarrassed of all the attention but deep down inside I felt like the Queen of Seldom, NL. It was a memory that will live with me forever and I am happy that Mr. Greening was able to be part of it.
I’m so sorry for your loss. His memory will always be with me.
With love,
Sarah Anthony