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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Served 17 Oct 1955 - Jul 1987
OVENS, John Joseph - Born August 7, 1938 in Sudbury, Ontario, he was raised in Muskoka on his Grandfather's farm (Henry Speedie, a pioneer in the area). He joined the R.C.N. in 1955. His Basic and Trade Training was at H.M.C.S. Cornwallis. He was trained as a Radioman, (later called Communications). His first ship was H.M.C.S. Haida (now a museum). He slept in a hammock "Best sleep of his life", he said. He also served aboard H.M.C.S. Buckingham then to the Diving Tender H.M.C.S. Grandby where he trained as a Clearance Diver (Deep Sea and Scuba). He spent some time at Albro Lake Radio Station then was drafted to H.M.C.S. Shelburne (Naval Station) where he met his future wife Elsa, a Wren serving there. They married in 1963. After 10 years of Service, John left the East coast Navy and in 1966, re-entered on the West coast. His first ship on this coast was H.M.C.S. Saskatchewan. He went on to join Submarines; training on the Grilse and then the Rainbow. (This period was the highlight of his career). When the Rainbow decommissioned, he served aboard H.M.C.S. Kootenay. With the 1980 Fleet Conversion his Trade changed to NESOP (Sensor Operator). He also served at CFFS: Canadian Forces Fleet School and NOTC: Naval Officer Training Center. He was released in 1987 after 32 years; and joined the Reserves Class "B"; where he worked at the Base Chief's Office as Accommodations Supervisor. He retired in 1993. He then became a Special Constable at the Parliament Buildings for 8 years. After this phase ended, he carried on as a Commissionaire, at the Wardroom for 10 years, Crystal Gardens, and in H.M.C. Dockyard… During his Military career he often "moonlighted" and worked a second job; a Bouncer in Bedford N.S. (wearing a tux); at the Westwind Hotel, in Langford, and at The Empress "Bengal Room" and Library Bar as a waiter/bartender. He finally retired at age 80. He was predeceased by his Father Dalton Ovens, Mother Teresa Mann, and brother Michael Ovens. He is survived by his wife Elsa, daughter Erin, Granddaughter Alexandra "Ali" and sister Sharon Harrison. His interests and talents were varied; he hiked the "West Coast Trail", he loved Astronomy (often calling Elsa at 0200 in the morning, on his night shift, to talk about Constellations). He did exceptional Stained Glass (Jo-El Stain Glass). Some houses in Victoria have his windows. A Bird Watcher, Macrame, and avid reader, he and Erin (when she was a youngster) loved Stationary Stores, they would spend hours… he also enjoyed Line Dancing, playing the juice-harp (Zither) and Partying. He was a "softy" and often cried at movies. He never forgot his Manners (even in his Dementia). On November 17, 2023, after 4 years in Veteran's Memorial Lodge LTC; John passed away of Alzheimer's disease. Thank-you to the Staff at Broadmead and Veteran's Care for your kindness and caring all through; 'Before, During, and after Covid'. John will be 'Buried at Sea'.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Langford Legion on Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 1400-1700. Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30, 2024.
Ships served in: HMCS HAIDA - Served in HAIDA 07 Jan 1957 - 26 Mar 1958 and 09 Mar 1961 - 17 Apr 1962 CFB ESQUIMALT (NADEN / COMM SCHOOL)
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