Cunningham, Marwood ‘Byng’
April 25th, 2018
… our husband, father and grandfather, always taking care of the details, penned his own autobiography and we would like to share it with you…
I was born in May 17, 1929 to Marwood and Katherine Cunningham in Owen Sound, the first baby born in a new hospital. Later I was joined by my siblings, Marriane and Bob, when we lived in Toronto. We had a piano which Mother could play by ear and she used to say that I was a good singer. I was entered into various talent contests and often won prizes. At 12, I was approached by the Eaton’s delivery driver and was offered 25 cents a day to help with deliveries. I became a member of Canada’s work force at that time. At this time the War was the main news. Rationing of sugar, butter, bacon and gas was in effect. I remember Mother lining with her ration book hoping items would not run out before she got to the front. I can never remember being hungry. I joined the high school track team in the 100 and 200 yard dashes and the standing broad jump. I ran a 10.7 second 100 yard dash and broke the record at the broad jump by jumping 10 feet.
While working at Diversy in Toronto, my sister worked in the same building and she arranged a blind date with Audrey Shaw. Yes, you guessed it – the same lady I have been married to for 67 years. We left Toronto shortly after as traffic in Toronto was getting bad. We settled in Port Elgin where Dave was born. A man I knew was working for the RCAF and had moved to Winnipeg. The prospect of better pay had me enlist as a Sargent in 1954. Al was born in Winnipeg in 1956. The Air Force brought us closer to home in 1955 when we transferred to Clinton. I left the RCAF in 1959 after declining a transfer to Europe. I joined the London Health Department and in 1968 joined Beaver Foods where I was set for life. Beaver Foods grew from $2 million to $200 million a year when I retired in 1990. We got the travel bug in 1968. We were in over 75 countries by the time we gave up travel.
I am grateful for many things. I am grateful that my parents marched me off to Sunday School every week where I got a head start on my love for God and his Son. I am grateful that it was my good fortune to meet and marry Audrey. She is the most caring person I know and has made the last 67 years the best. Lastly, I am grateful for boys who have each become successful beyond our wildest dreams.
We learned early in life how satisfying it is to be able to help those less fortunate than we are. Please take pleasure in donating to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
Service Details Colborne Street United Church 711 Colborne Street, London Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
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Heather Billard and Phil GubbKaren and Dave. We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. Our heartfelt condolences to your Mother, you and your family. Thinking of you at this time.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Cunningham Marwood ‘Byng’ April 25th 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: London, Province: Ontario
