Lloyd Forrester Crossman, late of Saskatoon, SK passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the age of 91 years. Lloyd was born November 18, 1921 in Saskatoon. He attended Albert School, Nutana High School and later the University of Saskatchewan. Lloyd was involved with the RCAF and RAF. He saw action overseas in a 4 engine Halifax Bomber during WWII, 1940- 1945. Lloyd met the love of his life, Betty, at the “Barn” Saskatoon Arena while ice skating. They were married in Saskatoon in 1947. Lloyd then worked for the Federal Government for over 30 years. He was passionate about sports, as he himself was very athletic and competitive. He especially enjoyed golf, softball, curling, lawn bowling and hockey. Lloyd was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lynx Wing, and the Nutana Curling Club. Lloyd’s greatest joy however, came from his family. Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, Roy and Jeanne Crossman; wife, Betty in 1967; sister, Eleanor Crossman; and brother, Willard Crossman. He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Barry and daughter in law, Heather Crossman; granddaughters Chantal Strachan-Crossman and Jocelyn (Chad) Korpan and their sons, Lloyd's great-grandchildren, Gabe and Kelly Korpan. A Celebration of Life was held Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 1:00 PM from Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre, Saskatoon, SK. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations in memory of Lloyd may be made to the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, or to the Sunnyside Nursing Home. Arrangements entrusted to Acadia McKague’s Funeral Centre, (www.acadiamckaguesfuneralcentre.com).
The following is the eulogy, as presented at the Celebration of Life Service by Barry Crossman, Lloyd's son.
Dad was a big part of our lives and our time together, especially family meals, are now happenings that we will cherish forever. As the patriarch he was there to give logical direction which was much appreciated.
Dad was always a strong man, but as his health declined and he became more frail, I spent more time with him. The last few years I was with him almost daily for a few hours and we talked and watched sports, a lot of sports. It was quality time well spent.
As I mentioned, his health declined considerably in the last few years. Mentally he was of clear mind right to the end. Physically he was wore out. He told me a couple of months ago that he was very tired and ready to go. I thought was ready for him to go also but I was wrong. He has left a big void which I did not anticipate. Maybe a person cannot fully realize it or understand it until a loved one is gone.
It has been 46 years since my mother died, and I would be remiss if I did not mention how much dad missed her. If there was a time when dad's life was not fulfilling that was the time.
Dad was very proud of his family and while we talked he always wanted to know how everyone was doing. He wanted to know how Heather was doing with her different jobs and hobbies. He wanted to know how Chantal and Jocelyn were doing and more recently what his greatgrand kids were up to.
Dads friends were many as he had met them in school, the war, his career with the federal government and of course sports. He talked about his friends often. Dad was very astute when it came to his financial affairs and he was always learning. Thanks Keith for your friendship and expertise. He always looked forward to your visits.
Dad was in the war from 1940 to 1945. He flew in a 4 engine Halifax bomber and patrolled the English Channel as he was stationed in Scotland. His position in the air crew was as an air gunner and wireless operator. He did not talk about any of the bad experiences he had, but did mention some of the lighter stories he experienced and I will share one with you now. While training, he and his crew were stationed in Nussau, Bahamas. On a day off, 4 of them decided to go golfing. While out on the course they noticed one golfer and his caddy catching up to them and dad waved this golfer to play through. He said the gentleman was dressed very appropriately and as he played through he thanked them and continued on. Dad recognized this gentleman and told the rest of his foursome that "we just let the former King of England play through.” In fact it was King Edward the 7th who had abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson. The new King George the 5th appointed the former King Edward to be the governor of the Bahamas. So dad had just let the King of England play through!
Dad loved sports. He talked fondly of playing sports in high school and also playing commercial ball in his 20’s and 30’s. In fact dad and my uncle Will played on the same team and I remember spending a lot of time at Kinsmen Park where they played. He golfed and curled and also lawn bowled in later years. He coached me in ball and hockey. One of the times I enjoyed the most was just throwing the ball back and forth playing catch.
He taught me how to drive at 14 years of age which was very special. I have a lot of memories that I can draw on.
Lloyd Forrester Crossman 1921 to 2013, 91 years, wore many hats, a proud Canadian, a son, a brother, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather and friend. A very good man who will be remembered and truly missed.
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