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CAPTAIN RODERICK JOHN LOVELL Obituary pic

CAPTAIN RODERICK JOHN LOVELL

Born: Feb 17, 1933

Date of Passing: Jan 11, 2012

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CAPTAIN RODERICK JOHN LOVELL (Retired) February 17, 1933 - January 11, 2012 It is with deep sorrow the Lovell family announces the passing of Captain Roderick John (Jack) Lovell (Retired) at the age of 78 years. Left to cherish Jack's memory are his wife Bernice; children Cheryl (McClelland), Roderick and Jennifer; grandchildren Robyn, Bradley and Adam, Mari-Lyne, Robert and Jesika. He is survived by his sister Gwendolyn. Also left to mourn; Sherry, Kim, Eric and Duane; and Raymond, Betty and Judy in Nova Scotia and nephews Derek and Tyson Reimer. He was predeceased by his parents Roderick and Dorothy. Jack was born in Winnipeg but as the son of a railway station master, moved many times, growing up in small towns throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He taught school for a few years in the north before joining the armed forces in the early 1950s as a gunner in 1RCHA, later becoming an observation pilot. Over the 25 years he spent in the forces he was stationed across Canada, and also in Germany, India and Pakistan. Highlights of his career included; flying as part of security for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, flying for the survey of South Hampton Island in the Arctic, and training with Prince Charles in Gagetown. After retiring from the army he worked for Aero Trades and Custom Helicopter as a pilot, as well as fighting forest fires, working for Manitoba Hydro and MTS. Living for five years in Portage, he was active as a hockey and baseball coach which he really enjoyed. The last 25 years were spent in Oakbank where he liked sharing stories and his political views with his friends and neighbours. Jack married his dearly loved wife Bernice Alice Crossman on August 1, 1959 in Debert, Nova Scotia. They spent more than 50 wonderful years together. Jack loved flying, fine food and wine, Irish music, his pets and travelling. He was a true gentleman, always having honour and integrity. He was a practical, down to earth person with no pretentions, who was happy with the simple pleasures in life. He loved his wife and family and always put their needs and wants before his own. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all the staff at Concordia and St. Boniface Hospitals for their great care and compassion. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Seasons Funeral Chapel, 576 Balsam Crescent in Oakbank, MB. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Salvation Army or the Winnipeg Humane Society. Arrangements in care of Seasons Funeral Service Oakbank, (204) 444-5444

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2012

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • Jack was a dedicated soldier and a friend that I have not seen for many years; but remember the time we spent chasing hopes and aspirations. - Posted by: nicholas pyrch (Gunner retired/OCP2 (1955) ) on: Jan 23, 2012

  • Bernice and family. So sorry for your loss. Although we only saw you for short times over long spans Jack will always be remembered by us. God Bless. - Posted by: Wayne & Carolyn Crossman (Cousin to Bernice) on: Jan 18, 2012

  • Dear Jennifer, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember your dad was happy to greet all your friends, he was always in a great mood. Sincerely Cathy and Family from Saskatoon. - Posted by: Cathy Fitzer (Jennifer Lovells Friend) on: Jan 17, 2012

  • We are very sorry to hear of Jack's passing, our thoughts are with you, Bernice and your family. Please accept our deepest condolences. - Posted by: Doug and Ron Crossman, Nancy Corcoran and Pam Fraser (children of Frances and Vaughan Crossman) on: Jan 17, 2012

  • Lois and I send our sincere condolences to the family. I was Jack's GPO many years ago when he was a Troop Commander in 2 RCHA, Winnipeg. - Posted by: Al & Lois Mills (Fellow Gunner & Friends) on: Jan 17, 2012

  • My deepest condolences to you Jennifer and your family on the loss of your father. Adélia - Posted by: Adélia Peixoto de Oliveira (Friend to Jennifer.Cath's Mom) on: Jan 17, 2012

