PORT HOPE - The legacy of Emmett Martin Creighton holds a special place in the hearts of Port Hope residents, says the Northumberland Navy League president.

On Tuesday, April 22, the former Port Hope Citizen of the Year and long-time Port Hope resident passed away at Peterborough Regional Hospital at the age of 88. As former commanding officer of the Skeena Sea Cadets and an active member of the Northumberland Navy League, Mr. Creighton was already a hero and legend to the many young people who served under his leadership, says Northumberland Navy League president Tony German.

"His long-time support and leadership to the sea cadets began after he returned from war time service back in 1946," says Mr. German. "He served as commanding officer three times over the years and was instrumental in moving the corps to its current home in the Skeena building. He will be greatly missed."

Mr. Creighton was born in Sillery, Que., raised in Peterborough and made Port Hope his home for the past 65 years. He was a Canada Customs and Excise Officer until his retirement in 1979.

In addition to his association with Skeena and the Navy League, Mr. Creighton was an accomplished athlete and was active in scouting, basketball, hockey, rugby, football as well as a Mann Cup Champion lacrosse player and a member of the Referees Association.

He was also an energetic, active volunteer throughout the community - his firm hand and devotion to the community he called home was diverse and wide-reaching, noted Mr. German. Over the years, Mr. Creighton served as a trustee on both the Durham County District and Northumberland/Newcastle School boards. He also volunteered his time to a vast array of associations and organizations including the Northumberland Housing Authority; the Terry Fox Youth Centre Program; the Port Hope Harbour Commission; the Port Hope Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation; the Low-Level Radium Waste Management Community Liaison Group; the Waterfront Study Committee; the Federal Superannuates National Association and the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Creighton was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Alice (Doney) and siblings Vi McDougal, Red Creighton, Marg Hutchinson, Millie Perks and Jerry Creighton. He is survived by sister Anne Widdis and children Michael Creighton (Helen), Fall River, N.S.; Susan Hallam (William) Ottawa; Robert Creighton (Gillian), Lynden; Catherine Creighton, Hamilton; Christopher Creighton, (Susan), Schomberg, as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Services were held Saturday at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Port Hope. If desired, donations may be made to the Children's Wish Foundation.