Sadly we announce Dad’s passing on Saturday June 5, 2021, a couple months short of his 91st birthday.
Dad was born August 25, 1930 in Winkler, MB. He was one of 10 children. He struck out on his own at a young age and found work mining in both BC and ON. In 1951 he joined the Canadian Army, and proudly served until his retirement in 1982. Dad married his true love, Shirley Fogarty, in Halifax, in 1957, and they enjoyed many years together. Throughout the years Mom followed Dad in his various postings around the world. His favorite postings were to Germany, but he also enjoyed postings in MB, BC, AB and NS. We enjoyed his many stories of the time he spent on UN duty in the Gaza Strip in 1965-66. When Dad retired from the military he and Mom remained living in Calgary for a number of years, eventually deciding to return to Mom’s home province of Nova Scotia. After enjoying several years there, sadly, Mom became ill and predeceased Dad in 2014. After some coaxing, Dad moved to Portage la Prairie to be nearer to his youngest son.
He lived at the Dalton Grove Estates until cancer forced a recent move to the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Dad was a member of McKenzie United Church in Portage. He was a quiet man with a quick wit and generous to a fault. He was an avid curler and devout Blue Jays fan.
Left to remember him are his three sons, Grant (Agnes Snell) of Calgary, Jim (Akata Marsu) of Calgary and Pete (Deb Verwey) of Portage la Prairie, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, two sisters and their families.
Although his stay at Douglas Campbell Lodge was short, the family wishes to thank the staff for the care and concern they showed Dad during his illness.
Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Dad’s wishes no formal service will be held.
Dad was born August 25, 1930 in Winkler, MB. He was one of 10 children. He struck out on his own at a young age and found work mining in both BC and ON. In 1951 he joined the Canadian Army, and proudly served until his retirement in 1982. Dad married his true love, Shirley Fogarty, in Halifax, in 1957, and they enjoyed many years together. Throughout the years Mom followed Dad in his various postings around the world. His favorite postings were to Germany, but he also enjoyed postings in MB, BC, AB and NS. We enjoyed his many stories of the time he spent on UN duty in the Gaza Strip in 1965-66. When Dad retired from the military he and Mom remained living in Calgary for a number of years, eventually deciding to return to Mom’s home province of Nova Scotia. After enjoying several years there, sadly, Mom became ill and predeceased Dad in 2014. After some coaxing, Dad moved to Portage la Prairie to be nearer to his youngest son.
He lived at the Dalton Grove Estates until cancer forced a recent move to the Douglas Campbell Lodge. Dad was a member of McKenzie United Church in Portage. He was a quiet man with a quick wit and generous to a fault. He was an avid curler and devout Blue Jays fan.
Left to remember him are his three sons, Grant (Agnes Snell) of Calgary, Jim (Akata Marsu) of Calgary and Pete (Deb Verwey) of Portage la Prairie, eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, two sisters and their families.
Although his stay at Douglas Campbell Lodge was short, the family wishes to thank the staff for the care and concern they showed Dad during his illness.
Cremation has taken place. In keeping with Dad’s wishes no formal service will be held.