ENGLISH, JOSEPH ALFRED - Joseph (Joe) English passed away in the Camp Hill Veterans Hospital, Halifax N.S. on July 14, 2011 at the age of 93. Joe spent the majority of his life in Campbellton, N.B. and is survived by his wife, June Helen (Tribe ) English of Wolfville N.S., three children Karen (Stephen) Ash of Wolfville, N.S., Jock (Pam Reid ) English of Shediac, N.B., and Keltie (Mark Sadler) English of Halifax, N.S., five grandchildren, Peter Ash, Neil Ash, Fraser Ash, Meredith Sadler and Leigh Sadler, and one great-grandchild Lincoln Ash. Joe served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1940 to 1945 as a pilot flying primarily Dakota DC-3s and served full tours of duty in both the North Africa and Burma campaigns. During one of his flights in North Africa, Joe’s aircraft was shot down on takeoff and he managed to safely land the aircraft in the desert with all crew unhurt. He and his crew were picked up by General Gott who was General Montgomery’s predecessor in North Africa. Ironically, General Gott was himself shot down two weeks later taking off from the same airstrip and did not survive. Joe took part in the first flight of transport aircraft over the famous “Burma Hump” in Asia, carrying supplies behind enemy lines.
On his return to Canada, Joe was stationed in Comox, B.C. where he met June Tribe whom he married in 1945. After the war, Joe and June settled in Campbellton, N.B. where Joe and his brother Jim grew their father’s plumbing business to a mechanical contracting and propane gas distribution company. Joe was active in the Campbellton community and served as Chairman of the Campbellton School Board as well as President of the Restigouche Country Club and he was an active member of the local Gyro Club. Known as “Papa Joe” to his grandchildren, Joe spent much of his retirement working in his workshop, making interesting playthings for his grandchildren as well as “driftwood” fixtures for the family cottage. Much to the chagrin of his family, Joe believed in using any “free” materials at hand to do repairs on the house and cottage. Joe will be well remembered for his love of his family.
There will be no visitation or memorial service. There will be a family remembrance service at a later date. Memorial Donations may be made to the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Garden or charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com