|
John G. Palmer
Green Hill, Pictou Co., in his 90th year, passed away
peacefully, surrounded by his family, after a short illness, on
May 17, 2008, in Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. Born in
Westville, he was the son of the late John Andrew and Margaret (MacMillan)
Palmer.Proud and honourable, he first joined the Pictou
Academy Cadet Corps and later the Pictou Highlanders at the age
of 20 and served in the Second World War in the shore artillery
in Newfoundland and later as a foot soldier during the
liberation of Holland.
During peacetime he worked on the Mackenzie River, at Hawker
Siddley, Shaw Bricks, and returned to the military in 1953
joining the air force and served for 15 years. In the mid
fifties he was one of Canada's atomic soldiers and was present
in Nevada during the "Plum Bob" nuclear test explosions in slip
trenches only one mile from ground zero.
Upon retirement he worked at MacGregor's Wholesalers, Air
Force Club. He was an avid gardener and many would remember him
selling his beloved plants at the flea market on Sunday morning
at the Highland Square Mall. He was an active supporter of the
Pictou West Food Bank and The Salvation Army at Christmas. He
was known only as Mr. X.
John was a member of the following Masonic groups: Honorary
Past Master of Western Star Lodge No. 50 in Westville; Past High
Priest of St. John's Chapter No. 8 Royal Arch Masons in Pictou;
Past Grand Captain of the Host of the Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masters of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; Past
Preceptor of Malta Preceptory No. 27 in New Glasgow; Past Thrice
Illustrious Master of Orient Council No. 5 Royal and Select
Masters in New Glasgow; Past Sovereign of Royal William Conclave
No. 32 in New Glasgow; Past Worshipful Commander Noah of
Cobequid Lodge of Royal Arch Mariners, New Glasgow; York Rite
Sovereign College of North America in Truro, and Philae Temple
Shriners of Halifax.
Known to most of his family as "Grandfather", he will be
dearly missed by Diana (Gordon Spurvey), Hugh (Anne), Beverly (Verdon
Locke), Deborah and Dawn "Annie" (Paddy Westhaver); nine
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sister Vivian
(Frank Brown); many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by
his devoted wife of 58 years, Theresa "Tess" MacMillan; sisters,
Anna (Tom Rundle); Donna Michel; nephew, Johnny Rundle, and
special aunt and uncle, Hugh and Christine Cuff, who raised him
from a child after the death of his father.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in
Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. The Overseas War Veteran's
Association will hold a service Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. with a
Western Star Lodge service at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. His
funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Eagles
Funeral Chapel, Westville, with Rev. Barb Fotheringham
officiating. Cremation to follow and private burial will be in
Auburn Cemetery at a later date.
No flowers by request. Donations may be made to the Pictou
West Food Bank and The Salvation Army. Words of comfort may be
forwarded to the family at: [email protected] |