85, Beaver Brook, Colchester County, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2018, at home, as was his wish. He has now embarked on his final trip. Born in Beaver Brook in 1933, he was the eldest son of the late Eugene and Roberta (MacLellan) Creelman. Ira graduated from Colchester County Academy, Truro, in 1951 and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1952, receiving his commission in February 1953 and his pilot’s wings in April 1953. He married Judy Stevenson while he was still going through training, and they headed out on a 36-year adventure with the Air Force travelling throughout Canada and Europe. “Slim’s” career started with a posting to Europe from 1954 to 1956 flying F86 Sabre jets out of North Luffenham, England and Marville, France, followed by postings at a number of bases across Canada and in England including Downsview (Toronto); Trenton, Ontario; Stoney Mountain, Alberta; Summerside, PEI; staff college at Bracknell, England; Ottawa (CFHQ); Greenwood; Maritime Command in Halifax; and London, England. Highlights of his later career included command of VP449 Squadron at CFB Greenwood (1972 to 1974), Base Commander at CFB Greenwood (1976 to 1979), and a posting as Senior Air Liaison Officer at CDLS London, England from 1979 to 1982. His final posting was as Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Maritime Command, Halifax, finishing his career at the rank of Colonel. He accumulated more than 8,400 flying hours on the Sabre, Silver Star, Expeditor, Dakota, and Argus aircraft during his career. Ira was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1987, and received the Canadian Decoration for long service. After retiring from the Canadian military in 1988, Ira worked as curator and administrator for Colchester Historical Society and Museum in Truro, before retiring fully in 1998. Ira and Judy shared a love of history, travel and seeing new places, and logged many miles in their travels over the years around Britain and Europe, across Canada, and in New England, before their activities became limited by ill health. He was a member of The United Church of Canada and Colchester Historical Society, a long-time supporter of The United Way, and was a steadfast fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. Ira took great pride in his service with the Air Force, and had a strong sense of duty and responsibility to family, community, and country. He served them all very well. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy, who passed away in 2014, Ira approached his final illness with his usual pragmatism and practicality. Special thanks to the staff of VON and Palliative Care team for the care and compassion shown to Ira and the family. Ira will be sadly missed by sons, Brian (Lynn), Ottawa; Steven, Dartmouth; daughters, Cheryl Tousignant and Laurie Creelman, both at home; Christine “Tina” (Remi) MacDonell, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Michelle, Christopher, Brent, and Nicholas Creelman; Jean and Tanya Tousignant; Michael MacDonell; four great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Wilson, St. Thomas, Ontario; a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Silas in 1996. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2018. Reception will follow. Interment in Old Barns Cemetery, located across from 2432 Highway 236, Beaver Brook. If so desired, donations in Ira’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, United Way of Colchester County or a charity of your choice are welcomed. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Ira’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com