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
Carolyn Percy-Searle
Terry Hearn
Beth and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Greg. He was one of a kind- a true leader and professional who cared deeply for the Canadian Armed Forces and the men and women who served. I am proud to say that he was my mentor and he was always available should I need advice or counsel. Our deepest condolences to Rita and Kari and the family. God bless.
Mike Nassif (CWO Ret’d) & Jocelyne
The news of Admiral Jarvis’ passing comes as a complete shock. He was a great Leader who will be truly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones.
Alan Kerr
Greg was an officer with great integrity who always put the needs of the members of the Canadian Forces ahead of his own. He was a demanding leader who also never hesitated to have the back of those serving alongside him and he made himself available for informal chats or as a sounding board. I'm deeply saddened by his death at such a young age - my condolences to Rita and family.
Capt. Steen Jessen,
I was the Director of Maritime Studies at the Command and Staff College when Greg attended and it was no surprise that he was named the top student of the class prior to graduating. A fine officer and a real gentleman. My sincere condolences to his family.
Camille Tkacz, CWO (Retired)and hsband Robert Ayotte CPO1 (Retir
Dear Rita and family. I have fond memories of Mon Admiral and you. GOD BLESS. Camille and Bob
Josh Barber
I was privileged to sail with Greg when he was the Supply Officer in Athabaskan when he was the Supply Officer. Finest Supply Officer l ever met and a wonderful man and Wardroom mate. Although he far exceeded me in rank he always treated me as an equal whenever our paths crossed in the years that ensued. He has left us far, far too soon. My condolences to all of his family.
Jill Carleton
My sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of working with VAdm Jarvis several times over the years and he was, intelligent, kind and a generous individual to work with.
BGen (R) Louis Meloche
Hello, I was so sad when I heard the news that the man that I had the honour to work for, had passed. He was an inspiring leader. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sophie Lafrance
He was an amazing man, soldier and leader. I had the privilege to work in the executive suite under his command. May he RIP. Sincere sympathies to family and friends.
Deepest sympathies to Admiral Jarvis’s family. I had the honour of working with him when he was DG Fin S for several years! He worked hard and achieved great success. A man who was fair and listened and was a great leader. We are sorry to hear this sad news!
Carolyn Percy-Searle formerly Caverly
and LCdr (ret) Craig Searle