With loved ones at his side, 91 year old George Crewe, one of Fernie’s last two veterans, passed away peacefully at the Rocky Mountain Village on Thursday, March 6th. George was born in Lethbridge, AB on November 4, 1922.
George is survived by his daughters Catherine (Gila), and Joy, granddaughters Elleda (Adam), and Lisa (Chris), his grandson Todd (Laura), and three great grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn, sons Danny and Georgie, and his parents Robert and Olive Crewe.
George was born and raised in Lethbridge AB. Growing up, George was an avid hockey player, playing forward position and earning the nickname “ROCKET” for his speed and shot. In September of 1940, at the age of 17, George joined the Royal Canadian Navy. He did his basic training at Naden base in Esquimalt BC. While in the war George was trained as a telegraph operator. Upon completing his training at Naden in 1941, he was immediately shipped out on the HMCS Quinte. From that point he served on many ships in the battle of the North Atlantic. He was discharged on his birthday in 1947 and returned to Lethbridge where he started working for Baalim Wholesale, eventually working his way up to manager. While working at Baalim, George became known for having extremely bad luck with leased vehicles, earning him the nickname “Crash Crewe”.
George met Evelyn in Toronto at the automotive show in 1956. Evelyn moved to Lethbridge in 1957 with her sons Danny and Georgie. In 1959 their daughter Catherine was born. The Crewe family continued to live in Lethbridge until moving to Fernie in 1970.
Once in Fernie, George discovered his love for skiing. He skied avidly till 1997.
His other passions in life were his ham radio (VE7ERV), collecting stamps, and the “occasional” DARK RUM. George also loved to garden and was a member of the Bluebird Society, building many bluebird boxes that can still be seen down Baynes Lake Rd to this day. He was an avid hiker, climbing every peak in Glacier and Waterton Park. He also hiked the West Coast Trail twice at the age of 63 and 68 with his daughter Catherine.
George lived his life to the fullest, and has left a legacy of beautiful memories and stories that will live on for future generations.
Memorial tributes may be made to the Salvation Army, the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, or to the Foothills Medical Center (NICU). Messages of condolence may be made at www.cherrishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.