Obituary of Ross Lynch CRAIG

May 20, 1923–August 19, 2011 On August 19 my father passed away peacefully in his sleep. My father and mother Catherine, were married in Calgary more than 59 years ago. Together, they built the foundation of our family. My father was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the youngest of 6 children. His mother died shortly after he was born after which he came to live with foster parents. This was followed by a brief period in an orphanage where he was re-united with his brothers. He also lived for a period with his older sister until his father was able to reunite his family. My father grew up surrounded by love. Although my father’s family lived in Eastern Canada and the United States, he stayed in touch and visited his family as often as possible. He was especially close to his sisters Lil, Cora and Kathleen, brothers Charlie and Bill and nephews Bob, John and Bill. He was a man who was proud and honoured to serve his country in the military. In World War II, he served in England, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Holland. Just recently, he was honoured with a medal recognizing his efforts in the liberation of Holland. After the war, my mom and dad made Calgary their home. Dad worked for CKXL Radio Station and was one of the founders of CHFM Radio, along with Alan Barker. Subsequently he worked at Marconi until he established West Can Electronics with his dear friend Ed Dziecuich. When I met my husband, Gord, at age 14 I could tell my parents liked him from the start. Thanks to my mom’s protectiveness, my dad happily chauffeured Gord, me and our friends to parties and dances. Everyone knew “Ross.” Just the other day, my dad told me Gord was a true son to him. As our family started to grow, Dad made sure he and mom were always there for us. My father was so proud of his 3 grandsons – Stephen, Kevin and Danny. He would take my mom to their sporting events both here and out of town. Babysitting “the Boys” was something he was always glad to do so Gord and I could have a break. There were regular family vacations to BC, California, Disneyland, and Hawaii. My dad and mom were there for graduation ceremonies, marriages and great grandchildren. My father became grandpa to Lily and Edna, our Filipino family, whom he loved very much. Now Grandpa has become “PAPA” to Daniel’s children; Logan and Isabelle and Stephen and Joanie’s children; Andon, Ayla and Adelinh. My Father loved to travel and truly lived in each moment he had on this earth. Despite being diagnosed with lung cancer on March 31 of this year, he and my mom travelled to Scottsdale with Gord and I to vacation and visit with his relatives, Bill and Anne Iveson from Tucson, Arizona. Then it was off to Maui for 2 weeks to celebrate Kevin and Lindsay’s wedding where he enjoyed spending time talking to the more than 100 family and friends who attended. My father loved life! When I was young, my father always said to me “Do your best.” When he was fighting his cancer, he said to me “I’m doing my best.” That is the essence of my father. He lived his life – doing his best. He was a man of grace, of love, and of honesty. He was kind and loving, gentle and caring. He loved to read and had an amazing memory and ability to recall detail. My dad will never be gone. My dad married the love of his life, he will always be with my mom and watch over her. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful father. I will always remember his infectious smile and twinkle in his eyes. I will love you forever dad. Love from your daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Gord “Forever yours”, your wife, Catherine “Always in our hearts”, your family – Stephen, Joanie, Andon, Ayla, Adelinh, Kevin, Lindsay, Danny, Logan, Isabelle, Edna, Lily, Molly and Beasley. Our family would especially like to thank the many excellent healthcare providers we met. Dr. Fraser and Lynn fromRockyviewHospitalwho started this journey with us. Kathleen, Gail, and Tracey from Tom Baker Cancer Centre. Dr. Lau, who gave my dad hope. Nancy and Collette from Unit 61 at Foothills Hospital. To honour my father’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of my father’s life will be announced in the near future. In living memory of Ross Craig, a tree will be planted atFish CreekProvincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES,Crowfoot Chapel, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.