VENESS, JOHN (JACK) MERSEREAU - The passing of Jack Veness of Fredericton, NB occurred at his home on Monday, June 30, 2003. Born on November 11, 1922 in Ottawa to John Cecil Veness and Annie Herman Veness (Mersereau), the family moved to Fredericton in 1933 where Jack graduated from the Fredericton High School. Jack joined the Canadian Infantry Corps (North Nova Scotia Highlanders) in May 1942 at the age of 19 and served in Canada, England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He landed in France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He was captured by the Germans, escaped, and spent time with the French Underground before returning to his Regiment in Holland in late 1944. The book, "The Two Jacks", (Jack Fairweather and Jack Veness) is the real-life, factual account of the capture, imprisonment, escape and time spent with the French Underground and return to his Regiment. He was wounded in Germany in March, 1945, retiring from the army in 1946 with the rank of Major. Jack received The War Medal mentioned in dispatches, Croix de Guerre 1940 with Palm, Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II with Palm (Belgium), The Defence Medal, the 1939-45 Star, the French and German Star, the Canadian Volunteer Services Medal and Clasp, The France and Germany 50-Year Anniversary Medal, the Normandy 1994 50-Year Anniversary Medal. Jack entered UNB and graduated in 1950 with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, after which he was employed by the Federal Department of Resources and Development in Cape Breton and Banff National Parks. In 1954, Jack returned to New Brunswick and served with the Department of Highways (Transportation) in various fields, including District Highway Engineer for Albert County and retired in 1983 as Director of Traffic Engineering where he implemented new ideas and changes within the Traffic Engineering Division. Jack had a vibrant personality and this led to active involvement in many charitable and engineering organizations, including volunteering at the Family Kitchen for many years, the Masons, YMCA Board of Directors, President of the Fredericton Garrison Club, President of the Maritime Institute of Traffic Engineers, member of the Canadian Legion, member of the Brunswick Street Baptist Church, member of the Bing Boys and United Service Institute. Jack's early years were taken up with hobbies such as hunting, fishing and camping trips to all parts of Canada and the United States. Jack took up downhill skiing at the age of 65 and was an avid skier until 1994. Jack's snooker playing was legendary and he enjoyed many hours playing with his friends on his renowned snooker table at home. Jack was married in 1948 to Jere Wood of St. Martin's, NB and had one son, (Randy) John Randolph (Angela Jonah). Jere lost her life in December, 1976 in an auto accident. Jack will also be missed by his two beloved grandchildren, Jessie Lee and John Michael. Jack married Freda Lockhard in 1978 and they have lived in Fredericton since that time. As well, in later years, Jack was very interested in working with his computer and enjoyed many hours "travelling the world" on the internet. Jack and Freda travelled widely throughout their married life, visiting many countries in Europe and had many trips to France in conjunction with war-time commemoration. After seeing much of Canada, the USA and Europe, Jack and Freda found Portgual to be a wonderful country to visit and in later years, spent annual lengthy vacation there. Jack and Freda have a wide circle of friends and family and he will be missed by all who knew him. Jack was a true gentleman with very high values and great integrity whose wartime service to his country has ensured his friends and family the freedom we now enjoy. The family will receive friends at Bishop's Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton on Wednesday, July 2, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Canadian Legion rites will be preformed prior to the visitation. The funeral will be held from Brunswick Street United Baptist Church on Thursday, July 3, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Greg Geldart will officiate with interment following the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. www.bishopsfuneralhome.com