Obituary of Leonard Roy Creelman
In Loving Memory of Major Leonard Roy “Len” Creelman August 1934 - April 2023 Died peacefully at his beloved Clementsport, NS home “Summertides” which he had shared with his late wife Judy Creelman (nee Wilcox) for the last 20 years. As a young man, Len’s career with the Canadian Black Watch (RHR) took the pair to many locations including Nova Scotia, England, and Germany. Their eldest 3 sons Stephen, Kirk (Anne), and Mark (Shelly) travelled with them through those years, before the family settled in Haliburton, Ontario and expanded through the addition of 3 more children Melissa, Matthew (Tammy)and Kristen).
“Settling” after military postings did not mean that life was quiet. Len continued his engineering work in aeronautics, developing the Seawind amphibious aircraft with his brother in the late 70s. Beyond work, the doors and hearts at their home on Pine Street were open to friends from near and far and saw all manner of lively activity. From rehearsing musical performances for the Haliburton Squash Club (with great dedication and fervour) to welcoming Vietnamese refugees in the 1970s; endless hobby shop projects to hosting countless gatherings for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations: everybody who came to the house was treated as family.
Len enjoyed a glass of sherry, crooning along to Marty Robbins, and working out complex solutions to (sometimes simple) problems. He loved his family and friends, worn pine decor, and tinkering in his garage workshop. And he adored Judy. His 88 years were made wonderful through their partnership and sharing of their dreams, sorrows, joys, and their hearts.
Len is fondly remembered by his children, grand- and great-grandchildren, his brother Roger (Dolores), as well as lifelong friends that he kept in contact with over years and distance. A great bellow of “Hello Dear!” began many a phone call and visit; the accompanying hug, pressing the recipient against his shirt pocket full of pencils and eyeglasses, and the chuckle so full of adoration that followed will be sorely missed. A private memorial will be held for family this summer.