JOHN RICHARD NIXON

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JOHN RICHARD NIXON 1923 - 2003 Tragically, as a result of a traffic accident on Sunday, February 9, 2003, John passed away at the age of 79 years. John is survived by his lifelong partner, best friend and loving wife Clare (nee Boyd) his devoted son Daniel; his loving daughter-in-law Millie; his precious grandchildren, Dana Lynne and Daniel John. Also surviving John are his sisters, Dorothy Kinnear, Lilian (George) Sinclair and Ivy (Jack) Hewitson of Montreal. John also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Dora McIlwaine, Margaret (Harry) Alborn; brothers-in-law, Danny (Sadie) Boyd and Alfie (Sally) Boyd and numerous nieces and nephews in Belfast, Northern Ireland. John was predeceased by his parents, Ellen and John and his father and mother-in-law Daniel and Rachel both of Belfast, Northern Ireland. John was employed for 44 years with Canadian Pacific Rail. During his career, he rose from office boy to machinist to head of the millwright department. John loved his work and made many lifelong friends. From 1941 to 1945 John served in the Royal Canadian Navy. His navel experience included serving as a diver on the west coast of Canada, escorting convoys on the north Atlantic run and serving on the HMS Belfast at Normandy on D-day. While serving on the HMS Belfast, he was involved in the hunting and sinking of the German Warships Scharnhorst and Tirpitz. It was during Johns tour of duty he met the love of his life Clare Boyd while stationed in Belfast, N.I. They married on October 1, 1945 and began a truly wonderful life together. Upon his return to Winnipeg, with his new bride, John returned to his job with CP Rail, however due to his love for the navy, he remained a member of the naval reserve, HMCS Chippawa, for many years retiring as a chief petty officer. Service of remembrance will be held on Friday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Highway No. 1 East at Green Acres Lane. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Johns name to the Salvation Army or to a charity of ones choice. Above all else Johns most precious possession in life was his family. To know John was to truly love him and the lives of all who knew him have been blessed. "Papa you will be in our hearts forever - gone but not forgotten." GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2003