CULLEN: John A. Born in Brandon, Manitoba, February 18, 1921.
Born of a Scottish mason, John was very accomplished in all trades. His hands were worn but strong from working hard all his life. His mother Gwen was from England where she was a cook and pastry chef for a manor house.
He served with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles (Black Devils) in WWII and took part in the liberation of France. John was a wounded prisoner of war, captured the second day after the Juno Beach landing. He was very particular about his uniform and always selected lead soldier on parade. Upon his return to Canada after the war, he married Frances. Franky and Johnny were married for fifty-nine years. They lived in Brandon and moved to Vancouver in 1965. John worked as a steam engineer, first in Brandon for the Waterworks Treatment Plant and later in Vancouver at the Burrard Drydocks, Nabob Foods, and Allied Chemicals.
He had a lifetime membership in the Royal Canadian Legion and was an active member in the Cloverdale Branch #6.
After retirement John enjoyed working in the garden, curling, golf, and bowling. He enjoyed watching sports with Frances, especially hockey on Saturday nights. He was generous to friends and family and contributed greatly to his favourite charities. He is survived by his wife Frances, daughter Linda Kydd, step sons Jim and Gerry McClelland and step daughter Gloria Seamans. John was the second oldest of a family of 7, Bill, Jim, Ken, May Little, Jean Burns, and Tom, who is the only surviving member of the family, and lives in Brandon with his wife Rita. He leaves 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. John passed away peacefully but suddenly at George Derby Veterans Centre in New Westminster on Sunday, December 11th, 2005.
A celebration of John's life will take place at 11:30 a.m., January 5th, 2005 at Cloverdale Legion #6, 17567 57th Ave., Cloverdale.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity, in John's name, would be appreciated.