Obituary of John Edward CRESSWELL

March 14, 1926 – Epsom, England
February 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

John Cresswell of Calgary, AB, passed away on February 27, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

He spent the last two years living in Care West Colonel Belcher, where he received very good care, enabling him to take his daily outside walks, and work on his physical fitness.  He leaves to mourn many very dear friends, Jan, Jared, Brenda, Eileen, Don Ethell, Wendy Hallis.  He bids you all a fond farewell! 

Long-time resident of Watergrove Mobile Home Park, John Cresswell was a retired Sergeant-Major of the Canadian Army.  Since retirement, John had been the consummate volunteer on behalf of Veterans.  He belonged to several Veterans organizations and was a long-serving branch president of the Calgary Queens Own Rifles of Canada Association.  John Cresswell was also a long-standing and active member of The Royal Canadian Legion, the Korea Veterans Association, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Association, and the local Peacekeeping Association. He doubled as Sergeant-at-Arms for many of these organizations, appearing at numerous events and ceremonies.  Additionally, he was a volunteer at the Care West Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre in Calgary, and served as one of the key fundraising members of the "Friends of the Colonel Belcher" group, helping to raise $2 million to provide enhancements to the centre.  He regularly visited the Veterans at Colonel Belcher and volunteered countless hours assisting and transporting the Veterans to and from the centre.    
 
John lived in Watergrove for twelve years, Sergeant at Arms, attended all memorial services for those that have passed. He was also Representative for the Poppies at Colonel Belcher Remembrance Day. VIP’s were all in attendance. He was the lead for the Escort, which included the HMCS Tecumseh Band, with a march through the complex to Memorial Gardens to present and lay the Wreath, for seventeen years.

He spent three years in the Middle East, one year in Korea, three tours in Germany, two tours in Cyprus, 1965 -1970 .Received Awards from : Trudeau, Mulroney, the Ambassador to South Korea, and the Lt. Governor of  Alberta , Don Ethel.  Arrived in Canada in 1948 from England, at the Malton Airport, and received his Canadian Citizenship in 1951.  

John was predeceased by his beloved wife Evelyn (nee Grant), and his parents May and Edward Cresswell. 

A Celebration of his Life will take place at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on John’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Special thanks to the Watergrove residents; Colonel Belcher Dieppe employees, and all veterans associated; as well as Jan Joynt, Brenda Larratt, and Don Ethell.  

In living memory of John Cresswell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3,   Telephone: 403-241-0044.