REGINALD ALBERT PITCHFORD
On
Wednesday, October 8, 2014, Reginald Albert Pitchford passed away peacefully at
the Grace Hospital, at the age of 92 years.
Reg will be greatly missed by his wife of 39 years,
Penny, the love of his life. He and Penny were a loving, inseparable couple who
enjoyed their daily walks, cruises, gardening, martinis and everything else, as
long as they could be together. Their commitment and devotion to each other was
unprecedented. He was a wonderful, loving father who cherished his two
daughters, Angela (Mark) and Leslie (David). Reg celebrated special moments in
the lives of his four grandchildren, Simon (Natalie), Alastair (Kate), Larissa
(Casey) and Amanda (Alex), who loved him very much. He will also be fondly
remembered by his family in England including his siblings, Mabel, Irene, Keith
(Joan) and Brian.
On November 18, 1921, Reg was born in Oakengates,
Shropshire, England and educated at Adams Grammar School, Newport, England.
Upon graduation, he entered local government service in an administrative
position at the Public Assistance Hospital in Stafford, England. On declaration of the Second World War he
joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) Volunteer Reserve, Medical Service, and was
called for active service in February, 1941. During this time the Stafford
Hospital was classified as a War Emergency Hospital. After further training at the RAF Medical
School, Halton, Bucks, and Panel Ash College in Harrogate, Yorkshire, Reg
received several postings within England, then joined the Staff Commonwealth
Air Training Programme in Canada at the RAF base hospital in Moncton, NB.
In 1944, Reg returned to England for a short time and
then joined the principal medical officers staff, AHQ, Egypt, at Cairo and
Heliopolis. He remained there until his
demobilization in 1946.
Reg immigrated to Canada in late 1946. He was employed as an underwriter with
Insurance Brokers until 1954 when he was transferred to Montreal with an
insurance company as an inspector, and in 1960 transferred to Winnipeg with the
same company as Prairie Manager. In 1967 Reg was offered a senior position with
United Grain Growers Insurance Department which led to a promotion as Corporate
Risk Manager in 1967. He held this position until his early retirement in 1984.
Reg was a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada. He served as President of the Insurance
Institute of Manitoba and sat on the Council of the Insurance Institutes of
Canada. He continued to live in Winnipeg for most of his retirement, except for
temporary residences in England (four years), Brandon (five years) and New
Zealand (two years).
An accomplished keyboard musician, Reg played the piano,
Hammond organ, Clavinova and other synthesizers, composing music in the Bossa
style. With big blue eyes and a bright smile, he loved to make others laugh
with his great wit. Reg had a kind heart and soft hands. He loved life,
enjoying a retirement full of travel and quality time with family. Reg enjoyed
watching his favorite football team, Arsenal.
In Reg’s memory, a private family gathering will be held.
Wojcik’s
Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204.897.4665, is in care
of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 - 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment