Robert "Tracy" Cross

Robert “Tracy” Cross passed away peacefully in the Maple Creek Hospital at the age of 100 on February 26, 2024.

Tracy was born in Yorkton on December 5, 1923, son of George & Tina (Winberg) Cross of Crescent Lake, south of Yorkton, SK.  He spent his early years in the Yorkton district and attended Reaman School.

He enlisted in the RCAF in 1942 and took his training as an aircraft engine mechanic in Moose Jaw, SK, Lachine, Que., and St. Thomas, Ont.  Following this he was posted to #11 SFTS Yorkton in 1943 and posted overseas in 1944. Serving in England, Holland and Germany, he was honourably discharged in 1946. 

Following his discharge, he ran a service station just west of Yorkton and from there he travelled to Peachland, B.C. where he worked in a lumber mill.  While there he met his future wife. 

In 1951 he returned to Yorkton and was employed at International Harvester Co. When the IHC warehouse closed in 1958, he worked as parts manager for Mickelson’s Truck and Implements and continued working for IHC dealers until he retired from Case-IH in 1989.

On July 10, 1952, he married Eve Rees in Armstrong, B.C. and they made their home just west of Yorkton.  They were blessed with a son, Larry in 1956, and a daughter, Barbara in 1961.

Tracy liked gardening and considered it his “golfing”.  The family also operated a small greenhouse and market garden which Tracy worked at in his spare time.  He also enjoyed woodwork, reading, and did a lot of volunteer work, helping others when he could.

He was honoured as Yorkton Legionnaire of the Year in 1988, and was presented a Legion Life Membership in 2001.  He was a past member of the Thresherman’s Club, COPP, and was on the St. Magnus School Board.

After Eve’s passing, Tracy moved to Maple Creek to be closer to his daughter.  He was the very first resident to move into Cypress Lodge, and almost considered himself part of the staff.  Many hours were spent watering and weeding the flowers, raking leaves in the fall, and shovelling snow in the winter.  He liked to feel useful, and was frustrated when he was no longer able to do these things. He always told Barb it was his home, and he liked it to look nice.  While in Maple Creek, he enjoyed visiting with anyone who came along, reading, jigsaw puzzles, cribbage games (especially with Donna) and Roughrider football.  Tracy was a humble man, and very honored to be presented with the Maple Creek Citizen of the Year Award in 2022, as well as having the backyard named in his honor in 2023.

Tracy was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 62 years, Eve, in 2015, his siblings George, Enid, Evelyn and their spouses, and Frank in infancy.  He is survived by his son, Larry (Vicki), granddaughters Alexandra (Daniel), Geneviève (Christian), and Sarah (Mike).  Daughter Barbara, grandsons Derek (Lin) and Corey.  Great grandchildren Jayden, Annabella, Theodore, and Étienne. One sister-in-law Reta Rees, many nieces, nephews and their families.

There will be Come and Go Tea at the Cypress Lodge Maple Creek from 2-4 pm Friday March 8, 2024 to celebrate Tracy’s life. There will be an interment in the spring in Yorkton, SK. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cypress Lodge Activity Fund, or to the Royal Canadian Legion, Yorkton or Maple Creek Branch.

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