DOUGLAS HAIG CLIFFORD TOTTLE

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DOUGLAS HAIG CLIFFORD TOTTLE July 22, 1917 - April 27, 2013 After a long full life and now free of pain in his 96th year with his wit intact, it is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Hilda, father Clifford, mother Laura Lucy, and siblings Ethel, Ray, and Horace. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted son Terry (Marlene), granddaughters Jenn Sarna (Jeffrey), Jodi Webb (Brandon), great-grandchildren Alexandra, William, Signy, and Cameron; daughter Barbara Magnusson, grandson Bradley, granddaughter Cindra Leclerc (Brian), great-grandsons Marcien, Quillan, Jaeden, and Malachi. He is survived by sister Evelyn Johnston, nieces, and nephews. Doug's first employment was a delivery boy at Piggly Wiggly, brick layer and plaster's helper for his dad's construction business, and a miner at Madsen Red Lake Gold Mines. He played hockey and football extensively with Weston and Brooklands teams. Dad was a proud Second World War veteran who trained on the military reserve with the 112 Squadron R.C.A.F. (NP) and bravely served his country in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany as a Sapper with the 30th Field Co. Royal Canadian Engineer Corps building the longest Bailey Bridge over the Rhine in wartime Europe. After his discharge in 1945 he worked for the CPR Weston Shops and was later employed by the Winnipeg School Division #1 for over 25 years. Dad spent 80 years as a Westonite, born in the Avonlea Block at 1444 Elgin and later resided at 1467 and 1449 William. When he returned from the war he met and married Hilda, the love of his life. Together they built a new home on Elgin which they lived in happily for 47 years. His schooling was at Cecil Rhodes, Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, and Kelvin Technical School. He was a committed member of Sparling United Church for 94 years. His Volunteer service to the church was exemplary. A few of the roles he took on were Cub Scout leader, soccer coach, Sunday School teacher, and member of the Board of Stewards. For years he was the first to be called for minor building repairs at the church. Doug belonged to the Weston and West End Seniors, Meals on Wheels as a volunteer, the Manitoba Archeological Society as a lifetime member, the 11th BP Guild, and the local 110 C.U.P.E. as executive and labour council rep. Dad was a proud and happy prairie boy. He loved a cold, crisp wintery day and spent many a pleasant weekend afternoon perfecting his figure skating on a nearby rink. This he did well into his 70s. It was a sad day when he had to give up his skates. He also loved music and dancing with his sweetheart at many a social. He could remember almost everything, including childhood friends, songs and poems of his youth, and recite them proudly to anyone who would listen. He wrote and loved to read short stories, history and poems. He was an impassioned amateur archeologist, stamp collector, potter, lapidarist, snooker and dart player, and gardener. He loved to play cribbage, bridge, and perform card and number tricks. Dad was creative, hardworking, stubborn, honest, and generous. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Calvary Place Care Home for their care and friendship during his stay. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Place, 1325 Erin St., Winnipeg on Wednesday, May 8 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Scott MacAuley officiating. In lieu of flowers, Doug's memory may be honoured through donations to the War Amps of Canada, 1 Maybrook Dr., Scarborough, ON M1V 5K9 or Sparling United Church, 1490 Burrows Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2X 0S8. Rest in Peace Dad You will be in our hearts forever
Publish Date: May 4, 2013

DOUGLAS HAIG CLIFFORD TOTTLE On Saturday, April 27, 2013 Doug, aged 95, passed away at Calvary Place Personal Care Home. Full obituary to follow in Saturday's paper. Memorial service arrangements are still pending.
Publish Date: Apr 29, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 04, 2013