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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CREWE, Norman - It is with profound sadness that the family of Norman Crewe announces his passing after a long and joy filled life on Monday, February 10, 2020, at the age of 98 years. Norman was born in Burgeo, N.L., on August 18, 1921, making him the eldest son of the late Stanley and Sarah (Caines) Crewe. Norman is survived by his beautiful wife of 72 years, the love of his life, Amelia "Mellie" (Taylor); his cherished daughter, Linda (Jack) Melanson of Middle Sackville; loved grandchildren, Christopher Melanson of Halifax; and Sheila Melanson-Ernst of New Ross; handsome and wonderful great-grandsons, Timothy Ernst and Wesley Melanson; 14 godchildren; and many other family members, including the Taylors who accepted and loved him as if he was born into the family, all whom he was extremely fond of. Norman was predeceased by his brother, Lewis; sister, Elsie Giles; son, Donald; and great-granddaughter, Natalie Ernst. Norman was a man of the sea, beginning his career on the water at the age of 13 when fishing with his grandfather. He left Newfoundland for Nova Scotia in 1940, and he joined the Merchant Navy, serving the Queen and her people from 1940 to 1949, including serving in the Second World War. He was part of the crews of the Lady Rodney, Lady Nelson, SS Lord Kelvin, HMS Chebucto, Victor Park, Westdale Park, Canadian Observer and part of the maiden crew of the HMS Sackville. He made seven trans-Atlantic trips and one through the Panama Canal during war times. He was a highly decorated and respected veteran, receiving many accolades and medals that he wore with great pride. After the war, Norman worked in the HMCS Dockyards in Halifax for 33 and a half years. Norman retired in 1986, and he and Mellie spent 23 years of retirement with friends and family at their cottage in New Ross. Norman continued to serve both country and veterans by volunteering at Camp Hill Hospital and the Veterans Memorial building for more than 16 years. He was a long-standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion, belonging to Scotia Branch 25 and then Fairview Branch 142, serving on many committees and the Honour Guard. Norman was also a long-standing member of the Parish of Saint Mark's Anglican Church of Halifax where he served many roles including ringing the church bell for many services. Norman was an avid fisherman, hunter, camper, dancer, traveler and storyteller. A true gentleman. Mellie and family would like to thank Dr. Verma, Dr. Loban, Dr. Chaissson, Dr. Styles and all their staff, as well as the many paramedics, doctors and nursing staff who assisted, treated and cared for Norman over the past few years. The kindness, compassion and comfort Norman received will not be forgotten. Visitation will be between 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 14th in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd., Halifax NS, B3L 2B3. Eucharistic Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15th, in St. Mark's Anglican Church, 5522 Russell St., Halifax, NS B3K 1X2 with a reception immediately following in the church hall. Interment will follow in the family plot in Fairview Lawn Cemetery, 3720 Windsor St., Halifax. Those who so desire, may make memorial donations in memory of Norman to St. Mark's Anglican Church or a charity of the donor's choice. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 13 Feb 2020)
Ships served in: SS LORD KELVIN HMCS CHEDABUCTO - note: The obituary for Norman Crew mentions HMS Chebucto - however, no record of an HMS or HMCS Chebucto can be found and it is believed that it is HMCS CHEDABUCTO SS VICTORIA PARK - note: no record can be found of a Victor Park in the Park ship listings. It is believed this is Victoria Park SS WESTDALE PARK - later re-named CANADIAN OBSERVER
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For Posterity's Sake 
