SYDNEY GEORGE BETTERIDGE

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SYDNEY GEORGE BETTERIDGE 1927 - 2017 Peacefully, after a short illness, Sydney George Betteridge passed away in his sleep at Deer Lodge Centre on Saturday, November 4. Syd is survived by his sons John (Cheryl) and Bruce (Debbie); daughter Danielle and son Jordan; as well as grandchildren, Brittany, Nicole, Sydney, Allan, Katie, and great-grandson, Rylan. Syd was predeceased by his seven-year-old daughter Nancy in 1970, his parents, and his sister Sue. Syd was born in Manchester, England on June 30, 1927, and grew up during the Depression and the Second World War. He served with the Royal Marines in England (despite not being able to swim) and after his military service obtained his Land Valuation Certificate from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. He moved to Canada in 1954 to take a position with Credit Foncier as a land valuator, and also worked for Royal LePage in commercial real estate, receiving numerous awards and accolades during his career. Syd had incisive business acumen and was an astute decision-maker. Syd retired in 1988 and remained in good health and active for many years. He played tennis and badminton and enjoyed sailing, snooker, and darts. Syd was also an avid golfer and played well into his 80s, but most enjoyed a round with his best friend, Bob Nixon. Favourite pastimes included photography, travel (especially trips to England), dancing, big band music, spending time at the beach, gardening, and going for walks with his beloved dog, B.C. Those coming to Syd's house were always guaranteed a warm welcome and the requisite offer of tea. He loved his family and the company of friends. Syd also loved Winston Churchill, bargains, dogs, a good cuppa and his pipe. We will miss his enthusiastic greetings - "Hi lovey!" "Sonny Jim!" "Hello, sweetheart!" - his signature telephone farewell, "Toodley-doo!" - but especially his sense of humour, his zeal, his fiery temper, and his warmth. Special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Deer Lodge and also to the staff at Riverview Health Centre who took such good care of Syd. A celebration of Syd's life will be held at a later date. "We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give." Winston Churchill.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2017