JAMES DOUGLAS ECCLES

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JAMES DOUGLAS ECCLES Peacefully, on Friday, January 23, 2009 surrounded by his family, Dad passed away at the St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 81 years. Remaining to forever cherish Dad's memory are his wife of 60 years, Ruth, nee Lenhardt; daughters Deborah (Gene) Brown and Nancy (Eldon) Krebs; grandchildren Jennifer (Derek) Rigaux, Michael (Lyne) Brown, Alaina (Dan) Demarcke, Stephanie Krebs (Jordan), Jaimie Brown; great-grandchildren Evan, Noah, Vayda, Delainey, Abbey, Katie and Laura, also his brothers George and Harold, special friend Sean Conway, as well as numerous relatives and friends (especially the gang from Townsend Avenue). Dad was born in Humboldt, SK November 30, 1927, and then resided in Melfort, SK for most of his childhood. When Dad was 14, the family relocated to Winnipeg where he later met the love of his life at the Polar Bar on Sherbrook St. He asked if he could walk her home and she agreed. Halfway there, he took her hand and never let go. Dad's passion was his family and he strove to make our happiness his number one goal. He always made time for his grandchildren, whether it be a ride from school, a shopping trip or just a back scratch and a song. He was a thoughtful and generous man with a great sense of humour that was appreciated by all who knew him, and he always had a kind word or a joke to share. Dad had a million of em. Dad worked for the Court of Queen's Bench as a shorthand court reporter for more than 30 years. He loved his job and took great pride in his work. At the time of his retirement, he was the Deputy Chief Court Reporter for the Province of Manitoba. Dad's many hobbies over the years included his model railroad collection, music, reading, watching old movies, hunting, fishing and bird-watching at Bird Lake. Many happy summers were spent with family and friends at the cottage that he and mom built in 1959. We have many cherished memories of card games and sing-alongs around the kitchen table. And then I wrote... Dad/Grandpa, we miss you, love you mucher and our memories of you will live on in our hearts forever. Cremation has taken place, and at Dad's request there will be no formal funeral service held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dad's name to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2009