Raymond William Stainthorpe
Farndale, CD
23
February 1914 to 23 May 2016
FAR00804
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A Newfoundland Farndale who served in the Artillery in World War 2
An accountant
He lived to the extraordinary age of 102, and for a while was the
oldest of the Farndales
Headlines of Raymond’s Farndale’s life are in brown.
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Follow this link to further information about the Farndales of
Newfoundland
St John’s, Newfoundland
1914
Raymond William Stainthorpe Farndale, son of
John Martin and Elizabeth (nee Stainthorpe) Farndale (FAR00613),
was born in Newfoundland
on 23 February 1914.
Residence: 1914-1918: 24 Cochrane Street, St. John’s.
I was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on February 23, 1914. My parents,
John and Bessie Farndale, immigrated to Newfoundland in 1910. My father was
employed by The Royal Stores Ltd as Grocery Department Manager. We were the
only family of Farndales in Newfoundland. The family has been traced back to
about 1280. I have records going back to 1760, when William Farndale was born
in Brotton, Yorkshire. He was my great-great-great Grandfather, dying in 1846
at the age of eighty-six. My family’s first home was at 24 Cochrane Street,
where we lived for about four years (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
St. Thomas’s Church (The Old Garrison Church) – Founded 1836 – St.
John’s, Newfoundland. I was baptized on June 11, 1914 by Reverend A.
Clayton. I was confirmed on January 27, 1929 by Canon A. H. Hewitt (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1919
Residence: 1919-1923: 35 Cochrane Street, St. John’s.
We then moved to 35 Cochrane Street. My brother Bertram was born July 24th,
1919. My recollections of these early years are quite “sketchy” but I do
remember some of the neighbours, including the Carnells, Oakes, Ryans ,
Edwards, Days. As well, I recall spending summers with the Gladneys in
Freshwater Valley. They owned and operated a small farm, complete with horses,
cows, pigs and chicken. Paddy Gladney drove a “horse and carriage,” the
fore-runner of taxicabs. Bertram and I were both baptized in St. Thomas’
Church, which dates back to 1699. The building I remember was built in 1836. In
the late summer of 1919 I contracted Scarlet Fever, which was a very contagious
disease in those days. This prevented me from starting school in September. I
did not enroll until September 1920. To sum up, the first six years of my life
were pleasant ones (Memories
recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
During the years leading up to my confirmation, I had become a fairly
regular attendee at both Church and Sunday School. Sunday School classes were
held on Sunday afternoons. The superintendent was Mr. H.Y. Mott. I can’t recall
any of the teachers’ names. We were taught to memorize the Lords Prayer, the
Apostles’ Creed and to understand the Ten Commandments, all part of the
“Catechism.” At about age 12 I became a Bell Ringer. The Church had a set of
bells, which were rung before every service for fifteen minutes. Services were
held each Sunday at 8am, 11am and 6:30pm. There were about twelve bells of
different sizes, each attached to ropes, making up an “octave.” In the bell
tower, the ringers played hymns by following the “music” and pulling the ropes
by numbers. I enjoyed the experience and became fairly proficient. In 1931 I
had the best belfry record for that year, and received a prize. I was then
seventeen, and I believe I discontinued my bell ringing shortly after that. I
continued my membership in the church until 1938, when I moved to Corner Brook (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1920
Educated at Bishop Feild College (1920 to
1929) (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
The school system in Newfoundland was denominational, operated by three
main-line churches. The Church of England (which later became known as the
Anglican church), operated several schools, including Bishop Feild College
where I was educated. The curriculum was patterned after the English system.