  • I am so very sorry to hear about Jack. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Rose Gorman (Wife of Vance Gorman) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • Our deepest condolences to Bernice and family. I remember Jack from Fort Prince of Wales and his hearty laugh. Sorry to see him go. Stand Easy, End of Mission. - Posted by: Tim and Sharon Guiler (Fellow Gunner) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • I wholeheartedly agree with all the good comments in the previous notes. Although I have not seen Jack in many years (Debert 1956/7) I remember him as a gentleman, a fine officer and an excellent companion. - Posted by: Phil Cheevers Cheevers (fellow gunner) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • I was a fellow instructor on an Air OP course with Jack he had a knack of making a studenT confident in himself to perform the task at hand. I was also Base Flight Safety officer at Portage when he was the test pilot. he was a friend to other pilots and the Miantenance personnel he worked with. His dry sense of humour and the straw that always seemed to be in his mouth were his trademarks. Fair weather & fiollowind winds Jack. - Posted by: Frank Bayne Col ( Retd) (Fellow Gunner & Pilot) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • Dear Bernice and Family. How sad to hear of your loss of Jack, a very fine man, a gentle and honourable man. We remember him from Fort Prince of Wales and 2RCHA in Germany.Rest in peace old Friend...Stand Easy. - Posted by: Lorraine & Conrad Mialkowski Col (Retd) (Fellow Gunner ) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • I am so sorry to hear of Jack passing. I first met Jack when he arrived in 3RCHA in 1956. We flew together later with the Air OP in Germany. The words gentleman, honour and integrity certainly describe Jack. He was always concerned about the welfare of our men. He was a well qualified gunner and pilot who never moved away from difficult situations and was always able to offer sound advice. It was a privilege to have served with Jack. I offer you, Bernice and your family, my sincere condolences for your loss. Please find comfort in the knowledge that Someone greater than us all knows the reason why. Bill - Posted by: Bill Lewis (Fellow Gunner and Pilot) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • I will always remember Jack as a gentleman and as a gentle man as both a gunner and an aviator. It was an honour to serve with him. Bernice and family: You have our deepest sympathies. Dave and Marie Rooke, Ottawa - Posted by: Dave Rooke (Military aviation colleague) on: Jan 16, 2012

  • I remember Jack from our time together in Germany in 2 RCHA. Jack was one of the pilots in the Air OP Troop. His smile and his calm composure are the things that I remember the most about him. He was a true gentleman and I am sorry he is gone. We are the lesser for his passing. My condolences to Bernice and family. Jim Bryce - Posted by: Jim Bryce (Fello Gunner) on: Jan 15, 2012

  • We were very sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our deepest sympathy Bernice and to the family. Donald & Vera - Posted by: Donald & Vera Fitz-gerald (fellow Gunner) on: Jan 15, 2012

  • I can only underline the words above and state what an honour and pleasure it was to know Jack. As one of the many who spent hours in the back seat of Jack's L-19 over Germany and New Brunswick I can attest to his skill and professionalism as a pilot and soldier. Everyone loved the guy: no need to wonder why. Farewell Jack. Rest well; rest easy. - Posted by: George Oehring (Col, RCA, retired)l (Friend and admirer) on: Jan 15, 2012

  • Sorry to hear about Jack passing away. I flew with Jack on many occasions while fighting forest fires. As a Conservation Officer it was enjoyable working with Jack. He was a fun guy and and was not scared to step out of the helicopter, get his hands dirty and help us load equipment. When I first met him at Leaf Rapids in 1981 I immediately felt that we were friends, and it was enjoyable meeting him each time after when he would show up with his helicopter. - Posted by: Irwin Schellenberg (Former work acquaintance) on: Jan 15, 2012

  • Dear Bernice and Family Jack was truly a gentleman! We never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to live in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love is imprinted in our memories. Let there be comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared time with Jack. Sincerely, Joan and Barry Lapointe Lantzville, BC - Posted by: Joan and Barry Lapointe (Military Friends) on: Jan 14, 2012

  • My wife and I send our sincere condolences to the family. I served with Capt Jack in 1RCHA Lahr, Germany (1970) while training as an Air Observer. He was a fine gentleman and Gunner Pilot. Good shooting, stand easy. - Posted by: Terry Meindl, CD (Fellow Gunner) on: Jan 14, 2012

  • Deeply saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. LCol (Ret'd) R.B. Rogers. - Posted by: R.B. (Dick) Rogers (422 Helicopter Squadron 1974-75) on: Jan 14, 2012

  • Jack was one of those special people who made my gunner career so worthwhile. Good Shooting Stand Easy Jack Bob D - Posted by: RR Doyon (fellow Gunner) on: Jan 14, 2012

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