DARRYL ELGIN CHILDERHOSE

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DARRYL ELGIN CHILDERHOSE

May 11, 1948 - May 02, 2022

Darryl was born in Brantford, Ontario to Stewart and Marian (deceased). He is survived by his wife Eleanor, daughters, Jennifer (Brad) and Susan, and son Adam (Mardie) and four grandchildren, Samantha, Alexander, Liam and Skyla. Also his 3 sisters, Debbie (Reid deceased), Denyce (Tom) and Elizabeth (Ted), their families and numerous relatives.

He grew up in Brantford and enjoyed many adventures with his cousins in that area and in Belleville. In 1964 (16) after summer cadet camp, the papers were signed and he because an Apprentice Soldier (a program that incorporated high school with military training) and was posted to CFB Shilo for 2 years. While it was a restrictive program, he managed to meet his future wife, Eleanor, in January 1966 and determined it was too cold to keep hitchhiking from Shilo to Brandon; so he bought a Volkswagon bug (slightly against regulations). He made lifelong friendships with those who enjoyed his slightly rebellious nature. In June 1967, after graduation, he was posted to CFB Winnipeg and spent the summer as a drummer performing at various PanAmerican Games ceremonies. He left for Germany in September; returned to Canada in December 1968 to marry Eleanor and celebrated New Years Day 1969 as a couple in Germany. He returned to CFB Shilo in 1970 during the FLQ crisis. In April 1971, he was reposted to Germany, this time to the southern area as Canada had closed the bases in the north. Here he was introduced to the Pipe Band as a drummer and that love followed him to Comox BC, Shearwater NS and Brandon MB. He also attempted skydiving but had to take a sabbatical after he broke his tail bone. In 1972, he applied to become an Observer, an air naval trade, which meant he actively served in all three elements. After his training in Winnipeg, he was posted to Greenwood NS for a few months in 1973 and then to Comox BC. In addition to the Pipe Band, he became a volunteer firefighter and continued as one in Cole Harbour NS and took many firefighter courses to level of instructor from CFB Borden.

With two small children (Jenn and Adam) in tow in 1977, he finally got his lifelong dream and worked with the navy and travelled on the ships. In 1981, he left the CAF and moved to Brandon where Susan was born. He worked with Provincial Security for 25 years. Darryl always believed helping where he could; became the Akala for the largest scout troop in Brandon, helped coach or manage both soccer and baseball teams, and became Zone Commander of CASARA. Darryl maintained his love of the military by joining the 26 Field Reserve unit; first as a drummer in the Pipe Band (many lively performances and trips); and then when his health started to restrict his activities, he became their medic (and by the time he left, the medical office and ambulance where completed outfitted (Radar from MASH taught him everything he knew). He moved to Rivers MB shortly before his retirement.

To keep busy, he built a small workshop in the back of the coffee shop. Here he made furniture, refinished/repaired different pieces, learned to make pens (especially old fashioned fountain ones), built boxes for Ag Education, etc. What he really enjoyed was serving coffee and taking multiple breaks to chat with whoever was in the shop. He became a member of the RCL and held many different positions within the organization. He firmly believed you never quit learning. His biggest disappointment was he was only a few credits short of his university degree when he had his first heart attack and was never able to complete it. He belonged to MGEU and took a variety of union and labour courses. Even though he had numerous medical issues for 30 years (his one specialist called him a ‘walking train wreck’), he adapted to whatever he wanted to do and made it work for him. During his lifetime, Darryl saw much of the world. Starting in Europe, Scandinavia, the Pacific regions, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and best of all --- coast to coast including northern Canada. Life was to be lived to the fullest … and that is what he did. It’s been a year … life goes on … and even though you drove us crazy, we miss and love you.

- Eleanor, Jennifer, Adam and Susan.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 13, 2023