Mr. Patrick Anthony ‘Pat’ Crumley passed away suddenly at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the age of 71 years. Pat was born on November 16, 1951, in Whitehorse, Yukon. Pat was very musical and belonged to a couple of rock bands, one in particular being Burton Cummings’ band. Burton’s band began in a meager garage in Winnipeg and Pat would have continued with them except that he needed a stage costume, which he could not afford at the time. Pat changed his focus, and in about 1969, he went down to Military Recruiting to make some inquiries. Ever resourceful and to meet the weight requirements, Pat spent the weekend eating bananas and drinking beer. He joined the 14th Service Battalion of the Canadian Military and completed his Basic Training in Cornwallis. With a natural aptitude for medicine, Pat trained as a Medical Technician, and later, a Field Medic and excelled at this. His Sergeant told him that he felt Pat had not exercised his full potential and suggested that he take Paramedical training in Civilian life. When Pat made the decision to leave to further his Medical Education, he was offered Sergeant’s stripes to remain in the Service. Pat left the Military, and in 1977, attended SAIT to complete the Paramedic Program “with honors”. He was employed by the City of Calgary, and when the idea of forming Alberta’s first combined Paramedical/Fire Service in Airdrie seemed attainable, Pat was determined in not only starting, but also succeeding in implementing a service second to none. Many said that a combined service would not work but he was determined, and did achieve that dream, in spades.
In 1984, Pat moved his family to Grande Prairie where he was employed with the Grande Prairie Ambulance Service, and in 1986, he returned to Central Alberta to receive his Nursing Education. Pat began his Nursing career in the Trauma Centre of the Bow Valley Hospital until its demolition, when he then moved to the Peter Lougheed Emergency Department and worked as a clinician. In 2005, he accepted the position of Manager of Emergency and Ambulatory Care in Camrose, which allowed his family to leave the city and enjoy the country life at their cottage at Red Deer Lake. In approximately 2008, he accepted the position of Medical Services Coordinator where he was able to make a huge impact on stroke patients in rural areas. Pat was the first in North America to implement portable CT scanners in smaller communities to quickly diagnose stroke victims. It would allow neurologists in Edmonton to treat patients through telehealth prior to transporting them. Because of this milestone, Pat was invited to the World Stoke Convention in Sweden to speak with neurologists from all parts of the globe. In 2009, Pat received the Premiere’s Award of Excellence for the work completed regarding stroke strategies. In the early years, when Pat had free time, he and Doug were known to head for a two day “haircut run”, which could have been anywhere in Alberta. Pat loved to ride both horses and motorcycles. Special memories were made in the west country with close friends… and horses. He and Shirley were/are members of 3CAV (Canadian Army Veteran’s Motorcycle Unit) in Red Deer where money is raised to improve the lives of veterans. It is a “family” that you could call on at any hour and you knew they would be right there for you. A lot of time was spent boating on the Colorado River with Judy and Garry, Campbell River with Doug and Mike, and on Gull Lake with Deb and Paul. Countless hours passed, having healthy debates with Gerald regarding current affairs and life in general, and it was quite interesting to witness. Pat always enjoyed the serenity of being in the country and that is where he felt “at home”. There was nothing like big Crumley Family Reunions, where racks of ribs could be found simmering on the BBQ and hours spent laughing and visiting. Pat was a quiet and gentle man, with a massive heart and would do anything for anyone. Pat’s life had not been easy for some time, with some health issues affecting him. Family was everything to Pat and you could not find a more genuine friend. Pat will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife of forty-two years, Shirley Keast-Crumley, his sons, Christopher (Virginia), Sean and Russell (Sophia), his daughter, Kim Juneau, his grandson, Patrick, his, granddaughters, Chloe, Sienna, Gracie, Rebecca, and Alexe and his great granddaughter, Olivia. Pat will also be sadly missed by his sister-in-law, Judy (Garry) Raabis, his sister, Alana (Andy), his brothers, John (Ann), Kerry (Cynthia), and James, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pat was predeceased by his parents, Alan and Philomena Crumley and his brother, Mike. A Celebration of Pat’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 104, 1, 5108 – 49 Avenue, Innisfail, Alberta on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Pat’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Lung Association at www.lung.ca. Pat’s family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to the Emergency Staff, Emergency Department physicians and Internal Medicine physician who cared for Pat. Your sincere kindness, empathy, and care for not only Pat, but for his family will always be remembered. Pat’s family would also like to extend thanks to Judy and Garry for being by Shirley’s side from the beginning, and to Pat’s boys who were “rocks” for their mom; their dad would be very proud. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

 

• Date : 2023-09-27
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com