Obituary of Cyril Frederick Power
POWER, Cyril Frederick
Passed away July 4, 2020 at Providence Manor, Kingston, Ontario
Cyril was a proud son of Toronto, Ontario where he was born on December 21, 1924. He became a son of the world after enlisting in the Royal British Navy and then the newly expanded Royal Canadian Navy and served throughout the war, steaming into Hong Kong to accompany the flagship to receive the surrender of Hong Kong.
Cyril graduated from Queen's University, Kingston, with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours). During his time there he was a member of Newman House, and there met and later married Irene O'Grady. Their marriage, on June 30, 1952 was a loving partnership for 68 years; their 68th anniversary was celebrated a few days prior to his death. Cyril and Irene's daughters, Sheila Elizabeth and Eileen Anne were born in 1957 and 1958 in Sudbury, Ontario where both their parents taught at Sudbury Secondary, and where Cyril became Head of English at Lasalle Secondary School.
Cyril was an English teacher for 40 years in Sudbury and was not only well regarded by his students but by his staff as well. Regina Rocca one of "his" teachers, wrote to us, " My life at Lasalle was enriched by him and he was the reason I stayed in teaching. I had quit teaching and was not sure if I was making a mistake by returning to the classroom, but under his encouragement, I found my niche."
From auctioning off his mustache for a school fundraiser, to beginning the first Sci Fi/Fantasy English course in Sudbury, to his devotion to the English Teachers of Ontario, to his spotless attendance record (1 day missed in all the years) Cyril was a passionate student and curriculum advocate. His companions in his home life were not only his wife and kids (aka "Charlie") indiscriminately, but also was the much-loved sheltie, Nanuk, or "Nooks" whose walks 3 times a day bar none helped Nooks give love back to his family for 16 years. Cyril retired from teaching in 1984 to enjoy the "camp" at Elbow Lake, a gourmet cooking club, bridge at least twice a week, his stamp collection (colonial Britain) and travel with Irene. Ardent travellers, first with planned excursions and then with cruising they visited most countries in the world, except Africa. Cruising combined all that Dad loved: first class food, impeccable service, exotic locations and above all, being at sea.
Cyril and Irene moved to Kingston, Ontario in 2002, and lived in the Landmark Condominium on Lake Ontario where Dad enjoyed weekly bridge games, pool games, long walks around downtown, looking out over the lake, and great neighbours. Their health required a move to their new home Providence Manor on Sydenham St., in Kingston 2 years ago and their caregiver Yanet Bush of Heart to Heart stayed with them to keep on helping out. There Dad attended concerts, and even participated (somewhat reluctantly) in crafts. He read at the Remembrance Day ceremony, proudly wearing his medals from WWII.
Cyril was the beloved husband of Irene (O'Grady), cherished father of Eileen Purchase (George) and Sheila Pinchin (Stuart), and much loved grandfather of Ian and Kate Pinchin. He is fondly remembered by sister in law, Yvonne Power, and his nieces and nephews, Sean, Beth, Kevin, Cathy and Brendan Power and their families, and Brian, Kevin and Susan (Peterson) O'Grady.
An amazing storyteller, a lover of music of all kinds from opera to Lawrence Welk, a talented singer, especially with his 3 brothers, he was devoted to outdoor life. He taught his children and grandchildren to fish and clean fish, to snowshoe, to pick berries, to build careful campfires, to swim, to respect wildlife and the environment, to sing campfire songs bellowed across Elbow Lake, to help with the constant upkeep of the camp, and to enjoy moments of stillness, content, and a good cold drink, always rum and coke for him, when "the sun was over the yardarm."
Funeral arrangements in the care of JAMES REID FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARY'S CATHEDRAL, (279 Johnson Street at Clergy Street), Kingston on Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 am, where Dad was a parishioner for 15 years. Rite of Committal with Prayers will be at the Power plot in St. James Cemetery, Belleville. Sheila and Eileen would like to thank the amazing staff at Providence Manor for their care, family doctor Nic Cristoveanu, and Dr. White and Dr. Ian Thomson at Providence Manor for helping Dad so much with his health. Donations in Cyril's memory may be made to the World Wildlife Fund Canada, or Ontario S.P.C.A., which were causes near to Cyril's heart.
Mandatory COVID 19 protocols are as follows: Physical distancing shall be adhered to inside St. Mary's Cathedral. Wearing of face masks will be required. Should you not have a mask, one will be supplied for you by the funeral home. Contact tracing will be administered by funeral home staff. James Reid Funeral Home and St. Mary's Cathedral thank you for your co-operation.
We raise a glass of Captain Morgan's Deluxe rum (no other), in honour of Cyril and will miss him terribly and remember him lovingly until we are all united again.
