O'HANLEY, CLAIR JOSEPH - It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Clair Joseph Loyola O'Hanley of Fredericton, N.B., on May 13th, 2012, at the Veteran's Health Unit in Fredericton. Born on March 18th, 1926, in Montreal, Quebec, he was the son of the late John A. O'Hanley and Catherine A.G. Kenna and born into a family of 12 siblings. Clair is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lillian Blanche (Bursey) whom he married on May 12th, 1950, in Montreal. He is also survived by his children, Joan of Toronto, O'Neill of Montreal, Vincent (Terrina Fitzgerald-O'Hanley) of Halifax, Mary of Fredericton, and Catherine (Robert van de Poll) of Hanwell; son-in-law, Doug Carew (Rachel) of Moncton; daughter-in-law, Donna Kenny of Kitchener as well as grandchildren, Kenna Colleen (Perry) of Pickering, Sean and Jesse of Bowmanville, Justin, Stephanie and Kristina of Kitchener, Tara (Jose) of Ajax, Krista (Angelus) of Manchester, England, and Ashley and Douglas of Moncton. Clair is also survived by two great grandchildren, Seth of Pickering and Alex of Belleville. He leaves to mourn many nieces and nephews in Montreal and Victoria. Clair was a veteran of WWII, having served in the Canadian Merchant Marine Navy from 1943 to 1946. He worked onboard ship as a Fireman, Messman, Greaser and Oiler. He served on the Maritime Patrol Vessels Shirley G. Taylor, Tug Cruizer, S.S. Ontario 1, S.S. Hastings, and Philip T. Dodge. He also served on many Park Boats including the Bloomfield, Hillcrest, Kelowna, Mount Orford and Cartier, escorting convoys for the resupply of resources to England, North Africa and beyond for the war effort. Clair was awarded several medals including the Atlantic Star, War Medal 1939-45, CVSM & Clasp, and the Merchant Navy Badge. After his discharge from the Merchant Navy, Clair was employed as an oil burner serviceman and plumber, working for companies in Montreal and St. John's, NL. Clair had a passion for boxing and fishing. He was a member of the Golden Gloves of Montreal where he won many fights as a middleweight. He also was a member and volunteer of St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Parish Church in Montreal where he was involved in many functions such as the preparations for the St. Patrick's Day parade. The family would like to thank dearly the staff at the Veteran's Health Unit, including Dr. J. Keddy, nurses, orderlies and support help.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam's Funeral Home. There will be no service. Any expression of sympathy can be made through a donation of your choice to the DVA Veteran's Health Unit or the Alzheimer's Society. Online condolences can be made at www.mcadamsfh.com, 458-9170.