John A. DEGRACE

OBITUARY JOHN A. DEGRACE Passed away on Friday Decemeber 16th. He leaves to mourn his devoted wife of fifty-six years, Enes (Renzi), and his two loving daughters, Lynn and Mona. John was especially proud of his only grandson, Cory. He also leaves to mourn his sister, Lise (Marcoux) and several nieces and nephews who admired him greatly. F/O J.A. DeGrace, served his country during WWII with the RCAF, Bomber 6 Group, as a rear gunner with 427 Squadron, stationed out of Leeming, England. He fearlessly flew 38 missions unscathed, before returning to Canada in December 1944. He went on to take over his family's hydraulic business in Montreal, Equipment Tools and Steel Ltd, which he ran successfully until his retirement in 1990. Dad really enjoyed his retirement, which he spent with his collections of WWII books and model airplanes. He will be remembered as an honest and compassionate man who served God, his family, and his country throughout his life. In accordance with his wishes, John died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Words cannot express our thanks to Gloria Timmins, our VON nurse, and to Dr. Nancy Tozer and Dr. Assouline and her staff at the Lakeshore General Oncology Department, who did all they could to assist Dad in his final journey. A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at the Paroisse Saint-Joachim, 2 Sainte Anne St, in Pointe Claire village, Quebec, on Friday December 23 at 10 a.m. There will be no visitation, however the family will receive condolences at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the VON and Cancer Research would be much appreciated. Published in the Montreal Gazette on 12/17/2005