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A Royal Canadian Navy Historical Project
In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ECCLES, Brian George Wilfred - Lower Sackville. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear partner, father, brother, and grandfather all too soon at the age of 71. Brian passed away peacefully on August 15, 2014, with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Always a man of great pride and dignity, he carried that through to the end. Brian was born in Transcona, Man. to the late Clifford and Betty (Gibson) Eccles and was predeceased by his wife, Joanie (Robertson) Eccles. He is survived by his loving partner, Jackie Barkhouse, Cole Harbour; daughter, Colleen (Eccles) Kusack; her mother, Anita (Rosenhek) Eccles and grandsons, Ryan and Kyle Kusack, all of South Surrey, B.C.; sister, Arlene (Eccles) Kaminski and nephews, Carl Kaminski, both of Campbell River, B.C. He will also be sadly missed by his stepchildren, Dennis (Karen) Robertson, Fall River; Derrick (Shawn) Robertson and children, Sidney and Alex, Sackville, N.B.; Darlene (Donny) Robertson and son, Luke, Windsor Junction. Brian joined the Naval Reserves at HMCS Chippawa in 1959, at the age of 16. He then joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1961 and served as a sonarman and diver. He was based on both the east and west coasts throughout his naval career and also served as a Reservist at HMCS Malahat and Scotian, making many lifelong friends along the way. His final posting was as Chief of the Sonar School at CFB Esquimalt; he retired from his career in the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class. Brian was so proud to have 39 years of service in the Canadian Forces and was a dedicated supporter of our troops and veterans. He then went on to work as a civilian at Royal Roads Military College, Victoria, B.C., in the Physics Department and later as a Commissioner at Cobequid Health Centre, Lower Sackville. He spent many hours volunteering on the HMCS Sackville, promoting our naval history. Brian always enjoyed time spend with old naval buddies and childhood friends. His love of coin and stamp collecting, model boat building, and sailing reflected his love of all things naval and he enjoyed sharing this with his grandsons. His love for his family was seen in all that he did, being strong for us through the end. Brian will be sadly missed and was truly a gift to all who knew him. The family would like to give special thanks to Drs. MacNeil and Rayson and nurses Helen and Angela for their kind and compassionate care. As per Brian's wishes, and naval tradition, there will be a committal of his ashes at sea from CFB Esquimalt, Victoria, B.C. A memorial will take place at a later date in Victoria, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to HMCS Sackville (canadasnavalmemorial.ca)
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For Posterity's Sake 
