CRAWFORD VARNES

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CRAWFORD VARNES It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, who peacefully left us to join Mom, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Irene; sisters, Mary, Audrey and Thelma; and brothers, Arthur, Ronald and Allan. He is survived by his devoted children, Christine (Gerry), Murray (Jacqueline) and Carolyn (Doug); and his grandchildren, the Lucky 7, Brittine (Jeffrey), Ariel, Zachary, Nicholas, Marissa, Shalene and Veronica. He also leaves behind his brother Gerry (Irene), and sisters-in-law, Eileen and Lorraine, family, friends and his faithful furry companion, Joey, who accompanied him on numerous meditative walks around sunny St. James. Crawford considered himself a proud, born and bred Winnipegger. He was born December 19, 1934 at the family home on Elgin Avenue. His early years were spent sharing adventures with his brothers, such as going to movies, playing games, and escapades at the dump. He graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. After graduation, he worked various jobs, before finally landing at Unemployment Insurance where he met his future wife by the water cooler. He retired from the Maintenance Department at Red River Community College. Dad had an innate love of sports, and instilled this in his children and his grandchildren. He coached numerous hockey teams (winning consecutive city championships), ringette, and soccer, spending countless hours on the field and at the rink. He curled at various clubs across the city, where socializing was more important to him than the outcome of the game. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing, jogging and cycling. Dad was an avid Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Jets fan. When he wasn't attending games, he was cheering them on at home. He was a Bomber water boy, season ticket holder and attended several Grey Cup games. Dad always put his family first and was up for anything we wanted to do. We have fond memories of playing hide and go seek, tobogganing, 31, airplane spins, baby polar bear, whisker kisses, Rudy Kadashis, the Malt Shop at the Bay, biking to Dutch Maid, trips to the zoo and many cold nights learning to skate at the Duck Pond. We always anxiously awaited the annual family vacations to Clear Lake where Mom said it always looked like she had four children instead of three. The past couple of years were very difficult for Dad and all of those who knew and loved him. The jovial, carefree, outgoing, talkative man we all adored slowly faded away. Thanks to everyone that helped with his care, especially Kelly. Dad never liked goodbyes, so Happy Trails. Abiding by his wishes, there is no funeral service. Flowers are gratefully declined. 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 Nov 24, 2018