|
A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
TUSTIAN, Allan Edward - Allan Edward Tustian passed away peacefully on Friday October 4, 2019 in his 101st year. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 69 years, Alma (Smeltzer) Tustian. Loving father of Marilyn (Stephen) Hill, Michael (Lynda), Mark (Donna), Doug (Crystal), Jeanne (Marc) Lefebvre, John (Vannetta). He will be forever remembered by his 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Also remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Predeceased by his father Robert George Tustian and mother Mary Elizabeth Farquhar and siblings Elmer (Maxine), Jean (Joe) Hodgson, Bill (Ruth), Orval (Eva), Mary (Owen) Boyle. Allan spent most of his life on Lake Mindemoya and it was little wonder when his time came to serve his country in World War II he chose the Navy. He was on active service with the Royal Canadian Navy from August 5, 1941-October 1, 1945. He served on three RCN warships-a destroyer, a Corvette and a Frigate - on escort for 43 convoys in the Battle of the Atlantic. Mr. Tustian certainly saw a lot of water during his time in the navy. He served on the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea and his ships were Her Majesty's Canadian Ships (HMCS) St. Francis, Timmins and Waskesiu, in order a destroyer, corvette and frigate.
He was present for the Battle of the Atlantic, which lasted almost six years. It not only included the Atlantic Ocean, but many other spots including the Arctic Ocean, the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This action saw the death of just over 72,000 sailors and merchant seaman. Mr. Tustian was also present for D-Day, the Allied Invasion of Europe, which led to the defeat of the Germans and the end of the war. The naval veteran saw a staggering 43 convoys across the North Atlantic. Allan returned to Manitoulin Island, Lake Mindemoya and Treasure Island. It was on Treasure Island that he met his future wife, Alma Smeltzer. In the early 60s they purchased Pirate's Cove Cottages and operated their own resort until 1991. Community service was important to him. Over his lifetime he was President of the Central Manitoulin Lion's Club, member of Little Current Legion Branch #177, Past Master of Masonic Lodge, member of the Haweater Shriners, President of Manitoulin Tourist Association, and Rainbow Country Association and Reeve of Carnarvon Township. He was a founding member of the Manitoulin-Northshore Navy Veterans Association and was instrumental in the construction of the Manitoulin Cenotaph. Besides his wife, family and friends the other loves of his life were fishing, hunting, golfing, curling, swimming and coaching hockey. Never happier than when he was surrounded by friends and family (the more, the merrier!) he had an incredible ability to put anyone at ease in any situation and to make every person in the room feel special and interesting. He will forever be remembered for his infectious laugh, his unending curiosity and his deep and abiding joy in life. Rest in peace Allan, Dad, Grandpa we miss you already. Friends will be received at Trinity United Church, Mindemoya on Friday October 11, 2019 from 2 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm, where a service of Celebration will be held on Saturday at 11 am. Interment to follow at Mindemoya Cemetery. In remembrance, donations to the Mindemoya Hospital Auxiliary or Trinity United Church Accessibility Fund.
Ships served in:
|
For Posterity's Sake 
