Reverend Hugh MacMillan Creaser

CREASER, Reverend Hugh MacMillan…
Peacefully at Westmount One, Montreal, Quebec, on Tuesday, May 17, 2011, Reverend Hugh MacMillan Creaser, formerly of London, in his 94th year. Beloved husband of Alice C. (Lethbridge) Creaser. Loving father of Robert Creaser of St. Thomas, Janet Creaser Hutchins and her husband Tim of Westmount QC, and Evelyn Creaser- Rumley and her partner Doug Balfour of Vancouver BC. Proud grandfather of Will Hutchins and Julia Rumley. Cherished brother of Ruth Cook of Lunenburg/Bedford NS. Also missed by his niece Ann and nephews Anthony and Jay. Dear father-in-law of Harry Rumley. Predeceased by his son Hugh David Creaser and his brother Robert W. Creaser.
Born in Five Houses, in Lower LaHave NS, Hugh grew up in this idyllic seaside spot, where, as a child, he wandered with his sister Ruth and brother Bob up over the blackberry hills by the shoreline, rowed a dory before he rode a bike, sailed with his sail making father in the waters off Dublin Shore, and skated and jumped ice cakes on the frozen LaHave River. He attended a one room school until grade 8, continuing at Riverport High School, and completed grade 12 by correspondence, graduating as the highest provincial scholar.
Part of a musical family, gifted as a classical pianist and organist, and also having the ability to play by ear, he entertained at the playhouse in Riverport, worked as a Sunday School pianist and substitute organist at Rose Bay, and played as organist at Acadia Chapel, Wolfville and Knox College, Toronto.
Called to the ministry after graduation in Honours Greek and English from Acadia University in 1938 (where he was nominated to be a Rhodes Scholar), he earned a Theology Degree in 1941 from Knox College, University of Toronto.
Ordained as a Presbyterian Minister in Tyne Valley PEI, Hugh ministered with great dedication in Durham NS, St. Andrew’s Church Ottawa, Greenoch Church St. Andrew’s NB, First Church New Glasgow NS (his “golden years”, where he raised his family), Trinity Church Amherstview ON, Alma Street Church St. Thomas ON, and finally Duart ON.
Upon retirement in 1984 he settled in London ON, and remained very active in his church life, as a member of Westmount Presbyterian Church, as an enthusiastic tenor in the church choir, (and in the Aylmer Concert Singers) and as a guest preacher until his 80s. He was an eager volunteer in hospitals, music festivals, and school literacy programs. As a dedicated Kiwanian, he acted as Middlesex London Kiwanis Club pianist for 20 years. He also served as President and Chaplain of Kiwanian Club. He was chosen “Senior Star” at the Riverside Retirement Residence his home in 2009-2010, a proud moment for him. He was a regular attendee of concerts and Stratford Festival Performances until he moved with his wife in 2010 to Montreal.
As a “man of words” he loved poetry, literature and plays, and could quote extensively from memory.
As a “man of music” he played passionately and listened to and rejoiced in the music of the great composers. He lovingly nurtured his family in their own musical and personal growth.
As a “man of the spirit” he loved the beauty of Nature and of people. With boundless energy and the strength of his religious conviction, he gave his time and concern to countless people throughout his congregations and elsewhere.
A testament to his strength and one of his happiest moments was his recent road trip in March to Nova Scotia where he celebrated the 100th birthday of his dear sister Ruth.
Hugh will be remembered and sorely missed by his loving family and many friends across Canada for his warmth and vitality, his wit and intellect, his kindness and sensitivity, his ability to talk with conviction about many subjects, and his passion for life.
Friends will be received by the family from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at 1pm, at Westmount Presbyterian Church, 521 Village Green Avenue (at Wonderland Road South) , with Reverend Michael Stol officiating. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Westmount Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 521 Village Green Avenue, London ON N6K 1G3 or Middlesex Kiwanis Bequest and Endowment Fund, 78 Riverside Drive, London ON N6H 1B4. Online condolences accepted at www.amgfh.com