JOHN ERIC FACHE

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JOHN ERIC FACHE Eric passed away peacefully on July 24, 2007 at Victoria General Hospital. Dad was born on September 17, 1924 and raised at 31 Cobourg Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended Lord Selkirk School and Sir Isaac Newton High School. Eric met Shirlee Ellen Shaw in high school and their love endured more than 60 years. His involvement in Camp Stephens began Eric's deep love of Lake of the Woods. He served as a counsellor at the camp until September of 1942. On turning 18 years of age, he enrolled in the R.C.A.F. at the height of the Second World War. After one year's training in Canada in the Commonwealth Air Crew Training Plan, he graduated with pilot's wings from Vulcan, Alberta in November 1943. He was mobilized overseas with the 6 Bomber Group piloting the Lancaster bomber, M Mike . Eric's 424 Tiger squadron was stationed at Yorkshire, England. Skip brought his crew home safely from all of their 18 missions over occupied Europe. Returning from overseas in August 1945, Eric and Shirlee were married on August 24, 1926 at King Memorial United Church. They built a home in East Kildonan on Leighton Ave. where they raised their four children. Eric joined the administrative staff of the Winnipeg Clinic where he worked as the Executive Secretary for 21 years. Eric and Shirlee bought property at Lake of the Woods on Clearwater Bay in 1957, beginning a love affair with the lake that continues to this day. Eric was an ardent sailor, skipper of Magic I and Magic II and a firm believer in always keeping the centreboard down when sailing up-wind. His undulating call of the loon announcing his arrival at the cottage every Friday evening in summer is often imitated but never duplicated. The family cottage is still much loved and used by three generations... a special place... a touchstone for each of us. He will be there with us always, as we wind down the car windows while turning onto Burma Road. Eric is survived by his wife Shirlee and their four children: Carol Anne (Ward), Stephen (Fiona), Gordon (Susan), David (Michelle).He was a beloved Grandad to Amy, Kyla, Claire, Maddie, Tori, John, Britney, Garrett, Riley, and Carter. Eric was a private person, who cherished his family and time at his beloved Lake of the Woods. A man of quiet strength who showed that strength in gentleness. A man whose bravery in defending his home and country, he never spoke of, a man of integrity. We loved him, and we will miss him always... Mizpah . A special thank-you from the family to Tammy, for all her tender care. We would also like to express our thanks to the staff of Unit 4 South at the Vic . Should friends desire, donations may be made in Eric's memory to the Alzheimer's Society in support of ongoing research... Unit 10-120 Donald Street Winnipeg R3C 4G2. Our family will gather at the cottage to honour Grandad. Per Ardua cd Astra

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2007