March 17, 1923 - December 31, 2022
In loving memory ~
On the last day of 2022, Dad closed his eyes and joined his parents, Ruby Kitchin and Charles MacKay; brothers Lewis, Charles, John, and Gordon; twin sisters Eileen and Ethel, Doris and Margaret.
Dad was born in Moncton, NB on March 17th, 1923. In 1940, he left Moncton with his best friend, Eugene and hitch-hiked to Toronto to join the RCAF and WWII. He and Eugene attended the Galt Aircraft School in Cambridge, Ontario. Upon completion, he was transferred to St. John's, Newfoundland and Eugene went with the British Ferry Command. The following year, Eugene was lost at sea and Dad survived the Knights of Columbus fire in St. John's where over 100 military and civilians lost their lives.
While recovering from severe burns, Dad returned to Toronto and reunited with his soon-to-be wife, Solange (2011). They had three children and travel became a huge part of their family's lives with transfers to Summerside, PEI, Clinton, Ont, Portage la Prairie, Man, Bagotville, Que, Marville, France, Comox B.C., Zweibrucken, Germany and TD in England and Sardinia, Italy.
After his CAF retirement, Dad and Mom spent 5 wonderful years working and living in Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. They returned to Comox and opened a successful ladies' clothing boutique on Comox Ave. and spent 20-plus years wintering in Palm Springs.
Dad was an avid bridge player and managed to play into his mid 90's. He gave up driving the same year he stopped playing bridge. His age was finally catching up with him.
Upon his passing, Dad left behind his three children, twins Karen (Serge) Oceanside, Ken (Pam) London, Ont. and Janis (Bill) Comox. 9 grandchildren and 11 great grand-children.
There are so many people to thank for helping me out the last couple of years of his life. The Oceanside paramedics for their often called-on help; his neighbours Barry and Dwayne; his main caregivers Millie and Brittany for helping him to continue living in his beloved home; and when he was no longer able to stay in his home, The Broadmead Veterans Lodge in Victoria. Their excellent care and support were so very appreciated.
"The final chapter has ended"
RIP