CRAWFORD VINCENT WALES

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CRAWFORD VINCENT WALES Crawford Wales passed away peacefully at Deer Lodge Centre on May 21, 2004 at the age of 87. He is survived by his children, Chris, James and Glen (Elva) and grandchildren, Tracy and Howie. He was predeceased by his parents; four brothers; two sisters and, in 1994, his beloved wife Cathy. Crawford was born in Portage la Prairie, the youngest child of Edmund and Emma (Tait) Wales. He grew up in Portage and always retained a deep affection for his home town. In the late 1930s he played goal for the Portage Terriers. In 1940 he joined the RCAF and served in Canada as a flight instructor and overseas as a pilot with 432 Squadron. In January 1944 his Lancaster went down over Braunschweig; Dad was badly injured and spent over a year as POW in Stalag Luft III. Before and after the war Dad worked at Brown & Lowrys Garage in Portage. He married Cathy Mackenzie in 1945. In 1956 Dad moved the family to Winnipeg, where he worked for Ford and later Standard Aero. On holidays, he loved to spend time outdoors with kids and dogs, especially at Delta Beach and Falcon Lake. Many will remember Dad for his vivid personality and his keen sense of humour. He was also a pianist, gardener, amateur naturalist, constant reader and indefatigable raconteur. Above all he was a wise and loving father. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Donations and flowers are gratefully declined. The family would like to thank the staff of T7 Deer Lodge Centre for the excellent care they gave Dad in his last months.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 29, 2004