RAF, AFM, Flight Lieutenant (Retired) 15 November 1923 - 19 February 2012. John Garland Stratton, son of the late Stephen Bourne Stratton and Annie Pearl (Arnold) Stratton, was born in Safe Harbour, Bonavista Bay, on November 15, 1923. He died in St. John’s on February 19, 2012. Jack attended Memorial University College until enrolling for air crew training in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. During his time in the RAF, he was awarded the Air Force Medal. He remained with the RAF until 1968, when he and his wife Sophie (Osmond) and their four children returned to Newfoundland. They settled in Corner Brook where Jack had a long career in municipal affairs with the City and later the Province of Newfoundland. Jack and Sophie were active leaders in the Royal Canadian Legion at the local, provincial, and national levels, and the cause of veterans was an important one throughout Jack’s life. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Sophie, and his siblings Josephine, Sadie (Pinsent) and George. He is survived by his wife Alma (Blackwood); children: Brian (Wanda Manuel), Elizabeth (Doug Wright), John (Christine Latter) and Sara (Kelly Buehler); grandchildren: Megan, Ian, Emma, Willie, Grace, Lily, Jeffrey and Thomas; siblings: Elizabeth (Frank Janes), Dawson (Sophie Halfyard), Mamie (Wilfred Howell), Joan Pinsent, and Patt (Glenn Wiggins); sister-in-law Neta Colbourne; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday, February 21, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation or the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign. Jack’s ashes will be interred with Sophie in Corner Brook at a later date. To send a message of condolence or sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.
Per Ardua Ad Astra