Obituary of Jack Harley

Jack Charles Harley 85, Wentzell Lake, Lunenburg County, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2005 at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born August 23, 1920 in Halifax, he was a son of the late John P. and Neva (Ettinger) Harley. Jack had his beginning in the Baptist church denomination as an early member of Bayers Road United Baptist Church, Halifax; finally, as a serving member of Barss Corner United Baptist Church, Barss Corner, Lunenburg County. Jack had retired from a colorful career in HMC Dockyards, Halifax. Entering the apprenticeship program in 1937 on completion of 4 years and many engineering courses, at the Nova Scotia Technical College, he graduated as a journeyman machinist. In January 1942, Jack joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve and joined his ship of new construction in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario. Jack served his country admirably as an Engine Room Artificer, on the North Atlantic, English Channel and Bay of Biscay, contributing to the “D-Day” Invasion forces of Europe. At the end of the war, Jack returned to HMC Dockyard, Halifax, Ship Repair Unit as a Journeyman Machinist, rising in the ranks to Senior Foreman Machinist. After a favorable career as machine ship foreman, Jack accepted the challenge as Submarine Project Manager for submarine refitting and on the completion of nine years and forty years of continued service, Jack accepted retirement. In recognition of valuable service, Jack was awarded the Centennial Medal and the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the succession of Her Majesty the Queen to the thrown. Jack was also a loyal member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #2, A.F.&A.M. of the Masonic Order. Surviving are his wife, Catherine (Slack) Rigby – Harley. Daughters, Beverley (Doug) Allen, Moncton; Marlene Paskevicius, Ontario. Son, Richard, Kentville. Grandchildren, Ashley (John) Lanier, Matthew Robinson; Amy Paskevicius, Michael Paskevicius; Jason Harley, Jenna Harley. Great grandchildren Alexander and Nicholas. Twin sister, Neva (Joseph) Arab, Halifax. Step children, Deb McBean, Cindy Anstey, Stephen Rigby; several step grandchildren; two nieces. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Sym) Harley; brother, Frank. Service of Celebration for Jack’s life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Barss Corner United Baptist Church, Rev. Jennifer Joudrey officiating. Family interment will follow in Barss Corner Community Cemetery, Barss Corner. Family flowers only, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 4895 route 10, New Germany, where online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com