Who was Justin Greeley?
Justin was a proud member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Music Scene. From a young age, Justin dedicated himself to music and learned all there was to know about playing nearly every musical instrument you’d find on an NL stage. He was the founding member of the long running NL band - Greeley’s Reel. Over the years, Justin shared the stage with many of the provinces biggest names including The Masterless Men, Bud Davidge, The Irish Descendants, The Punters, The Fables, Jackie Sullivan, Heel & Toe, and many more.
Justin wanted to give back to the people around him. He was a dearly loved and respected member of the music, heavy civil, and municipality communities. Through all of his connections, Justin wanted to help those around him and often went out of his way to give those in need a hand up. Justin knew the value of community involvement and tried his best to foster connections for those with which he worked. Justin recognized that involvement in our communities and extracurricular activities was not only a protective factor for children, but also a platform to help all of us reach our potential. Involvement in extracurricular activities help children develop and strengthen social skills they will need as adults, builds a sense of belonging and responsibility, builds and improves self-esteem, establishes positive habits such as time management, structure, and follow through, improves academic performance, aids in character development, and instills a sense of pride in community.
It was through music Justin gained the confidence to talk to strangers, thus meeting his loving wife and soulmate Aimee. His confidence allowed him to return to post-secondary schooling after several down years. After graduating from his Civil Engineering Technologist program and becoming a Professional Technologist, Justin enjoyed leadership and management opportunities in every company with which he worked. It was through his life with Aimee, the financial independence his professional and musical careers provided, and the skills extra curricular involvement developed that Justin was able to live life to it fullest seeing every continent and engaging in more adventure than Hollywood could offer.
It was through music that Justin participated in extracurricular actives and grew into the powerhouse of a man he was. Justin came from a musical family and was lucky enough to have access to instruments everywhere he looked. He began his musical journey in his basement teaching himself to play the drums. This quickly grew into guitar, mandolin, bass, bodhran, accordion, and more. In his teenage years, Justin founded Greeley’s Reel and took on liaising with performance centers for the band. Stepping outside his comfort zone to negotiate schedules and payments helped Justin develop the humble confidence and exceptional people skills he was known for.
Justin never wanted to be a professional musician but he knew he desperately needed music in his life. He would attribute his involvement in music and the benefits it allowed for the life he had.
Unfortunately, only 13 hours after returning home from seeing his 7th continent, Justin took sick and had to be brought to the Emergency. It was at this time, he was diagnosed with colon cancer at just 39 years of age. He had no risk factors nor any family history and he was 28 years younger than the Canadian average colon cancer diagnosis. For almost 7 weeks Justin fought like the strong, confident, resolute warrior he was. Even throughout his illness, he made a point to care for others. He made sure to thank everyone for his care, told jokes, and ensured his wife was taken care of. It was during his hospital admission, he decided that when he got back on his feet, he, with his wife, would create a foundation aimed at helping musicians. Even in his darkest hours, Justin thought of others and how he could improve their lives. Unfortunately on April 20, 2024 Justin lost his battle with this dreaded disease.
To know him was to love him. He was easy to love. Just one encounter could cause someone to fall in love with him. He went in to every encounter with every soul he met with the intentions of being kind and leaving them in a better mood than he found them. Justin was modest and humble and aimed to give more love to the world than he took from it. Even when the world seems against you and it appears there is nothing but darkness, take a note from Justin’s book and “always stay humble and kind.” - Tim McGrath. Through the darkness of Justin’s absence, the light of Justin’s Musical Bridge will be there to guide tomorrows leaders.
In his honour, Justin’s Musical Bridge aims to connect children with music. Justin’s Musical Bridge will cover the cost of music or voice lessons and instrument rentals for underprivileged children wishing to engage in this life changing opportunity. While he may no longer be with us, we strive to ensure that his values of kindness, empowerment, and community live on.
Created in memory of Justin C. Greeley (1984-2024), a loved musician and humanitarian, in effort to aid children and youth discover their love for music and the life it may bring.