Dad passed away peacefully at Veterans Memorial Lodge. Predeceased by his daughter Donna in 2002, left to honour his memory, are his devoted wife of 74 years Thelma, daughters Connie (Steve) & Kathy, grandchildren, David (Gayla), Scott, Catherine, Holly & Jodi , great grandchildren , Lukas, Sam, Quinn and Colton.
He was born in Nipawin, SK, the youngest of 4. Raised on a farm during the depression, there were lots of chores & lots of freedom. They enjoyed a rough & tumble life but never wanted for anything. He enjoyed playing all sports especially hockey. Dad moved to Victoria in 1942 when his father was stationed here during the war.
A welder by trade, he worked at Yarrows shipyard, then Coast Metal Craft, fabricating wrought iron railings, fences & other ornamental designs. With his ingenuity, his natural ability to engineer & fabricate, Hijacker Camper Jacks were born. With a partner, Clive Cameron, they started Victoria Industries to manufacture their product – HIJACKER JACKS and became leaders in the RV industry. He set a standard for his business ethics & his support of his employees.
Dad joined the View Royal Volunteer Fire Dept. in 1956 & retired in 1986 as Deputy Chief. He spent countless hours volunteering for the community. After retirement, Dad & Mom joined the JDF seniors centre, where they brought their special energy to everything they participated in.
Together, with the love of his life, Thelma, they created a loving home for their 3 girls. He was so proud of his family. His grandchildren adored him & he had a special relationship with each one. Our home in View Royal (that Dad built) was the center of our family & friends. There was always a reason to celebrate, play cards & entertain, – they were generous hosts. They camped, cruised, took bus, road & overseas trips, creating wonderful memories with everyone.
Messages coming in from the community recall his kindness, sense of fun, work ethic and integrity. He was highly respected . A man who did the right thing, even when no one was watching…
Up until his passing, Dad remained in good spirits; he joked with & teased the staff. He was well liked at Broadmead Lodge & we thank them for their kindness.
A Celebration of his life will be held at 2:00pm, on Thursday, October 27, 2022, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Reception to follow. Instead of flowers, donate to a charity or buy yourself some flowers & enjoy a memory of Everett.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Joy Andrews
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Anne Bell What a lovely tribute. I too have many fond memories of both Ev and Thelma – many special times in their home, and they did make you feel so welcome. My Dad always said that Ev was a “prince of a man” – he was so right! Hugs to you all and may the great memories you have make you smile for years to come.
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Patsy Adolphe Sincere condolences to Mrs.Creelman, Connie, Kathy and family. Growing up on Eltham Rd was the best and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We were all kind of one big family. Mr.Creelman was the kindest man and always joking around. Remembering Rathtreavor camping and letting us pretend to drive his turquoise chevy in the driveway. So much fun. Mr Creelman would sneak up to the car and ask where we were going to. The beautiful tribute was Mr Creelman who will be so missed.
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Geoff Mulcaster My sincerest of condolences, I worked with Ev at Victoria Industries for a few years. He was one of the nicest men I`ve ever met!! There wasn`t anything he couldn`t fix, and he was always kind and patient. I have fond memories of being invited into their home and made to feel welcome. I`m sorry for your loss.
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Geri Stanwick Everett & Thelma were our next door neighbours for several years. We were at Everett’s 90th Birthday Party and spent every weekend playing cards and enjoying our favourite TV show.
Everett was a kind and helpful man and will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace, dear Everett.
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Geri Stanwick Henry and I were next door neighbours for a few years. We were at Everett’s 90th Birthday party and enjoyed every weekend together playing cards and watching our TV show of Heartbeat. We loved hearing of their travels and camping trips.
Everett was a kind, helpful man and will be sorely missed. Rest In Peace, dear Everett.Geri Stanwick and Henry Scott
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Holly Meadows Holly Meadows
As part of the Jacob express, Donna, Sandy, Louise and Holly, I remember Mr Creelman with fondness.
A wonderful gentleman with kindness to all that knew him.
To Thelma, the girls and extended family, my deepest condolences.
With love
Holly
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Ruby Bauer Everett was always joking, and the life of every meal at Cherish. We all loved them both. My condolences to Thelma.
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Ron Yardley On behalf of the Yardley Family, please accept our condolences on the passing of Everett. Hal, our Father, (97) today was recalling a number of “View Royal memories”, of great times with the Volunteer Fire Dept and the camaraderie of the members. Beating Langford FD, in Softball, was one of the many highlights.
“EV”, Dad said, was a great guy, and left a great impression on all those he touched. He will be missed.
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Pat orr What a beautiful ,fitting tribute to your dad. My condolences to your mom, you girls and your families. Both your parents made everyone feel welcome in their home. I have wonderful memories of them. I remember making those “ hijackers” in your basement with Kathy.
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Dan Richards Karin Richards and family My thoughts are with the Creelman family at this hour .
I have so many happy remembered good times with
Everett and Thelma’s family .
Some of my life long memory’s belong to the times our family spent with yours .
Please accept my deepest condolences
Our family and all those that knew him
Will always keep him in our hearts as long as we Livelots of love from Dan Richards and all our family
Members ❤️
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Ray Massey My sincerest condolences. Rest In Peace old friend.
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Debbie and John We all have the most fond memories. What a lovely, kind, funny and special human he was. Our boy’s who have known your parents since they were very young, also have the kindest words about Everett.
Forever in our hearts. Love to you all at this sad time.
Debbie, John, Brian and Adam.
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Pat Garrington Wow, what a great and well deserved tribute to your Dad..so many fond fun memories with both your Dad and Mom…saved in my memory bank..Beautiful friends…love from my family to yours..Pat Garrington..xo
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Jamie Barnett I remember Ev fondly. He was always gracious, helpful and funny. May the many memories that you all have of him, keep his love with you always.
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Bill Musgrave Many times Ev and myself answered the”Horns” only to find Dakota laying in the middle of the road. He as a Newfoundland dog and did in fact have the right of way. My years with the View Riyal Fire Department where enriched with the knowledge that we worked for the community and each other keeping both safe and ready to meet the coming day.
Ev was and still is a reminder that we are each others keepers.
Thanks for the great times, memories that hang on even thru sad times.
Rest in peace, for answering the last “Horn”.
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Leon and Colleen What wonderful tribute to your lovely dad.
Such a special man who will truly be missed.
We are sure you brought him great joy over the years.
We send our love.
Kathy and Connie, what a beautiful tribute to your Dad! Someone else here said how he and your Mom made people feel so welcome. Ev. has a special place in my heart as fun loving, hard working and kind. He always made me, a shy kid, feel at ease.
My love to you all.