A. B. SISSON

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A. B. (SCOTTY) SISSON Scotty Sisson passed away peacefully on November 20, 2015 at the age of 94. He was born Arnold Bruce Sisson in Wingham, MB on February 5, 1921. He leaves to celebrate his life, 10 children Derek, Margaret (Grant Koroll), Marilyn (Greg Stangl), Pamela (Eric Gretzinger), Arna (Richard Kroeker), Bruce (Joanne McMillin Sisson), John (Kelly McIntosh), Moira (Chris Davies), Bill (Terry Baldwin), and Nancy (Brenon Knaggs), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two sisters Dorothy and Beth, and many extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Peggie on September 9 of this year, his parents Maude and Thom Sisson, siblings Madge, Clarence, and Ken, and grandson William. Scotty's life began during a winter snow storm at the old homestead in Wingham, where he spent the first few hours of his life in a shoe box within the warming oven of a wood stove. He grew up during the Depression learning early the power of a community's spirit, a lesson that never left him. When Canada joined the Second World War, Scotty enlisted with the R.C.A.F. and was sent overseas in December 1942 after receiving his Wings and Commission. In August of 1943, while stationed in Scotland, Scotty met Peggie who would later become his wife. Their courtship was brief as duty called him away. As a Flying Officer, Scotty proudly flew a Mosquito with the Squadron 409 Nighthawks. In June 1944, Scotty and his navigator were forced to abandon their plane over France and shortly thereafter were captured and sent to Stalag Luft III. Scotty's strong determination allowed him to survive the camp, pneumonia, and deadly marches until finally liberated in May 1945. Scotty married Peggie Wood in Scotland on June 19, 1945. He returned to Canada shortly afterwards and Peggie joined him later that year. They settled near Scotty's family in Wingham, MB where they had 10 children before moving into a beautiful home in Elm Creek. Scotty attended the University of Manitoba following the war and received his diploma in Agriculture in March 1947. Scotty had a keen interest in agricultural equipment and was involved in the development of the first rotary combine which is the standard today. He began his career selling farm equipment first as the western Canadian distributor for McKee Harvesting systems, then John Deere, before moving his business, the Sissonservice Centre, to Hwy. 13 where he sold Cockshutt, Oliver, and Minneapolis which would later become White. With his strong sense of community spirit, Scotty coached hockey for many years. First in the outdoor skating rink in Elm Creek and then in the indoor rink which he, along with other like-minded community volunteers, built. Starting in the 1970s, Scotty and Peggie instructed and performed old-time traditional dancing, square dancing, and round dancing for many years and in the early 1980s they built the Scotswood Links golf course; Scotty and Peggie were graciously recognized by the community for these contributions. This past June, Scotty and Peggie celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with many of their family and friends. He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all. "Make the world a place to live... Where life and love is what we give" (from The Cross by Arnold Bruce Sisson 1981) A funeral service will be held Friday, November 27 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elm Creek Community Hall. Please make donations to the Carman Area Foundation (Elm Creek Fund) or the charity of your choice. Doyle's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. www.doylesfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2015