Glen Ralph Gillespie Major passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 2, 2026, just days before his 76th birthday, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer, which he fought until the very end.
Glen was born on June 7, 1950, in Blake Township to Ralph Major and Kathleen Major (Mehagen). He attended Blake School and later Northwood High School.
From a young age, Glen developed the strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout his life. Influenced by his father’s work in the bush, he dreamed of becoming a log roller. As a young boy, he worked on the Chaschuk farm and received his first power saw at just seven years old, beginning a lifelong love of hard work and the outdoors.
On May 7, 1970, Glen married the love of his life, Shirley Major. Together they shared 56 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with family, laughter, adventure, and lasting memories.
Glen first worked at the mill in the Great Lakes area before being offered a sheet metal apprenticeship with Simon Day. He attended trade school in Toronto and spent many years working on projects throughout Ontario and beyond. In 1970, Glen and Shirley lived in Winston Hall before purchasing their first home on Vanguard Avenue (formerly Vickers Avenue) in 1971. In 1981, Glen built their family home on Vanguard Avenue, followed by building their home on Cavar Road in 1987.
In August 1993, Glen and his business partner, Bob Felbel, purchased the assets of Macauley and Son, formerly New Idea Sheet Metal, and built what would become Nu-Tech Metals. What began with just two people grew into a successful company that provided employment for many families throughout Northwestern Ontario. Glen took great pride in his work, the relationships he built, and the people who worked alongside him. He retired on October 31, 2021, after 28 years in business.
Family was at the centre of Glen’s life. He cherished time spent with loved ones at the family camp on Starnes Lake, which he built in 1978 and which remains a special place for generations of family memories. Glen also spent many years coaching minor hockey, proudly coaching both of his sons, Trevor and Troy. He enjoyed helping young players develop their skills and love of the game, and it brought him great pride to see some of those players continue on to successful hockey careers.
Glen loved golfing, fishing, camping, travelling, and keeping busy. His love of fishing was fostered by his brothers-in-law Blackie and Donald, and he especially enjoyed deep-sea fishing adventures over the years. He was also a supporter of charitable golf tournaments and community fundraising efforts, including autism initiatives.
Travelling created many cherished memories for Glen and Shirley. Their first Caribbean trip together was to the Dominican Republic in 1980, followed by visits to Barbados and Guyana, where they made many lifelong friends. Between 1997 and 2013, they enjoyed many vacations in Cuba. In 2015, they embarked on their first European river cruise and later enjoyed two more. Glen especially loved Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and often spoke of his desire to return to Ireland. A golf trip to St. Andrews, Scotland with friends remained one of his favourite adventures.
A visit with friends Ray and Jane Pilon in Tarpon Springs, Florida inspired Glen and Shirley to purchase a home there in 2015. He looked forward to spending winters in Florida and was especially excited to finally own a couple of palm trees — a simple pleasure that always brought a smile to his face.
Glen had a deep appreciation for music, especially the sound of bagpipes, and he adored his beloved dog Zoey, who was never far from his side.
Glen will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shirley; daughter Kathy Major (Gordon Soloway); sons Trevor Major and Troy Major; grandchildren Jessica (Alan), Hanna (Jordan), Emma (Brett), and Kody; and great-grandchildren Avori, Marley, Ian, and Hudson.
He is also survived by his siblings Helen Randle (Morris, deceased), Joan Lemieux (Donald, deceased), Roland Joseph (Blackie, deceased), Linda Bushby (Malcolm), Lorraine Stopple (Bob), and Kevin Major; sisters- and brother-in-law Sheila Armenti (Ozario), Karen Scavarelli, and Phil Hulina (Janice Marr); along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, neighbours, former coworkers, and golfing and fishing companions.
Glen was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Kathleen Major; his brother Albert Major in infancy; nephews Jeffrey Bushby and Justin Major; his good friend Pat Servais; brothers-in-law Donald Lemieux, Blackie Joseph, Morris Randle, and Jeffrey Scavarelli; and his mother-in-law Irene Hulina (Helt) and father-in-law Philip Hulina.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bhatt, Dr. Sellick, Dr. Hagerty, family physician Dr. Andrea Shepard, nurse practitioner Richard, the Cancer Care team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, the Bayshore team, and the entire Paramed Team.
Cremation has taken place, funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church, with a celebration reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Glen’s memory may be made to the TBRHSC -Northern Cancer Fund or Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
