Obituary of Michael Ciz

CIZ, Michael, CD RCN, Ret’d. – Age 95, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018 in the Veteran’s Unit of Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg. Born in 1922 in Daysland, Alberta, he was the eldest son of Dmitro and Maria Ciz. He is survived by daughter, Mary Ruthanne, Alberta; son, Kevin (Anne), Midville Branch; and sister, Helen, Oregon.  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by Glenora Rosamond, the love of his life for 69 years; son, Stephen; four brothers and two sisters.

Michael served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War 2 and continued serving for 32 years, retiring in 1973. Early in his career he specialized in communications in all ranks to Chief Yeoman of Signals, receiving his commission in 1955. His records show that he served on five different ships during the war in costal, convoy. North Sea and English Channel Operations. While serving in HMCS Saskatchewan, he was a member of the submarine boarding party. Shortly after D-day, the ship was involved in the surrender of the German troops occupying the British territory of Jersey Island. Prior to, and following VE day, the ship was involved in capturing and escorting a total of 14 U-boats to Northern Ireland. The ship remained at sea for 3 weeks after VE day. Michael often recalled his sea time, but most memorable was while serving in HMCS St. Stephen shortly after the war, Canada’s first weather ship operating in Davis Strait between Greenland and Baffin Island, on which he served for 23 months. Michael was chosen to be part of the Great Victory Parade in London, one year after VE day.

After his commission and sea going qualifications on HMCS Huron, he served in a variety of East Coast appointments, some being OIC Frobisher Bay naval radio station during resupply of communities in the Arctic; US Naval Station, Key West, where he specialized in military oceanography; Commanding Officer, HMCS Shelburne; US Naval Headquarters in Norfolk for 3 years where he was awarded the US Naval citation; Senior Staff Officer Current Operations, Maritime Command; and in his last 2 years of service as Queens Harbour Master.

On retirement, he and his family in Barrington Passage, later moved to Cape Sable Island where he was employed for 10 years with the Department of Oceans and Fisheries, which included duties in Yarmouth, Shelburne and Ottawa. He had active participations in church activities, serving as Parish Council President.  He was a member of the Lion’s Club; Cape Sable Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he received Lifetime Membership. He was honoured by the Lieutenant Governor in 1985 for his volunteer work, and he was a church representative during the visit of Pope John Paul to Nova Scotia in 1984. Due to continuing illness, he and his wife moved to Bridgewater in 1993 where he continued his work with the Legion, as well as other various committees and received the Meritorious Service Medal.

A Legion Tribute Service will be held at 6:45 pm, Thursday, April 26 in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. Visitation will follow from 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 pm Friday, in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Bridgewater. Ashes to be interred at a later date. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, or a charity of choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.

EIGHT BELLS, HE HAS STOOD HIS LAST WATCH.