He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Ann Croker; daughter Diane (Garry) Gillis; son Ray (Dawn) Croker; daughter Charlene Freeson; son Barry (Shelly) Croker; daughter Karen (Tim) Rowan; daughter Ruth (Gerry) Denboer; son Vince (Bonnie) Croker; son Bob (Kim) Croker; son Tim (Darlene) Croker; and son Chuck (Wendy) Croker; 23 grandchildren and spouses; and many great grandchildren; brother Gary (Cathy); sisters Iris, Joyce and Gail; brother-in-law John (Elsie) and many extended family.
Dad enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1950 (2PPCLI), was deployed to Korea (Kapyong Battle) and a peace keeping mission in Cypress before retiring from military life in 1975. He was awarded 13 military medals and decorations as well as 2 Canadian Legion awards. Dad is a true war hero and definitely our hero!
Then as an ordained minister, Dad began his "second career" pastoring churches in Manitoba and Ontario before retiring again in 1996 to Stoney Plain, Alberta. He was a firm believer in living one's life so others could see Jesus in you. His advice to pass down to future generations was "Put your trust in Jesus...that's the most important thing you will do in your life. Next, get involved in the Word (scriptures); study it, memorize it. Third, Jesus is everything. And lastly, stay involved with the family."
In 2003, Dad and Mom decided to move to Chilliwack, BC for milder winters. Visits from kids and grandkids were eagerly looked forward to. Over the years we were able to have a number of family reunions which Dad loved every minute of - precious memories we all treasure.
As Dad's health deteriorated, a move was necessary to an assisted living facility, followed shortly after by Dad needing another move over to long term care. This was a difficult transition being the first time in 65+ years mom and dad were in separate living facilities. God was good, Dad and Mom were able to stay in the same building with side by side residential and assisted living, allowing Mom to visit Dad several times a day. Then Covid arrived. The last year of Dad's life was spent with only a few visits from family due to the health restrictions. Mom was so faithful and would try to see him often, even if only through a window. If Dad noticed her, he would always try to go to her. Even in dementia, he always knew the love of his life.
We are forever grateful for the wonderful staff at the Waverly who loved and hugged Dad for us and became his "family" when we could not be there. You are truly hero's in our eyes.
We know that Dad clung to the promise Jesus gave that He would never leave us or forsake us and on Monday afternoon at 3:37 pm, God called Dad and he entered his eternal rest. We have a blessed hope, we will see each other again. "Until then, our hearts will go on singing, until then with joy we'll carry on, until that day, our eyes behold that city, until the day God calls us home."
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca for the Croker family.
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