CANADA, Neal Carwin

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, December 29, 2013 - Neal Carwin Canada was born to Edward and Irma Canada of Marked Tree, Ark., Sept. 29, 1935. Neal always expressed how much he loved growing up in Arkansas; however, he left right after graduating from Marked Tree High School in 1953, eventually ending up in Flint, Mich., where he met the love of his life, his wife Gertie. Neal and Gertie had two children, Donna, born in 1956 and Joseph, born in 1962. Shortly after retiring from General Motors, Neal and Gertie decided to join their daughter in Lake Havasu City. They built a house and moved in 2003 and were looking forward to living out their life in sunshine and wanted to do some traveling, but Gertie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s shortly after their arrival. Neal became a full-time caretaker for his wife and it was a difficult task, however the couple was able to enjoy going to the Lake Havasu City Senior Center until Gertie’s death in 2009. After Gertie’s death, Neal was able to find comfort and good times with the friends that he had made at the Senior Center and was a member until his death. He passed away at home in Lake Havasu City, Dec. 13, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. The last few years of his life were very difficult and he was in poor health, but he faced each day with bravery and good humor, nobody could tell a joke like him. Neal will be deeply missed by many but especially by his family who will always cherish their memories of him. Neal is survived by his daughter, Donna Durenberger; brother, Donald Canada; sisters, Janice O’neal and Judy Heuer and many nieces and nephews. Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Gertie; his son, Joseph and his brothers, Dr. Daniel Canada, Barney Canada and sister, Lillian Dodson. Special services will take place in Michigan at a later date. Thoughts and condolences can be sent directly to Neal’s family or through www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.