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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Retired from the Navy 13 Jan 1958
LIPTON, John Francis Sr. - 95, our Loving Father, passed away at Camphill Veterans' Memorial Hospital, August 3,2014.
Born in Stellarton, January 5, 1919, he was the second oldest son of the late David and Eva (Andrea) Lipton.
His loving wife Jean (Sanford) predeceased him in 2008, after 68 years of marriage.
He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Jim) Connolly, Richard (Sheila), Barry David, John (Corinne) Junior, Brian (Karen) and Mark (Kelly). He leaves behind 14 grandchildren; Scott, Krista, Steven, Neville, Lisa, Tony, Terri, Jeff, Shauna, Jennifer, Lisa, Andrea, Daniel, and Eva. Eighteen great-grandchildren; Max, Monique, Noah, Gregory, Josef, Hayley, Julie, Sarah, Jacqueline, Alexa Jean, Sophie, Sarah, Byrce, David, Griffin, Hayden, Georgia and Evelyn.
John Francis as he was best known, is the second oldest of 14 children. His oldest brother Tony predeceased him, Christmas Eve 2013. His brothers Adrian (Papa), Peter and Chester also predeceased him.
Dad is survived by his sisters Elizabeth Vyles, Evelyn Pettipas, Veronica Barren, Aquinas, Tiny Dorie, Margarite Lipton, Joan Fraser, Marilyn Lecerte; brothers Vernon and Cyril.
He joined the RCN as an ordinary seaman in January 1937, eight days after his 18th birthday. He sailed on his first ship The Saguenay from 1937 to 1941, was advanced to petty officer a month before he left the Saguenay for the last time. The ship was torpedoed December 1, 1940, about 300 nautical miles west of Ireland. She was hit in the bow killing twenty-two and wounding eighteen others. Dad was sent to a hospital in England for several months with severe burns. His favorite destroyer was the HMCS Haida, under the command of Harry DeWolf. On June 24, 1944, the Haida and HMS Eskimo combined in the destruction of a U-Boat and for his services in this action, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, for which he was proud and honored to wear. Quite a boxer in his day, he won the middleweight championship of the Canadian armed forces in 1937. His other sports were rugby, soccer and football. He managed the TAS hockey and softball teams in 1949, that year both teams won the inter-part championships at Stadacona.
His second career was as a DVA Officer for 17 years. Dad also sold Life Insurance for Maritime Life.
He was an active member of St. Clement's Church. In his earlier years he was a third degree Knight with the KOC, president of the Man's Society, president of the Downs Syndrome Society, and promoted many boxing matches to raise funds for St. Paul's Church. Dad was President of the Chiefs and Petty Officers Mess Hall at Cornwallis Base. Dad was highly respected by his peers. Mum and Dad were both choir members in various catholic churches in Dartmouth.
In the late 1970's they retired to Kentville for 11 years, where he enjoyed golf, curling and taking courses at Acadia University. Dad exhibited a great talent in the arts and writing of poetry. He possessed a great sense of humor and wit. Our family has many fond, long-lasting memories of the times we all spent at our cottage on Medford Beach.
Dad will be remembered for his kind and generous nature to his family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. That Sparkle in Dad's eyes and his love of life will be dearly missed.
Our Family would like to thank the Staff of 5 West Garrison, Camphill Memorial Veterans Hospital for their loving care and friendship during his four years residency there.
Funeral Mass will take place at St. Clement's Roman Catholic Church, Gaston Road at 11:00, on Wednesday, August 6th. A reception will fellow in the church basement.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be sent to Alzheimer Society. (Dartmouth Funeral Home)
IN MEMORY OF A VETERAN - JOHN FRANCIS LIPTON, DSM - Submitted by John Hawley
"I met John Lipton while visiting a Veteran friend at the Camp Hill Veterans Hospital in Halifax a few years ago. 'John' introduced himself to me while I was waiting in the hall on a ward in the Camp Hill. After he told me he was onboard HMCS Haida during the war I became very interested in his adventures and life. He told me he was a 'pinger' (ASDIC Operator - SONAR in the 'Cadillac' Navy of the 50's and 60's). John told me many stories about his Naval Career and that he won DSM (Distinguished Service Medal) for his actions in sinking a U Boat that was stalking HMS Eskimo and HMCS Haida. He was disappointed that the author of the book about HMCS Haida forgot to mention him and his DSM. When I told him I married an RCN sailor's daughter and that her father's name was Gilbert E. Short his eyes lit up and he told me that he knew 'Ed and Sam' very well. He had some great stories about them and said the best (or worse boxing match) was when Ed and Sam 'duked' it out in the boxing ring in their Navy years. It is sad that these icons and indeed 'genuine' heroes are disappearing so quickly. Men like John Lipton will be greatly missed."
Citation for the award of the DSM:
LIPTON, John Francis, Temporary Chief Petty Officer, 2851, Distinguished Service Medal, RCN, HMCS HAIDA - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 20 January 1945 and London Gazette of 10 October 1944.
"For bravery, skill and devotion to duty in H.M. Ships Affleck, Balfour, Eskimo, Wanderer and Tavy and H.M. Canadian Ships Haida and Huron in anti U - Boat operations."
Ships served in: HMCS SAGUENAY - John was wounded when HMCS SAGUENAY was torpedoed. He survived the torpedoing of the SAGUENAY HMCS HAIDA - Served in HAIDA under Harry DeWolf
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