Obituary of CHARLES HERBERT MAXWELL

Charles Herbert Maxwell, 90 of Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Saint John, NB, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2006 in the presence of his daughter, Lorraine, son-in-law, Bob and Bob’s brother (Herb’s evening caregiver), Chris Harley. Herb was a son of the late John A. (Jack) and the late Charlotte (Dodd) Maxwell. He was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Margery (Savage) R.N. in 1999. He resided at Ridgewood since her death where he received excellent care. He considered it home. A graduate of Saint John High School and Modern Business College, he was subsequently employed by the Canadian Permanent Mortgage Corporation and later the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the Lancaster Hospital, Saint John West as Supervisor of Social Welfare Services. A sergeant and artillery officer in Coastal Artillery, Saint John, NB, Partridge Island, Gaspe, QC, Manitoba and later England, he transferred to the infantry division, serving with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders (of Hamilton, ON) and served overseas during the Second World War. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant. Twice wounded and taken as a German prisoner-of-war, he was mentioned in Dispatches for gallantry following his release as a P.O.W. He was a Canadian liberator of Holland and was honoured with a medal by the Dutch government in 2004. As a result of his war injuries he lost his right leg above the knee and became an active member of the War Amputations of Canada. Herb was branch president for New Brunswick at the time of his death. Herb spent a year in British Hospital before sailing for Canada to recuperate at DVA Lancaster Hospital where he met Margery, who became his nurse and later his wife. Mr. Maxwell took an active interest in Community affairs having been a member of the executive of the Board of Family Services and a member of the Board of Governors of the West Saint John Community Hospital. In addition he served a number of years on the Board of Centracare, and for ten years as treasurer of the NB Competitive Festival of Music. Mr. Maxwell also served as the first N.B. representative to the National Veterans’ Affairs component of the Public Service alliance of Canada. Herb was a former member of Portland United Church and at the time of his death a parishioner of Saint Rose de Lima Church for over forty years. He was an assistant Scout Master with St. Rose Boy Scouts under the leadership of Mr. John Noddin, whose friendship he delighted in. Herb received his 15 year pin for service. Additionally he was a lector for over 20 years. He was a former member of the Saint John Garrison Officers Mess, United Services Institute of Canada and Past President of the War Amputations of Canada. He was a present member of both the Lancaster # 69 Branch Canadian Legion and the Lancaster Golden “K” Club. Herb was a true gentleman. He loved nature, stamp collecting, coin collecting, golf and was an avid gardener. He had a very sharp mind, a keen wit and a love of literature and poetry. Herb was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his parents he was predeceased by sisters: Margaret, Jean (in infancy), Phyllis (Don Peacock) and his brothers: Don (Kay Allison), Bob (Emma Champignon), John and George. Surviving are two daughters, Lorraine (Bob Harley) of Cole Harbour, NS and Christina McLain of Toronto; niece Janet Leger (Maxwell) of Quispamsis, whom he considered to be like a daughter to him; granddaughters, Sarah Kate Harley (Chris Palmer) and Emily Lorraine Harley and only grandson, Matthew Maxwell Harley, all of the Halifax area. Several other nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews survive as well. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424 with visitation of Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Tribute to a Veteran Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 7 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Rose of Lima Church, Milford Road, Saint John West on Wednesday, December 6th at 12 noon. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Flowers are welcomed as Herb loved them. Charitable donations may be made to the Salvation Army, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.