ALAN FRASER LAIDLAW

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ALAN FRASER LAIDLAW 1921 - 2014 Peacefully, on November 20, 2014, with family at his side, Dad's earthly journey came to a close. Dad was born at home on Helmsdale Avenue, East Kildonan, on Friday, September 23, 1921; the last of five children born to Allison and Charles Laidlaw. Dad's was an idyllic childhood surrounded by the love of his parents and three older brothers, Herbert, Kenneth and Gordon. His brother, Conrad (whom Dad never knew) passed over at age three. Dad's home life was one filled with laughter, lively conversations and healthy debates especially during the dinner hour where the account of daily activities were given the same importance and attention as national / international issues. Whether delivering the paper twice daily (early morning and late afternoon editions), working for a florist shop delivering flowers on his bicycle, or summer job as a golf caddie at Minaki Lodge, a strong work ethic, fair play and compassion were just a few of the qualities instilled in Dad at a very young age. When Dad entered his teens, the family moved to Ash Street in River Heights. However, he could often be seen riding his bicycle to East Kildonan to connect with his pals'. Dad's main sport of enjoyment was hockey, where he played with the John Black Memorial team, not only winning the Juvenile Championship four years in a row, but without losing a single game. Dad was quietly proud of his team photo that was signed by Baldy Northcott, Harvey Oliver and Frank Fredrickson. After graduating from Kelvin High School, Dad worked for one and a half years as a hired man (which he thoroughly enjoyed) on a farm five miles south of Carmen. Following that Dad returned to Winnipeg and enrolled at the University of Manitoba in the Faculty of Agriculture. While there, he met the love of his life, Viola Ruth Bowman (Faculty of Home Economics). At this time, Canada was immersed in the Second World War, so Dad left university and joined the R.C.A.F. in January 1942 as a student pilot. Following their wedding on October 29, 1942, Mom and Dad travelled to Fort William where he trained on the Tiger Moth. Following this they moved to Yorkton where Dad furthered his training on twin engine Cessna Cranes. Having advanced to Sergeant Pilot Dad travelled to Halifax (Mom returned to Winnipeg), and left for England on Louis Pasteur. A further year of training commenced on the Oxford, Wellington, and Sterling planes. In March 1944 Dad moved to Syerston to train on the Lancaster for two weeks before being assigned to 50 Squadron, 5 Group, R.A.F. at Skellingthorpe. In April 1944, Dad began his operational sorties, flying the Avro Lancasters, and completed 28 before being shot down on July 7, 1944 during the "Operation Crossbow" mission to Saint Leu d'Esserent, France. Dad was able, through semi-consciousness activate his parachute and survive. However, his crew perished. After many days of hiding out, Dad was briefly taken in by a French couple who introduced Dad to Charles Chevassus, the French Resistance group leader for the area of Mensil Mauger. After being given a new identity, a few narrow escapes, aided by the French Resistance and an American pilot, Dad made it safely back to England. In Dad's words, "I learned after my return to Canada, that for each of us who were saved by the underground, 30 French people died. Their efforts must not be forgotten". For decades after, Dad stayed in contact with Charles and his family. Upon Charles and his wife Louisette deaths, Dad commissioned a memorial plaque for their heroism which was placed at their gravesite. Once settled back in Winnipeg, Dad was offered the job of Veterans Affairs Officer with Veterans Affairs Canada, a position he proudly held for 35 years; helping veterans in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, often travelling (by car) to their homes ensuring all their needs were being met. Over his 35 year career Dad made many lasting friendships with his co-workers. After living in Charleswood for a few years, Mom and Dad settled in the Deer Lodge area of St. James and raised three children, Ted, Doug and Mary-Ann. Even though, at times, Dad could be strict with us, he was always fair and instilled in us the same qualities that his parents instilled in him. Dad's favourite place in the world is the family cottage that his father built in 1911 at Minaki, Ontario. Dad had hundreds of photos of family and friends enjoying Minaki, and just as many stories of his summer holidays at the "most idyllic spot on the planet" - a place of endless childhood fun and of rejuvenation as an adult. His love of Minaki was passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. After dad's retirement in June 1980, he and Mom spent their summers enjoying the Minaki life', and also for 10 years spent the spring or autumn travelling in their wee trailer, across Canada and the US, visiting family and enjoying the company of new acquaintances they would meet along the way. When Mom fell ill Dad stayed by her side every day until her passing in 2003. Dad was further devastated with the sudden death of his son Ted the following year. In 2005 Dad felt it was time to move from his home of over 50 years and took up residence at The Bolton. During his eight and a half active years at The Bolton Dad, being the man he was, made many wonderful new friendships enjoying the many activities and outings. In July, when Dad was diagnosed with cancer, being the "glass half full" person that he was, as with any challenge, he met this one "head on", and decided to enjoy whatever time he had left to the fullest. His one wish was that he could have one day at Minaki, so on August 19 he had the most incredible day with many of his family at "the best place on the planet". Dad was very proud of his family's accomplishments, whether big or small. His quiet wisdom, ability to see the big picture, amazing quality of being such a great listener, touched so many people's lives. Each of us has our own special memories of Dad which we will always cherish. Dad leaves to carry on his legacy his son Doug (Ruth) of Kenora, daughter-in-law Eleanor of Antler Lake, Alberta, daughter Mary-Ann (Kevin) of Winnipeg; grandchildren Clinton (Shelly), Rebecca (Vern), David (Tracy), Cam (Andrea), Tess (Marc), Alexa (Darren), Aryn, Ryan, and great-grandchildren Jonathan, Marilyn, Hudson, Nelson, Ashton, Hunter, Cayden, Ainsley, Brodie, Wolfgang, Aryanna. (continued next column...)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2014