Glen HOTEL

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HOTEL: Glen Andrew. Surrounded by his family, Glen passed away peacefully on Monday, May 9, 2011 in Brandon. Glen was born March 1, 1927 on the family farm in the Springbrook district near Austin, MB, the second son of Russell and Mary Hotel. He was a beloved, husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by his wife Mary, daughter Joanne and husband Keith Vinthers (Stacey, Shaun and Morgan), daughter Sharon and husband Bob McCreath (Pam, Derek and Melanie) and son Cameron Hotel and partner Diane Kullberg (Lauren and Blair). Also surviving are sisters in law Dorothy Hotel, Edith Hay and Grace Hay as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and families. He was predeceased by his parents Russell and Mary Hotel, his sister Ena Wood and brother Roy Hotel. Glen and Mary were married in Austin, MB on June 16, 1951 following which they assisted jointly in the operation of the Greyhound Bus Depot and B.A. Bulk Fuel Sales Agency at MacGregor with other family members. Glen later worked in the automotive and auto electricfields, retiring in 1991. In 2001, they happily celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with many family and friends and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on June 16th of this year. Glen's early years were spent on the farm with his parents through the Depression times, then with the CP Railway in Manitoba and on Vancouver Island prior to returning to the Prairies. At MacGregor, he particularly enjoyed playing baseball and the camaraderie of friends while participating in various volunteer community projects. Glen served on the Village of MacGregor council, volunteer fire department, on the board of MacGregor United Church, and it was here that he became a member of Masonic fraternity. He also enjoyed hunting, curling, hockey and travelling. Music and dancing were an enjoyable part of their lives and the children remember sneaking into the hallway to watch mom and dad's friends move the living room furniture so that there was room for dancing, piano playing and singing when the gang got together. After moving to Brandon, Glen assisted as a little league baseball coach, with World Youth Baseball and participated in his Masonic lodge activities. Glen was most at home in the company of his family who loved and respected him for his integrity, honesty and quiet ways. He enjoyed their garden (he had a special love for and ability to grow the most amazing collection of roses), grew wonderful vegetable gardens and was very particular about keeping the lawn neatly manicured. He enjoyed travelling to the Rockies, Vancouver Island and touring the Atlantic Provinces with friends, returning home to his family circle having created many special memories. Glen loved nature and the surrounding prairie countryside and he had a particular appreciation of old-time violin music, reading and was intensely interested in his fraternal associations. Glen joined the Masonic Temple lodge at MacGregor in 1956, became a Master Mason in 1963 and joined Fenwick Lodge in Brandon in 1971. He was an active member of the Scottish Rite Fraternity, serving as Secretary for 10 consecutive years. He regarded his Lodge affiliations as an opportunity for continuing education and service to others and while enjoying that fellowship he received his 50 year jewel in 2006. In 1994, at Halifax, he was elected to receive an Honorary 33rd Degree from Scottish Rite Supreme Council annual session followed by an enjoyable tour of Nova Scotia, PEI and Cape Breton Island with Mary and friends. Glen served with the Grand Lodge of Manitoba, was a member of the International Peace Garden Lodge and Royal Order of Scotland and was a past Chaplain and Associate Patron of Queen Mary Chapter, Order of Eastern Star. Glen particularly enjoyed acting as a volunteer driver with the Canadian Cancer Society, piloting the Masonic Cancer Van to and from Winnipeg and for several years served as Co-ordinator and driver along with other fraternal members. In recent years, Glen's health prevented him from pursuing as many activities as he would have wished within and outside of his various fraternal organizations. However, he was always grateful for the visits and phone calls from the membership to keep him up-to-date. Most special to Glen were his six grandchildren whom he cherished over their growing years. He was a faithful follower of many hockey, baseball, soccer, music and skating events and was proud to hear about the sporting and scholastic achievements of eachone. The service to celebrate Glen's life was held on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Central United Church, with Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood officiating. Interment was in the Austin, Cemetery. The family wishes to acknowledge Drs. C. Macfarlane and G. Visser, the staff at the Brandon Clinic and Clinic Pharmacy for their professional and compassionate care over the past several years as well as the kindness of our church family, fraternal Masonic and Eastern Star colleagues. Special thanks also to co-workers and caring friends and neighbours who have called, sent cards, flowers, baking and stopped by to visit - your support and friendship have made this time so much easier for us - you are all truly wonderful. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Central United Church Building Fund, 327-8th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3X5 or a charity of one's choice. Rest well dad - we'll love and miss you always.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 14, 2011