Obituary
With profound sadness and also deep gratitude for his life, we say good bye to our much loved father, grandfather and friend, Garth Cinnamon, who passed away in Edmonton on Friday May 19, 2017.
The youngest of four children born to United Church minister /farmer, Joseph and artist, Florence Cinnamon; Garth grew up with Keith, Bruce and Ruth on farms in Bradwell and Delisle, Saskatchewan. As a teenager in Delisle, he played saxophone at local dances, met Muriel “Merle” George who he would later marry, and dreamed of flying airplanes. As the war ended in 1945, he graduated high school and went on to study Physics at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1949 he joined the RCAF and trained as a pilot, the first step in achieving his dream of flying. He and Merle married in 1951 and Garth was then posted to North Luffenham, England with 410 Squadron flying F86s as part of NATO forces in Europe. The adventure had begun.
Over the next 25 years Garth and Merle had a family, moving every few years to bases in Canada, Europe and the US. Garth lived his dream, flew, honed his skill and gathered countless experiences as a fighter pilot. He served as an exchange pilot in 1958 to 1960 with USAF at Nellis Airforce Base. While there, he was one of the first Canadians to fly the CF104, and he flew the first single seater CF104 to CFB Cold Lake in 1960. He held roles as Flight Safety Office and Test Pilot at CEPE and AETE. He survived some close calls including a mid air collision while preparing for an aeorobatic show in Ontario in 1955. Other stories, such as falling asleep on final approach, only came out much later. His deep confidence, calm demeanor, skill, faith and some luck kept him alive and also served him later in life.
In 1973 Garth retired from the military to St Albert, a popular location for many of their airforce friends. There were some great parties and a few snowbird vacations to escape winters. After Merle’s death in 1999, Garth married Monica Osborne in 2002. In these years, he enjoyed golf, travels to many countries, SPAADS reunions, entertaining, and above all, regular Sunday night family dinners filled with laughter.
In his late years, Garth had a number of medical conditions that were a result of complications from diabetes. He was cared for and loved by many health professionals, particularly at the Citadel Mews West and Kipnes Centre for Veterans. Led by the compassionate care of Dr Mori-Torres and Dr Fletcher, we thank all of you – far too many to count – for the kindness and love you extended our dad.
Garth is survived by children: Jan (Michael) Fraser-Cearns, Doug (Carol) Cinnamon, Bonnie (Terry) Cinnamon Tamura, Tammie Roy, Kevin (Diane) Osborne, Wendy (Glen) Croft; grandchildren: Sarah, Mark, Lee, Thomas, Eric, Charlie, Zoe, Devan, Kelsey, Josh and Samantha; sister, Ruth (Gene) McNight, a few fiancées and numerous other friends and relatives.
He was predeceased by Merle Cinnamon; Monica Cinnamon; daughter, Patricia Jane and brothers, Keith and Bruce.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Garth Cinnamon.source
avis deces Garth Cinnamon- avis mortuaire Garth Cinnamon