Lindsay’s ‘Ironman’ men’s clothier, Greg Nisbett, dead at 62
‘He really just wanted to try and help make this world a better place’
Greg Nisbett, a well-known fixture in Lindsay’s downtown retail environment as owner of Nisbett’s Clothiers, has died this week at 62 from cancer.
Nisbett’s daughter, Amy Nisbett, worked together with her father at the family business. She says she will miss her dad for “always being here for me, no matter what, and he never sugar coated anything.”
That advice and daily guidance is something that can’t be replaced, Amy says. He had “a love and commitment for his community and the people in it.”
She says her dad “worked at the store until he couldn’t. His passion was to help people.”
Nisbett was known as a formidable athlete in his day.
In a former interview with the Advocate he told columnist Jamie Morris about a training ride he once endured in Kawartha Lakes.
He was well into a 150-kilometre ride on his carbon-fibre bicycle when he was caught in a flash storm. High winds buffeted him, and he was soaked by freezing rain. Drenched and shivering he reached the turn toward home. Then, after cresting a hill by Omemee, he faced steady headwinds for the final 20 km. He never gave in.
Memories of that victory over adversity — along with restorative chicken broth at an aid station — sustained him later, during his first Ironman triathlon, at Lake Placid in 2006. He’d completed the four-km swim and the 180-km bike ride when, early in the final leg — a marathon-length run — he became dizzy and had to slow to a walk. In another race, he wiped out on his bike, sustaining road rash and a broken rib.
In all, Nisbett completed nine Ironman events as well as the Escape from Alcatraz in San Francisco. Only once did he not finish.
Amy says if people didn’t know her dad from the men’s clothing store, they knew him from the Kids of Steel triathlons in Lindsay over many years, where he served as volunteer race director.
Luis and Leanna Segura, owners of Fresh Fuell and North Ward Coffee Co., were dismayed to learn of Nisbett’s death.
“He was a regular here for sure. I’m still in shock,” says Luis. “I sensed something was wrong. He just didn’t seem himself the past couple of months.”
Luis said he’s “just one of those guys who gets up and goes to work, always grinding…you knew he just loved his work.”
Leanna agrees. “We talked a lot about business. I looked forward to seeing him every day,” noting that he always ordered a small half sweet, almond milk mocha.
“He loved sharing wisdom from his time in business,” she says.
Leanna says she wishes he had gotten to enjoy his retirement, since he worked so hard. “But then again I think he wouldn’t have known what to do with his time if he wasn’t working. He was just that kind of guy.”
Melissa McFarland, executive director of Lindsay’s downtown BIA, called Nisbett a “staple of our downtown community,” and noted his business is one of the longest in operation in the downtown.
“He was a friendly face who could be found standing outside his beautiful store on nice days, keeping an eye on the pulse of downtown, and always happy to chat with anyone passing by,” McFarland tells the Advocate.
“He was a loyal supporter of other local businesses in the community, and he will be missed by so many,” McFarland adds, noting the downtown Lindsay family of businesses offers heartfelt condolences to the Nisbett family.
For daughter Amy, when asked if there was something that people didn’t realize about her dad, she says “he really just wanted to try and help make this world a better place.”
That included “his home, in the workplace or in our community. He really cared for his customers. He called them his friends.”
–with files from Jamie Morris
Greg was my cousin, a great cousin with, and from a great family. My family is shocked and saddened by his passing. In true Greg form he did not disclose his illness to anyone except his immediate family as he did not wanyt anyone to feel sorry for him. A staple in Lindsay he will be missed by all!
Wow I’m so shocked to hear this I used to swim beside Gregg at the lrc he was an inspiration & great guy
Will be sadly missed
Oh my goodness.
Shocked to hear this sad news.
RIP Greg
Hugs to Family and Friends
Shocked to say the least.
Many Saturday mornings chatting with Greg about life , people , experiences and expectations.
One word to describe Greg “PASSIONATE “
Rest in peace my friend.
You were loved and will be missed.
Steve
What we all say when this happens. “ If only I had known, I would have spent more time with…”
This is so sad and I liked Greg so much! We talked, we laughed, we said things that only guy friends say to each other. We crossed into each others athletic worlds without hesitation and I truly understood the magnitude of his accomplishments. He was truly a superhuman living amongst us and I will miss him.
