Obituary of Joseph Geldart

Mr. Joseph Hanford Geldart of Sussex, passed away at the Sussex Health Centre on February 28, 2007 in his 92nd year. Born in Sussex on March 28, 1915, he was the son of the late Hanford and Sarah Elizabeth (Whalen) Geldart. Joe is survived by Grace (Pearson), his beloved wife of 65 years; his daughter, Jo-Anne Evans and her husband Frank of Saint John; four sons: Roy, Peter and his wife Kathi of Campbell River, BC, Francis, Brian and his wife Heather of Sussex; his sister, Alma Oreto of Toronto, three grandchildren: Joe and his wife Leala of Calgary, Alberta, Jill of Airdrie, Alberta and Amy of Sussex; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Stephen, two sisters: Annie O'Keefe and Doreen McIntyre. Joe enlisted in the New Brunswick Rangers in October 1942. In September 1943, he went overseas and was discharged February 1946 with the rank of Captain. Joe served in England and NW Europe. In France, while wounded; he went to the aid of other soldiers. In recognition of this act of bravery he was honoured with the "Mentioned in Despatches" (MID), the Wound Stripe and the Oak Leaf. After the War, Joe joined the Princess Louise's 8th Hussars, where he was the Quarter Master and retired with the rank of Captain. Joe retired in 1980, after 42 years of Government service, including over 30 years as a Fisheries Officer with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Joe was also very active with the Boy Scouts of Canada and the Sussex Minor Hockey League. He was instrumental in the construction of the Kings County Stadium. In 1946, Joe became an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Sussex Branch # 20 where he was a member for over 62 years, he was President in 1950 and received his Past President medal in 1951 and served as Secretary-Treasurer for many years. He received his Certificate of Merit in 1972 and the Golden Anniversary Medal in 1976. In 1983, he received the Past Officer Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Joe was awarded a Life Membership in 1985. He was also the District Honourary Secretary for the Royal Canadian Legion. Joe was recognized as Sussex Citizen of the Year in 1988. Joe and Grace enjoyed trips to Great Britain and Europe as well as several trips to Holland to take part in celebrations of the 45th, 50th, 55th and 60th anniversaries of the liberation of Holland. He was a member of the Sussex Golden "K" and St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church.