Reginald Arthur George Coombes

LCDR (Retd.) RCN/CAF

Passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at the age of 86. Born February 12, 1930 in Ilford, Essex, England, son of the late Captain and Mrs. R. J. L. Coombes of Dovercourt, Essex. Survived by children Steven (Ludmilla) of Shackleton, Sask; William (Barb) of Lower Onslow; Susan Karsten (Duncan) of Kingston; Dianne Chamberland (Yves) of Shannon, QC; seven grandchildren; sister Mary (Ray) Reedman of England and niece and nephew. Predeceased by teenage daughter, Nancy Jean, in September 1977, and his much-loved wife of 57 years, Jean, in December 2011. He started his sea-going career as a British Merchant Navy Deck Apprentice in 1945 and after two years ashore, where he met his wife-to-be, Jean, joined the RCN in early 1954, retiring in 1977. A member of Woodlawn United Church where he served as an Elder, he was also a very active Freemason. Worshipful Master of Composite Lodge No. 105, he was later DDGM and Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. Together with Jean, he was a member of Queen Esther Chapter No. 61, OES and served two terms as Worthy Patron, once with his wife as Worthy Matron. A life member of Acacia Lodge No. 561, GRC in Ottawa, ON. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd from 6-8pm in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St, Dartmouth. Memorial Service will be at 1pm on Thursday in A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home. Family flowers only, donations may be made to the IWK Foundation. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com