Obituary of Arthur Crummey

Passed away at age 78 on May 22, 2024, at the Queensway Carleton Hospital.

Father to Joshua, close friend to Allison and her family – Laurie, John, Shawn and Jeremy – brother to Marilyn (deceased), Patricia (deceased), brother-in-law to Frank and uncle to Jordan, Jonathan, Matthew (Elaine), Pamela (François), Jennifer (Phillip) and Daniel (deceased). Cousin to Peter (Barbara), Sarah, Rebecca, Margaret and Catherine (deceased). 

Born in Newfoundland and proud of his heritage.

A man of great kindness and empathy who valued his family and many friends. He volunteered to help the more vulnerable in society through causes like the Parkdale Food Bank and the Shepherds of Good Hope. Rescued and provided a loving home to Lady, Wellington, Minx and Ned.

Lover of the outdoors, camping, canoeing and, especially, the sea. An avid and skilled sailor who taught at the R.A. sailing school and then sailed his own boats as one of the early members of the Nepean Sailing Club. Sailed in the Caribbean, including St. Lucia. His downhill skiing style was a model to others, once described as “poetry in motion.”

A gifted woodworker and teacher of carpentry. Shared his passion with his son, helping him build a jewelry box, a boot bench and picture frames. Opened his own carpentry business, building clocks, shelves and bookcases. He also shared his interest in photography with his son, and kept pursuing new hobbies, teaching himself to play piano in his 50s.

A loving and engaged father, taking his son to every Santa Claus Parade, museums and trips to Newfoundland, Saskatchewan and Paris. Spent years as Beavers and Cub Scouts leader, baseball umpire and assistant hockey coach. 

Public servant for more than 35 years. Worked at Natural Resources in the surveys and mapping section for his entire work life, first in camera section, then in the newly created computerized mapping area. Gained a university degree in economics and geography while working full time and pursued his interests in history, computers and music throughout his life.

Special thanks to Laurie for her medical advice and support as liaison, and to doctors and staff at St. Vincent's, especially Valerie, and at the Queensway Carleton Intensive Care Unit, especially Dolores, Sarah, Hannah, Jordan and Alyssa.

Donations in Arthur’s memory to Parkdale Food Bank, Shepherds of Good Hope and Ottawa Humane Society.

Celebration of life and burial of ashes to be announced in the coming weeks.