CROSSMAN, Malcolm Allan Crossman

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mac Crossman announces the passing of our cherished patriarch on March 5, 2026, in his 88th year. He fought valiantly and was surrounded by family at Hospice Peterborough in his final days.

Mac leaves behind many who will mourn him deeply – family, friends, and friends who became family. He will be forever missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Vivian McGee; his children, Mac Crossman Jr. and Brent Spencer, Michael and Trish Crossman, and Daina Crossman; and his treasured grandchildren, Mitchel Crossman, Holly Crossman, Amanda Farrow, (Dalton Shearer). His grand “fur babies” – Henry, Honey Newton, and Boss – will also miss their Grandpa dearly.

Mac was born on September 7, 1938, in Chipman, New Brunswick. At 16, he moved to Peterborough, where three of his brothers were already living. From a young age, Mac had a strong work ethic. He often held multiple jobs at once – pumping gas, painting propane tanks, and at 17 proudly worked as a “Joe Boy,” as he liked to say, for Jim Burgess at City Hall.

His lifelong career with the City of Peterborough began in 1955, conducting sewer inspections and surveys. Through dedication and hard work, he rose to become Manager of the Public Works Department. After 38 years of public service, Mac retired in 1993 at the age of 55.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. Never one to sit idle, he joined his children in the family business, Peterborough Sanitation. In his words, he became his kids’ “Joe Boy”, painting and delivering garbage bins and snowplowing with pride.

Mac was also a proud Mason with the Royal Arthur Lodge in Peterborough.

At 65, Mac survived a life-threatening stroke, marking the beginning of his journey with dementia. On February 26, 2026, we learned he had terminal cancer. Through it all, he faced each challenge with strength and determination.

Mac met the love of his life, Vivian, in March 1963 while they were both working at City Hall. They were engaged in June and married on October 19 of that same year, beginning a partnership built on love, loyalty, and laughter that spanned more than six decades.

He was a devoted family man who made sure his children had every opportunity, whether in sports, music, education, or work. His greatest joy was being “Papa” to Mitchel and Holly and little “Poppy” to Amanda.

Mac was generous with his time and unwavering in his support of relatives, friends, and neighbors. He loved gathering people together, hosting pool parties, corn roasts, and New Year’s Eve celebrations that created lasting memories for all who attended.

The youngest of eight children, Mac grieved many loved ones throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Catherine Crossman; his brothers George, Arthur, Edward, Roscoe, Joseph, and James; his sister Mary; his in-laws Milford and Audrey; and brothers-in-law Cliff Endicott and Roger McGee. He is survived by his sister-in-law Yvonne Endicott; brothers-in-law Laverne and Elaine McGee, Wilson and Dawn McGee; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Laura McMillan-Jones, Dr. John Beamish, the nurses in the Palliative Care Unit at PRHC, the nurses, PSWs, and volunteers at Hospice Peterborough, especially nurse Lisa Cummings, and our PSWs Jennifer Miller and Julie Griffin, who became part of our family. Thank you as well to the relatives and friends who called, visited, and took Mac for drives; to his weekly Thursday lunch gang and monthly Wednesday lunch crew; to the waitresses at Swiss Chalet, Boston Pizza, Marty Moo’s, and Wild Wing; to the staff at our “second home,” Smitty’s, for three years of daily smiles and breakfasts; and to Brian Horton, his best buddy until the end.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at HIGHLAND PARK FUNERAL CENTRE, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. in the HIGHLAND CHAPEL. Reception to follow.