|
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
NEWMAN, Grant Hilding - It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father and grandfather, Grant who passed away September 19, 2014 at his home at the age of 93. Grant was born December 6, 1920 in Viscount, SK. In his youth, he grew up on a farm in Viscount. He lived in a small one-bedroom paper shack. He enjoyed hunting rabbits and getting into mischief with his older brother, Walter. The family moved to the new farm house in 1941. Dad left home to join the Navy in 1942. He trained in Calgary as a Radio/ Radar Operator and graduated 2nd in his class. Big city living brought him his first introduction to indoor plumbing! In April, 1943 he was sent to HMCS Stadacona in Halifax. On completion of his training in 1944, he was transferred to HMCS Prestonian, as a Petty Officer (only technician on board). By 1945, the war was winding down and he returned to St. Hyacinthe and he became a radar instructor until the war ended in September, 1945. He wanted to carry on with his love of electronics and went to work at the Record Shop. By 1948, he was dating our future mother, Maureen; she worked at the front counter selling records. At first she wouldn't give him the time of day as the bookkeeper had told her dad was married with 6 children! It was a match made in heaven; they wed on June 29, 1951 and enjoyed 37 years together before mom passed away in 1988. Mom and Dad enjoyed many years as life-time members at HMCS Unicorn especially the many years of curling and social gatherings. We believe he was the oldest living HMCS life-member. Being in the Navy was very important to dad and he always had many stories to share. Dad worked for Eaton's for over 20 years and then purchased a confectionery with mom by his side in 1977 (Twin Stores). After its sale in 1982, Dad retired again, but he later went on to work as a commissionaire and remained employed with them well into his 70's. Dad's greatest love was working in his yard. He took great pride in his flowers and garden. His favourite spot was sitting at the dining room table and looking out over his backyard and watching the birds. The birds really appreciated his bird bath. He even fed the squirrel peanuts; that was one spoiled squirrel. Another favourite past time of dad's, was wine making. He always brought a bottle of his wine to all family gatherings. We could always rely on dad to keep all of our stuff in good running order. He loved the challenge of fixing anything broken. He inherited this from his father, Hilding, who was a well-known builder/carpenter in the Viscount area. Dad was an avid sports fan including his two favourite teams – Roughriders & Blue Jays. His love of baseball started as a youth on the "Midway" baseball diamond at the farm where he grew up. Prior to his brother Murray's passing, they enjoyed many summer fishing trips together. He looked forward to it every year. Up until his sudden death, Dad remained very active. His latest project was helping his neighbour refurbish their shared fence. He was extremely proud of his staining job. He is survived by his three daughters, Janice and granddaughter Kathy (Sean); Joanne; Barb (Don) Ludwig; sister-in-law, Lou; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Maureen (1988); mother, Myrtle; father, Hilding; brothers, Walter; Erland; Murray; sister-in-law, Isabelle. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice. At our father's request, there will be no funeral. Dad you will be greatly missed by us and everyone who knew you, but you will live on in our hearts forever. It brings us much comfort to know he has been reunited with our mother. Love you both. (The Saskatoon StarPhoenix 24 Sep 2014)
Ships served in:
|
