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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
POEHNELL, Fidel Albert, Merchant Mariner - Born 16 Feb 1927 in New Westminster, BC. Died: 23 Mar 2001. After the war, Fidel continued working on the sea, and retired in Apr 1992 as a Diesel Marine Engineer for Rivtow Straits Tugboats out of Vancouver, BC.
"Dad; As a child, I did not understand that you never left me when you went out on the boats, and I rebelled. Now I know you were never really gone, for you always left your love, strength and humour behind to guide me in times of need. Your humour surrounded me in times of sorrow, and I thank you for the strength you lent me when I needed it most. You dedicated your life to us. I believe being dad was monumental in your heart. You were there for guidance and care; you forgave me of all my failings and loved me anyway. You taught me how to be a dad everlasting. Your laughter will ring forever in my ears. Your love will live on in our children carrying your spirit, your essence always. Now that you have completed your task, for you have taught us well, rest easy, dear father, for we will not forget and we will make you proud. I know this will be the longest time we will not see or speak aloud; but I realize that, like I waited for you to return from the boats, you are waiting for me when I am ready to come to you. Thank you, Dad, we will carry your spirit in our hearts and minds until we meet again.
Your son, Kim"
Ships served in: SS DORVAL PARK - Served as a merchant sailor in Dorval Park during WW2 SS QUEENS PARK - Served as a merchant sailor in Queens Park during WW2
(1) Fidel Poehnell (2-3) Passport for Fidel Poehnell (4) Certificate of Entitlement, Merchant Navy Badge (5) Certificate of Discharge SS Doraval Park (6) Certificate of Discharge SS Queens Park (7) Certificate - Merchant Navy Passive Defence Course (8) Certificate - Merchant Navy A/A Gunnery Course
(9) Certificate - Merchant Navy A/A Gunnery Course (10-12) Three unknown sailors with ammunition belts - either on SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (13) "Guns and Steel Helmets" - Unknown sailors on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (14) Unknown officer on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (15) Unknown sailors on deck - either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (16) Fidel Poehnell (left) and shipmates - either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park
(17-18) Unknown Merchant Ship (19) SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (20) Deck gun on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park. This 4-inch deck gun was the main weapon on a Defensively Equipped Merchant Ship (DEMS) (21) Deck cargo of lumber on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (22) Fidel Poehnell in the life boat on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (23) Starboard Lifeboat on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park (24) Port Lifeboat on either SS Dorval Park or SS Queens Park
photo 25 (25) Merchant ships in unknown shipyard / port
Courtesy of Kim Poehnell
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For Posterity's Sake 
