Obituary of Francis Allan Hammond

Francis Allan Hammond "Frank", 93, of Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co. NS, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016 with his family by his side at the South Shore Regional Hospital. Born in West Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late J. Allan and M. Isabel (Huard) Hammond. Frank was a volunteer reservist in the Combined Operations Landing in the 262nd Flotilla. He participated in Operation Overlord, as a signalman onboard LCIL 252, landing and disembarking Canadian troops on Juno Beach during the Invasion of Normandy from June 6 to September 1944 when the landing craft was decommissioned. He returned to Canada, while on leave, to marry the young woman from the end of his street; in October 1944 he married his sweetheart and true love Marion Doody. When Frank returned to the war he was posted to HMCS Oakville where he served in The Battle of the Atlantic until the end of the war. He was discharged in May 1945. When the war ended, Frank resumed his education and had a long career serving the Federal government. Frank revisited Juno beach on the 40th anniversary and every ten years after until the 70th anniversary in 2014. Frank was honoured to be presented with France’s highest medal, the Legion of Honour (Legion d’honneur), at a ceremony at the Bridgewater Legion on December 15, 2014. He took great pride in displaying the medal and explaining the meaning behind the appointment. Frank was a Past President and life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 24, and a member of the Desmond Piers Naval Association. His bond with veterans and his shipmates was strong to the end and he always honoured his commitment to “never forget”. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Marion; sons, David (Geri), Summerside PE; Roger (Peggy Gates), Dartmouth; Paul, Bridgewater; sister Susan Garey, Sechelt, BC; grandchildren, Michelle, Chris, Sam, Susan; and great grandchildren, Braeden and Naomi. Besides his parents Frank was predeceased by his brother Gregory Howard of Berwick. There will be no visitation by request. A Royal Canadian Legion funeral service will be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, York St. Bridgewater, NS at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2016, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. A private family burial will be held in Fort Point Cemetery at a later date. A reception will follow at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall at 78 Alexandra Ave., Bridgewater. Online condolences may be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome. Donations may be made to the South Shore Regional Hospital in Frank’s memory or a charity of your choice. The entire family would like to thank Dr. Heather Robertson and the thoughtful and caring staff on the third floor of the South Shore Regional Hospital who cared for Frank during his final days and the staff at Ridgewood, Bridgewater for their support and care of both Frank and Marion. “Roll along wavy navy, roll along. If you ask us who we are, we’re the RCNVR. Roll along wavy navy roll along”.