Augustine Louis "Lou" Cripps

AUGUSTINE LOUIS CRIPPS

April 2, 1939 – April 19, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Augustine Louis “Lou” Cripps on April 19, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born on April 2, 1939, Lou was the beloved son of the late Matthew Cripps and Marie-Reine McMahon. 

In 1958, he proudly joined the Canadian Armed Forces, dedicating over three decades of service to his country before retiring in 1992.

Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Joan Hayward, on October 8, 1960. Together, they built a life rich in love, adventure, and family, travelling across Canada and throughout Europe. Their journey together created a lifetime of cherished memories for their three children. Lou and Joan shared a deep bond until her passing on October 20, 2003.  Later in life, Lou was fortunate to find love again with Elizabeth “Betty” Astle. Together, they enjoyed 18 wonderful years filled with travel, happiness, companionship and love.  

Lou was a man who truly loved life. His faith in God guided him, and his family was always at the center of his world.  

After his retirement, Lou returned to his hometown of Chatham, New Brunswick, where he spent many meaningful years surrounded by family and community.

Lou’s legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew him.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; his daughters, Cindy Gillis, Heather Gallant (Rod), and Ashlee Cook (Harold); and his stepchildren, Stephanie Mutch (Rob), Michelle Fry (Perry), and Danielle Wylie (Mike).  He was a proud grandfather to Alyssa Gallant, Hayley Gallant (Sean Barr), Dayna Gillis, Halle Cook, and Sydney Cook, as well as step-grandchildren Tannor and Tory Allison, Jack Fry, Gabriel, and Uriah Wylie.  Lou is also survived by his sister, Priscilla, and brother-in-law, Bill Leet, as well as many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Lou was predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Joan Hayward Cripps; his brothers, Allen (late Anita), Bernie, Benny (late Arlene), and Raymond (late Joan); and his sisters, Aileen, Louise (late Chris), and Bernice and his little dog, Casey.   

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Michael’s Basilica, 10 Howard Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with the Reverend Father Antonio Reyes and the Reverend Father John Fraser as celebrants.  Music for the service was provided by Mr. David Bunnell and St. Michael's Choir .  The hymns were "Here I Am, Lord", "The Lord Is My Shepherd", "Peace Is Flowing Like a River", "Songs of the Angels" and "Into Your Hands".  Special music included "Amazing Grace", sung by Halle Cook, and "I'm Going Home", sung by Mike Wylie. 

The eulogy was presented by Heather Gallant and Danielle Wylie.  The scripture readings were read by Alyssa Gallant and Jack Fry, and the Prayers of the Faithful were proclaimed by Shirley Anne Hannah. 

Honorary pallbearers were John Cripps, Mark Cripps, Matthew Cripps, David Cripps, Perry Fry, and Bart Hannah.  Active pallbearers were Alyssa Gallant, Hayley Gallant, Dayna Gillis, Halle Cook, Sydney Cook, and Tory Allison.  A reception for all followed in the parish hall.  Interment will be held in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Miramichi, New Brunswick, at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mount St. Joseph or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King Street, Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1N 2N9, telephone (506) 773-3492.  Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.adamsfh.ca

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