Owen W. Lockyer, 87, of Moncton, with his family at his side, passed away at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont Hospital on Sunday November 28, 2010, following a sudden illness. Born in Herring Neck, NL, he was the son of the late Frank and Elizabeth (Nixon) Lockyer. Owen was the retired president of Atlantic Office Equipment & Supply Ltd., faithful member of St. George's Anglican Church, Moncton City Club, Moncton Probus Club and the Royal Canadian Legion Moncton Branch #6. Owen was a retired Brigadier General in the Canadian Forces Reserve. His 42 years service began in 1939. He went overseas with the Algonquin Regiment as a Private soldier and was wounded in Normandy on August 9th, 1944. He returned to Canada in 1946. He served in various Atlantic Militia units, including the Nova Scotia Highlanders and the 113 COY, Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. He commanded the 32 Moncton Service Battalion, the 8th Canadian Hussars (PL) (M), the Eastern New Brunswick Militia District and Militia Area Atlantic. At the close of his career, he was appointed Colonel of the Regiment of the 8th Canadian Hussars and Honorary Colonel of the Nova Scotia Highlanders. He was awarded the designation Officer of the Order of Military Merit. In his later years, Owen enjoyed holding court at the local Tim Horton's where all the social and political issues of the day were resolved. He also enjoyed spending time and caring for his four wonderful grandchildren. Owen will be sadly missed by his wife of 63 years, L. Rowena (North) Lockyer; his children, James "Jim" Lockyer (Brigitte Robichaud), Moncton; Judy Lockyer, Newport Beach, California; Stephen Lockyer (Donna), Halifax, NS; precious grandchildren, Sarah, Patrick, Henry and Spencer; his loving nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of this immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Douglas and Eric; sisters, Joyce, Eliza and Nellie.
Visitation at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995), Wednesday 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm. Moncton Legion Branch #6 Veterans Memorial Service, Wednesday at 4pm. Celebration of Life Service for Owen to be held at St. George's Anglican Church (corner of Church and Queen St.), Thursday, December 2, 2010, 11:00am. Rev. Chris VanBuskirk officiating. Reception in the church hall following the service. In Owen's memory, donations to the Tree of Hope Campaign or St. George's Anglican Church would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com