McCormick, Joseph (John) Anthony
Oct 8, 1922-Oct 8, 2005
Passed away peacefully, on his 83rd birthday surrounded by his children, in Qualicum Beach, BC. John left Canada as a young boy with his parents Joseph McCormick and Jeannette Moore in 1925 to Carrickfergus, N. Ireland. He volunteered for service with the RAF in 1940. John quickly moved up in rank and became a flight officer, navigating in Mosquito night fighters with the 85th squadron. The 85th was one of the first to use radar, which he became an expert in and used in later years of service. After the war John took his wife Jeanette and went to South America, working with British South American Airways where his son Peter James was born. In 1951 he came to Canada and joined the RCAF and was stationed in Florida, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia and spent 2 years in the Artic. He was instrumental in the development and operation of the DEW line early warning system, where his knowledge of radar made him a valuable asset. He retired from the RCAF in 1968 with military decorations 1935-45 Star, Air Crew Europ Star, France & Germany Clasp, Defense Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and Canadian Forces Decoration. He then held positions as an Administrator for the Port Hardy School District, Port McNeill Dormitories, Ft. McMurray School District, the BC Nurses Association and the Corp of Commissionaires in Victoria and Holberg. His volunteer work incuded establishing an Air Cadet squadron in Port McNeill and was the Provincial Emergency Coordinator for the town of Port McNeill. John is survived by his children, Sean Patrick (Wendy) and Anthony Christopher (Miranda) McCormick and Carolyn Anne Mactier. His grandchildren, Kyla, Jessie, Sarah Ann McCormick, Penny Foresberg (Sean) and great grandchildren Rory & Jax Foresberg. Predeceased by his parents and son Peter James McCormick. A service was held Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 1:00pm in Port McNeill at the Anglican “A Frame” Church. A reception, after the service, was held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Port McNeill.