ARTHUR J.

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ARTHUR J. De CRUYENAERE Peacefully at the Victoria Hospital on Friday, January 21, 2000, surrounded by the love of his family, Arthur J. De Cruyenaere, beloved husband of Irene for 54 years, passed away. He was predeceased by his parents, Jules and Julie; a sister Helen; three brothers, Paul, Marsh and George. Married to Irene De Cuypere on May 8, 1946, this happy union was blessed with eight children: four sons, Bob (Sheila), Ken (Ghislaine), Richard of Kaslo, BC, Ron (Anita) four daughters, Jeannie Pickard, also of Kaslo, BC, Judy (Daavid) Turnbull of Melbourne, Australia, Cindy Gregoire (Don) and Cheryl (Jorgen) Grimstrup; 18 grandchildren, Jared, Ryan, Derek, Lynda, Shawna, Jesse, Jordi, Emily, Jon, Elizabeth, Josh, Rob, Eric, Kerri, Audrey, Evan, Chad, and Margo; one great-granddaughter Colby. Arthur is also survived by his brother John; and seven sisters, Cecile, Terry, Jean (Wally), Simone (John), Julie (Moe), Marie (Battista) and Agnes (Gerd) sisters-in-law, Alice and Trudy; Irenes sister Pat; and brothers, Bert, George and Ron; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and caring friends. Arthur was born at the Winnipeg General Hospital along with his twin brother George on May 14, 1924. During the Second World War, he served overseas in action with the R.C.A.F. No. 425 Squadron. He saved his life by parachuting when he was the sole survivor of a mid-air collision between two Allied bombers, which killed the other 13 airmen. He was a member of the Wartime Pilots and Observers Association, the Belgian Club and the Caterpillar Club. In 1986, due to a stroke, Arthur took early retirement after 16 years as Doorman at the Westin Winnipeg Inn. He charmed everyone with his sense of humour. He enjoyed the great outdoors, camping, fishing, gardening, sunrises and sunsets, the birds, flowers his wife Irene grew, the shape of snowdrifts and the roar of the surf. Arthur also enjoyed the fury of nature in thunderstorms and the peace and serenity of their two acre lot south of St. Adolphe for 35 years. In 1997, Arthur and Irene retired to their new home, Agape Villa, in Winnipeg. The family would like to thank the staff of Health Sciences Centre, GD3 Ward, and the Victoria General Hospital for their kindness and support. Cremation has taken place. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 27 at 1:00 p.m. from the St. Bernadettes Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd., with the Rev. Fr. Gerry Ward presiding. Those wishing may make donations in Dads memory to a charity of ones choice. Good night Irene, Ill see you in our dreams GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2000