DEMPSEY, James – age 94 of Gander, NL, passed away peacefully Sunday February 1st, 2009 in Halifax, NS. Born December 27th, 1914 in St. John’s, NL, he was the son of James and Angela (nee O'Keefe) Dempsey. One of Gander’s pioneers, he arrived from Botwood in 1939 working as a radio operator/technician with the British Air Ministry and later Transport Canada. He was a part of world history for his involvement with the Hindenburg, the first Transatlantic flying boats, the Bismarck, the Caribou and the Sabaena Airlines Crash at St. Martin's in the Woods and many others. His lifelong passion for the sea, travel and his rare radio telegraphy skills kept him busy well into his retirement years. He is predeceased by his loving wife Vera E. Dempsey (nee Greene), 2 sisters and 5 brothers. He is survived by 3 daughters; Patricia Hiscock, Halifax, NS, Jane (Patrick) Donnelly, Angus, ON and Helen (George) Simmons, St. Albert, AB. Also 2 brothers Patrick Dempsey, St. John’s, NL and Joseph Dempsey, Halifax, NS and 6 grandchildren, Christopher (Tilly) Hiscock, Surrey, BC, George (Buddy) Simmons, Victoria, BC, Deanna Simmons, Edmonton, AB, Kyle (Gail Stephenson) Donnelly, Barrie, ON, Krista (Kaare) Hagar, Victoria, BC and Timothy Ryan Simmons, St. Albert, AB as well as 2 great-grandchildren Joshua Adam Hiscock and Stephanie Hiscock, Surrey, BC. Resting at Stacey’s Funeral Home, Gander Thursday from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Funeral service, Friday February 6th, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. from St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Gander. Interment All Saints Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations made be made to the Gander Knights of Columbus Scholarship Fund or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted through Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander. To sign our memorial on-line guest book please visit www.staceysfuneralhome.ca