CWO (RET’D) A. Gordon Criggar, CD
With sadness, yet grateful for a life well-lived, the family of Gord Criggar wish to inform you of his passing on Tues., 29 Oct 2024, at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre care home in Winnipeg, MB.
Gord is lovingly remembered by his spouse, Cheryl Telford. Dad will be forever loved and missed by his daughter, Cheryl (Tony Krueger), Petawawa, and his son, Al (Chantal), Winnipeg. Pappy is loved beyond measure by grandchildren Hannah, Alexandrea, Wynn and Ashton. Fondly remembered by Cheryl’s daughter, Shawn (Matt; Avery & William) and son, John (Lindsay; Elayna, Mollie, & James) and other family members. Also loved and missed by his brother, Harold (Linda); sister, Diana; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends around the country.
Predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Glenna (McArton); his father, Herbert, mother, Thelma; his brother, Ellard; and his sister, Marion (Jones).
Raised in the village of Ashton, ON, Gord had an old-fashioned childhood, working on farms and playing baseball in the summer and hockey on the frozen Jock River. In 1955, after his father’s passing, Gord left Grade 10 to find paid work. He took an accounting course and was a bookkeeper for a local garage, while also enrolling in the Militia, becoming a Governor General’s Foot Guard alumnus. Wearing that big bearskin cap was a matter of great pride for Gord!
In 1958, Gord joined the Canadian Armed Forces full time and went into the Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps and the Comptroller/Finance trade for the rest of his ultimate 38-year military career. Postings included West Germany, Chilliwack, Yellowknife, Uplands-Ottawa, NDHQ-Ottawa, Winnipeg, and two tours in Egypt/Israel with the United Nations Peacekeepers in 1967 and 1978. He was also the Pay Master/Comptroller for several summers at the Whitehorse Cadet Camp and Vernon Cadet Camp respectively. In 1988, CWO Criggar released from the Comptroller’s Office at Air Command Headquarters and became a Reservist, serving as Group Chief Warrant Officer for Air Reserve Command Headquarters in Winnipeg until retiring completely in 1994.
Gord had an unwavering commitment and dedication to the CAF and the many members and veterans who are or were in service to Canada. His selfless dedication and many volunteer activities earned him three Queen’s Jubilee medals (Silver 1977, Gold 2002, and Diamond 2014). In 2014 he was also honoured with a Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation. His volunteer activities included holding several Executive positions with the Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans (ANAF) Unit 283 (Life member), the Last Post Fund – MB/SK, the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP) – MB, and the National Association of Federal Retirees (formerly known as FSNA) – MB/SK/Nor ON. He was also very proud to be one of only a few card-carrying members of the ANAF Unit 283’s Ladies Auxiliary, helping Elvia and Beryl when they needed an extra hand.
After retirement, Gord was able to enjoy a few passions, including researching his father’s genealogy – a trip to his Wendish roots in Germany was a highlight for him. Gord was lucky enough to do a lot of travelling around the world, visiting the USA, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia – Germany would always hold a special place in his heart.
Wine making was also a passion, crushing and pressing fresh grapes in the garage (later just buying the juice) and making many, many fine bottles of wine. The wine cellar always seemed to have an “evaporation problem” he would say! Gord always looked forward to attending the dinners and wine tastings with good friends in the Winnipeg Amici dell’Enotria group.
In 2013, Gord suffered a life-altering stroke and after a few years at home in Headingley, he found a new home at the Saul & Claribel Simkin Centre. At Simkin, Gord was able to watch the birds at his feeder, tended to a vegetable garden and enjoyed the toasted fresh tomato sandwiches from his efforts! The Recreation staff kept Gord busy with field trips, amazing entertainment and many projects over the years. Cards and bingo kept his grandchildren supplied with his winnings of chocolate bars and potato chips!
Special thanks to Bill (for over 50+ years of friendship), Syd, Hayden, Ray, Alf, and Grandma Cheryl’s family and other friends for their support, visits and comradery.
Words are not adequate to thank the exceptional Nursing staff, Health Care Aides, Recreation Workers, and housekeeping staff on Simkin 1, Dr L. Chung, Spiritual Care, and Brian in Security who were all so good to Gord during his years at Simkin. You are a definite blessing.
In accordance with Gord’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Inurnment will follow at United Cemeteries in Carleton Place, ON at a later date.
If desired, donations are kindly requested to be made to Simkin Centre – Therapeutic Recreation https://www.simkincentre.ca/giving/ or to the Last Post Fund Last Post Fund – Last Post Fund
Your life is made of two dates and a dash
Live and make the most of your dash