Obituaries

Albert Stanley Middleton 
March 11, 1915 – February 12, 2025 

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Sadly, we announce the passing of an incredible man who lived a remarkable long life.  Albert passed away peacefully at Veterans Memorial Lodge in Victoria, BC.

Albert was born in London, England to a dockworker, James Middleton and Florence Middleton (nee Probert).  On March 29, 1929, at the age of 14, Albert immigrated to Canada as part of the National Children’s Orphanage travelling on the “Cedric”, landing in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  He worked as a child labourer for three years on farms to repay his passage from England.  This led to a long, prosperous, adventurous life through hard work, intestinal fortitude and determination.

Albert served in WWII September 21, 1943 – July 12, 1946 with honourable discharge from the Royal Canadian Air Force (war Service Badge #391915) at 31 years of age.  Returning on the “Aquitania” proceeding to Lachine.  In 1952, with the Veteran’s Land Act, he purchased a 65-acre farm in Brantford, ON. While farming pigs and beef cattle and also working in many factories, he studiously attended night school and retired from Massey Ferguson in 1980.

In his retirement years he returned to London, England for 20 years, enjoying travelling with Constance Middleton (deceased 1996).

At the tender age of 90, Albert returned to Canada to Victoria, BC in the James Bay neighborhood.  At age 101 years, he moved into Veterans Memorial Lodge, where he was loved by staff and residents.  His singing and kisses for the nurses will be greatly missed with the infamous “Shweetheart”.

Special thank you to all the staff at the Lodge for their care and compassion with Dad throughout his final years.  Also, a special thank you to Yvan for the many Facetimes and humorous stories shared.

Missed by special friends Bob and Loureen Tuomi, Bernice and Pat and Graham Masters (England).  Thank you for welcoming Albert into your family; for the many outings, coffee and more importantly, the many happy hours shared.

Predeceased by Jacqueline Middleton (2001); his son, Blair Middleton (2018);  Patricia Middleton (2024) and special friend, Bernice. Survived by his son, Wayne Middleton; daughter, Darlene Van Raay (Don); granddaughters, Charlene Middleton (Jeff), Denise Lockey (Gary), Tracy Bancroft (Dave), Rhea Van Raay and grandsons, Colin and Denver Van Raay; great-grandchildren, Andrew Lockey, Katie (fiancé, Lucas), Jason Ellenburger (Ashley), Eric Ellenburger, Nicholas Ellenburger; great-great-granchildren Logan and Falon Ellenburger.

Albert narrowly missed his landmark of 110 years. 

At the time of his passing, he proudly held the titles of: Oldest Canadian man, oldest Canadian WWII Vet, oldest British Home Child and oldest surviving British Home Child who served in WWII.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place with a Celebration of Life to be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Oak Room at Broadmead Lodge for Veterans for friends and family.

“Don’t take any wooden nickels”

“See you later alligator”

“Everything comes to he who waits”

Donations gratefully accepted by Veterans Memorial Lodge www.broadmeadcare.com/care-homes/veterans-memorial-lodge-saanich/ and/or Veterans Affairs Canada.

It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jack) Kimm

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Jack joined the Royal Canadian Navy in February 1989.  Coming from the small town of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Jack wanted to see the world and serve his country, and the navy was his choice of service. He did his basic training at CFB Cornwallis, then was posted to Esquimalt, B.C.

Over the years, Jack served on many ships, including:

• October 1989 HMCS MacKenzie
• March 1993 HMCS Vancouver
(Commissioning Crew)
• December 1996 HMCS Regina 
• October 2005 HMCS Vancouver
• November 2007 HMCS Winnipeg 
• April 2009 HMCS Ottawa 
• October 2010 HMCS Calgary

He participated in many deployments and achieved recognition and awards for his service, including:

• Special Service Medal – Peacekeeping 
• Canadian Forces Decoration 
• Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal 
• South-West Asia Service Medal – Afghanistan

Jack also achieved national qualifications in his Marine Engineer trade and was also a participant in many Canadian patrol frigate exercises.  He was proud to serve his country and excelled in his trade.

While his service took him away from his family often, he was the proud father to his oldest son, Douglas (Doug) and youngest son, David.  His wife, Joanne, kept up the family home in his absence.  Jack was quiet in nature but adventurous. Growing up, he excelled in many sports, including football, skiing and soccer.  Family was important to him, which was reflected in the many letters home.

Jack was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2022 from exposure to toxins while serving his country.  His last days were spent in Halifax Hospice, with his wife, son, and grandson by his side.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Joanne, sons Douglas (Kyla) and David, and four grandchildren (Elodie, Violet, Charlie and Ryker). Jack is also survived by his sister Cheryl (Anu) Khanna, brother Scott Kimm, and nieces Jasmine and Michelle. He is predeceased by his father, Doug, and mother, Earlene.

A celebration of life will be held at St. Peter and St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 1379 Esquimalt Road, on March 7, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Halifax Hospice.

The grief we feel, while enormous, only shows how much we love you. No matter where you are, your spirit will be beside me.