Elton BOCKUS

Elton Crandall Bockus, who was born on September 11, 1929, in Farnham, Quebec, peacefully passed away at the age of 94 on October 30, 2023, in Stratford, Ontario, surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his wife, Mary Camilla Bockus (formerly Dawson), Elton, known affectionately as Cran, was a devoted family man. He is also survived by his daughters Nancy Brayton (Fred), Jennifer Brown (Chris), and Carrie, as well as his grandchildren Rebecca, Emily (Alex), Jordan (Cass), Daniel (Sam), and Curtis, and his great-grandchildren Remington, Montgomery, and Evelyn. Cran’s sister, Linda Jill Aiken, and his brother-in-law, Brian MacFarland, also mourn his loss. Elton Crandall Bockus was the son of Elton Bockus and Carrie Bockus (nee Crandall), and he was predeceased by his sister Beverley Peak and his brother Reverend Canon Ian Bockus.

Cran was a dedicated educator throughout his life, having earned a degree from Bishop’s University in Lennoxville, Quebec. He taught history and English at various high schools in Quebec, including Noranda, Hudson, and Beaconsfield. Later on, he transitioned to teaching teachers about the art of teaching at MacDonald College. Cran’s passion for imparting knowledge led him to become a professor and the Dean of Students at McGill University’s Faculty of Education. He deeply enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge on a wide range of subjects, particularly the fields of history, theater, music, travel, and gardening. After retiring, Cran and his wife Mary successfully operated a bed and breakfast in Stratford for nearly three decades. Additionally, he dedicated his time to building schools in Guatemala and played a pivotal role in establishing the Stratford Perth Museum. Cran was not only a sincere fan of the Montreal Canadiens but was also known for his quick wit and kind heart. He enjoyed engaging his grandchildren in discussions about the War of 1812 and embarking on adventures to search for trolls.

A celebration of Elton Crandall Bockus’s life will take place on November 4, 2023, at St. James Anglican Church in Stratford, with visitation commencing at 9:30 a.m. and the service following at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer Society of Huron-Perth or the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Further details can be found at the website of the W. G. Young Funeral Home at http://www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com.