October 2, 1934 - February 21, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Cecil Gritchin at Mount St. Joseph's Hospital in Vancouver, BC, with family by his side. Cecil is survived by his son Wayne (Tamara), and son Gregory (Marylou), his grandchildren Kaleb, Danica and Rowen. He is also survived by his brother Bill (Olga), his sister Polly and Kay (Don), the mother of Wayne and Gregory. He is predeceased by his parents, William Daniel Gretchin (1972) and Elizabeth Gretchin (Nee Pankoff, 1998) and his sister Katy (2000).
Cecil (Pop) was a hard working man and rarely was without a job. He was a lifelong member of the Operating Engineers Local 115. In his lifetime he worked on various construction sites operating all types of earth moving heavy equipment and overhead cranes. In his later years, he found his lifetime passion of long haul semi-tractor truck driving throughout North America that satisfied his soul of travel, adventure and freedom. It did not take him long to be awarded the Caterpillar "Million Miles Club". Wherever he went he seemed to meet someone he already knew plus had the ability to make new great friends. Cecil had a genuine desire to help others, going out of his way to make people smile and assist anyone he could. Besides his immediate family, his friends were a very important part of his life. Cecil was a creative thinker; he enjoyed overseas travel, and tinkering on projects.
We would like to acknowledge a special appreciation to his extended family at Starliner, Rusty's, and his local support group of friends at his complex residence including the entire Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood that knew him. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at both St. Paul's and Mount St. Joseph's hospital.
Cremation has taken place and a family gathering will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Cecil's name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.