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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
Truro, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at the age of 87 years. Born in Effingham, Surrey (U.K.) on Friday, May 13th, 1932 to the late Eric and Mable (Lewis) Boxall, he received a commission in 1952 into the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy as an Observer. After postings ashore (HMS Gannet, HMNB Devonport) and carrier (HMS Indefatigable), he arrived at HMCS Shearwater where he met his future wife, Alayne. The day before his wedding, he received his wings and moved back for postings in the U.K. eventually returning to Halifax in 1955 with a posting to VU-32. In 1958, Lt. Boxall was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy serving until 1963. He was a member of the Naval Reserves HMCS Scotian and later with the Canadian Forces 420 Squadron (Snowy Owls) as Executive Officer, promoted to Major and leaving duty in 1977. He became the personnel officer for CFS Barrington, CFB Summerside and CFS Shelburne returning to CFB Halifax as transport and safety officer. In 1992, he and Alayne retired to Truro. He was a dedicated husband, caring for Alayne during 25 years of her Lupus until her death. He found love again with his second wife, Gertie for the past five years. Colin was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Colchester Branch 26 and the Knights of Columbus Council (K.o.C.) 6633. He was very proud of his work with the K.o.C.; the turkey wheel, lobster dinner and as Monseigneur Shannon Cannon, all raising funds for charity works in Truro. He was instrumental in establishing the commemorative service for first responders in the local area. He enjoyed giving talks about his experiences during the Second World War, and his service as a veteran of over 25 years. He gave his energy to many church councils, youth soccer, PTAs, Air Cadets, Natal Day committees among others. An avid sports fan, especially for his Stoke City F.C., he was a sports columnist for the Dartmouth Free Press, and statistician for the Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL hockey team. His journalism reflected his love of writing which could be seen in his Christmas letters, poetry and family history book based upon his mother's diaries from 1919 to 1989. He is survived by his children, Eric (Carol), Leslie Cameron (Harold), Johanna Begin (John) and James; his second wife, Gertrude (Morrison) and her children, Sherry Persaude (Mike) and Larry Cook (Denise); his brothers, Roger, Malcom, Graham; and sister, Bridget; his sisters-in-law, Anna Campbell (Dunn) and Sally Dunn (Gallant); numerous nieces and nephews scattered around the world; and his grandchildren, whom he adored as much as, if not more than, anything in his life, Colin, Sarah, Alex, Betta, Gregory, Laura, Ian; and his equally precious great-grandchildren, Alexa, Payton and Kai. He was a devoted family man who lived by his code of service: family, faith, others. He was predeceased by his wife, Alayne (Dunn, died 2010); older brother, David (Joyce); and in-laws, Michael, Christine, Frances and Frank (Tomscha), Paul (Pauline), Kevin and Joe. The family wishes to thank the amazing staff of the Palliative Care Unit of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre (Janet, Cara, Isabelle, Felicia, Riley, Anna, Keisha, Kendall, Melissa, Mary, Kierstie, Katelyn, and Mary Jane) the V.O.N. and the wonderful Drs. Rowe, Smith, Ellis, Grandy and Cook all for their care, warmth and smiles. He faced cancer the way he did everything; with dignity, optimism, honesty and his very dry English humour. Colin was always reminding anyone who would listen that he was born on Friday the 13th enlisted on May 13th and had his first posting to Canada on the 13th. As destiny would have it, he passed away in room 13 in the Palliative Unit. He knew and loved that full circle symmetry. Dad, you can fall out now, Bravo Zulu. A visitation will be held in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro on Sunday, September 15th, 2-4 p.m. with a Legion Tribute at 3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Tribute at 6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. in The Immaculate Conception Church, 669 Prince St., Truro on Monday, September 16th with Father Dariusz Miskowicz. A reception will follow in Campbell Hall. Interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Robie St., Truro. Donations may be made to Saint Vincent de Paul Society or the Knights of Columbus. (Halifax Chronicle-Herald 13 Sep 2019)
Ships served in: Royal Navy HMS INDEFATIGABLE HMS GANNET HMNB DEVONPORT
Ships served in: Royal Canadian Navy
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For Posterity's Sake 