Only boys attended Bishop Feild. The girls has a separate school, named Bishop
Spencer. There were six “forms,” some of them were divided into Upper and
Lower. The Upper sixth is the final year, described as Junior Matriculation,
which was roughly the equivalent to grade 11 in today’s Canadian system. There
was no kindergarten, so I entered Form 1 in September 1920. I was a good
student throughout my school years and received many prizes and awards,. In
1925 and 1927, I won the Knowling Scholarship for the best “all round boy,”
determined by ballot of both the staff and the boys of each form. I took part
in all school sports, but did not excel! Being smaller and somewhat younger
than most of my class was a disadvantage. School sports were soccer, rugby,
basketball and ice hockey (Memories
recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Close friends were Bert and Geoff Carnell, John (Fatty) Carnell, Frank
and Joe Ryan (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1921
Prizes and Awards:
|
Year |
Prize/Award |
Form |
Description |
|
1921 |
Industry |
1 |
Robin Hood |
|
1922 |
Medal |
2 |
Miller Medal |
|
1923 |
Exams |
Lower 3 |
Stories of
Robin Hood |
|
1923 |
Industry |
Lower 3 |
Stories from
Dickens |
|
1924 |
Elocution |
Junior |
A Book of
Golden Deeds |
|
1925 |
Elocution |
Middle |
The Dormitory
Flag |
|
1925 |
Scholarship |
|
Medal and
free schooling |
|
1926 |
Industry |
Lower 5 |
Sir Nigel |
|
1927 |
Industry |
Upper 5 |
Catriona |
|
1927 |
Scholarship |
|
Medal and
free schooling |
|
1927 |
Exam Honours |
Prelim |
Ivanhoe |
|
1928 |
Exam Pass |
Lower 6 |
The Last Days
of Pompeii |
|
1928 |
Medal |
Lower 6 |
For perfect
attendance |
|
1929 |
Divinity |
Upper 6 |
Bible |
|
1929 |
Exam Pass |
Upper 6 |
The Essays of
Elia |
Loftus, Coatham, Whitby, Redcar, Harrogate, Yorkshire
1923
In 1923, there was a break in my education, due to an extended trip to
England. In July of 1923, my mother, Bertram and I left St. John’s for
Liverpool, England by steamer. Dad stayed at home, and boarded with friends
(the Moysts). We then travelled by train to Loftus, Yorkshire where we met
Grandmother Stainthorpe and various aunts, uncles and cousins. I remember
visiting my Uncle Herbert Stainthorpe in Redcar. He has a house full of
canaries! We also visited some of the Farndale relatives in Guisborough,
Norhallerton, etc. In September we moved to Redcar,
so that I could enroll in Coatham Grammar
School. I adapted to school life fairly well , although I was somewhat lonely
and didn’t make many friends. Most of the students were “boarders” whereas I
was a “day student.” After two semesters I left Coatham
in preparation for our return to Newfoundland in July of 1924. All in all the
trip was a great experience, but we were glad to be home again (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
The
family stayed at Whitby and other parts of
Yorkshire from September 1923 to August 1924.
They
returned to England, as family, via Boston arriving on 22 September 1923 in
Liverpool:
Passenger
manifest: Ship: “Digby”. Port of Arrival: Liverpool. Date of Arrival:
22 September 1923. Furness Ship Line. Whence arrived – Boston Massachusetts,
Halifax, Nova Scotia and St John’s Newfondland. Names of British Passengers …
Farndale, Bessie, housewife, Farndale, Bertram George, Farndale, Raymond
William, all giving address at Robinson’s Terrace, Loftus in Cleveland.
During
his stay in England Raymond wrote in to a popular children’s column in a
Yorkshire newspaper: Northern Weekly Gazette, 21 June 1924: FIRST
LETTERS. This week's prize winners are: T Hebron, R Farndale, M Harnbur, N Simpson. PLAYFUL “BILLY”. This is the first
letter I have ever written to you. I have no pets to tell you about, but I will
tell you about a cat that my auntie has. “Billy” is a playful cat. He sits up
and boxes you, and if you Iingle your money in your
pockets he will jump up on your knee and try to get it out. I must now close
(hoping to see it in print) and wishing you and your circle every successful
stop I remain, yours truly, Raymond Farndale, Whitby. Perhaps this
was a reference to his Aunt
Hannah or Aunt Elizabeth.
1924
In
August 1924, Bessie, Raymond and Bertram were on the passenger list sailing
from Liverpool to St John’s:
Passenger
manifest: Merchant Shipping Act 1906 and Aliens Restriction Acts 1914
and 1919. Outgoing passengers. Ship’s name “Digby” of the Furness Line.
Master’s name was Chambers. Bound for St John’s Newfoundland, Halifax Nova
Scotia and Boston, Massachusetts. Bessie (40), Raymond (10) and Bertram (5)
Farndale of 10 Albert Road, Harrogate were travelling.
St John’s, Newfoundland
On return in
1924, I entered Form 4 and followed the system through to 1929, when I
graduated with a pass mark. I was encouraged to repeat the year and apply for a
scholarship, but instead I opted to start a business career (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Residence:
1924-1925: 9 Bell Street, St. John’s.
1925
Residence: 1925-1930: 60 Prescott Street, St. John’s
Summers in Topsail. In the late 1920s and
early 1930s, we spent entire summers in Topsail, Conception Bay – about twelve
miles from St. John’s. Topsail was a lovely little village where many St.
John’s families spent their summers. We boarded with a local family (the
Butchers) and had commuted to St. John’s with various business people,
including Anthony Tooton. My best friends were Russell and Graham Strong, as
well as Tom Windsor and his brothers Stuart and Jack. It was there that I
learned to swim. There was a three-mile stretch of rocky beach and the water
was very cold. However, we had a lot of fun! We also spent much time exploring
the nearby countryside, often picking berries, which were abundant. We enjoyed
helping the farmers at “hay” time and we often played baseball in the hayfields (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1929
Music. We always had a piano in our house. Mother was a trained singer
and also played the piano quite well, although in quite an unorthodox manner.
