Ronald "Mickey" Crane

RONALD ALEXANDER CRANE Mr. Ronald "Mickey" Crane, age 93 years, passed away peacefully in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on Thursday, August 7, 2014. Mickey is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary; four children Geraldine (Art) Stephens of Thunder Bay, Brian (Patti) Crane of Vancouver, B.C., Ronda (Robert) Hoffman of Manitoba and Alex (Judy) Crane of Kakabeka Falls; grandchildren Mary Lou, Ronnie, Vicky, Stephen, Christina and Robin and great-grandchildren Lexie, Elora, Jayden, Stephen and John. Dad was also very close to his sister-in-laws Flo Galbraith and Dorthy McCorry as well as his nephew Terry Galbraith and numerous other family. For Mickey, his wife Mary and family always came first. He was very proud of all of his children. He was predeceased by parents, Alexander Crane and Lillian Dick; sister Dodie Sardo and his two grandsons, Scott Arthur Stephens and Jeffrey Alexander Crane. Dad, or as friends knew him better, Mickey, was born on July 5, 1921 in Fort William, where he grew he grew up and chose to live most of his life. At the age of 17, Mickey enlisted and served in the Second World War. Upon his return to Thunder Bay, Dad was employed at several places and then worked at the CNR as a Pipefitter for 36 years, retiring at the age of 60. Mickey lived a very full life and in his younger years enjoyed fishing. He built two boats in his garage in the back yard and this resulted in many family fishing and camping trips. He was quite an avid curler, but golf was his main sport. He spent many a summer day at local courses with all of his pals and grandsons, well into his retirement years. Mickey was very skilled in many trades and could fix anything. He took great pride in the maintenance of his home in Westfort and over the years, he was called upon by many friends and family to help with odd jobs in their homes. Mickey was very outgoing and enjoyed life to the fullest. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. In his younger years, he volunteered with the St. John's Ambulance of Thunder Bay as a First Aid attendant. Mickey was also a life time member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Hall where he volunteered with Christmas parties for needy children at different locations throughout Thunder Bay, often playing the character, George the Porter, who was Santa's helper. A Celebration of Ronald's Life will be held on Monday, August 18, 2014 from 11:00AM until 12:30PM in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. A private family graveside service will take place in Mountainview Cemetery at a later date, officiated by Rev. Joyce Hannaford. Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Mickey to the Alzheimer Society or to the Cancer Centre at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre would be greatly appreciated. Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com "