Parcourez la nécrologie de Ross Brady Crofford March 8 1951

July 17 2024 résidant dans la province Manitoba pour le détail des funérailles.

Ross Brady Crofford, born on March 8, 1951, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on the morning of July 17, 2024, at his home in Thompson, Manitoba, surrounded by loved ones.
Ross was the beloved son of Gerald and Norma Crofford and grew up as the second oldest of four children on the family farm near Asquith, Saskatchewan. In the early ‘60s, the family moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan, where Ross spent his adolescence enjoying swimming, sports, and army cadets. Encouraged by a musically inclined household, he also studied the violin and played in the Saskatoon Junior Symphony Orchestra.
In 1969, the Crofford family moved to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Ross was known for his penchant for ‘studying trigonometry’ at the local pool hall. He was also a dedicated member of the local militia unit, the Saskatchewan Dragoons, and his countless misadventures and mishaps often included his lifelong friend, Al Ferrara.
In 1971, Ross ventured north to Thompson, Manitoba, to work in the Inco nickel mine. After getting a taste for unskilled labour, he promptly returned to Moose Jaw to get a trade and became a welder. Introduced to Denise Levesque in February 1973 by Al and his wife, Sally (whom was also Denise’s first cousin), Ross and Denise fell in love and were married eight months later on October 5, 1973.
In the mid-70s, Ross worked as a welder in Regina, Saskatchewan, notably for Westank. He later opened his own welding shop in Montmartre, Saskatchewan, Denise’s hometown, and they welcomed their two children into the world, before moving to Saskatoon and eventually settling in Regina.
In 1982, Ross joined the Ironworkers, experiencing a transformative period in Key Lake, northern Saskatchewan. While in the work camp, he began reading the Bible Denise had packed for him, leading to a profound commitment to Christ.
Ross continued working as an Ironworker and welder until 1989 when he returned to Thompson, Manitoba, accepting a welding position at Inco (now Vale). Ross, Denise, and his kids spent their formative years in Thompson. Ross worked in nearly every corner of the Inco (Vale) mine site, but spent much of his time plying his trade in the Central Shops. He retired in 2017 as one of the most certified and ticketed welders in the province, having successfully tested more than 100 times.
Throughout his life, Ross pursued numerous hobbies and interests. He was a skilled metal fabricator, adding intricate decorative elements to various hand-built projects. His interest in photography led him to build a processing lab and dark room in the basement of the family’s Regina home, where he also captured many beautiful portraits of his children.
Ross also enjoyed the outdoors and instilled a love for nature in his children and grandchildren. Many memorable family adventures occurred on long-weekend camping trips to McBride Lake and other northern destinations, always with the family’s Siamese cat, Kitty, in tow.
One of Ross’s most enduring passions was fishing. He often said, «If the weather’s good enough for golf, then it’s good enough to fish.» He made his own lures and knew his local fishing spots like the back of his hand. While he enjoyed fishing with anyone willing to join, his favourite fishing companions were his wife and his grandson.
Ross was a devoted father and grandfather, actively involved in many extracurricular activities. He coached minor hockey in Regina and Thompson and later switched to refereeing. He operated refereeing clinics, spent countless hours scheduling referees, and often filled in on short notice. Ross also played a significant role in the local Air Cadets squadron, particularly the biathlon program. He was instrumental in developing Thompson’s outdoor biathlon shooting facility and volunteered for numerous fundraisers, training trips and competitions.
In his retirement, Ross took up machining on an old industrial Southbend lathe, which he reconditioned. He spent hours mastering the art of turning metal and created an impressive collection of incredibly detailed, fully functional miniature canons. Ross also took pride in mending broken props and skegs for local fishermen, snow blowing neighbours’ driveways, and offering a helping hand to his many friends in the community, whenever possible.
Ross was a gifted story teller, and had many amazing personal accounts to share. He had a voice like thunder, lived with intensity and purpose, was fiercely loyal, and honest to a fault. He was a voracious reader, especially of all things scriptural, and a true autodidact. He made strangers feel welcome, was a font of opinions, advice and wisdom, and never hesitated to share the gospel and pray with those who needed to hear the good news.
Before his passing, he asked to share this:
“Sorry boys, but the Lord has told me it’s time to close up my prop and skeg repair shop here, and relocate it to the other side of the veil. You’re all welcome to come over and visit, in due time.”
Ross is predeceased by his parents, Gerald (2013) and Norma (2008). He is survived by his siblings, Wayne Crofford, Shannon Hashem (nee Crofford), and Clinton Crofford. He leaves behind his devoted wife, companion and soulmate of 50 years, Denise Crofford (nee Levesque), his children Luke Crofford (wife Melanie) and Erin Crofford, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Ross’s life was marked by his unwavering faith in God, devotion to his wife, and love for his family. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21
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March 8 1951

July 17 2024

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ross Brady Crofford March 8 1951

July 17 2024..

Boardman / Northland Funeral Home

Décès pour la Ville: Thompson, Province: Manitoba

avis deces Ross Brady Crofford March 8 1951

July 17 2024

necrologie Ross Brady Crofford March 8 1951

July 17 2024

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Ross Brady Crofford March 8 1951

July 17 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.