|
A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McINNIS, James Houlton - joined his Mom and Dad on November 14, 2006. Thankfully, we had the opportunity to say our goodbyes and put him at rest and peace. For six days Rita and the family gathered in the waiting room of the ICU of the QEH. In failing health for some time, Houlton (Hopie to many) bore his situation with dignity, a deep, unquestioning trust in God and a sense of humour to be envied. Houlton was born in Moncton, NB to James and Laura (Sampel) McInnis. He was one of two children separated by the early death of their mother at 32. He was raised in Hunter River by his uncle and aunt, John and Margaret Proctor where he assisted on the farm. The advent of the Second World War saw Houlton enlist in the Royal Canadian Navy where he served for five years on the corvette HMCS PICTOU. His wartime experiences, especially in the North Atlantic convoys, were the stories of many an after dinner gathering. Returning after the war he married childhood sweetheart Rita Trainor of Hope River, the two happily enjoyed celebrating 60 years of marriage on June 19, 2006. They moved to Charlottetown where he took up employment with the Canadian National Railways at the Charlottetown Hotel working there for 23 years. He also worked at the Provincial Administrative Complex as a stationary engineer and was butler chauffeur to Hon. Billy Archie MacDonald, Hon. George MacKay and Hon. Gordon Bennett, former Lieutenant Governors. On retirement he took up carpentry as a hobby. He hand crafted gifts for each of his six children and 19 grandchildren. Houlton was a devoted Christian who believed in charity and the golden rule. He went through life with a positive, can-do attitude. Houlton lived his Christian values everyday in his love of family. His legacy that he entrusted to his children was to maintain and cherish his love and support of family throughout their lives. A regular attendee at morning mass at St. Pius X, Houlton was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He absolutely loved to fish and spent many hours in Riverdale with his side kick Doc, the bassett hound, and his good friends, particularly Carl Morton. He was also partial to a good game of auction 45's. He is survived by his wife Rite, children Roland (Carol), Lorraine (Paul) Jelley, Anne (Jean) Cote, Noel (Colleen), Mary (Ronnie) Blanchard, Betty (Errol) Auld, his sister Bernice Tower, 19 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Ships served in:
(JM01) Houlton McInnis and unidentified shipmate horsing around on HMCS PICTOU (JM02) Houlton McInnis sitting on HMCS PICTOU's forward gun (JM03) Houlton McInnis onboard HMCS PICTOU, enjoying a little quite time to write (JM04) Houlton's funeral service (JM05) Houlton's eulogy
Courtesy of Rollie McInnis
|
For Posterity's Sake 
