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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CROUGH, Francis Paul - (Member of Knights of Columbus Council 798, The Peterborough Canadian Irish Club and The Air Force Assn. 428 Wing) Died peacefully at Hospice Peterborough on February 9th, 2021 with his loving family at his side in his 88th year. Paul, devoted husband to Patti (nee Morgan) for 49 years and father to Leslie, Morgan (Kim nee Laughlin) and Mathew (Karen Johnston) and proud grandfather (a.k.a. Ho) of Kira, all of Peterborough. Paul began his journey in the midst of the Great Depression on September 28, 1933. He is predeceased by his parents James and Bernadette (Crowley), his siblings and their spouses; Tim (Alice), Vince (Mary), Carmel (Gerry LaFave), Urban (Helen), Helen (Joe Hoey), Peter (Denise), Fergus, Jack (Marie), Michael, Emmett (Shirley), Collette (John Moher), Sr. Eileen, Gerry, Robert Leo, Frances and Mary. Paul is survived by his sisters Patricia Lustic (Frank; deceased), Doreen Arthurs, Teresa Garvey and Shirley O'Neill; brothers-in-law Fred Garvey, Al O'Neill and sister-in-law Anne Crough. Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a friend to many. Paul was involved with the Peterborough ORFUNS football in the early 1950's and Peterborough Mercury's Lacrosse in the 1960's. The friendships he made on and off the field served him throughout his life. Paul travelled west in 1952 to try farming where he encountered the vastness of Canada and laboured hard to bring in the crops. But this was not to be his final destination and instead enlisted to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy in1953 where he served his country in keeping the "sea lanes of the world free from communist aggression". His training in Radar Technology lured him away from military life and into the private sector where he began working in the rapidly expanding aircraft manufacturing industry. When this enterprise took a dramatic downturn, Paul returned again to serve in uniform this time with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Then in 1965, once again as a civilian, he worked in northern Canada in Tuktoyaktuk on the Distant Early Warning Line. Where he kept the nation safe from the Russian Bear and kept communist aggression again in check. In 1971 he headed home to put down roots. He had sailed the world and came home to marry the girl next door and started working at the G.E. to help support his growing family. Then with civic pride Paul entered the political arena in 1985. He was elected to represent the Northcrest ward as Alderman and served the city for 12 years. He handled many portfolios including Chairman of Parks & Recreation, Chairman of Human Resources and Chairman of the Otonabee Regional Conservation Authority. But the job Paul loved the most were the 13 years he spent working as Santa at Peterborough Square. Special thanks to Dr. B. Lindsay, Dr. P. Zalewski, Dr. J. Beamish, the Palliative Care team, Hospice Peterborough, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare (especially Keitha, Katherine and Jennifer) for their care of dad in the last few years. Per his wishes, cremation has already taken place and a celebration of life will be held 'When Life is Good Again' In lieu of flowers: donations to Hospice Peterborough, Prostate Cancer Canada or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. (The Peterborough Examiner 12 Feb 2021)
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