PENMAN, ALEXANDER - Alexander Penman of Ridgewood Veterans Wing passed away with his family at his side on Sunday April 6th, 2014. Born January of 1920 in Dunfermline, Scotland, he was the son of the late Alexander and Joan (Struthers) Penman. Alex was a WWII Veteran serving with the Royal Canadian Signals 3rd Canadian Infantry Division serving in England, Belgium and Holland. After the war he joined the militia retiring in the 1960's with the rank of Captain. He worked for the National Employment Service later Manpower for over 30 years, retiring as manager in 1978. In his retirement years he worked for Electric League of New Brunswick and Bentax. Alex was active in his community as a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #64 & #69; NB Signallers Association: Honorary Member of the Rotary Club; served as secretary and president; and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Medal. Alex had a love for music and was a gifted musician who could play almost any instrument. In the 1950's he had his own Big Band and performed in many kitchens and halls in Cape Breton. He was a member of the Scottish Studies Foundation; RUSI; Men of Fundy Barbershoppers for whom he was their founding member, member of the Union Club and past commanding officer of the Byng Boys Club. Alex is survived by his sons Allan of Welsford, David (Kimberly Hanson) of Greenwood, NS and Ian (Gail) of Saint John; daughter Evelyn McGrath (Kevin Beaman) of Saint John; brother James (Delores) of Port Morien, NS; brother-in-law Hugh McKinnon of Glace Bay, NS; grandchildren Jason, Kenny, Ian, Colby, Kyle, Paula and Pam; one precious great-granddaughter Jasmin; several nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his parents, Alex was predeceased by his loving wife Eleanor (Sheppard) Penman; daughter Joan Penman and sister Edith McKinnon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424). A celebration of life will be held at the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday April 10, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., at which time a Veteran's Tribute will be given. Private interment in Cape Breton, NS at a later date. Donations in Alex’s memory can be made to the Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Canadian Cancer Society (Breast Cancer) or the charity of the donor’s choice. To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com A heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Ridgewood Veterans Wing for the excellent care given to Alex and his family.