SYDNEY GORDON THORNDYCRAFT

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SYDNEY GORDON THORNDYCRAFT November 21, 1934 October 14, 2017 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and friend. He leaves to mourn his wife Elizabeth; stepmother Osa; children, Vincent (Gabriella) and Tina (Walter); stepchildren, Les (Sheri), Gabe (Joanna) and Cathie (Bob); grandchildren, Sydney, Misha, Sasha, Tamara, Angie, Maddy, Nicole, Ellen, Megan and Sarah and many nieces and nephews. Syd was predeceased by his father Sydney; sister Madge; brother Bob; and son Victor. Syd was born in Chilliwack, BC and grew up in West Vancouver, where he attended West Vancouver High School. He joined the RCAF at age 17 and served honourably for 30 years as an aircraft technician. Upon leaving the Air Force, Syd joined Standard Aero as a Quality Control Inspector, which he enjoyed until his retirement in 2000. Syd was an active yet meticulous man. An avid outdoorsman, he loved swimming, camping, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing and motorcycle riding. Syd would eagerly await the fall hunting season to get out into the wilderness for upland game birds or geese. And there wasn't a helmet big enough to contain the smile on his face as he carved the canyons while riding his Honda Aspencade through the mountains on vacation. Yet he still had the incredible patience and manual dexterity to create his amazing model wooden sailing ships. With exacting detail, Syd would nail each plank to the ship's hull, hand knot all the rigging and paint the lifelike miniature sailors on the deck. You could almost hear the wind in the sails, or the feet of the crew running on the deck as the captain called out his orders. At home, Syd loved music, especially jazz played by the old masters. His collection of jazz records was the envy of every true aficionado. He also played the guitar and taught himself to play the organ, but was often too shy to play for anyone but his family. Family gatherings were always a seasonal highlight at Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving or even birthday celebrations. Syd sure enjoyed a good party. A private funeral service was held on Friday, October 20, 2017. A heartfelt thanks to all the caregivers at Deer Lodge Center, who served him with compassion, understanding, kindness and dignity. Wojcik's Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, Winnipeg, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com "He was a big man, with an even bigger heart. Rest in peace."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017