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John M. 'Malcolm' Redding St John, NB Canada QCWA # 16416 |
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REDDING, JOHN 'MALCOLM' - 1919 - 2013 - J. Malcolm Redding passed away on November 22, 2013 at Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Saint John New Brunswick, eleven days short of his 94th birthday. Born in Yarmouth Nova Scotia he was the son of the late William Herbert and Maud (Churchill) Redding. Beside his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Margaret (Linton), second wife Ruth (nee Rock, formerly Bean), brothers Clyde and William and sister Carolyn.
A long-time Saint John resident, he moved to the city as a teenager and attended Saint John High School graduating in 1936. He attended the University of New Brunswick and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering (1941).
Malcolm was a World War II Veteran. During his university days he joined the Canadian officers Training Corps, and in 1942 enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was posted to remote stations in Labrador where he worked with the then new technology of radar. He was later transferred to Bournemouth, England, where he remained until January 1946 when he was released with the rank of Flying Officer. He continued with the RCAF reserve until 1957 leaving with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He was active with the Royal United Services Institute in his later years.
Malcolm had a long career with the Engineering Department of the New Brunswick Telephone Company, retiring after 35 years in 1982. One of the first to work with fibre optics, he was ahead of the curve on that technology. Malcolm always had a keen interest in knowing what makes things work and fixing things. He had a lifelong passion for amateur radio, and received his amateur radio operator's license at the age of 16. In 1937, Malcolm (VE1IZ) was a Founding Member of the Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club, and after many years of activity on the amateur radio bands and club leadership he was honoured as a Life Member. He has spoken to radio enthusiasts around the world. He was also a life member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
He was a former member of the Germain Street Baptist Church serving as a deacon, and subsequently attended St. Mark's United Church.
He was a member of the Lancaster Golden Service Club, and volunteered with a number of service organizations including Telephone Pioneers, Arthritis Society, Canadian National Institute for the Blind and United Way.
A devoted husband and family man, Malcolm raised three children with his first wife Margaret, who he sadly lost in 1982. Through a heartwarming turn of fate, a friendship with his former neighbour Ruth Bean was rekindled resulting in his second marriage. Malcolm and Ruth enjoyed 30 happy years together pursuing many interests including travelling, cruising, music, dancing and times with friends and family.
He is survived by daughters Mary Sangalang (Manny) of Lewiston, Maine and Linda Lewell (Ken) of Hampton NB, son John (Sherry) of Dieppe NB. Also stepdaughter Barbara Puxley (Brian) of St. John's NL, and stepsons David Bean (Joyce) of Sussex NB, Robert Bean (Pamela) of Calgary AB; grandchildren Ellen Harding (Ed), Andrew Sangalang (Chrissy), Mary Jane and Peter Puxley, Alison and Stephen Bean, Craig and Andrew Bean; great-grandchildren Cameron, Madison, Matthew, Ryan, Richard, Justin, Tristan, Anna Ruth, Alda, Jeannie, Sarah, Jacob, Tyler, Michael, Corey and Grace.
The family expresses their sincere thanks for the exceptional care and kindness given by the staff of the Ridgewood Veteran's Wing, as well as the devoted service by caregiver Knoll Meahan of Joan's Home Support.
Resting at Brenan's Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB (634-7425) with visiting on Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service will be held during visiting on Monday at 7:00 pm.
The Funeral Service will be held from Brenan's Bay View Chapel on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 11:00 am.
Interment will take place in Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.
For those who wish remembrances to the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.