Obituary of EARL JOHN SHORT

EARL JOHN SHORT 

July 24 1950 - June 30 2021

 

With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of the unforgettable Earl John Short on June 30, 2021.  We are grateful for the time we had with him, though ultimately his health struggles became just too great.  Left to mourn are his wife of 51 years, Helen;  three children  Michelle Short (George), Cheryl Wasylko (Derek) and Earl Short (Julie); five grandchildren – Vanessa (Brad), Jessica (Devon), Kevin, Miranda and Earl Short;  brothers Wes (Sheila) Glen (Sylvia); his inlaws from the “Boomer clan,” many nieces, nephews, and friends and extended families.

 

A proud North Ender all of his life, Earl took his responsibilities seriously, but never himself. He was a real charmer with a lively sense of humour, which typically made him the life of any party, a place in the spotlight where he loved to be!  Earl loved to tease people and as a natural born story-teller, he concocted many hilarious stories, often including himself as the butt of the joke. At a family gathering, he once announced that, if he passed away, he did not want to be buried. Instead, he wanted to be stuffed and insisted that each of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews would have to take their turn hosting his stuffed image – but he was never to be used a coat rack!

 

Earl built a very successful career at Cummins Mid-Canada, rising through the ranks to management, where he thrived. The company, and his co-workers, quickly became like family to him.

 

After he retired, he loved relaxing at the lake with his good friends – Bill, Gladys, Richard and Darlene, whom he fondly referred to as the “lake family.” During the non-lake season, he loved spending time with his “grand pups,” Minnie, Daisy, Lokie and Red, as well as many furry felines who always seemed mysteriously drawn to him.  Earl and Helen also enjoyed many memorable winter vacations in hot spots including Cuba, Las Vegas, Mexico and Jamaica.

 

To everyone’s surprise, he also developed a flair for baking in retirement, thanks to his newfound prowess with a kitchen stand mixer with which “Pa” made the best chocolate chip cookies ever. 

 

It was always family first with Earl, but he also enjoyed sports, nature and country music. He was a Garth Brooks fan, and loved the song, “The Dance.” Earl loved life, always lived it on his own terms and thoroughly enjoyed ‘the dance.’

 

“And I’m glad I didn’t know

 

The way it all would end; the way it all would go

 

Our lives are better left to chance

 

I could have missed the pain,

 

But I’d have had to miss the dance.”

 

 

 

Dad, you will always be missed and forever loved.

 

 

 

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Messages of remembrance and condolences may be shared on the Cropo site.