RAYMOND RUSSELL PITT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RAYMOND RUSSELL PITT September 25, 1917 - July 2, 2012 Our father, grandfather and great-grandfather left us on Monday, July 2, 2012 to join his sweetheart Phyllis, and beloved son Brian. He is survived by daughters Adele (Murray) Wooden, Lenore (Garth) Campbell, son Murray (Lynda), daughter-in-law Colleen Pitt and youngest brother Bev Small; also 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. We feel blessed to have been brought up by a couple always so much in love even on their 68th anniversary. We have so many wonderful memories of family celebrations. Dad lived his life with integrity, honesty and was never afraid to take a chance. He was definitely his own man and marched to the beat of his own drum. He had many adventures in life and was proud of the fact that at age 18, hoping to join the Royal Air Force in Britain he rode the freights to Nova Scotia and got a job shoveling coal on a freighter bound for Holland. Mid way they encountered a terrible storm and many were sea sick so Dad shoveled a double shift. On docking the captain shook his hand and said, Young man, you are a born sailor. He started the Purse Shop on a wing and a prayer and grew it into Pitt Leather Goods which became a well known business, especially in Western Canada. Summers were spent taking his family camping for two months while he sold Western Canada. Dad imported a lot of the leather from England and he took Mom over to England several times on business and to visit relatives. On their first trip they were meeting with the head of one of his suppliers and he was always so amazed that this company had shipped him leather with no guarantee that he could pay. He asked How did you know you could trust me? and the man said Now I have met your wife I trust you more. Mom and Dad built a retirement home at Twin Lakes Beach. He poured the concrete foundation and did his own custom cabinets. Mom worked alongside and did all the staining. They had a winter home in Florida as Dad loved the ocean. They travelled in their motor home to visit friends and family all over North America. They also had trips to Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad, Spain, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. The family wishes to thank the staff of Tuxedo Villa Nursing Home for their kind and compassionate care of our Dad for almost four years. At Dad's request there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 07, 2012