In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar 

 

William John Brooks

 

Stoker, RCNVR

 

Born: 1922, Saskatchewan

 

Died: 29 Mar 2013, Niagara, Ontario

 

 

BROOKS, William John - Passed away peacefully in his 92 year and with his loving family at his side on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Hospice Niagara. Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Charlotte and brothers Harvey, George (Minnie) and Charlie. Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Helen of 65 years. Honoured and proud to call him dad are daughters Joanne McDowell and Ruth (Doug) DeYoung, and sons Alan (Sheila), Donald (Kimberly) and Andrew. He was also the loving grandpa to Todd, Sean, Robyn, Blair, Erin, Anne, Graham, Patrick, Lauren, Cody, Caitlyn and Cameron and great grandpa to Jordan, Evan, Ellie, Madison, Kieran, Devon, Keesen and Annika. Bill will be sadly missed by his cherished sister Eveline Anger and sister-in-law Sophie Brooks both of St. Catharines, sister-in-law Marie Viau of St. Laurent, Que and brother-in-law Ted Brown of Cobourg as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and his "adopted" American family. As a young man in Saskatchewan, Bill enlisted with the navy and spent the next 3 1/2 years in the RCNVR (Royal Canadian Naval Voluntere Reserve). He served aboard the HMCS Algonquin and was headed to the Pacific when the war ended. The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Hospice Niagara not only for Bill's comfort and care, but for the tremendous support given to them over these past few weeks. In accordance to Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place & private service will occur. For those who wish, memorial donations to Hospice Niagara on Ontario St. or the Ina Grafton Gage Village on Linwell Rd. would be greatly appreciated by the family.

 

Ships served in:  

HMCS CORNWALLIS

HMCS ALGONQUIN

 

WJB001

WJB002

(WJB001) Seaman Brooks

(WJB002) Stoker Training Course photo at HMCS Cornwallis - William John Brooks, 2nd row, 3rd from right

 

WJB003

WJB004

WJB005

WJB006

WJB007

HMCS ALGONQUIN R17 in the Mediterranean Aug/Sep 1945

(WJB003) In Aug 1945, HMCS ALGONQUIN departed Halifax for the Pacific via the Suez Canal to join the RN Pacific Fleet. This was called off after VJ day and she sailed for Esquimalt.

(WJB004) "Our first stop "Ponta Delegata", St. Miquel Island, Azores. Arrived August 18th, at 1000"

(WJB005) "The "Bum Boats" alongside the ship selling bruit, barrels and different souvenirs."

(WJB006) "The old boy in person at Malta. Notice the tiddley whites."  //  William J. Brooks on HMCS ALGONQUIN R17, Mediterranean, Aug 1945

(WJB007) (L-R) William Brooks, Cassie & Greer on HMCS ALGONQUIN R17, Malta

 

WJB008

WJB009

HMCS ALGONQUIN R17 in the Mediterranean Aug/Sep 1945

(WJB008) HMS GLASGOW and HMS HOGUE during manouveres off Malta

(WJB009) " My chum Jack Buller (left) and myself under the twin gun of HMS HOGUE"

Courtesy of Ruth (Brooks) DeYoung

 


 

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