Obituary of John Britton

Britton, John Ernest Clements - 89, of Annapolis Royal. With sadness, the family of John ("Jack") Britton, husband of Dorothy, announces his peaceful departure from this life on March 16, 2011, at his home. Born in Doaktown, NB, on May 3, 1921, the son of the late Rev. Canon Reginald and Mrs. Ada (Clements) Britton, he grew up in Welsford, NB, later graduating from Rothsay Collegiate School in 1940. "Jack" joined the Canadian Navy (RCNVR) for the Second World War in 1940 as a volunteer, later also volunteering to serve on a Landing Craft (LCI (L)) for the D-day invasion of France. He served on the Corvettes HMCS Weyburn and HMCS Dundas. After the war, John graduated from University of New Brunswick as Certified Engineering Technologist and began his career with the Water & Sewage Dept. of Saint John, NB. He worked on the design and construction of Camp Gagetown. While in Saint John, he met and married his wife of 57 years, Dorothy. In 1958, they moved to the home in Annapolis Royal where he lived out his life. Together they renovated this 150+ year-old home in Annapolis Royal while raising a family. John worked as Site Representative for Defense Construction Limited of CFB Cornwallis from 1958 until retirement in 1985, also commuting to handle DCL duties at CFB Greenwood, South Shore, Summerside and other sites. John had a lifetime dedication to serve his community and country. For many years, he served as Church Warden and member of Church Council for St. Luke's Anglican Church. He was on the Annapolis Royal Town Council for eight years, during which he was instrumental in the extensive upgrading of the Water & Sewage System and led the setting up of the town's existing Street Numbering and Name Signage. In his 70's, he was still helping, laying out plans for community sidewalks. For over 36 years, John served on the District Planning Commission and its successor organization, including periods as Chairman. For ten years he was a member of the Regional School Board, five years as Chairman. He was named Provincial Volunteer of the Year 1998. John was a Lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He received a Medal celebrating the liberation of France in the Second World War as well as a certificate for 35 years of loyal service for the Government of Canada. He held posts in Seniors Sight and Sound, Port Royal 400th Society, Historic Restoration Society, Public Works Committee and was instrumental in creating the HMCS/CFB Military Museum at Cornwallis. Dad was a humble man who valued his family. He was an avid Montreal Canadians fan and loved gardening, sports and travel, from camping trips as a young family to flights in retirement. John authored two books - "October Moon" and "HMCS/CFB Cornwallis Military Museum". John is survived by his wife, three children, Diane, David and Stephen; and by several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sisters, Ruth Armstrong and Florence Brown. His family wished to express heartfelt appreciation for the kindness and caring provided by Nancy, Angela, Marilyn and Faye as well as by our regular VON Home Care Workers and Dr. Hancock. Visitation will be held Thursday 7-9 pm and Friday 2-4 & 7-9 pm with a Royal Canadian Legion Service Port Royal Branch #21, to be held Friday at 7pm. from the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. Funeral service will be held 11:00 am, Saturday March 19, in St. Luke's Anglican Church, Annapolis Royal, with Rev. Canon Ken Vaughan officiating. Interment will follow in St. Albans Cemetery, Lequille. Family flowers only. Remembrances may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cornwallis Military Museum or the Royal Canadian Legion, Port Royal Branch 21. Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com "Dad will be missed"