John Joseph Ovens

Born Aug. 07, 1938 in Sudbury, ON, he was raised in Muskoka on his Grandfather’s farm (Henry Speedie, a pioneer in the area). He joined the R.C.N. in 1955. His Basic and Trade Training was at H.M.C.S Cornwallis. He was trained as a Radioman (later called Communications). His first ship was H.M.C.S. Haida (now a museum). He slept in a hammock- “best sleep of his life”, he said. He also served aboard H.M.C.S. Buckingham then to the Diving Tender H.M.C.S. Granby where he trained as a Clearance Diver (Deep Sea and Scuba). He spent some time at Albro Lake Radio Station, then was drafter to H.M.C.S. Shelburne (Naval Station) where he met his future wife Elsa, a Wren serving there. They married in 1963. After 10 years of Service John left the East Coast Navy an in 1966, re-entered on the West Coast. His first ship on this coast was H.M.C.S. Saskatchewan. He went on to join Submarines; training on the Grilse and then the Rainbow (this period was the highlight of his career). When the Rainbow decommissioned he served aboard H.M.C.S. Kootenay. With the 1980 Fleet Conversion his Trade changed to NESOP (Sensor Operator). He also served at CFFS: Canadian Forces Fleet School and NOTC: Naval Officer Training Center. He was released in 1987 after 32 years; and joined the Reserves Class “B”; where he worked at the Base Chief’s Office as Accomodations Supervisor. He retired in 1993. He then became a Special Constable at the Parliament Buildings for 8 years. After this phase ended, he carried on as a Commissionaire, at the Wardroom for 10 years, Crystal Gardens, and in H.M.C. Dockyard. During his Military Career he often “moonlighted” and worked a second job. A bouncer in Bedford N.S. (wearing a tux); at the Westwind Hotel, in Langford, and at the Empress “Bengal Room” and Library Bar as a waiter/bartender. He finally retired at age 80.

He was predeceased by his father, Dalton Ovens, mother, Teresa Mann, and brother, Michael Ovens.

He is Survived by his wife Elsa, daughter Erin, Granddaughter Alexandra (Ali), and sister Sharon Harrison.

His interests and talents were varied: He hiked the “West Coast Trail”, he loved Astronomy (often calling Elsa at 0200 in the morning, on his night shift, to talk about constellations), he did exceptional stained glass (Jo-El stained glass) – some houses in Victoria have his windows, a bird watcher, macramé, an avid reader, he and Erin (when she was a youngster) loved stationary stores, they would spend hours…. He also enjoyed line dancing, playing the juice-harp (zither), and partying. He was a “softy” and often cried in movies. He never forgot his manners (even in his dementia).

On Nov. 17, 2023, after 4 years in Veteran’s Memorial Lodge LTC; John passed away of Alzheimers disease. Thank you to the staff at Broadmead and Veteran’s Care for your kindness and caring all through: ‘Before, During, and After Covid’..

A Celebration of Life will be held at Langford Legion on February 14, 2024 from 1400-1700