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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
DEON, Roderick Joseph (Rod) - One of the last of the Greatest Generation, at 102 years of age, World War Two veteran Roderick Joseph Deon departed this earth at exactly 11:11p.m. - a legend to the last. He has joined Frances, his wife of 76 years, after keeping her waiting in heaven only 71 days without him. Of deep Acadian roots, Rod was born in 1921 in Pubnico, Nova Scotia, the first child of Joseph d’Eon and Evelina d’Entremont. He grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts before the outbreak of the Depression prompted the family to return to Canada in 1929. In 1942, Rod volunteered to join the Canadian Navy and served aboard the destroyer HMCS Ottawa H31, finishing his service as a Chief Petty Officer with the Engineer’s Branch. His ship was on convoy duty in the North Atlantic and took part in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day) in 1944. The Ottawa was credited with three U-boat sinkings in that same year. Following the war, he met Frances Duguay in Saint John, New Brunswick, and they married in 1947. After moving to Toronto, Ontario in 1950, they then welcomed their son, Brian, in 1951; daughter Jennifer came along 20 years later in 1971. Rod enjoyed a long career as a construction superintendent and oversaw the building of many schools and churches in the Toronto area. After retiring in his 70s, his long time hobby of woodcarving became a second career, with commissions from organizations such as the Walt Disney Company and Grant Forest Industries. Even after moving to St. John’s in 2015, Rod continued to produce award-winning relief carvings and other artworks up to the age of 100. Remembrance and service remained close to Comrade Rod’s heart throughout his life. A founding member of Branch 617 in Toronto, Rod was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion and participated in the annual poppy campaign every single year - including last year, at the age of 101. In 2019, he journeyed to France as a member of the Canadian delegation marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Rod’s awards and honours include the 1939-45 Star (Atlantic); the France & Germany Star; the Normandy Campaign medal; the Canadian Voluntary Service 1939-45 medal; the King George VI 1939-45 medal; and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. In 2019, he was awarded the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour from the Ambassador of France to Canada. In 2021, he received a Commendation from the Minister of Veteran’s Affairs. Rod was a friend to all he met, and will be mourned by many. He is survived by his son, Brian Deon and wife, Judy Deon (Nelson, BC); daughter, Jennifer Deon and her husband, Dave Walsh with their son, John Deon-Walsh (St. John’s, NL); grandchildren, Jonathan Deon and wife, Erin Weech (Victoria, BC); Alison Deon and husband, Jeff Geddis with their daughters, Gwendolyn and Grace (Toronto, ON); sisters ,Sylvia Martell (Pubnico) and Anne Vitaline Blondeau (Montreal); as well as many nephews and nieces and cousins in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Florida. He is predeceased not only by his parents and beloved wife, but also his brother, Father Harland d’Eon and sister, Zelma d’Deon Sharpe. The family wishes to thank especially Rod’s loving team of care companions who have spent so much time with him over the last few years. A visitation will be held at Cauls Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road, St. John’s, on Tuesday, July 25 from 12-3p.m. and 6-9p.m. All are invited to attend the Funeral Mass to be held at The Basilica of St. John the Baptist on Wednesday, July 26 at 2p.m. Following the Mass, the funeral procession will travel to the Field of Honour located at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, in the St. John's neighbourhood of Galway for an internment with Military Honours. (His beloved wife Frances will also be interred with him at this time.) Those who are unable to attend the Mass in person but are wishing to do so virtually, please visit https://www.thebasilica.net/live/. In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming a member of your local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (anyone may do so) and/or making a donation to the Poppy Campaign - both may be arranged through Legion.ca (The Saltwire Network 21 Jul 2023)
Rod speaks of his time in the navy & of D-Day (youtube video)
Ships served in: HMCS OTTAWA - Served in Ottawa 1943-1945
Portrait of Petty Officer Roderick J. D'eon - age 22 Courtesy of Jenn Deon
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For Posterity's Sake 
