Craig Farncombe

Craig Gordon Farncombe

CRAIG FARNCOMBE, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away December 5, 2013 at the age of 63 in Mesa,AZ. Craig was predeceased by his parents Gordon and Jean Farncombe, parents-in-law Gordon and Myra Johnston, aunt and uncle Gwen and Gerry Attwood and brother-in-law Dennis Fielder. Craig is survived by his loving wife Joan, whom he met October 1967 in Portage la Prairie MB, and married on January 30, 1971. Left to mourn are their children Sheri, Brett (Laura-Lea), Jeff (Dorothy); grandchildren Jaylea and Hannah; brothers Grant (Heather), Kevin (Brenda); brothers-in-law Brad (Kathy)Johnston, Reed (Fay)Johnston; sisters-in-law Carol-lee Heighington, Lynda Fielder, Norma Johnston; aunts and uncles Gerald and Georgina Large, Jim and Isabel Lytle and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Craig was born in Portage and raised in High Bluff where he along with his brothers worked closely with their parents operating the general store servicing the community. He graduated as a butcher from Red River Community College and worked for the Co-Op then Greenberg’s Grocerteria. Next, Craig became an entrepreneur – he owned Farncombe's Meat Market in Portage before becoming a real estate agent. He then continued the family tradition by establishing Farncombe’s Food Centre in Langruth, that he ran for 23 years before retiring in July 2012.

Craig was an avid sports fan and participant. He played for and then coached the Portage Terriers. His love and passion for sports led to many years of joy coaching and being involved with his children's sporting activities. Craig also played hockey with the Big Four league and the Portage Plainsmen Oldtimers. Joan and Craig enjoyed many winter getaways for hockey tournaments and with their friends they made through Craig's retail experience in Langruth. Craig was a “die hard” Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan and Jets supporter. Craig enjoyed many years at Delta Beach entertaining family and friends.

Craig was a hard worker, instilling this value in his children. He was very proud of his children and all of their accomplishments.

Craig and Joan enjoyed their brief retirement together - golfing, spending time with family and taking the grand kids on amusement rides. He spent his final days living in Mesa, Arizona – often to be heard saying he was “living the life” and was extremely happy.

Funeral Service will be held at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, Manitoba on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba – Portage Office, 103 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 1A7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com