Michael Craven

Mr. Michael Craven of Grande Cache, Alberta, beloved husband of Jacqueline Craven, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday April 1, 2024, at the age of 84.  Michael was born in Warmsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, on June 22, 1939, the first child of 5 children, son of Vincent and Helen Craven.  Michael met the love of his life, his future wife, working at The Glass Bulb factory in Harworth, South Yorkshire, at the young, tender age of 17 and she 15. They married in Bircotes on August 20, 1960. They were both deeply in love and devoted to each other for the rest of their lives. In 1972 they made the life changing decision to move to Canada with their children, to Grande Cache, Alberta. Michael and Jacqueline made many friends and some lifelong friends, considered as family. Michael and Jacqueline were a part of the original group that formed the Grande Cache Otters Swim Club. This Swim Club is still going strong 50 years later as a winter club. Michael considered this to be quite the accomplishment.  Michael’s work took the family many places in Alberta.  Later on, he worked in Tumbler Ridge and Merritt BC, returning to Grande Cache to retire. Michael and Jacqueline eventually moved to the Whispering Pines Seniors Lodge in Grande Cache, where they met many friends and enjoyed the company of wonderful staff and nurses.

 Michaels enjoyed golf, gardening, darts and listened to a variety of music. Michael’s knowledge of English and Irish History was outstanding, books on these subjects were always a hit! He loved history any kind. Michael was truly a man of Two-Nations.  He also loved adventures and travel. Michael cherished his family the most. He looked forward to visits from his 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  He always showed them unconditional love and kindness. Michael will be dearly missed as a loving and caring Father, Poppa and Friend to all.

Michael is survived by his daughters Julie Heaton (Gerald) and Michelle Scott (Jim); five grandchildren: Robin Scott, Sheldon Heaton(Caitlin), Nicole Dakin (Dallas),  Leslie Scott (Becca) and Mallory Smith (Larry); eight great-grandchildren: Helayna and  Jack,  Abby and Zoey, Blair and Brynn, Oliver and Charlie, as well as brothers and sisters Terry Craven, Helen Kelman, Derek Craven of South Yorkshire, England, and Doreen Shepherd of Germany. Michael is predeceased by his wife Jacqueline; mother Helen and father Vincent Craven and son- in-law James Darrell McDonald.

 In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or England.

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