W.R.

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W.R. Earl Cusitar, age 94 years, was born in Winnipeg, MB on September 4, 1916, and died with peace and dignity at Misericordia Place, Friday, January 14, 2011. Earl is survived by his daughter Barbara Belanger; granddaughter Brenna Belanger Strewens; great-grandson Theodore Strewens; as well as nieces and nephews David (Lesley) Beaque, Carolyn (Rod) Westmacott, Richard Beaque, Janet (Ken) Abbott, George Rogers, Bob (Heather) Rogers and Maureen Rogers and their mother Cecelia Rogers, Roberta (Wilf) Younger and Wendy (Gordon) Walters. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years Mabel Lillian Cusitar (née Rogers); son Roger Earl Cusitar; sister Dorothy Beaque; and parents George Jake and Sarah Cusitar. Music drove Earl's entire life. He learned to read music from library books and his first instrument was pushing the pedals for the pump organ at church while his father played. He was always grateful to Mr. Blair who first lent him a trumpet and taught him to play. Through the Depression and into the 40s Earl made his living and a great number of friends playing with the Knights of Harlem and many other Big Bands. When the Second World War came along, he enlisted and was accepted as a member of the PPCLI Band. After the war, he and his wife had two children, and they were devastated when their son Roger died at the age of 22 in 1973 in a car accident. Earl worked for Winnipeg Hydro for 30 years, starting as a floor sweeper and retiring at age 58 as a Substation Shift Supervisor. He was well respected for his intelligence, conscientiousness and honesty. In retirement, he played trumpet with the Winnipeg Fireman's Band and later played and taught with the Seniors' Philharmonica Band, sharing his love and knowledge of music with other retirees. After the onset of dementia, Earl moved into Misericordia Place Personal Care Home, where music still defined him and gave him purpose and social connection as he performed for his neighbours, their families and the staff. There will be no formal Funeral Service. Earl will be laid to rest in the family plot in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue, next to his wife Mabel and son Roger at a later date. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to family physician Dr. M. Dillon and the caregivers at Rosewalk, Misericordia Health Centre, for the wonderful support he received during his nine years of residence there. The Song Has Ended but the Melody Lingers On

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 22, 2011