Mr. Reg Cranfield

Reginald Cranfield passed away on August 29th, 2009 at the Chilliwack General Hospital. He was born on February 13th, 1920 in The Pas, Manitoba. He will be remembered forever by his children daughter Marjorie Fast, and son Alfred (Debbie) Cranfield both of Chilliwack, grandchildren Theresa Fast of Chilliwack, Tim Fast of Mission, Derek (Michelle) Cranfield of Chilliwack, Amy (Mark) Brosinski of Chilliwack, his great-grandchildren Austin, Rachel, and Jocelyn Cranfield, Nyah Tremblay, Luke and Drew Brosinski, and many friends. He was predeceased by his wife Olive in 1989 and his son-in-law Bernie Fast in 2007. He was a Veteran of World War II and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4. Services for Reginald Cranfield were held on Saturday, September 5th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel at Henderson’s Funeral Home in Chilliwack, BC.REG'S EULOGY~as told by his Grandson, Derek Cranfield~I would like to thank everyone one here for being here to celebrate the life of Cecil Reginald Charles Cranfield, my Grandfather. It has been 20 years since the passing of my grandmother Olive in December of 1989. Now my grandparents are with each other again looking down on us. For anybody who doesn’t know me I’m Derek Cranfield, son of Alfred and the grandson of Reg Cranfield. My grandfather was born February 13, 1920 in The Pas, Manitoba to Alfred James Cranfield and Victoria Cranfield. The family moved to Salmon Arm in 1930 with older sister Violet. He then joined the army in 1940. During this time he met and married Olive Marjory Enoch. They were married in Nov 1 1940. He served in the army in Northern Africa, Italy and Holland during World War 2. He was discharged in 1946.During the times after the war Reg worked on numerous farms in the Chilliwack and Abbotsford area. At this time Reg and Olive had their first child Marjorie in February 1947 and then son Alfred in February 1950. During the 50’s the family moved around working in farming when in 1956 Reg broke his back in a farming accident. He spent the summer of 1956 in Royal Columbia Hospital. Marjorie remembers her Dad telling her how it took 4 hours to get from Abbotsford General Hospital to Royal Columbia. The doctor didn’t want the driver to hit any bumps. She remembers him telling her that bicycles were passing them.In 1965 the family moved back to Chilliwack. Reg now trained in Mechanics, took a few different jobs before ending up at the Co-op on Chilliwack Central until he retired in 1985.During the 70’s it was busy time for the Cranfield family. Daughter Marjorie was married to Bernie Fast in 1970. Son Alf was married to Debbie Mirva in 1973. Then came the grandchildren first Theresa Fast 1971, Tim Fast 1976, Derek Cranfield 1977, and lastly my little sister, Amy Cranfield, now Brosinski in 1979. After retirement in 1985, Reg and Olive along with the Brind’s traveled across Canada to the East coast and took their time getting back. 4 years later, in Dec 1989, his beloved Olive passed away.During the 90’s he got to watch as his 4 grandchildren all graduated from High school. He also got to watch as they grew to become adults. Theresa in her photography, Tim in basketball, Derek with hockey and Amy with her swimming, where all hobbies and past times Reg was able to follow. In 1998 Reg moved into The Lynnwood where he lived until his passing.During the last decade, once again, as in the 70’s, the Cranfield family became a larger family. First I got married to Michelle McPhee in May 2000, then Amy getting married to Mark Brosinski in Oct 2002. Then The Great Grand kids started to arrive. First my Twins, Austin & Rachel Cranfield in 2003, then Nyah Tremblay in 2004, Luke Brosinski & Jocelyn Cranfield in 2006, and lastly Drew Brosinski in 2008. He always enjoyed hearing about what they were doing.Now I would like you all to watch the video slide show of my Grandfather's life and times.I would like to take some time to share some memories, first from some of my family members, and then a few from myself.First, Amy in her words...I remember looking forward to getting home from school on Thursdays because that was usually when Grandpa would come over for a visit. Shelby, our family dog, was probably even more excited – she loved playing with Grandpa and would run circles around the house with excitement from playing with him.Amy also remembers how Grandpa loved All-Sorts Licorice.A memory from Theresa.... she remembers being at Manning Park, fishing at Lighting Lakes with Grandpa, her Dad and Uncle Alf, and a thunderstorm came while fishing. They hid under a bridge.Tim...His memories as are mine...of camping as a family.He also remembers Grandpa and Uncle Alf coming to watch his All-Star basketball game at MEI in Abbotsford.A story my mom Debbie told me...My Mom told me of when she first went for dinner at her future in-laws. It was a Saturday night; she was thinking it would be a formal dinner. But when she showed up, Reg had TV trays set up in the living room. It was Hockey Night in Canada. There would be no formal dinner that night. I guess we all know where I get my love of Hockey from.Couple of my memories... one is camping trips with my family Mom, Dad, Amy; my Uncle Bernie, Aunt Marjorie, cousins Theresa, Tim and with my grandparents. My grandparents had a motor home, and my aunt's family and ours each had a tent trailer. These are memories I’ll never forget and just as important, want to recreate with my family, as we did last summer going camping with my parents and my sister’s family.One last memory that will always stay with me is that my children got to spend time with their great-grandfather. They loved when he would clap his hands toward them like was trying to catch them. As well, the picture I have of the 4 generations of the Cranfields’: Reg, Alf, Derek, and Austin. This is something that I will treasure the rest of my life. And in the words of my Auntie Margorie:He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all.Rest in Peace DadWe will love you and remember you forever.