Eldon Rogerson Critchley
Lieu de naissance : Sydney Mines
Date de naissance : 25 décembre 1926
Lieu de décès : George's River
Date de décès : 23 février 2015
It is with great sadness we announce the loss of a loving husband, father and grandfather, who passed peacefully at home on Monday, Feb. 23, 2015.
Born in Sydney Mines on Christmas day in 1926, Eldon was the son of the late Claude and Annie Mae (Merritt) Critchley. He was a member of Carman United Church, Sydney Mines. During his youth, he joined the sea cadets and participated in hockey and baseball. Also during this time Eldon was a member of the militia band and the town band as a drummer. During the Second World War, at the age of seventeen, Eldon enlisted in the Canadian Navy and completed his basic training in Cornwallis, N.S. Following basic training Eldon served on the HMCS Bowmanville and HMCS Kapuskasing during the Battle of the Atlantic. Able Bodied Seaman Critchley was discharged from the navy in April 1946.
Following his time in the navy, Eldon married his wife, Helen (Bragg) and together they took up residence in Sydney Mines and raised a family of five children. Eldon worked for the British Canadian Co-op Dairy in Sydney Mines for 10 years and during that time he attended courses in pasteurizing milk and other daily works in Guelph, Ont. Following his work at the dairy, Eldon worked at the Princess Colliery Wash Plant in Sydney Mines for 10 years. Once again, the sea called and Eldon left the wash plant to work for Marine Atlantic. During his 30 years with Marine Atlantic, Eldon sailed ships to all the outports of Newfoundland and the Labrador Coast, as well as on the main ferry run from North Sydney to Port aux Basques. During this time Eldon attended the marine school in Halifax and he worked his way up through the ranks on ship to become chief engineer.
In terms of service to his community, Eldon devoted a great deal of time and effort over the years. He was a member of the Cape Breton Naval Veterans and a lifetime member of the Canadian Legion Branch 008 in Sydney Mines. He always participated in the annual poppy sale campaign and he played the trumpet for the Last Post during the annual Remembrance Day services held in schools throughout the area each year. Eldon was an active member of the Kiwanis Club (Golden K) for 30 years and he was a member of the Sydney Mines Legion Centennial Band as a trumpet player for 47 years. Throughout his working years and retirement years, Eldon participated on many various bowling leagues in the area. Eldon was a former member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served on the official board for Carman United Church in Sydney Mines and he was past chairman of the Sydney Presbytery.
Eldon is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Helen (Bragg); daughters, Carl Ann Critchley of Sydney, Kim (Kevin Teather) Critchley of Prince Edward Island, Joan (B.J.) Fiset of Dartmouth; sons, Stuart (Mary) Critchley of Sydney Mines, Billy Critchley of Millville; grandchildren, Evan Critchley, Paul Bonnar, Kyle Roberson, Colin Bonnar, Kate Roberson, Laura Fiset, Michael Fiset; sister-in-law, Sheila Critchley of London, Ont. and his nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Eldon was predeceased by his sister, Eva Scott of Halifax and brother-in-law, Rev. Mel Scott of Halifax and his brother, Reg Critchley of London, Ont.
The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Hickey for his kindness and patience over the last number of years.
Visitation for Eldon Critchley will be held in J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main St., Sydney Mines on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of his Life will take place Friday at 2 p.m. in Carman United Church, Sydney Mines with Rev. Nick Phillips officiating.
Donations in Eldon's memory may be made to Carman United Church or a charity of choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com.
