On Saturday, May 13, 2006, Art Croy, our beloved father and grandfather left us. Art, sometimes referred to as A.J. was one in a million, a go-to-man who never said “Whoa” in a bad spot.
Art was born in Daysland, Alberta on August 16, 1921. After leaving home at 14, he earned a living running a trapline on the far side of Calling Lake, Alberta. In 1939, he was among the first to sign up for duty at the beginning of World War II, serving six full years of active combat in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and England with the South Alberta Regiment.
On June 16, 1946, Art married Hazel Gertrude Mason, a union that last 59 years, 10 months and 27 days.
A.J. had many professions in his lifetime including trucking, mining, logging, farming, road construction and pulp mill work, but it wasn’t until he moved to B.C. and began working for the B.C. Parks Service that he found his true calling. He spent many happy years on the Bowron Lake Chain managing the campsites and rescuing stranded tourists. At 65 he reluctantly ‘retired’ to an acreage in Moose Heights, surround by his kids and grandkids, providing a strong role model for a new generation.
Art is survived by his devoted wife Gert, children Miron (Bridget), Terry (Lorelei), Diana (Butch), Mike (Ingrid) and Patti (Ken), grandchildren Carri-Anne (Don), Bart (Rena), Shawna (Tom), Lyle (Kelly), Ben, Jody (Rod), Jesse (Lauren), Jasper (Nikki), Emily and Tyrell, step grandchildren Darcy and Shawn Lanes and sister Pat (Victor) Wolfer, treasured nephew Brian (Valerie) Croy, great grandchildren Kaleigh, Ian, Jaymie Walker and Dallas Kehler.
A.J. was predeceased by his grandson Lance Miron Croy and by brothers Tom, Bob, Ben, Charles and sister Martha.
Art will also be sadly missed by his honorary children, Stewart Westlund of Hinton Alberta, Bob Scott of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Bill Bennett of London, Ontario and David Lockyer of Vernon B.C.
To a life well lived, reflected in the love and respect accorded him by all who knew him.
Goodbye Grandad.