So very sorry for this sad news
Used to see him at the gym once in a while…
Also when he lived out by Oakwood running the roads!
A true man of fitness and business
Our condolences to family and friends -,and the Business people of Lindsay
I have known Greg for many years as one of his customers and then a friend. We would see each other 2 or 3 times week at his store or at mine. We always had lots of laughs and tried to solve the worlds problems. Lol. I will have a void with Greg gone but he will never be forgotten as a great friend and great resident of Lindsay. God Bless buddy !!
So so sad! You will be missed Greg!
Our thoughts are with you Sally!!
😞🙏💕
Russ and Sheila
Who didn’t love Greg….a true pillar in our community, he will be missed.
I am deeply saddened to learn Greg’s life journey has come to an end, and far too soon. I have been a satisfied patron of Nisbett’s Men’s Clothier for several years. Dear Amy, and staff member Rebekah, together with all in the extended Nisbett family, I offer my condolences to you during this time of loss.
Will be sorely missed….always enjoyed commiserating with him over our businesses. Truly had a mutual respect for each other and always supported our downtown community! RIP dear Greg…💔💔
Greg is a good guy, wish things were left in a different way.
So very sorry and shocked to hear this news. Always loved our chats when we saw each other in the store or on the sidewalk. Will be remembered fondly. Keeping his family in our thoughts
Such a tremendous advocate for the business community and always willing to participate in events designed to support local agencies working to support others in the community
It was a shock to hear of his passing. Thoughts are prayers go out to his immediate family and the larger Nisbett family
Our love goes out to Greg and his family. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I met Greg and his family over 25 years in Florida where his parents were snowbirds . We hit it off right from the moment we met . A true friend and we spent many years travelling down there with his family . I was so shocked to hear the news from Carly and wanted so bad to see him again . Loving near Toronto we still got together after the kids grew up . My heart goes out to Sally , Amy , Erin and Carly he was a pillar of life and always made me laugh . So many good times I will always treasure and keep in touch with the family . You will truly be missed and I know you will be watching over your family ! God bless my friend.
I am so shocked to hear of Gregs Passing. When I was in and part of family he was such a great guy! Truly a gentle and a remarkable man!
My warmest thoughts and hugs are to all of the family! He will be cherished in everyone’s memories!
So sad ,such a good man he was so kind I had a house fire lost everything and he gave my boyfriend and my son clothes and donated vouchers he was very kind and courteous always smiling
Shocked & saddened. I first met Greg as the Police Chief walking downtown & had regular visits in his store. We talked about issues & always had some laughs. I became a customer & friend…we just chatted last week…God’s speed Greg.
The Thomas Family are so saddened by the news of Gregs passing , Our 4 children have grown up with Sally and Gregs 3 girls , Amy , Erin and Carley , He will be dearly missed ! Rest in Peace our friend , Love Heather and Sandy Thomas .
I am a good friend of his sisters Donna & Jackie. His dad owned Nibetts clothing store in Port Hope where his parents lived at the time.
So saddened to hear of his passing. I remember this little boy tagging along with us when we’re were kids. He will be terribly missed my all that knew him.
Paul and I were so very sorry to read of the passing of Greg.We Knew Greg growing up in Port Hope and worked along side his dad John in his mens wear store..You are in our thoughts at this very sad time ..
Lori and Paul Andrus
So full of passion and a love of life. And gone way too soon. Greg was a joy to be around – in the hockey dressing room, chatting in his store, bumping into him on the street. That he devoted so much time to Kids of Steel is a testament to his committment, his love, of this community. This is a huge loss that we will feel deeply.
Greg was a tremendous family, community and business person. He truly loved his work and his community and always loved to share stories about his family. He was so proud of them. He always remembered what I bought, what size you needed and even what others had purchased so you didn’t show up with the same thing! He was funny, supportive and I always enjoyed sharing time with him and business ideas-he gave you his full attention. We will miss him but his family will more I am sure. Taken way too young but he accomplished a lot.
Very sad news! As outlined in the article he was a community staple. I’ve been in Alberta for 9 years now and I still remember this man and his business as well as seeing him around town such as at the Rec Centre. Very shocking news! My prayers and condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest easy Greg!
Greg was a real pillar in our community. He supported many events. Whenever I wanted something special in the way of clothing he would go above and beyond the expected service to help and acquire
Sad news but so proud of Greg & all of his personal & professional accomplishments. I am one of Greg’s many uncles, his Dad Johns brother. So many great memories of Greg as a child & as a successful adult. He attended every Nisbett Family function with Sally & his girls, trained with his Uncle Mike at the cottage preparing for his Ironman races. It was just a week ago that our families learned of Gregs illness and many of us joined his Mom, sisters & family at Lindsay Hospital for a visit. Rest in peace Greg, you will never be forgotten. Love from our Nisbett family, Tom, Trudy, Rick & our Angel Cindy.
A bright candle 🕯️ in our community that went out too soon. RIP
I’m so sorry to here this. I always enjoyed walking into the store while he was there.
“Now turn around bend over and grab your ankles”
This is what the man said to me while being fitted for a tuxedo. Ha ha
Our condolences 💐 to family he was a great guy and always had time to talk to to you was a great business man and a very kind me will be sadly missed one never know when the good take you home
Greg was a customer of mine and a friend. I am shock and sadden by his death. Always had a laugh ready and a bad dad joke or two. Im gonna miss you Greg, RIP.
Indeed a shock. What a great loss for our community and his family.
I got my first suit from Greg for prom at lcvi in 1995. I had some good chats with him about Ironman races over the years as well and he always had great insight and tips into how to approach race day and training. He was always smiling and full of energy and a pillar in downtown Lindsay. You are missed Greg!
Condolences to the whole Nisbett family.
Greg was a former client of mine. He was such a genuine and sincere guy to deal with. He cared about his family, his customers and his business. He always strived to do his best. We always had a great time when we got together and always had fun with lots of laughs with his sense of humour. Greg will certainly be missed and has gone way too soon. My condolences to Greg’s family at this time.
Shock and dismay to learn of Greg’s passing. He was always the smiling face, the sincere face of small business, the light in our community that never faded. Gone way too soon. My sympathies to Sally, Amy and the rest of Greg’s family. He will be missed so much!
As a clothing rep from 1970 to 2000 I enjoyed every visit with Greg….always happy and wanted to trade jokes with me…..a trooper in the clothing business as he always knew what he wanted and didn’t need. You couldn’t fool him…he was wise beyond his years.
Very saddened by his passing…too soon for such a hard working retailer.
Sadly missed by all who knew him. RIP.
I’ve known Greg for over 20 years, he was such a great person, always positive and energetic. I will miss his smiling face and his great advise. I wish I had the opportunity to tell him, I finally took his advice 🙏
I always enjoyed chatting with Greg and hearing of his athletic accomplishments. He was a true family man and pillar of the downtown business community. Gone too soon and sorely missed.
Greg was a former customer and friend, buying numerous collections I represented throughout the years. He was such a delightful character to work with. Our meeting always included lots of laughter. One morning appointment I had with Greg, he was posing as a mannequin when I pulled up in front of the store to work with him. I laughed so hard… have never forgotten that moment in time.
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy to Greg’s family.
Rest in peace my friend. Till we meet again.
I first worked with Greg and his dad John way back!
What a character always a laugh to be had, as well as countless tales.
Anytime I came to Lindsay I always dropped in to say hi, and a more welcoming smile, and laugh could not be found, he was a joy to know.
I hope his family will find solace in knowing how loved he was by so many!
R.I.P.
Met Greg while I was in Ross Memorial Hospital this past April. Shared a room with him in the hospital for 4 days. Very kind and caring person as was his family. Never will forget having a steak dinner in the hospital room with him that his family provided. In the short time that I knew him he managed to have a very positive influence on me. I just learned of his passing and wanted to send my condolences to the family.
Glenn Thompson
i hope Amy sees this it is Grace i have to say he will be missed and he is loved by all. he is now in a better place my mom always said i know i was scared of him bc i did not know him that well but ow i wish i could learn more about him.
he is always in ur heart.
hope u heal up and
hear to his words
love Grace