It's a hard thing, cramming 8 decades of a marvelous life into a certain number of column inches, but an obituary was needed, and here is what we ended up with; it appeared in the Edmonton Journal today. It is also viewable at the Journal's website, and they have a guest book where condolences can be left. The text of the obituary appears below, with a couple of minor corrections.
Maurice Arthur Fitzpatrick (August 17 1932- May 17 2012)
Maurice Fitzpatrick passed away suddenly while sleeping at Leduc General Hospital on Thursday, May 17, 2012; just three months shy of his 80th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Helen, his daughter Tara, son Stephen (Audrey), and two grandchildren, Fenya and Glorianna.
Born and raised in southern Manitoba, Maurice was the eldest of seven siblings: Ena, Harold(d), Agnes (d),Dennis(d), Gary(d), and Wendell. Maurice left the family farm at age 17 for the armed forces, spending 5 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force and another 5 in the Navy, including time proudly spent on Canada's last aircraft carrier, HMCS Bonaventure. His interest in aviation led him to a career in air traffic control where he spent the next 27 years, settling in Leduc in 1974.
Maurice was committed to serving the community in which he lived, beginning as Treasurer of Leduc Minor Baseball and moving on to the town Parks and Recreation Committee prior to serving as town councillor for several terms and finally as mayor of Leduc from 1989-1995. He used his civic experience as well as his status as a Toastmaster and registered parliamentarian to assist in chairing large meetings, such as those of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
As a former serviceman, he was also heavily involved in the Royal Canadian Legion for many years, serving in a variety of offices including President of Leduc Branch #108.
In retirement, he and Helen took to the road in an RV, and travelled to Newfoundland before returning to the west and dividing their time between the BC interior and Leduc.
Maurice will be remembered as a loving husband and father,proud grandfather, loyal friend,and a compassionate man who was passionate about service to others.
A memorial service will be held at the Leduc Legion on Tuesday May 22nd at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations be made in his name to Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive during this difficult time.
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