Obituary of George "Merrill" Rumson

It is with a great sense of loss that the family of George Merrill Rumson announces his passing which occurred very peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Merrill was predeceased by his beloved wife, Grace Ada (Cass); his parents, William Ebenezer and Phoebe Alberta (Ward) Rumson; three brothers, John, Theodore and Samuel. Merrill was born on April 10, 1913 in Carbonear, NL. He is survived by his son, James (Karen) Rumson of PEI; three siblings, Gordon (Barbara) of Victoria, BC; Winnifred Campbell (the late Ken) of Wolfville, NS and Thelma Linton (the late Murray) of Saint John; his beloved personal care giver, Kelly McGeachy; numerous nieces and nephews. Merrill was blessed to have had extremely close personal friends who are literally too numerous to mention (here), but who played a central role in his long life. Merrill was a Veteran of World War II who saw active duty on the Corvette HMCS Chebogue which was torpedoed by a German submarine on October 4, 1944 in which seven of Merrill’s ship mates were lost. He was also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve Saint John Half Company, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 69 and a life member of the HMCS Brunswicker Chief’s and P.O.’s Mess. Merrill was an active member of The Order of Free and Accepted Masons for over 75 years and was also a member of the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, the York Rite, the Royal Arch Masonic Chapter #4. Merrill spent his professional life of over 40 years as an Office Manager and Assistant Port Agent (Port of Quebec City) for C.P. Ships Limited. He loved spending time with his family, friends and his cat, Buffer. Resting at Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (634-7425) with visiting on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and Tuesday from 12 – 1:30 pm. A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service will be held on Monday at 6:00 pm followed by a Masonic Service at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 2:00 pm from Brenan’s Bay View Chapel. All of Merrill’s friends are cordially invited to attend the graveside service in Greenwood Cemetery, which will be followed by a reception at Branch 69 legion, 714 Wilson, Street. For those who wish remembrances may be made to the S.P.C.A.