Obituary of Kenneth Edwin Crosson

CROSSON: Kenneth Edwin (Ken). With bittersweet sadness the family of Ken Crosson announce his peaceful passing on Saturday, October 27th at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, Manitoba. Ken was born December 26, 1930 at Moosomin, Saskatchewan, the sixth of eight children to John and Olive Crosson. Life as a child on the farm at McAuley was described by Ken, "We were not wealthy in material things but very wealthy in family life." Large Sunday suppers with always a baseball game and a sing song with Mom at the piano. Ken quit school at an early age to help his father on the farm, as brothers Fred and Don were overseas in active duty during World War II. Ken's working life began at age 17. In the early years he drove a cream truck, a gravel truck and worked for local farmers. In 1957, he attended Manitoba Technical Institute and attained a welder's certificate, which led him to construction work and the oil fields in Virden. Ken moved from Virden to the north and worked for Mannex Construction. He drove heavy duty equipment, building 54 miles of railway and the South Saskatchewan Power Dam. Ken returned to McAuley in the 60's and bought Crosson's Transfer which he operated for 11 years. Ken's final employment was as an underground supervisor in the potash mine at Rocanville. He worked shift work for 11 years; this allowed him to farm land purchased from Phyllis' father, Gregor Jamieson. His love of the farm continued, as Ken was fortunate to be able to go to the Lowes farm and feel useful doing field work or odd jobs. He especially loved harvest and meals in the field. Ken's life was filled with "girls" as he made a home for Phyllis and two daughters Brenda and Marna. Soon his world increased by one, Shelley arrived! As time moved on the "home of girls" turned to a haven for teenagers. Ken's reprieve was playing baseball, playing and coaching hockey, curling, fishing, hunting and dancing! The family enjoyed many camping trips and good times at the cottage at Clear Lake. The next stage of life brought sons-in-law and grandchildren into the picture. Ken was proud of each and every one and their accomplishments -in sports, 4-H and academics. In later life, Ken and Phyllis enjoyed traveling and new friends when they left McAuley and moved to Fort Smith, NWT and later Sault St. Marie, MI. They retired to Brandon in 2006 and became a part of community life in Carlton Place. For the final two years of Ken's life, Hillcrest Place was HOME! Ken was an active member in McAuley Legion, served on the board of the Rutherglen United Church and was on the volunteer fire brigade for over 30 years. Ken is survived by his wife Phyllis (Jamieson) of 46 years, daughters and sons-in-law Brenda and Barry Lowes, Marna and Mel Biesinger, Shelley and Glenn Lowes. Granddaughters - Sheena (Derek) Goodbrand, Brooke (Cameron) Canart and Cassidy Beck. Grandsons - Justin (Jolene), Nevin (Candace) and Stacy Lowes. Great grandchildren - Alexis Lowes, Tennessee and Dixie Goodbrand, Kaiden and Austyn Lowes. Sister Jean Backlin, brother Jim Crosson and sister-in-law, Janie Crosson, brother-in-law Howard Frape and Aunt Gertie Crosson as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Ken's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel in Brandon on Thursday, November 1, 2012. Ken was laid to rest in McAuley Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Ken may be made to the charity of your choice or to Hillcrest Place Family Advisory, 930-26th St. Brandon, MB, R7B 2B3.