REGINALD ALBERT PITCHFORD

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REGINALD ALBERT PITCHFORD On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, Reginald Albert Pitchford passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital, at the age of 92 years. Reg will be greatly missed by his wife of 39 years, Penny, the love of his life. He and Penny were a loving, inseparable couple who enjoyed their daily walks, cruises, gardening, martinis and everything else, as long as they could be together. Their commitment and devotion to each other was unprecedented. He was a wonderful, loving father who cherished his two daughters, Angela (Mark) and Leslie (David). Reg celebrated special moments in the lives of his four grandchildren, Simon (Natalie), Alastair (Kate), Larissa (Casey) and Amanda (Alex), who loved him very much. He will also be fondly remembered by his family in England including his siblings, Mabel, Irene, Keith (Joan) and Brian. On November 18, 1921, Reg was born in Oakengates, Shropshire, England and educated at Adams Grammar School, Newport, England. Upon graduation, he entered local government service in an administrative position at the Public Assistance Hospital in Stafford, England. On declaration of the Second World War he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) Volunteer Reserve, Medical Service, and was called for active service in February, 1941. During this time the Stafford Hospital was classified as a War Emergency Hospital. After further training at the RAF Medical School, Halton, Bucks, and Panel Ash College in Harrogate, Yorkshire, Reg received several postings within England, then joined the Staff Commonwealth Air Training Programme in Canada at the RAF base hospital in Moncton, NB. In 1944, Reg returned to England for a short time and then joined the principal medical officers staff, AHQ, Egypt, at Cairo and Heliopolis. He remained there until his demobilization in 1946. Reg immigrated to Canada in late 1946. He was employed as an underwriter with Insurance Brokers until 1954 when he was transferred to Montreal with an insurance company as an inspector, and in 1960 transferred to Winnipeg with the same company as Prairie Manager. In 1967 Reg was offered a senior position with United Grain Growers Insurance Department which led to a promotion as Corporate Risk Manager in 1967. He held this position until his early retirement in 1984. Reg was a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada. He served as President of the Insurance Institute of Manitoba and sat on the Council of the Insurance Institutes of Canada. He continued to live in Winnipeg for most of his retirement, except for temporary residences in England (four years), Brandon (five years) and New Zealand (two years). An accomplished keyboard musician, Reg played the piano, Hammond organ, Clavinova and other synthesizers, composing music in the Bossa style. With big blue eyes and a bright smile, he loved to make others laugh with his great wit. Reg had a kind heart and soft hands. He loved life, enjoying a retirement full of travel and quality time with family. Reg enjoyed watching his favorite football team, Arsenal. In Reg's memory, a private family gathering will be held. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Oct 11, 2014

REGINALD ALBERT PITCHFORD On Wednesday, October 8, 2014, Reginald passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital at the age of 92 years. A longer obituary notice will follow. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Publish Date: Oct 9, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2014