FREDERIC CALVIN (CAL) COURTNEY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FREDERIC CALVIN (CAL) COURTNEY Peacefully, on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Seven Oaks Hospital, Cal passed away at the age of 87. Cal was born in Winnipeg on September 27, 1930, to parents, Frederic and Jean Courtney. He is survived by his dear wife Betty, children, Lorraine (Doug), Karen (Nelson), Anne (Cam) and Cathy (Jay). He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Kirsten (Bryon), Erin, Sean, Calvin and Russell. Cal was predeceased by his parents, as well as his sister Arlene. Cal spent his early years in St. James, living in homes built by his father on Whytewold Road and Rita Street. Trips to school were often on horseback. Even as a child he loved the freedom he felt when riding, and it would become a lifelong passion. Cal attended Linwood School and St. James Collegiate. He excelled at track and field, breaking numerous records at provincial meets. Later in life Cal returned to school to earn his Business Diploma through the University of Manitoba. A born salesman, in the early days Cal worked at Carter Motors of Winnipeg. It was while working there that he sold a car to a young man who needed a co-signer for the loan. And so Glenn Brand brought his gainfully employed big sister, Betty, to the dealership. It was serendipity that both Betty and her brother found the model they liked that day! Cal's sales career continued with Canada Starch and then Imperial Oil. When they were first married, a position with Imperial Oil took Cal and Betty to Killarney, Manitoba, where they made many lifelong friends. Once back in Winnipeg, he and Betty built their own business - Atlas Auto Products. Cal took great pride in his work and in his partnership with Betty, whom he always credited for their success. Cal was a proud Shriner. He loved that the organization specialized in pediatric health through its network of hospitals. He never hesitated to donate time or money if it meant improved health and quality of life for young people. Through these efforts Cal rekindled his love of horses, becoming an active member of the Khartum Temple Arabian Horse Guard. He and his faithful horse, Draz, became fixtures at parades, fairs and fund-raising events throughout Manitoba. Over the years the family grew, welcoming sons-in-law and grandchildren. The grandchildren were Cal's pride and joy, and he loved watching them grow into fine young people. In retirement, Cal purchased a hobby farm near Lorette, Manitoba. There he would go on to raise an impressive stable of champion Arabian horses. Cal also joined the Board of Health Sciences Centre in the mid-1990s, serving as chairman for three years. He was intensely proud of the hospital and its dedicated, hardworking staff. Annual holidays to Maui and Arizona were welcome respite for Cal and Betty. Hawaii was all about family, while Arizona fed the soul of Cal's inner cowboy. He embraced the annual rides, basking in the vast landscape, open skies, and the camaraderie of the dusty trail. Cal lived and loved with all his heart and we are grateful for the extraordinary example he set, for the lessons he taught us, for the memories we'll treasure. Most of all we're grateful for his love, and the opportunity to love him back. We will deeply miss Cal, husband, father, grandfather and friend, but we're comforted knowing that he's free, and that where he went Draz was waiting for him, saddled up and ready for another ride down another trail. A funeral service and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, Manitoba Riding for the Disabled or to the charity of one's choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2018