By Andrew Macdonald
Gregg Keating, like his father, the late Charlie Keating, always took or returned my news calls after I moved to the city in 1995 from a news job in Cape Breton.
Charlie died at age 72 in 2005, having built a cable TV empire in his beloved Dartmouth.
I was sad to get news that his son Gregg had died at age 60 on New Year’s Day, in his adopted hometown of Charleston, South Carolina.
Gregg joins his close friend Jim Shaw, who died a few years ago age 60, in heaven, along with his close friend, Sean O’Regan, who also died young.
Gregg would tell me in his lifetime that his dad always said to take or return my news calls, and so in the news business you develop a close relationship with your contacts, and Gregg became a friend. He was also a keen Macdonald Notebook advertiser, most notably with Altimax Courier, and more recently with Keating Group of Companies.
Gregg sold Altimax Courier last summer. It was founded in 1999 by his dad, Charlie, who was flush that year with the sale of his cable TV empire.
I recall asking Charlie why he wanted to get into the courier business. As a visionary, he told me that online shopping would become a big thing and folk needed to get their merchandise delivered from store warehouses to their homes.
That was back in 1999 and Charlie’s vision took root in today’s society that sees Amazon shopping so popular.
Gregg Keating in 2020 with spouse, Ginger Keating. Gregg is decked out in a Duggar’s men’s wear attire.
In case you missed Gregg Keating’s obit, here it is:
Gregory (Gregg) John Keating passed away peacefully in Charleston, South Carolina, on Jan. 1, 2024, surrounded by family.
He was 60 years old. Gregg is survived by his loving wife, Ginger (Whetsall) Keating, Charleston, SC; his children, Redmond Keating, Halifax, Delaïla Keating and Xavier Keating, Montreal; and London Campanelli, Jacksonville, FL ; his mother, Marilyn Keating, Halifax; his sisters, Ann Marie Keating, Palm Beach, FL; Cathy Keating (Mike Foran), Halifax; Susan Keating Bekkers (Jon Bekkers), Halifax; sisters-in-law Darlene Roszell, Barbara Jarrett (Wayne Jarrett), Charleston, SC; brother-in-law Kenny Whetsall, Florence, SC; nieces and nephews who love him dearly; his uncle Ron Hollett and family; and his dog, Porter, who never left his side.
Gregg was predeceased by his father, Charles V. Keating; paternal and maternal grandparents; and brother-in-law, David Roszell.
Gregg was born in Moncton, N.B., and spent most of his young life in Dartmouth.
He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Saint Francis Xavier University. After graduation, Gregg moved to Victoria, B.C., and discovered his passion for the telecom industry working with Shaw Cable. Eventually, his heart and his father drew him back to Nova Scotia to join the family business and Dartmouth Cable (Access Communications Ltd).
In his 15 years with Access Communications Ltd., Gregg worked in all areas of the cable and telecom industry and eventually served as its president and CEO. He was a member of many national telecom committees that paved the way for the world of high-speed internet and the transformation of the industry in Canada.
Access Communications was sold to Shaw Communications in 1999 and Gregg served on its board of directors from 2006 until its recent sale to Rogers.
In addition to telecommunications, Gregg was involved in diverse areas of the family businesses, including real estate holdings, retail stores, food and beverage operations, wholesale beauty supplies and the transportation industry. After the sale of Access Communications Ltd. to Shaw Communications Ltd. in 1999, Gregg and his father started Altimax Courier and assembled a talented and committed management team.
Gregg acquired the company in 2006, after his father passed away. Altimax grew and prospered into a key and dominant transportation company in Atlantic Canada. It was sold in 2023 to GLS Canada.
Gregg was also involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his life, most recently the Discovery Center Halifax, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, and the City of Lakes Boxing Club (sponsored by Keating Fite Club).
He gave of his time and financially to many charitable organizations over the years. Gregg believed strongly in giving back to community at all levels, from an individual in need, to an organization with values close to his heart.
Gregg was a charismatic and charming guy, gifted with a quick wit and a mission to always create laughter. He was the “principle pest”, the champ at “bugging“ and a master at coining nicknames for everyone with whom he crossed paths.
His creativity knew no bounds and was always expressed in the way he dressed, the music that he loved, his BBQs around the pool, the “wheels” that carried him, the art he painted, the gifts he bought for family and friends and the beautiful home that he and Ginger created together.
Gregg leaves behind a broad legacy of friends who love him dearly. Since his passing, his family has received an outpouring of love and stories of his incredible generosity, loyalty, and long-standing love of friends near and afar. Gregg had a huge, kind and caring heart.
Gregg’s greatest source of true joy and pride was his family. He loved to hear stories of his children’s adventures and accomplishments. He supported and encouraged them to live full lives. He taught them the gifts of humour and compassion as well as generosity of spirit. He loved to tell friends stories of his kids and took pride in the telling. He loved the adults they have become. The family would like to thank everyone who supported and cared for Gregg through his lengthy illness.
Your love for Gregg means the world to us. Gregg has been cremated as per his wishes. A funeral and celebration of Gregg’s life will take place later in 2024. Donations can be made in Gregg’s memory to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, the Discovery Center Halifax, the Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia, the City of Lakes Boxing Club or a charity of your choice.
For a story on Gregg’s amazing talent as an artist, see the following story below.
