John Greany

The funeral service for John Martin Greany, husband of Hazel who died peacefully at Blanchelande Park Nursing Home, aged 91, was held at St Stephen’s Church and was conducted by Fr Joe Thompson and Preacher, Fr Andrew Greany. The opening music was Flocks in pastures green abiding by J S Bach. Included in the service was the Scripture Reading, Revelation 21: 1-7 read by Frances, daughter. Following the Committal, the choir sung Nunc Dimittis. The recessional music was Fugue in D Minor by J S Bach.                  

The organist, John Le Pelley, accompanied the singing of God, that madest earth and heaven, He who would valiant be and The Day of Resurrection.

The service was followed by private cremation.

John Martin Greany (1934 – 2025) passed away peacefully on 29 March 2025 in Guernsey at the age of 91. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, John lived a life marked by steadfast service, quiet leadership, and deep personal faith.

Educated at Headington Junior School, the Dragon School, and Harrow, John was commissioned into the Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh’s) in 1955 after training at Sandhurst. During his posting to Cyprus he met and married Hazel in 1959, beginning a partnership that would last nearly 66 years and bring three daughters – Frances, Alison, and Pippa – and eventually eight grandchildren.

As Adjutant of the 4th Battalion, King's African Rifles (Uganda Rifles), John played a key role during the 1964 Uganda Army Mutiny, guiding his unit through a tense transition with calm leadership. His later Army career with the Royal Army Pay Corps saw him contribute to major NATO projects before retiring in 1984.

In civilian life, John served for 15 years as Secretary to the Friends of the Clergy Corporation. After moving to Guernsey in 1999, he worked part-time with IPES and volunteered for local charities. He found great joy in family life, spending many happy hours with his grandchildren building ball runs on Guernsey’s beaches and sharing his passion for model railways.

John leaves a lasting legacy of service, love, and cherished memories.

Mourners were: Frances Johnstone, daughter (also representing Hazel Greany, John’s wife, and Emily Johnstone, granddaughter); Alison Walton, daughter and Paul Walton, son-in-law; Pippa Hearn, daughter and David Hearn, son-in-law; Alex Johnstone, grandson; Harriet Johnstone, granddaughter; Flo Johnstone, granddaughter; Edward Walton, grandson; Chris Walton, grandson; George Hearn, grandson; Lucy Hearn, granddaughter; Fr Andrew Greany, brother;

Susan Weston, niece and Richard Weston (also representing Alasdair, Hugh and Richard Skeil); Angie Greany, niece (also representing Hugh, Posy and Toby Greany); John and Sarah Greany, nephew and niece (also representing Kate, Clare and Tess Greany); Michael Cartwright, brother-in-law (also representing Mr and Mrs Floyer, cousins); Hannah Ward, niece and Mike Ward (also representing Thomas Cartwright); Richard Fox, nephew (also representing Sally, James, Jessica and Matthew Fox); Sally Fox, niece (also representing Russell Houghton); Diana Fox, niece (also representing Rebecca Kindred).

Also present were: Tony and Marg Kaines (also representing Anne Le Maitre and Peter Kaines); Jane and Athony Philippi; Linda Barnes; Nic Jee (also representing Jennifer Jee and Nicky Jee); John and June Le Pelley (also representing Terezia Szabo and Joyce Le Poidevin); Marie Warne; Eileen Samman; John McCormack; Nikki Attwooll; Christine Beattie (also representing Ian Beattie); Edda Aschmann (also representing Rolf and Vanessa); Dr and Mrs David Swainston; Angela White;

Edwina Haughey (also representing Pippa Nason); Nicholas and Gillie Drake; Frances Cambrai-Bell; Ian Martel; Lieutenant Colonel John Silvester (also representing The Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and SSAFA, Coryn Le Clerc, SSAFA Secretary, Matt Litten, SSAFA Treasurer and SSAFA Caseworkers, Eileen Silvester, Joan Clarke, Rob Grant and Giovanni Pala); Bunty De Putron; Frances Birley;

John and Alison Foley; Ann and Tony Goss; Lt Cdr and Mrs Terry Iles; David Duquemin (also representing Directors and Staff at C A Duquemin); Jeanette Fattorini (also representing Edward and Jean Bonnefin); Judith Laine; Felicity Millard; David Peatfield; Jean Le Huray (also representing Rosalyne Le Huray and Barbara Amory); Beth Bourgaize (also representing Anne Le Maitre); Fredrica Humphreys;

Hubertus Lau, Hon. Secretary, The Guernsey Probus Club (also representing Club Members and Peter Guilbert); Susie Sampson; John Bracegirdle; Mavis Lemon; Avril Corbin; Mary Payne (also representing Mr and Mrs Miller); Rosanne Spurrier; Zee Lanoe (also representing Jill Stephenson, Tattie Thompson, Linda Fermont and Plant Heritage Guernsey); Sir de Vic and Lady Bridget Carey; Peter Atkinson (also representing The Guernsey Society for Cancer Relief); Rupert Evans; Richard and Nicola Shirley; Steph Dragun; Ann and Eamonn Finnerty; Aileen Thompson; Morag Brock (also representing Marlene Place and The Royal British Legion Welfare).

Flowers were from: The Family.

Donations in lieu of flowers were to be sent to Guernsey Alzheimers Association, The Centre, Rue des Monts, St Sampson’s GY2 4HU.

The arrangements were by Martels Funeral Services Ltd. with Joan Ozanne supervising.