Obituary of John Harris Read

Sackville, N.B.- On February 4, 2008, six days short of his 85th birthday, John Harris Read of Middle Sackville, lost his long battle with lung disease. Born on February 10, 1923, he was the son of the late George and Mary (O’Neal) Read. John was a proud veteran of World War II, serving with 437 Squadron in Europe. His life membership in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26, Sackville, was his cherished honor after 62 years of continuous service. As a noted local businessman, John began humbly with J.L. Black and Sons and worked his way up, employed also by Atlantic Wholesalers. He ended a successful career as the 20-year manager of Lockhart’s Ltd. in Sackville. John was an ardent sportsman and sports fan, competing successfully in baseball, golf and curling. He is a member of the Sackville Sports Hall of Fame, inducted with the 1952-1953 Sackville Eagles Hockey Team. Beloved husband of Trudy (Babcock) Read for 591/2 years and loving father to Judy of Ottawa, Ontario, Wendy (Melbourne) Smith and Kevin (Nancy) Read of Sackville, N.B. Adored ‘Bennie’ to his grandchildren, Meredith and Meghann Smith and Stacey and Jonathan Read. John is also survived by his only sister, Margaret of Sackville, N.B. and sisters-in-law, Elaine Read of Sackville, N.B. and Doreen Read of Barrie, Ontario. He was predeceased by his brothers, Walter, Harold, Russell, Bernard (’Dutch’), Donald and James. Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville, N.B. (364-8188). Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm . The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #26, will hold a service at 7:30 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 7, 2008, at 2pm from Campbell’s Funeral Home, with Rev. Vernon Vickruck officiating. Burial will take place in the spring in the Four Corners Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Lung Association, Four Corners Cemetery or to the charity of ones choice, would honor his generous spirit. He will be greatly missed by any who were lucky enough to call him friend.