Philip QC CROUCH

PHILIP CROUCH, QC Surrounded by family and in the loving arms of his wife, Philip died at Welland Hospital on April 18th, after a prolonged, difficult and inspiring 18 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was the adored and beloved husband of Stella Crouch (Skowronska) for 54 years and simply best Dad in the world to Leanna (Brian Fawcett) and Linda (Tim Squires). Treasured Gedo to Hartlea Fawcett, Jeremy and Matthew Squires and Max Fawcett. Cherished brother of Katie Sim (Bill Sim) and Fred Crouch. Predeceased by his sister Rose Magnus (2008), brother-in-law John Magnus, his brother Bill Crouch (2010), and sister-in-law Krishna Crouch. Brotherin-law to Mary Paprocki, Christine Reid and the late June Suda. Uncle to Philip and Ted Suda, Craig Magnus, Wally Paprocki, Julianna Paprocki-Quinn, Laura Lea and Jennifer Brown. Philip was an admired and respected partner in the law firm of Flett Beccario, and practiced law for over 43 years. He was an energetic and engaged citizen of the City of Welland. The son of Ukrainian immigrants Sidor and Dorothy Crouch (Vakulich), he was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1927 after his father went to temporarily work as a coal miner there. They moved back to Welland when Philip was still an infant. Philip attended Maple Leaf School and Welland High where he achieved both academic and athletic success. He was on the football and basketball teams and was President of Student's Council. During his summers while at Queens University, he joined the COTC (Canadian Officer's Training Course), training in Manitoba and British Columbia, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He graduated from Queens and Osgoode Hall and was called to the bar in 1954. Like his father before him, Philip was always deeply interested and involved in political issues. Throughout his life, Philip fought against social injustice in large and small ways. As a lawyer and concerned citizen, Philip also advocated for change when he encountered injustices in law. As a result of his submissions, the Canada Deposit Insurance coverage was increased from $20,000 to $60,000 in 1983. He was also responsible for changes in the inheritance law in Ontario that ensured a widow without children received her husband's full estate. Philip was the solicitor for the Niagara South Board of Education for over 35 years and served as President of the Welland County Law Association and the Welland City Law Association. He was a past member of the Welland Junior Chamber of Commerce, and particularly enjoyed his time with the Kiwanis Club of Welland where he served as President starting in 1969. Philip was a passionate supporter of the arts and was a long time member, honorary director and Past President of the Welland-Port Colborne Concert Association. He also acted as its Solicitor for many years. He was instrumental in building the Centennial Auditorium in 1966, dubbing it the 'City's Crown Jewel'. He was a driving force behind bringing in the National Ballet of Canada's performance of the Nutcracker Ballet. That event served as the official opening for the auditorium on November 4th, 1966. He was an avid tennis player, belonging to the Welland Tennis Club for over 50 years. He also served as President of the Welland Tennis Club and was Captain of the Welland lawyer's tennis team. He was also the President of the Welland Ski Club. His professional accomplishments were exceptional but his priority was his family. Family, both immediate and extended, came first. He would always be home for dinner in the evening rather than scheduling meetings that would conflict in any way. He chose sports such as skiing and tennis so that he could be with his family. He also loved his cottage at Thunder Bay Colony on Lake Erie and we all shared many happy and loud family gatherings there for 25 years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Rapelje Lodge and the Welland County General Hospital for their outstanding care. We also are deeply grateful to Ken Button, Dr. Tony Tulumello and Jack Miller for their true blue friendship and dedication to Philip. Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Wednesday, April 21, 2010 and at 10am immediately preceding the service at the JAMES L. PEDL AR FUNERAL HOME, 1292 Pe lham Street, Fonthill, where the complete funeral ser vice will be conducted on Thursday April 22nd at 11:00 am with cremation to follow. Donations to the Parkinson's Society Canada or the Welland County General Hospital gratefully accepted. Online condolences may be for warded through www.pedlar funeralhome.ca