A proud World War II veteran of the British Army and a member of the First 400 Royal Artillery volunteers from Newfoundland, 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment, Royal Artillery (970218). Passed away with the same quiet dignity with which he lived, at the Caribou Memorial Veterans' Pavilion on Wednesday, December 21, 2011, with his loving family by his side. Predeceased in 2007 by his devoted wife of 60 years, Jean (Davis). Left to celebrate his life is his son David (Bonnie Butler) and daughter Janet (Don Rypien). He also leaves with fond memories of “Grampy,” Adam and Alyssa Gruchy and David, Matthew and Timothy Rypien. Also leaving his brother Hunter, sister-in-–law Doris Gruchy and sister-in-law Patricia Davis and several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Dad was born in Pouch Cove on February 27, 1916, and upon graduation from Bishop Feild College, he went to work with the family business, J & A Gruchy Ltd., in Pouch Cove. In April 1940, Dad was one of the first 400 volunteers to go overseas to serve in the British Army and he served in Britain, North Africa and Italy. He returned home on November 1945 and went back to work in the family business until his retirement. Dad was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 56 and a past--president of the Royal Canadian Legion in Pouch Cove. He was a 65-year member of the Avalon Masonic Lodge and was granted honorary membership in 1996. He was an original and dedicated member of the Singing Legionnaires for 35 years. Dad was appointed first mayor of Pouch Cove and served his community and church in several capacities. He was also recipient of the Canada 125 Commemorative Medal (1993) for his service record in the British Army and his community involvement. Resting at Carnell's Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Thursday, December 22, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service to take place from St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 203 Logy Bay Road, Friday, December 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. Interment to follow at the Field of Honour, Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to the Tourette Syndrome Foundation, 5945 Airport Rd. - Suite #195, Mississauga, ON Canada L4V 1R9, the Contemplative Memorial Garden at the Caribou Memorial Veterans’ Pavilion, or a charity of one's choice. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.