CYRIL ALBERT BLAKE

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CYRIL ALBERT BLAKE Peacefully December 30, 2010 at home in his sleep, at the age of 86, Cyril passed from this life to join his beloved wife Margaret, father Albert, mother Ada and younger brother Leslie, cousins Doug and Dave who had all gone before him. He has left to mourn and celebrate his life, nephew Gordon (Sharon) Simpson and family of Calgary, AB, niece' Naomi (Garry) Blake Marshall and various family in Winnipeg, Minnedosa, MB Provincetown, MA, dear friends and neighbours Brent and Bev Mackie, old family friends and many new ones at Westhaven Retirement Home. Cyril was born April 27, 1924 in Winnipeg, MB. As a child he spent a few years back in England with fond memories of the trains, ships and people during that time. Except for that period, he resided on Brooklyn Avenue and attended school in St. James. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces serving in the Dental Corps and following his discharge at the end of the war, he worked proudly until retirement for CN Railway. In the 50s and 60s his love of music and dance found him DJ'ing at Community and Dance Clubs around the city with the likes of Bob Burns. It was one of those evenings and love at first sight when he met Margaret Simpson. They married September 30 1964, built their home on Alcott Street in St. James and were inseparable, travelling often throughout Canada and parts of the USA. They loved driving and usually stopped at Nick's Inn in Headingley which Cy continued to frequent after Marg's passing 22 years ago, right up to his last visit to Nick's on December 29th. Cy loved cars, planes and audio visual and maintained an extensive collection of home repair videos and movies. His 1998 fire-engine red Trans AM was a pride and joy and with difficulty, he sold it and gave up driving during 2010. Cy was a very kind but sometimes stubborn soul and his quick wit and wonderful sense of humour were known to all who crossed his path. Despite requiring assistance for medical challenges in the while, he was fiercely independent to the end. It is with true gratitude that we would like to thank Helen, Linda, Harold and Dan from Westhaven, Barb Shorey, Jacques, Anita and many others from Home Care who took such loving care of him on a daily and weekly basis, Dr. Atwal and Cy's dear friend and confidant George Chapman. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to Siloam Mission, 300 Princess Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 1M3. A Memorial Service and Celebration for Cy will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Westhaven, 3033 Portage Avenue on Saturday, January 22, 2011 with family interment to follow. Be in Peace Cy, You Are Loved. NEIL BARDAL INC. FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2011