Geoffery CASSON

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CASSON: Geoffery Norman Casson passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at the Brandon Regional Health Centre in Brandon at the age of 97. Geoffery was born into the Casson family as the third eldest son of William George and Ivy (Hutton). He was born August 23, 1921 in Oak Lake. He attended school at Bellview. Out of school he worked for neighbors farming, drove horses, cultivating and numerous chores. As a lad of 20 Geoffery enlisted in the army on January 7, 1942 in Brandon. He then went to the immigration building in Winnipeg where he was then sent out for infantry training in Portage then onward for artillery training in Petawawa, Ontario. He was joined to the 3rd Med 5th Bat Artillery Regiment. In 1942 he was sent out by ship to train in England camps such as Faremille Common, Colson and a few other camps in England. Here on he went to fight for our country as a gunner in the artillery to numerous places such as Normandy, Juno Beach, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany until the end of the war in 1945. Geoffery was discharged from service Royal Canadian Artillery on January 29, 1946 from serving in Canada, United Kingdom, and Continental Europe. Upon his return in 1946 he worked for a local farmer. He then went onto purchase his own land which he worked and resided on near Woodnorth. Geoffery was introduced to a beautiful woman named Frances in 1946 when he returned from war, by another soldier whom he met over seas which happened to be Frances brother Les. Who coincidentally lives in the same area. Frances and Geoffery clicked it was true love. The two of them were inseparable. On November 5, 1949 he married the love of his life. In years to come they were blessed with 3 children Dennis, Brenda and Dale. Both Geoffery and Frances farmed until 1986 retiring in Brandon. Once retired the two traveled to many provinces and visited family and friends along there journey's. They have been happily married for 69 years. Geoffery was a dedicated member of 60+ years to Branch #8 Virden Legion. On January 19, 2016 Geoffery became a knight and was presented with the French National Order Legion Of Honour, the highest distinction that the French government can offer, marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day landing in Normandy by the honourary French consulate. He is now known as Sir Geoffery a true knight of D-Day. Pre deceased by his siblings: Elsie, George, Freda, Harold, Lorne. Survived by wife: Frances Marion (Downing) Casson, children: Dennis (Carmel), Brenda (Newt), Dale (Lori), 6 grandchildren: Christie (Kelly), Melissa (Oleg), Chantal (Jacob), Adam (Kristy), Chloe (Abram), Elyse (Trevor), 6 great grandchildren: Morgan, Kade, Connor, Brynlee, Katerina, Avayah. Geofferys grand daughter Chantal was his go to and his devoted care giver for many years which enabled him to stay in his home till his passing. For those who so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Geoffery may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch #8, “Poppy Fund”, P.O. Box 1107, Virden, MB, R0M 2C0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 23, 2019