Obituary of Arthur Draper

March 21, 1922 - April 15, 2008

It is with sadness we announce the sudden passing of Art Draper at Calgary Foothills Hospital.

Art is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elizabeth, son; Donald (Catherine) of San Jose, California; daughter Jane Anne Dunning (John) of Richmond, British Columbia and six grandchildren: Michael Dunning (Karen Doan), Shannon Dunning (Mike Ayotte), Christopher Draper, Mathew Draper, Jeffery Draper and Nicholas Draper.

Art was predeceased by his son Charles William (Billy) in 1974.

Born in Cranbrook on March 21, 1922 to Lillian and Charles Draper, pioneers of Cranbrook, Art attended Cranbrook high school where he played hockey. Upon graduating from high school, he enrolled in business college. In 1941, he enlisted in the RCAF as a wireless operator serving in Alaska and several sites in Canada. On July 12, 1943, Art married the love of his life Elizabeth Hannah Williams born in Kimberley, British Columbia. After the war, Art and Elizabeth returned to Cranbrook where he joined the family dealership, Pioneer Motors selling General Motors cars and trucks until 1976. After selling the dealership he opened Pioneer Leasing and operated it until 1985. Art was a champion of Community Service serving as a trustee and later Chairman of the School Board for 12 years followed by 12 years on the City Council and 3 years on the Regional District Council. From 1975 to 1994, he served on the Board of Directors of Crestbrook Forest Industries.Proud to be a Mason, Art was 60 years in the Masonic Lodge, 35 years as a member in the Royal Arch Masons and the Shrine, including over 30 years in the Shrine Band.For most of his life, Art was a faithful member of Christ Church Anglican which is across the street from the house in which he was born.

Art and Elizabeth have many wonderful family memories with son Don and daughter Jane Anne at Wasa Lake, and later their families, at camping outings in Oregon and Washington States and the campsite at Moyie Lake. Cruises and International trips also highlighted their golden years.

A public visitation will be held Friday, April 18th, 2008 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the McPherson Funeral Chapel.

A Celebration gathering of Art's life will be held at Christ Chruch Anglican on Saturday, April 19th, 2008 at 2:00 pm with a private graveside service following the Celebration of Art's life, which will be followed by a reception at Centennial Hall at Christ Church Anglican.

In memory of Art, donations can be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children at: 3350 Wayburn Drive Burnaby, BC V5G 3K9

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.Condolences for the family may be offered atwww.mcphersonfh.com.