John Cranwell

Obituary of John Cranwell

CRANWELL, John Frederick

January 5, 1938 – Manchester, England

October 26, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

 

John Cranwell, loving husband of fifty-two years, wonderful father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at the age of 83 years.

 

John immigrated to Canada from a post-war bombed out Manchester, England in the 1950s with no money, no job prospects, no relatives and no high school degree. He, together with Marina, also from Manchester, forged a happy life together where he worked for Chevron for nearly 30 years in Toronto, San Francisco and Calgary before taking early retirement that he took full advantage of, travelling the world and hauling their camper van (leaving a trail of destruction) around every province in Canada and over forty of the United States. John spent the last few years, and particularly during coronavirus, in increasing isolation which made it hard on him, his family and his friends with whom he had spent countless Wednesdays at Brewsters, Governors or watching soccer together.  Instead, we choose to remember his earlier, glory years of quick wit, poor DIY skills, countless funny stories (mostly at his own expense) and trademark arm squeeze and dewy eyes when he was feeling sentimental, bursting with love or reverence. We choose to remember his Mancunian accent that never softened after fifty years living in Canada, his self-deprecating humour, his understated talent for watercolours, his dedicated love of Charles Dickens and Winston Churchill, his lethal gin and tonics, and his baffling idioms like “donkey’s years”, “coals to Newcastle” and “knocking things into a cocked hat”.

 

He will be missed immeasurably by his two sons, Steve and Mark, and their extended family of Joanne, Liam and Jules in Toronto, and Timiko, Milo and Walt in London, England. As with the passing of Marina, John’s wife, in 2010, the sadness for us all right now is a small price to pay for the infinite love and happiness we have had together as a family and knowing what a full and rich life he lived.

 

John wanted a low-key recognition of his long and happy life. A private celebration of John’s life will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. 

In living memory of John Cranwell, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.



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