Obituary of LLOYD GEORGE (BUZZ) CROOKS

LLOYD GEORGE (BUZZ) CROOKS On July 20, 2015 at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Lloyd George (Buzz) Crooks, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the age of 70 years. He is survived by his wife Marilyn McEachern; his daughters Stacey (Chris Sale), Shannon, Whitney (Ashley Singh); his son Robert (Amanda Linden); and his grandchildren Duncan, Stella and Lucy. He also leaves to mourn six sisters, Laurina (Dennis Ghiglione), Glenda, Gloria (Sterling McIvor), Valerie (Eric Kolish), Colleen (Jerry Andries) and Elaine (John Garies); two brothers, Mark (Doreen), Richard, sister-in-law Cheryl Crooks and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father George, mother Mary Ellen (Nellie), sister Elnora and brother Clinton. Lloyd was born, April 28, 1945, and grew up in Lafleche, Saskatchewan. After graduating from high school he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he gained the nickname Buzz. The Air Force brought him to Gimli, Manitoba and then to Winnipeg. After leaving the Air Force he attended the University of Manitoba where he met many lifelong friends and graduated with an arts degree in geography. He started work for the Province of Manitoba in 1970 at Canada Land Inventory (CLI). He continued working in communications within the Department of Natural Resources and Intergovernmental Affairs until 1991. In 1991 he started his own consultant business, Beaverbrook Communications, specializing in writing and editing for provincial and federal government agencies and organizations involved in water management, agriculture, environment and conservation. A major focus of his work involved issues with flooding, and the physical, chemical, and biological condition of Lake Winnipeg. Buzz was an avid curler and golfer, and had a great love of music. He also had a long time interest in history and genealogy, devoting hours to tracing his family history. Family was an integral part of his life, and some of his favourite times were spent cooking dinners, telling stories, and sharing a bottle of good wine with them. If friends desire, donations may be made to the Lake Winnipeg Foundation (www.lakewinnipegfoundation.org/donate) or to the Winnipeg Folk Festival (winnipegfolkfestival.ca/support/ways-to-donate/). Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial celebration for Buzz on September 3rd, 2015 from 3:00-5:00 pm at the Pavilion Event Center in Assiniboine Park.