It is with great sadness that the family of Gregory Jarvis announce his passing in Ottawa on November 13th, 2022, at the age of 69. Beloved husband of Rita Jarvis (Hovey). Cherished father of Kari Jarvis (Steve) and the late Corey Jarvis. Loving grandfather of Anna and Max. Brother of Lindon (Judy) and Perry (Dianne). Son of the late David and Helen Jarvis.
Greg was born in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1953. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1971 and completed his studies at the University of New Brunswick and the University of Alberta.
Initially posted to the Base Controller Branch at CFB Edmonton where her served as Non-Public Funds Accounting Officer and later Accounting Officer. In 1978 he was posted to National Defence Headquarters, where he served as Staff Officer to the Director General Financial Administration until proceeding to sea in 1980.
In 1983, he was posted ashore to the Maritime Command Headquarters where he served as Staff Officer Accounting Services and later Senior Staff Officer Finance. He attended the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in 1985 and was promoted to Commander upon his graduation in 1986.
Promoted to Captain (N) in 1990 he assumed the duties of Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics) and in 1992, assumed the appointment of Command Comptroller for Maritime Command. In 1993 he was posted to National Defence College in Kingston to attend course 47 and was promoted to the rank of Commodore and assigned duties as Director General Financial Services at National Defence Headquarters. In 1996 he was promoted to Rear-Admiral and was appointed to the new Director General Finance position and named the Departmental Comptroller. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral in December 2000.
Greg proceeded in his professional development, among other things, completion of the Queen’s Executive Program and a one -year assignment with the Conference Board of Canada exploring best practices in human resource management. He returned to National Defence in 2003 and served as Special Advisor to the CDS pending his appointment as Assistant Deputy Minister (Human resources – Military).
Greg holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Alberta and is a Certified Management Accountant.
Following his retirement, Greg worked as an Auditor with the Federal Government.
Aside from Greg’s impressive Military career, he was cherished by his family and fondly remembered for his self-taught ways of fixing anything and everything. There was nothing he couldn’t do, especially when it was a request from his grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), for a Memorial Service on Thursday, November 24th, 2022, at 10 a.m., followed by an interment with Military Honours in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery. At the request of the family, we please ask that you wear a mask when attending the indoor services. For those who wish to make a donation, please do so to Diabetes Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Kathy and Edward O'Neil
Dave Banks
Dear Reta and family. We are so very sorry to learn of Greg's passing. I had the privilege of knowing Greg throughout his exceptional career as well as having the opportunity working for him when he was Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics) and witnessed his unwavering focus in addressing the mission at hand, and serving as a mentor to all. In particular, I proudly remember his drive and leadership during the preparation and subsequent in theatre support of the Naval Task Group that formed part of Canada's commitment to the multinational coalition during the first Gulf War. This is but one example of his many noteworthy contributions to the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Armed Forces and Department of National Defence. He will be sorely missed.
Dave and Jan Banks
Glenn and Carmel
Rita Kari and Steve, Carmel and I are devastated to hear of Greg’s passing. He will be missed by anyone who knew him. We will always remember his stories and laughter and how welcomed he made us feel. Truly a remarkable man. He will be missed. XOX
Douglas Stickley, CPA, LCol (Ret'd)
Rita and family. It was my honour to serve as Greg's Staff Officer when he was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1996. He later appointed me to head up DND's Accrual Accounting Implementation Team. His work directing major changes to Departmental Comptrollership substantially changed the way Financial Officers worked, all for the better. Greg was a dedicated officer who worked tirelessly and supported his staff with compassion. Please accept my sincere sympathies on your loss.
Lorne Zens
Dear Rita and family. I was shocked to learn of the passing of VAdm Jarvis. I still feel somewhat helpless in attempting to choose the appropriate words to adequately voice the respect that I had for him. I was blessed to have had the opportunity to work for your husband on a number of different occasions. Professional beyond any definition, his integrity, work ethic, character, intellect and service before self were his daily hallmarks. Working for him was energizing, as you knew that the process would deliver an outstanding result, while at the same time allowing for an amazing learning environment. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. The only way that I can make any sense out of this terrible loss is the fact that his talents were required somewhere else. God bless.
Frank Vandervoort
To the Jarvis family:
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. It is impossible for me to over-state the respect and admiration that I have for Admiral Jarvis.
I had the privilege of serving under his command when he was the Commander of the Military Personnel Group. I am certain we would not have achieved the compensation and QOL improvements that we did if he had not been at the helm. His enthusiasm and commitment to improve the lives of all CF members was inspiring and infectious (at all hours of the day and night).
So many people these days expect to be honoured/respected because of something their parents went through, because of the money they make or the position they are in and so on and so on. A former US President (no, not the 45th) got it right: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Rest in peace, Sir. You have much honour. And, you’ll be missed but never forgotten.
Yours aye,
Shawn and Dawn Brooks
Very sorry for your loss Rita and Kari. Greg was a great man and leader. We love you lots.
GILBERT DAVID GODIN
We were Air Cadets at 527 Simonds Squadron. I have thought about him often as a very good friend. I am glad I finally got to reunite with him at his home when I was in Ottawa a few years ago. I regret that I didn't' get a chance to return.
Philip Wall
I offer my sincerest condolences to Greg's Family. Admiral Jarvis was an exceptional Officer and Gentleman of the highest order. Always up for a challenge, and with an abundant sense of humor and common sense, he made a huge contribution to the CAF in many different capacities. Beyond that, he was a great people person, engaging and understanding of others' needs first and foremost. He was our mentor who paved the way ahead for all of us. May Greg's Family take consolation in knowing that his influence remains alive in those who remain, and may Greg himself rest in peace knowing that he served his country well.
Greg was very special man especially dealing with the civilian employees, he gained much respect with all in CFB Halifax. Will be dearly missed.