Bathurst, NB – Fenton Edgar Daley of the Robert L. Knowles Veteran’s Unit Bathurst, died on February 15, 2011 at the age of 95. The son of the late Leonard and Amanda (Fitzpatrick) Daley, Fenton was born in Clifton, New Brunswick. He is survived by one brother Oscar (Olga) of Oakville ON; sons Stewart (Cathy) of Caledon, ON, Ralph (Joan) of Dartmouth, NS, and daughter Rev. Dr. Beverly Daley of Boiestown, NB; 4 grandchildren, Kelly Thompson of Orange, CA, Cheryl Daley of Halifax, NS, and Michelle & Sean Daley of Caledon, ON; sisters-in-law Louise Daley and Gertrude Daley, nieces and nephews, extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his wife Clara (Chapman), sister; Helen, brothers; Sherman, Lloyd, and Stanley, and grandsons Christopher Thompson & Mark Daley.
Fenton was a dedicated family man and lived his life serving God and country. He treated everyone with care, dignity and respect. He loved children and always had time to listen or tell a story.
Fenton served overseas with the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment as a Company Sergeant Major during the Second World War. He served with the British 8th Army in North Africa, and saw action in the D-Day landings, France, Germany, and Holland. He was wounded twice and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in action. He was a Captain in the Reserve Army and was active in the student militia. In 1953, R.S.M. Fenton Daley, M.C. was chosen as Senior Warrant Officer of the Coronation Contingent attending the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second.
After the war he returned to Bathurst, married Clara, built a house on Munro Street, and spent a peaceful life raising a family. He worked as a Stationary Engineer at Bathurst Pulp and Paper mill and retired as an Assistant Superintendent. He was a volunteer fireman with the Town (later City) of Bathurst for 20 years. He was an active member of First United Church, A.O.T.S., and the men’s choir. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, St. John #27 Free & Accepted Masons, for 72 years. He was Past Worthy Patron of Bathurst Chapter #22 Order of the Eastern Star and a Life Member. He was active in the of Royal Canadian Legion, Herman J. Good, VC, Branch #18, Bathurst, which awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal and Palm Leaf. He was made a Freeman of the City of Bathurst in 2003 and was awarded the Ordre National De La Legion D’Honneur in 2006 by France.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst. The Funeral Service will be at First United Church, St. Patrick St., Bathurst on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Highland View Cemetery in the spring.
Donations to First United Church, Bathurst, NB; the Legion Poppy Fund; or a charity of choice would be appreciated.
