Obituary of Derek Shawn Cornford

Derek Shawn Cornford, 67, formerly of West Saint John, ended his battle with cancer in the palliative care unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital, on Aug. 16, 2016, with his wife and daughter at his side. Born on Sept. 13, 1948, to the late George Cornford and Dora (Jonah) Cornford, Derek grew up on Bentley St. and attended the Vocational School before working for the Irving Oil Refinery for 32 years. After retiring in 2003 Derek enjoyed meeting weekly with his fellow retirees to enjoy coffee and friendship. Throughout his life, Derek was an avid traveller and loved to explore North America, with Glenna, in their motorhome and was a member of the Perfect Circle chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association. After retirement he and Glenna also visited numerous countries in Europe. He loved to tinker with engines and motors and had an endless curiosity about how things worked. Derek will be dearly missed by his wife of 43 years, Glenna (Fair) Cornford, his daughter, Alison Cornford-Matheson (Andrew), his mother, Dora (Jonah) Cornford and his many friends and family members. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff of the palliative care unit at the Regional for their unwavering kindness and care in Derek’s final days. Special thanks to Maureen McCarthy and to his many friends who visited and lifted Derek’s spirits during his difficult battle with cancer. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Bay View Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John, NB (634-7425). Visitation will be held Saturday, August 20, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Derek’s life, on Monday, August 22, 2016 at 11:00 am at Brenan’s Bay View Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation or Bobby’s Hospice would be appreciated by the family.