1947
15 Dec: Ship Name:Aquitania Port of Departure: Southampton, England Destination Port:Halifax, Canada
UK, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-196
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1954
23 Jul: Ship Name:Atlantic Port of Departure:Quebec, Canada Port of Arrival:Southampton, England
UK, Incoming Passenger Lists, 1878-1960
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1954
17 Sep: Ship Name:Atlantic Port of Departure:Southampton, England Destination Port:Quebec, Canada
UK, Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960
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2008
Raised in the Garden of England, John credited his early life for his abiding interest in plants. He tended one garden or another from the age of 7 and was tilling fields at 10. Family lore has it that he climbed a church wall to filch a young laburnum seedling to take home. His Mum planted it in the front yard, where it flourished until last year. The eldest of seven siblings, John worked for the village butcher at 14, then later at the post office. At 18 he joined the Royal Air Force, and by 1937 was posted in the Middle East. In 1941, John volunteered for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. This took him to Swift Current, Sask., and Fort Macleod, Alta., where he helped set up pilot training schools. In August, 1942, he transferred to Debert, N.S. At a squadron dance he met Ethel, his beloved wife. They married in 1943, and the next year John was posted home, with Ethel following. On Dec. 20, 1947, John and Ethel returned to Canada. He wholeheartedly adopted the country as his home. They raised their daughter and son here while remaining in close contact with John's family in England and Australia. In Pictou County, N.S., John worked at service stations and gained a reputation for being knowledgeable, friendly and efficient. At home he enjoyed time with family, fixing radios, doing carpentry projects and caring for his many plants. He brought attention to detail and inventiveness to all he did. In his garden it was common to see rows of retired Nova Scotia licence plates, two per tomato plant in a V shape, serving as shelters from late frost. He was active in the horticultural society, holding office, winning blue ribbons and sharing his expertise. In retirement he added camping and playing the organ to his enthusiasms. John's patience and optimism were taxed by declining mobility and confusion in his last few years. Occasionally despondent over "being a bother," he grew quieter but rarely did his thoughtfulness or diplomacy leave him. If he was disappointed at not having grandchildren he didn't complain; he welcomed those of a dear friend as his own. On his last day, despite laboured breathing and failing strength, John reached out an index finger for 16-month-old Mason to hold while Cassia, 5, looked on. After, he inquired if we were leaving, though it was early. "You'd like us to go Dad?" "I think so." We tucked the covers around his shoulders. "I'll bid you good night then," he said. We bid you good night, dear Dad. Anne L. Walsh is John's daughter and George Allanson is his son
Obituary
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2012
Death of wife Ethel M
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