CROOK, Arthur Lawrence Born June 16, 1913 - Died March 21, 2010
Arthur was born almost a century ago, one year before the start of the First World War. A devout Catholic, Arthur originally contemplated a vocation in the Basilian priesthood but realized shortly after commencing training that he wasn't cut out to be a priest. Fortunately for us three kids, he changed course, left the Order and took a job with the company ES and A Robinson where he was swept off his feet by a beautiful young woman named Irene Richardson. They married in 1942 and quickly produced 2 children, John and Judith. Arthur attended Teachers' College and began his life-long teaching career in the small town of Napanee. When World War II broke out, he enlisted with the Air Force but did not get called to action overseas. After the war he went back to teaching, this time in Smiths Falls where daughter Juanita was born. He relocated the young family to Toronto where he taught with the Toronto Board of Education for the rest of his career, at Burnamthorpe Collegiate, Queensboro Collegiate and finally at Don View Heights. Concerned that he would not have enough time in his retirement to indulge his love of the outdoors, his cottage in Haliburton, and his many hobbies, he took early retirement at the age of 58. He remained extremely active with fishing, hunting, tennis, badminton and cross-country skiing. He accomplished the amazing feat of teaching himself Morse Code in his 70's and was very proud of the extensive network of international contacts that he was able to reach with his Ham Radio on clear evenings in Haliburton. He loved exploring the Haliburton logging trails on his dirt-bike, which he didn't part with until his late 80's.

Arthur's motto was "Never quit doing anything you truly enjoy". Unfortunately, his tennis and badminton partners began to die off and he had to delve further into the younger ranks to get a good game. Finally, almost 40 years after leaving teaching, this amazing energetic man just simply got tired. He died peacefully, at home, of no specific illness. Arthur is predeceased by his brother Gilbert, and sister Mary but survived by younger sister Monica, his wife Irene, 3 children (John, Judith and Juanita), 4 grandchildren (Jeffrey, Mary Patricia, Martin and Eleanor) and one great grand child (Hugh). Dad, your spirit lives on, in the beauty of every changing season, every hike, and the enjoyment of every glass of good wine.

Visitation at DUFFUS FUNERAL HOME, 431 George Street South from 9 – 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Funeral Mass in ST. ALPHONSUS CHURCH on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. Reverend Leo Coughlin officiating. Interment St. Peter's Cemetery. Donations to Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. On-line condolences can be made at www.duffusfuneralhome.com