Obituary of Earl Stewart Cuddie
It is with great sadness that the family of Earl Cuddie announces his peaceful passing at his home in Port Perry on Friday, January 27, 2023. Earl was born in Ottawa on July 16, 1940. He was the loving husband and best friend of Jean for 36 years. He is also survived by his grandson Zakari, sisters Marilynn (John Van Bridger), Gail (Berk Parker), brother Ron Cuddie (Carol) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Stewart Cuddie and Veronica Tapp.
Earl had in early years studied for the priesthood in a seminary in Kitchener, but left that training to eventually pursue a career in municipal administration. He worked in Kitchener, Mississauga, Whitby and Lakefield before accepting a job as Clerk-Administrator of the Township of Scugog, a position he held from 1979 until his retirement in 2003. During his career, Earl worked in the administrations of numerous mayors (including four in Scugog) and for many councils, by whom he was respected and admired for the skill and ability that he brought to any task. More than anything else, Earl always maintained that it was the ratepayers who were his true bosses and he was known for going the extra mile to help any ratepayer with municipal issues. Earl was always active in his community, volunteering for the Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations. Earl was named the citizen of the year in Lakefield in 1980 for his contributions to that community. He was also a fifty-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, forty-four years in Port Perry.
In his youth, Earl was quite an athlete, having excelled as a hockey goalie, playing in international competition. His personal hobbies included extensive travelling with Jean and doing anything in the outdoors, particularly snowmobiling and fishing. He once circumnavigated Lake Superior by snowmobile with a group of his sledding friends. He was one of the founders of the Fubar Fishing Club that began in 1968 and continues to this day. Earl always had a great love for people and was loved back in turn. He will be missed by his extended family, dear friends and neighbours.
A special thank you to Dr. Curtis Hadden for his kindness and compassion and Earl’s home care team. A celebration of Earl’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 419, 484 Bay Street, Port Perry on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:30. Private arrangements will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Earl’s memory to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation at https://www.pphfoundation.ca/