WILLIAM RUSSELL MCCREEDY

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WILLIAM RUSSELL MCCREEDY On August 4, 2011 William Russell McCreedy, aged 89 years, passed away peacefully at Grace Hospital. Russell was predeceased by his wife Shirley in March, 2009 after 64 years of marriage. He leaves two daughters, Janis Chant (Michael) of Winnipeg and Norma-Jean McCreedy (John Spauls) of Barrie; one son Kevin McCreedy of Winnipeg and seven grandchildren, Brad, Caitlin, Bronwen, Declan, Heather, Eric and Allen. He will be greatly missed by his beloved friend Lorna Ellison. He is also survived by brother Allen (Mary) McCreedy, sister Marilyn (Dick) La Page and brother-in-law Alex Kurceba, all of Winnipeg, as well as sisters-in-law Marian McCreedy of Whitby and Margaret Hunter of Saskatoon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father Mary and William McCreedy, sisters Jean and Joyce, and brothers Johnny and Bobby. Russell was born June 9, 1922 on Washington Avenue in East Kildonan. He attended Prince Edward Public School and Lord Wolseley High School. He started working as an office boy at 16 for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Weston Shops in September, 1938. He then became a machinist's apprentice in January, 1940. Russell joined the Navy in 1942 as a 1st Class Stoker. After taking several courses he became a Petty Officer (Engine Room Artificer), and served on the Frigates Jonquire and New Waterford, and on the Corvette Thorlock. Russell was discharged as a Chief Petty Officer. Upon returning from the Navy he rejoined the Canadian Pacific Railway, Weston Shops as a machinist. In 1958 he became Wheel Shop Foreman, then in 1960, Frog Shop Foreman. He retired in 1982, as Shop Engineer after 43 years of service. Russell loved sports. In his younger years he coached the East Kildonan Midget Bronx Park Hockey team. He curled at the Elmwood Curling Club, Charleswood Curling Club and then with the Deer Lodge Curling Club, serving as president in 1979 to 1980. He was honoured with a life membership in 1998. He particularly enjoyed curling with his son Kevin in the men's league. He was proud of the fact that he and his grandson Brad won the club championship and had their names engraved on the Club Championship cup in different years. He enjoyed his association with the Past Presidents of the Deer Lodge Curling Club and felt it was the best organized curling club in the city of Winnipeg. He was a charter member and council member of St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, and was on the Mount Royal Christian Centre Board for over 20 years, serving as chairman for several years. For many years Russ and Shirley enjoyed being members of the Folklorama crew at the Scandinavian Pavilion. Although his father came from Belfast and his mother from Glasgow he was considered by many to be an honorary Icelander. He was Block Captain in Neighbourhood Watch, and past president of Citizens for Crime Awareness in St. James-Assiniboia. He became a computer buff after retirement, taking many courses at St. James Collegiate along with his wife Shirley and friends. Russ was an active member of the St. James-Assiniboia Senior Centre. He was chairman of coffee talk for 16 years. He was president of the Weston Shops Retired Supervisors Club, where he enjoyed reliving his old railroad days. Devoted husband: Russ and Shirley were an unbeatable team, serving their communities tirelessly. Proud father and grandfather: he took endless pride in his family's accomplishments, and never hesitated to help in any way he could. Loyal friend: Russ maintained lifelong friendships and made new friends wherever he went. He enthusiastically enjoyed many happy times with all his friends at the Sturgeon Creek Retirement Centre in the last two years of his life. Russell was a man of extraordinary warmth and generosity. With a twinkle in his smiling Irish blue eyes, he was always ready with a smile or a joke to share. Many would say that Russ was one of their favourite people. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family would like to express their appreciation for the compassion and care of Dr. Martin and the staff at the Grace Hospital. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 10 at the Church of St. Stephen-St. Bede, 99 Turner Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations requested for the Church of St. Stephen-St. Bede, or the charity of choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE (204) 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 08, 2011