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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CORBETT, John Harper - On February 4, 2016, John Corbett died peacefully in Calgary at the age of 96. Renowned for his lively wit, John was a consummate gardener, wide-stanced golfer and passionate hunter, shepherding his buddies on an annual goose hunt for 40 years. Born in Victoria, B.C. on June 24, 1919, John then spent all but his final months in Edmonton. In 1942, he graduated, with distinction, in law from the University of Alberta. There he met his beloved Nora, and they married a year later in Quebec City during a brief leave from his World War II duties as a seagoing lieutenant with the Royal Canadian Navy. He was mentioned in despatches for a swift decision that saved many lives. Upon returning, he joined his father's law practice, Corbett and Harper, one of Edmonton's oldest firms (1911). John had a long, distinguished law practice, specializing in estate planning, and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1959. He was president of Royal Mayfair Golf Club, where he planted many of the trees gracing the course's fairways. John is survived by his children Mary (Graeme Dales), Norma (Scot Jamieson), Helen, William, grandsons Cameron and Nathan Dales, sister Nancy Lord and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Nora (McPhail), parents William Melville and Norma Roberta (Dickson) Corbett and sisters Agnes Wynn, Mary Stevens and Rhona Bilsland. The family is deeply grateful to John's niece Nancy Nimmon for her unflagging support, to the staff and residents of Canterbury Manor and Maison Senior Living and to Elma Candelario, Darlein Warren and Erika Franklin for their tremendous hands-on care. A celebration of John's life will be held at the Royal Mayfair Golf Club, 9450 Groat Road, Edmonton on Thursday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. A Calgary reception will be held Saturday, February 27, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Maison Senior Living (750 49 Avenue S.W.) In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmonton Community Foundation, 9910 - 103 Street NW, Edmonton T5K 2V7.
M.I.D. citation: CORBETT, John Harper, Lieutenant, Mention in Despatches, RCNVR, HMCS ANNAN - Awarded as per Canada Gazette of 21 April 1945 and London Gazette of 20 March 1945. "For outstanding skill, courage and zeal in Anti-U-Boat operations while serving in H.M. Canadian Ships ANNAN and SAINT JOHN."
Ships served in: HMCS MOOSE JAW - Appointed to MOOSE JAW 19 Oct 1942 as a SLt, RCNVR (Navy List Aug 1943) HMCS ANNAN - Appointed to ANNAN 11 Mar 1944 as Lt, RCNVR. Commissioning crew
Article dated 08 Apr 1945
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