ALFRED WILLIAM CROOKES

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ALFRED WILLIAM CROOKES Sadly, the family regrets to announce the passing of a good soldier and a great family man. Alfred William (Alf) Crookes died peacefully at the Victoria Hospital on Monday, October 17, 2005 at the age of 88. He and his twin brother Frederick John were born to Frederick and Elizabeth Crookes (Porte) on March 31, 1917. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Eva (Arbuckle), of Red Deer, AB and his twin brother Fred (Pat), of Edmonton, AB. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 64 years Peggie (Keyworth); his brother Arthur in Saskatoon, SK; his sister-in-law Pat in Edmonton; his sons, Douglas (Marie) and their children, Eric and Susan and Stewart (Donna) and their children, Sheena, Stewart and Jennifer; and his daughter Susan; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and longtime friends. Alf joined the Canadian Army during the Second World War, joining the Winnipeg Grenadiers infantry regiment in 1939. He was sent to the 102nd Training Centre in Fort William, ON and spent two years there until he re-badged to the Royal Canadian Artillery, in order to go overseas with the 3rd Division, 1st Canadian Artillery in 1942. He served in England and Italy until the war's end, when he returned to Canada. Shortly after his return, he re-engaged in the Canadian Army (Regular) and was transferred to Camp Shilo, MB. While in Shilo, he re-badged from the Royal Canadian Artillery to the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. He was also promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In 1950, he was transferred to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, where he worked in the office of the Chief of the General Staff. While in that office, he made many duty voyages to exotic locations in North and South America and the Caribbean, always returning home with souvenirs for the family. While in Ottawa, he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1956, he returned to Winnipeg with his family and stayed there (working at Fort Osborne Barracks) until 1958, when he and his family again moved, for a three and one half year stay in Soest, West Germany. In Germany, he worked at the headquarters of the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group at Fort Henry. While in Germany, he had plenty of opportunities to take his family to visit his many aunts, uncles and cousins in England. After Germany, he was transferred to Regina in 1961, where he was stationed when he was abruptly (with less than 12 hours notice) called up to serve a six month tour of duty with the United Nations in Cyprus. Being the professional soldier that he was, he had no problem at all meeting the very short deadline. After Cyprus, he returned to Regina until his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1966. He retired to pension with the rank of Staff Sergeant after over 26 years of faithful service to his country. After his retirement, Alf returned to his home town of Winnipeg, where he found employment as an office administrator at the University of Manitoba and then with the Penitentiary Service at Stoney Mountain Penitentiary. After leaving the Penitentiary Service, Alf went back into uniform, when he joined the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. As a commissionaire, he worked closely with the RCMP detachment at the Winnipeg International Airport, until he finally retired for good in 1986. Throughout his life, Alf was known to one and all as a man of character, with a great sense of humour. He was well known for his ready wit and his ability to get a laugh from friends, coworkers, family and strangers alike. He loved dogs; especially his two buddies , Sammy and Ben and he cherished his family and dear friends. The Family was the most important thing in Alf's life and he always managed to find accommodations for his family to be with him, whenever possible. Despite the often rustic conditions that his family endured throughout all their travels, he and Peggie were always able to make a home; which was always filled with love and laughter. He will be sadly missed. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 22 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. (south of the Royal Canadian Mint). A gathering of family and friends will follow in the reception centre. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, and because of his love of children and animals, donations can be made to either the Winnipeg Humane Society, the Children's Wish Foundation or the Rainbow Society. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2005