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REGINALDCHARLES CANSDALE  Obituary pic

REGINALDCHARLES CANSDALE

Born: Apr 26, 1933

Date of Passing: Feb 17, 2015

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REGINALD (REG) CHARLES CANSDALE It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Reginald at his home with his family at his side on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. Reg was a devoted husband and loving father and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Grace of 59 years; his daughter Sharon (Allen) of Edmonton; sisters, Pearl Mandeville (Lethbridge, AB), Dorothy Braaten, (Chilliwack, BC) Betty Ann McGrath (Starbuck, MB); brother Robert (Penny) (Kemptville, ON); grandchildren, Ryan and Richelle (Calgary, AB); and Aunty Anne Hamula (Abbotsford, BC) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Edna; son Rodney; sister Margaret (Tut) and niece Chris Stuppard. Dad was born in Birtle, Manitoba on April 26, 1933. He started working at the young age of 16 in Churchill, where he jumped in the Hudson Bay and then worked for Fairfield Woollen Mills Company and Imperial Tobacco. Dad was a Winnipeg Firefighter for 37 years and 10 months, retiring as a District Chief on December 25, 1994. He was so proud to be a firefighter and always said it was the best job ever. Reg loved building. He and his friend Ellert formed a construction company, Wattis and Cansdale Construction, where they spent many years together at Victoria Beach building cottages and in the city doing various construction jobs. Reg was a good friend to many and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He volunteered with parapalegic swimmers at the Pan Am Pool, dressed as Santa Claus in Dugald for 10 years and when he retired he volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity in Selkirk. Dad was not a big into travel, he thought that there was nowhere more beautiful than the loving home that he and mom had together and was quite content to spend his days at the R and G Ranch. Dad had the opportunity to raise cattle from spring to fall. He enjoyed his Friday trips to the Winnipeg stock yard to meet up with friends and talk about the current prices of the cattle. Little Reggie loved his horses Bow and Sonney and dogs Tessa, Tara, Heidi, Baden and Casey. He looked forward for spring to arrive to see if his Purple Martins would pick his house for their summer home. He also took up walking in Birds Hill Park where he met and made very good friends and enjoyed the Saturday morning coffee group. Though he didn't regularly attend, he did enjoy going to the Fifth Platoon breakfasts with retired fire fighters to get caught up on what all the guys were up to. Dad was People's Warden and Rector's Warden at the St. Andrews Anglican Church in St. James and for the last year of his life was a member of St. Andrews Anglican Church on The Red. "Dad, I always thought about how I would feel on the day that we would lose you. There is no way anyone could have described to me the pain Mom and I would feel. You made us whole and we always had you to be there for us. We now have to continue on without a part of us. You will always be with us no matter what we do or where we are. We love you and we miss you so much." With respect for Reg's wishes, a private service to celebrate his life has already taken place. Donations may be made in Reg's memory to the Fire Fighter's Burn Fund or to St. Andrews Anglican Church on The Red. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2015

Condolences & Memories (17 entries)

  • Sincere condolences to Mrs. Cansdale and family. Will always remember sitting on Reg's knee. He always listened to me and was a great comfort. - Posted by: Fran Gallotti (Friend) on: Oct 30, 2015

  • Dear Aunt Grace and Family We just recently heard of Uncle Herbie's passing. We are extremely sorry for your loss - he was an incredible man. I remember all the summers you and he spent in BC -- he was always a man on the move. Had to be busy. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family always! - Posted by: Sandra, Kimberly and Andrew (Nieces and Nephew) on: Mar 31, 2015

  • I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Cansdale. I remember him to be such a happy man and he always had a kind word or a smile for the neighborhood kids. My thoughts are with his family at this time. - Posted by: Myrna Dobson (former neighbor on Thompson Drive) on: Mar 01, 2015

  • John and I recently heard of Reg's passing. We are so very sad. We really enjoyed talking with Reg at the Winnipeg Livestock. Reg and I always talked about horses and John talked to him about cows. We will really miss his jolly personality and welcoming nature. He was such a lovely man and we will really miss him. Our hearts go out to you and your family. - Posted by: John and Jackie Johnson (Friend) on: Mar 01, 2015

  • OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR DAD. DEE AND MADELINE - Posted by: DEE REMPEL WINNIPEG MADELINE CHRISTIANSEN SHERWOOD PARK (Friends) on: Feb 28, 2015

  • I also was born in Birtle, MB in 1935. I worked with Reg at Fairfield Woolen Mills in the early 1950's. He was always helping us and making us laugh. A good young man. Rest in Peace Reg and my prayers will be said for your family......... - Posted by: Rosalie Larcombe (workmate) on: Feb 27, 2015

  • My condolences to Reg's family. Reg was a unbelievable worker at a fire. I was with him at the Keeble Brewery fire, he was a human chopping machine I pulled with a pike pole while he chopped a very thick composite roof, a great firefighter. For a big bear of a man he sure good work. Nice working with you Reg. Rest in peace and God bless. - Posted by: ken barnett (Brother firefighter) on: Feb 25, 2015

  • Reg and Ness taught this rookie (Tat #1) the value to always have a chamois on hand during morning duties, not necessarily to use, but just to have on hand in case Capt. Dzogan came out on the floor. He was a great guy, friend and firefighter. - Posted by: mike robson (firefighter) on: Feb 25, 2015

  • Great memories of "old number 1". So many experiences on the north pump and rescue together. 36 years of valued friendship. Never heard a bad word said about or by you. A privilege to have considered you my friend. Many share your loss Grace. Barrie - Posted by: Barrie lough (Friend and fellow firefighter) on: Feb 24, 2015

  • Sorry for your loss. Reg was always someone who could tell a great story and we will surely miss those he shared with us and our family around the dinner table. Reg was always there for my Dad (Ben), as well as anyone else who needed him. His smile will be missed, his laughter treasured in our minds. He gave to everyone his help, his caring nature, he will be truly missed by our family. - Posted by: Cindi & Garwood (friend of the family) on: Feb 22, 2015

  • Reg and I shared many years together as firemen, hunting partners and just really good friends. My thoughts are with his family at this time. Bob Henley - Posted by: Bob Henley (Long time friend and hunting partner) on: Feb 22, 2015

  • He was Uncle Region to my siblings and I, as I knew him from the work he did on our family home on Rosedale Avenue in Fort Rouge. Of course he worked side by side with my uncle Ellert, and since we had two sections of house reconstruction, I saw a lot of him as a young girl. He was so approachable for a man of his stature, and I loved him like family. I last saw him in September, at my dad's funeral and was very pleased to see him there. I told him how good he looked and was happy to receive a warm bear hug from him! My deepest condolences on his sudden passing! Warm regards, Stena Edel - Posted by: Stena Edel (niece of Ellert wattis) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • So sorry to hear of the passing of Reg. Our thoughts are with you Grace. Jack & Linda Lavallee - Posted by: Jack Lavallee (neighbour) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • I shared many hours of worktime with Reg and enjoyed his company and skills very much. Rest in Peace Reg. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Bob Joyced (co-worker) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • Reg enjoyed people having fun. Did not care for drinking. - Posted by: douglas atchison (friend) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • Dear Ma Cansdale and Sharon. I know the pain you feel right now in your loss. Pa Cansdale was one of the most intelligent, dedicated and hard working men I have known. Ma you were so lucky to have him in your life for almost 60 years and Sharon I know you were always so thankful to have him as your Dad and mentor. I will always remember sharing "our opinions" on matters, most of which I can't repeat (hee hee). I consider myself very fortunate to have the pleasure of knowing him and I thank him for all he did over his lifetime. Bill wanted to send his condolences also. He wants you to know that "Reg was a great guy!" Remember the good times, all he taught us and know you meet him again. God Bless you Both. Rest in Peace Mr Cansdale. Sheree xo - Posted by: Sheree Hanysh (Friend) on: Feb 21, 2015

  • Great guy and I know my Dad thought the world of him. Reg was his driver for a time and they were friends regardless of position. WFD was my Dad's life and the same goes for Reg and many others of that era. Rest well Reg and say hello to dad and all the other retired Firefighters who no doubt will have met you on your arrival. - Posted by: Gordon McLauchlin (met Reg thru my Dad, Gordon Mclauchlin Deputy Chief) on: Feb 21, 2015

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