Obituary of Robert Beverly Ellis

“Aye Ready Aye” Born January 22, 1935 at the Toronto General Hospital and grew up in Grimsby Beach, Ontario, attended Grimsby Park School and Grimsby High. He tried to join the Navy at the age of 15 and was accepted, but his mother would not give her consent. On January 22, 1952, at the age of 17, he re-enlisted and was officially signed on February 13, he was then sent to HMCS Cornwallis in Nova Scotia for training. Robert proudly served for 30 years and would do so again. The Navy was a good life. He always looked out for his junior ranks and took repercussions for it. His time in the Navy was split between HMCS Stadacona and 14 plus years at sea. While he could be a serious man he was fond of practical jokes. He once released a dozen baby chicks into the Captain’s cabin on the HMCS St. Laurent on Easter weekend. His best posting was as an air crew on HS 50 Helo Squadron. When not at sea or working, he devoted his time volunteering in Shannon Park-Wallis Heights coaching football, hockey, working at the rink & rec centre. Upon retirement from the Navy, Robert moved to Saltsprings in Pictou County, Nova Scotia with his wife and family where he worked for 10 years as a millwright in New Glasgow and Dartmouth. After retirement from millwright, he spent time as a Commissionaire off and on until 2005. Robert greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing with his log camp buddies. Gone now are Jake, Keith, Gerry, Jim and Ted. Robert is predeceased by his wife Leona, daughter Beverley, two sisters, Jackie and Karen, father and mother. He is survived by children, Tracy, Paul, Susan and Jennifer; grandchildren Matthew and Robert; sisters, Vivian, Isabelle and Barbara & brother, Ron. And special friend Kathy. Cremation has taken place. Friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Thursday, September 4, 2014 from 11 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 12 noon in the Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Association or the Veteran charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. “You can stand down now Bobby, your watch is over” “Following seas and fair winds”