We mourn the passing of Brother Hugh Critchley
January 19, 2015

It is with sadness that I pass on the news of the passing of Brother Hugh Critchley yesterday morning in Edmonton. Brother Critchley was the Regional Representative of our former Union (pre-CAW), the Canadian Brotherhood of Railway, Transport and General Workers Union (CBRT&GW), servicing CN and VIA Rail members in the province of Alberta. He retired in 1994, a short time after the merger of the CBRT&GW and CAW. Prior to working full time for the Union, Brother Critchley was employed with CN and worked under Agreement 5.1.

Brother Critchley was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given a short time - 3 to 6 months - but passed within weeks.

Hugh was highly respected by everyone who knew him. He remained active after his retirement, assisting the former CN Locals in Edmonton, Locals 4031 and 4079 - now Local 4001 - and Local 4050. He regularly attended Local meetings and was always there to provide his experience and give guidance. He served as the Financial Secretary of Local 4050 in the mid-2000's and on the executive of the CN Pensioners Association, Edmonton: CN RailVets (E3).

Hugh Critchley

Brother Critchley attended our last National Council 4000 Covention held at the Westin Edmonton Hotel October 1 to 3, 2013.

I will always remember, fondly, the many breakfasts and lunches I have shared with Brother Critchley over the years, sadly not as many in recent years. And the ocassional beer we would have with the executive of Local 4031 after our monthly executive meetings at the old Howard Johnson Hotel (now Holiday Inn) in downtown Edmonton. Hugh would always grab a napkin or piece of paper and take notes when we talked, and I always chuckled to myself wondering where those notes ended up after he stuffed them in his shirt or pant pocket.

Hugh will be missed by his many friends, acquaintances and of course his family. 

My condolences to Hugh's wife Kay and their family in their loss. 

Regards, and In Solidarity,

Barry Kennedy
President, Unifor National Council 4000

Update: Obituary and Funeral Arrangements

Brother Critchley's funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. MST on Saturday January 24, 2015 at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church at 11111 - 57 Avenue in Edmonton, Alberta. Internment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery.

Read the obituary

CNR Edmonton Pensioners Association - 2014 Executive