John Richard Clemens C.D.
Passed on: January 30th, 2009
1923-2009, Sydney John (Sarge, Jack, J.R.) a proud father and grandfather, began his new journey on Friday, Jan. 30, 2009. Always happy to offer 'a song, a drink, and a kiss til payday,' Jack will be missed by all. Born in Halifax, he was the son of the late William and Grace Hilda (Rafuse) Clemens. At the young age of 17 he started his career in the Canadian Armed Forces (1940-1974). During these years he served in Canada, United Kingdom, Canadian Mediterranean Force, Northwest Europe and peacekeeping in Egypt. He was decorated with the Canadian Volunteer Medal and Clasp; 1939-1945 Star; Italy Star; France and Germany Star; War Medal and peacekeeping medals, and was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 12. Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, Emily Margaret Theresa, a son, Gordon Gerald, grandsons, Richard Clemens and Jeffrey Hill, brothers, Raymond and Gordon, sister, Marge Saxton, and brother-in-law, Ronald Walker. He will be sadly missed by his children, Patricia (Bob) Bowins, Sydney, John (Jenny) Manitoba, Marilyn Hill (Bob), British Columbia, Diane (Cameron) Paul, Membertou, Raymond (Liz), Sydney, Joan (Kelvin) Johnson, British Columbia, Theresa (Dave Threadgold), Australia, David (Geraldine Carlin), Sydney, Robert (Jean), Sydney, Darlene (Grant) Tuplin, British Columbia, and Sandra (Gary) Sanz, Ontario. 'Grampa Jack' will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his sister, Joan Walker, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Wade Reppert officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brigadoon Children's Camp Society, Halifax, www.brigadoonvillage.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
