REGINALD HERBERT SHELFORD

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REGINALD HERBERT SHELFORD Reginald Herbert Shelford passed away on April 17, 2011 at age 95. Survived by his daughters Elaine Sigurdson (and her partner Alan Roberton) and Barbara Robson (Richard Bond); his granddaughters Debbie Sigurdson (David Bolton), Andrea Vento (Paul), Heather Robson (Jason Atheunis), Jennifer and Kathryn Robson as well as seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Jennifer Sigurdson and by Gladys, his wife and lifelong, loving helpmate. They marked their 65th wedding anniversary together. Born and educated in Winnipeg, Reg attended Riverview Elementary School, Earl Grey High School and Kelvin High School. In 1935 he was awarded an Isbister Scholarship and graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba the following year. That same year he was made troop leader of 28 Winnipeg Troop Scouts. He joined the Winnipeg Free Press as a management trainee and remained with the newspaper through five decades. As president and general manager he ensured its profitability. He also represented management in labour negotiations at other newspapers in the FP Publications chain. He retired in 1980. The son of Emily and Alfred Shelford, of London, he volunteered as a Canadian soldier on loan to the British Army and served in Belgium and France during the Second World War. He remained an active member of Canloanan association of Canadians who served with other troops. After the war, Reg served with the reserve forces of the Canadian Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He commanded the 6th Ordinance Battalion of the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps, was commanding officer of Winnipeg's Minto Armories and represented Canada at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. He also served as president of the Manitoba Forestry Association and with Junior Achievement, the Age and Opportunity Bureau and the MacDonald Home for Boys. With Gladys, he helped in fund-raising activities for the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg. A member of The Manitoba Club and the St. Charles Golf and Country Club, Reg enjoyed golfing and social activities. He was a skilled carpenter who built a summer home. He built model sailing vessels and donated them to museums in Winnipeg and on Vancouver Island where he spent most of his retirement years. He and Gladys moved to Victoria in 1989 and settled in the Broadmead area. During those years, with Gladys he travelled to Europe, Central America and Alaska on holidays and cruisesyears he recalled as among the best. Respected for his honesty, integrity, intellect and wit, Reg was a model for his family, friends and those who served under him. He is much loved and sorely missed. A special thank you to the staff at Mount St. Mary's Wisdom House for their kindness and wonderful care. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, April 27, at 2:00 p.m. at First Memorial Funeral Home, 4725 Falaise Drive, Saanich, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2011