CECIL MURRAY BATEMAN

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CECIL MURRAY BATEMAN June 23, 1910 - February 16, 2002 Cecil Murray Bateman passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg joined in heart and hand with his family. Cecil was born in Baldur, spent most of his years in Brandon. He divided his time between Kansas City and Winnipeg. He lived a colorful and interesting life. Cecil knew how to spin tales about his adventures. Cecil left school at a young age on a matter of principle, "riding the rails" and prospecting for gold during the Depression, being torpedoed into the frigid Atlantic during the Second World War, riding his bike to work at the Brandon Mental Health Centre, and thoroughly enjoying more than 25 years of retirement. In spite of this excitement, he was unpretentious and down-to-earth. His most defining uniqueness was his easy-going and humble character, blended with a great sense of humour, a quick wit, and a love for poetic verse. He had an uncanny ability to recognize and to impart to others the intrinsic beauty of the simplest facets of life. He would at once astound and bring pleasure to his company when he would spontaneously begin quoting some of historys best poetry. He made many friends and lost them only to death. His life will continue to be celebrated by Dorcas, his wife of 54 years; his son Timothy and family (Jan, Rachel and Kyle) of Kansas City and his daughter Donna Rutledge and family (Hayley and David) of Winnipeg. We love him dearly and take comfort in his words, "We will always be together". He was predeceased by his mother (Mary Emma Murray) and father (Arthur Frankland) and three brothers, (Bernice Scott, James Irving, and Arthur Courtney). He lived a long and healthy life until the past year when lung disease became a constant scourge for him. He endured the shortness of breath and even during his last hours, still managed to comfort and entertain his family with his splendid gift to see humour in all of lifes circumstances. At Cecils request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Thursday February 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, 332-8th Street, Brandon, MB. Cecil would want to express his grateful appreciation to the staff of 2 East at Riverview Health Centre. They provided thoughtful and skilled care when he was so dependent on others. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Cecils Memory to the Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3L 2P4 or to any charity of their choice. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 949-4860 BROCKIE DONOVAN 1-800-897-5694

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2002