Ira E. Creelman, Col. (Ret’d), OMM, CD
1933-2018
Ira E. Creelman, Col. (Ret’d), OMM, CD –
85, Beaver Brook, Colchester County, passed away on Thursday, July 5,
2018, at home, as was his wish. He has now embarked on his final trip.
Born in Beaver Brook in 1933, he was the eldest son of the late Eugene
and Roberta (MacLellan) Creelman.
Ira graduated from Colchester County Academy, Truro, in 1951
and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1952, receiving
his commission in February 1953 and his pilot’s wings in
April 1953. He married Judy Stevenson while he was still going through
training, and they headed out on a 36-year adventure with the Air
Force travelling throughout Canada and Europe.
“Slim’s” career started with a posting to Europe
from 1954 to 1956 flying F86 Sabre jets out of North Luffenham,
England and Marville, France, followed by postings at a number of
bases across Canada and in England including Downsview (Toronto);
Trenton, Ontario; Stoney Mountain, Alberta; Summerside, PEI; staff
college at Bracknell, England; Ottawa (CFHQ); Greenwood; Maritime
Command in Halifax; and London, England.
Highlights of his later career included command of VP449
Squadron at CFB Greenwood (1972 to 1974), Base Commander at CFB
Greenwood (1976 to 1979), and a posting as Senior Air Liaison Officer
at CDLS London, England from 1979 to 1982. His final posting was as
Deputy Chief of Staff Operations, Maritime Command, Halifax, finishing
his career at the rank of Colonel. He accumulated more than 8,400
flying hours on the Sabre, Silver Star, Expeditor, Dakota, and Argus
aircraft during his career. Ira was awarded the Order of Military
Merit in 1987, and received the Canadian Decoration for long
service.
After retiring from the Canadian military in 1988, Ira worked
as curator and administrator for Colchester Historical Society and
Museum in Truro, before retiring fully in 1998. Ira and Judy shared a
love of history, travel and seeing new places, and logged many miles
in their travels over the years around Britain and Europe, across
Canada, and in New England, before their activities became limited by
ill health. He was a member of The United Church of Canada and
Colchester Historical Society, a long-time supporter of The United
Way, and was a steadfast fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto
Blue Jays. Ira took great pride in his service with the Air Force, and
had a strong sense of duty and responsibility to family, community,
and country. He served them all very well.
Predeceased by his beloved wife, Judy, who passed away in
2014, Ira approached his final illness with his usual pragmatism and
practicality. Special thanks to the staff of VON and Palliative Care
team for the care and compassion shown to Ira and the family. Ira will
be sadly missed by sons, Brian (Lynn), Ottawa; Steven, Dartmouth;
daughters, Cheryl Tousignant and Laurie Creelman, both at home;
Christine “Tina” (Remi) MacDonell, Dartmouth; grandchildren,
Michelle, Christopher, Brent, and Nicholas Creelman; Jean and Tanya
Tousignant; Michael MacDonell; four great-grandchildren; sister,
Sharon Wilson, St. Thomas, Ontario; a number of nieces and
nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Silas in
1996.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall –
Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Ira’s
family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, July 8, 2018, and
funeral service will be held 3 p.m., Monday, July 9, 2018. Reception
will follow. Interment in Old Barns Cemetery, located across from 2432
Highway 236, Beaver Brook. If so desired, donations in Ira’s
memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, United Way of
Colchester County or a charity of your choice are welcomed. Private
messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing
Ira’s obituary on-line and selecting “Send A
Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ira E Creelman Col Ret’d OMM CD 19332018.source
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia