Obituary of Clinton Creary

It is with deep sorrow that the family announce the passing of Mr. Clinton Thornton Creary on March 23, 2009 at the age of 86 in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan. Clinton was born May 9, 1922. He was the youngest of three children born to Nellie and Gordon Creary in Carievale, Saskatchewan. In 1925 Clinton moved with his parents to Blaine Lake. He took most of his schooling at Balmoral School. In the spring of 1936 the family moved to the current home quarter. Clinton attended Camp Lake School for a short period of time. He spent much of his time working for different farmers in the area. He also worked at cutting jack pine from around the yard. One tree would make a load; he made enough money to send to the T.E. Eaton Company to buy a guitar for $18. Clinton still has the guitar and would occasionally play it along with his harmonica. Clinton, his dad and sister Olive used to play for dances at the Camp Lake School. Although called to serve in the army in 1942, he was released from army service when the municipal council appealed to keep some local men at home to farm the land. Verna knew Clinton as an acquaintance through their school years. It wasn't until a few years later when she was working at a restaurant at Shell Lake that they got to know each other. He would give her a ride home Saturday nights to save her a 2 � mile walk in the dark. They married in the November 1946. Two years later they ventured to Auden, Ontario to work in a bush camp. When they returned the following spring they had enough money to buy a cultivator, plough and a new Ford 8N tractor, which still runs till this day. Over the next number of years they were blessed with 5 children, Delray, Dale, Cheryl, Kelvin and Coreen and ten grandchildren. Clinton and Verna were married for 62 plus years. Clinton was a dedicated farmer, very committed to looking after the land and the environment. He lived on the farm until his passing. He enjoyed his 4 wheeler and could be seen touring around the fields setting gopher traps. He was an avid Hockey Night in Canada fan. He enjoyed old-time music as well as playing his guitar, harmonica, piano and organ. He also spent much time listening to CBC radio. Clinton leaves to cherish his memory: His wife of 62 years, Verna Creary of Shell Lake, SK. His children: Delray (Barb) Creary of Shell Lake, SK. and their children: Jaiden (Micheline), Jeni and Bradley; Dale Creary of Shell Lake, SK; Cheryl Fines of Dawson Creek, BC and her children: Daphne (Daniel), Allison and Jonathon and Coreen Spencer (David) of Sylvan Lake, AB and their daughters: Victoria and Hillary. His daughter in-law Brenda (Dimitri) Grammatikos of Regina and their children: Christopher and Melissa. His sister and brother in-law Olive (Walter) Potts. His sister in law Hazel Creary. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by: His son Kelvin Creary, his parents Gordon and Nellie Creary, his brother Garnet Creary, a nephew Howard Creary and his father and mother in-law Henry and Tina Letkeman. The funeral service was held March 27th, 2009 at the Shell Lake Lions Hall, Shell Lake. SK. Officiant was Gerry Zak, eulogist was David Spencer and soloist was Bill Martodam. Honorary pallbearers were all relatives and friends who shared in Clinton's life. Pallbearers were: Marcel Proulx, Dennis Simonar, Trevor Simonar, Jaiden Creary, Bradley Creary and Christopher Creary. Memorial Donations may be made to Shell Lake Cemetery Fund. Beau "Lac" Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.