Glen Ralph Gillespie Major passed away peacefully at home on June 2, 2026, surrounded by his family, just days before turning 76. He faced a brief but brave battle with cancer, which he fought until the end.
Glen was born on June 7, 1950, in Blake Township to Ralph and Kathleen Major (Mehagen). He went to Blake School and then Northwood High School.
From a young age, Glen developed a strong work ethic that stayed with him throughout his life. Inspired by his father’s work in the bush, he dreamed of becoming a log roller. As a child, he worked on the Chaschuk farm and received his first power saw when he was just seven years old, sparking a lifelong love for hard work and the outdoors.
On May 7, 1970, Glen married Shirley Major, the love of his life. They enjoyed 56 wonderful years together filled with family moments, laughter, adventures, and lasting memories.
Glen initially worked at the mill in the Great Lakes area before starting an apprenticeship in sheet metal with Simon Day. He attended trade school in Toronto and spent many years working on various projects across Ontario and beyond. In 1970, Glen and Shirley lived in Winston Hall before buying their first home on Vanguard Avenue (formerly Vickers Avenue) in 1971. By 1981, he had built their family home on Vanguard Avenue and later constructed another home on Cavar Road in 1987.
In August of 1993, Glen partnered with Bob Felbel to purchase Macauley and Son’s assets-previously known as New Idea Sheet Metal-and established Nu-Tech Metals. What started as just two people grew into a successful business that employed many families throughout Northwestern Ontario. Glen took great pride in his work and valued the relationships he built along the way. He retired on October 31, 2021 after dedicating nearly three decades to this venture.
Family meant everything to Glen. He loved spending time with them at their family camp on Starnes Lake-a place he built back in 1978 that holds cherished memories for generations. Additionally, he dedicated many years to coaching minor hockey for both of his sons-Trevor and Troy-taking joy in helping young players develop their skills while watching some go on to have successful hockey careers.
Glen enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, traveling, and staying active. His passion for fishing was nurtured by his brothers-in-law Blackie and Donald; deep-sea fishing trips were particularly special to him over the years. He also supported local golf tournaments and community fundraising efforts such as autism initiatives.
Traveling created numerous fond memories for Glen and Shirley. Their first Caribbean getaway was to the Dominican Republic in 1980; they later visited Barbados and Guyana where they made lifelong friends. From 1997 to 2013 they traveled frequently to Cuba for vacations. In 2015 they took their first European river cruise followed by two more trips; Scotland especially captured Glen’s heart as did Ireland-he often expressed a desire to return there again someday. A golf trip with friends to St Andrews remained one of his most cherished experiences.
After visiting friends Ray and Jane Pilon in Tarpon Springs Florida inspired them both greatly-they purchased a home there in 2015! Glen looked forward each winter spending time under Florida’s sun where owning palm trees brought him simple joy-a constant source of happiness.
Glen had an appreciation for music too; bagpipes were among his favorites-and let’s not forget about Zoey-the dog who always stayed close by him!
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley; daughter Kathy Major (Gordon Soloway); sons Trevor Major & Troy Major; grandchildren Jessica (Alan), Hanna (Jordan), Emma (Brett), & Kody; plus great-grandchildren Avori , Marley , Ian , & Hudson.
His memory lives on through siblings Helen Randle (Morris , deceased) , Joan Lemieux (Donald , deceased) , Roland Joseph (Blackie , deceased) , Linda Bushby (Malcolm) , Lorraine Stopple(Bob )and Kevin Major ; sisters-in-law Sheila Armenti(Ozario ), Karen Scavarelli ; brother-in-law Phil Hulina(Janice Marr); alongside many nieces/nephews extended relatives/friends/neighbors/former coworkers/golf buddies /fishing companions.
G len wa s predeceased b y parents R alph/K athleen M ajor ; brothe r Albert Ma jor infant ly ; nephews Je ffrey Bushby/Justin Ma jor ; good frien d Pat Servais ; brothers -in- law D ona ld Lem ieux/Black ie Jo seph/M orris Ra ndle/Jeffre y Scavarelli ; mother -in-law I ren e Hu lina(H elt )/father -in-l aw Ph ilip Hu lina.
The fami ly extends h eartfelt gratitude t o Dr. Bhatt /Dr. Sellick /Dr. Hagerty/family physician Dr. Andrea Shepard/nurse practitioner Richard/Cancer Care team Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre/Bayshore team/en tire Paramed Team.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services w ill be held Wednesday June10th20026 @11:00 am Holy Family Church followed b y celebratory reception afterward. In lieu o f flowers donations can be m ade TBRHSC-Northern Cancer Fund/Ronald Mc Donald House Charities.