She read the music using “tonic sol fa” method, which I never could quite
understand! At age 15 I started piano lessons, but after two different tutors,
I gave up in despair. I then tried to
master the Hawaiian Guitar by taking correspondence lessons. This lasted a few
months, and ended in failure. I passed the guitar onto my brother. I did enjoy
singing and spent many pleasant Sunday evenings at the home of Maisie and Betty
Gunn, taking part in “sing-a-longs.” Also, whenever the opportunity arose I was
always glad to add my voice to a group, singing some of the tunes of the day.
I’ve always regretted that I did not study music. My inability to read the
notes was a handicap in later years, when I joined church choirs in Corner
Brook, New Glasgow and Halifax. I did have a very good “ear” and this enabled
me to manage fairly well. In fact, in Halifax I even sang a solo at St. Peters (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Newfoundland did not have a university in 1929, so for those students
wishing to continue their education it was necessary to spend two years at
Memorial College (which later became Memorial University). A popular choice for
university was McGill in Montreal. This as not an option for me, as the cost
was prohibitive. Instead I enrolled in the Butler Business College in
September. One month later, I took a job with Imperial Oil Ltd., as Junior
Clerk in the main office on Water Street. The monthly salary was thirty-five
dollars (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in
2002).
Friendships. One of my best friends in my class at school was Horace
Rosenberg. He was also my rival in scholastic tests. We used to visit each
others homes after school and play games. He was especially good at chess and
tried to teach me (without much success). After 1929, he went on to Memorial
College and later to McGill University in Montreal. He became a medical doctor.
I saw him only twice since then, once in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1942 and once
during a train trip from Corner Brook to St. Jonh’s in the late 1940’s. When I
was about twelve years old, I developed a strong friendship with George Cook,
who lives at 99 Bond Street. We spent many happy times together and I was in
included in most of their family outings. Sadly, George died of cancer in 1960.
Other friends were Clifton Gardner, Wilf Moore, George LeMessuner, Bliss
Murphy, Arthur and Lawrence Wood and many others. Every Sunday afternoon a
group of us would take long walks, either to Cabot Tower, the Southside, Cape
Spear, Quidi Vidi Lakeor Cuckold Cove. I have lost touch with all of these
friends now except Wilf Moore, who served with my in the 59th Regiment
(Nfld) and whom I visited several times since them at Regimental reunions and
once in St. John’s at the veterans wing of the General Hospital (2003) (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Employed: 1929-1930: Accountant, Imperial Oil Ltd., St. John’s
My first job was Junior Clerk with Imperial Oil Ltd. I started in
mid-October of 1929. In September I had started a course at the Butler Business
College. I found this interesting but quit to take the Imperial Oil job. My
salary was $35.00 per month. I resigned in September 1930 to take a position
with Tors Cove Trading Company Limited at $100.00 per month. I enjoyed my first
job and left on good terms (Memories recorded at
his 88th birthday in 2002).
1930
Employed:
1930-1937: Accountant, Tors Cove
Trading Company Ltd., St. John’s.
I joined this firm in October 1930, at a starting wage of $100.00 per
month (about three times my previous salary!). The owners were Avalon and Will
Goodridge, two very fine gentlemen. It was a pleasure to work for them. Their
nephew Owen (also known as Peter) worked there and we became good friends. I
also remember Will Strong, Hilda Diamond and
Hilda Warford (later she married Joe Combden, and we met again in Toronto in
1960). In fact, she was Denise’s Godmother at her christening in 1962 (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1930 joined Tors Cove Trading Company at $100 per month. The
Goodridge family – S.S. Fagerbro to the West Indies, on a familiarization tour
of Salt Cod markets – Best friend George Cook – Ariel Motor Cycle, Collison
with pony en route to Harbour
Grace (Memories recorded at
his 88th birthday in 2002).
Residence: 1930-1938: 173 Gower Street, St. John’s
1932
My first vehicle was an Ariel motorcycle, 350 c.c., brand new and cost
$350.00. I was very proud of this cycle and drove it often, generally
accompanied by my best friend George Cook on the Pillion seat. On one occasion,
when travelling along a country road (all the roads were country roads in that
day!), a young pony on the edge of the road took fright and jumped towards us.
A collision resulted and George and I were thrown from the bike. The pony ran
away unharmed. Apart from a few bruises we were okay and were able to continue
our journey (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
In 1932, in order for me to better understand the markets, I took a trip
on a freighter bound for the West Indies. I embarked on the M.V. Fagerbro in
March of 1932. She was of Norweigen registry, 1500 tons gross. The itinerary
was St. Pieree and Miquelon, Puerto Rico, Barbados and Martinique, returning
via North Sysney, Montreal, Botwood and finally St. John’s. The return cargo
was mainly molasses, in 50 gallon barrels. This was indeed a great experience (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1933
The next year I bought a small car, an Austin Mini. In July 1933, I
attended a tennis tournament in Harbour Grace and on the return trip had an
unfortunate accident, this time a collision with a bridge. It was late at night
and very foggy. I had two passengers, Jack Norris and Bill Harris. Jack injured
his eye-lid, and it is permanently partially closed. There was a police
investigation. I was cleared of any criminal responsibility and no charges were
laid (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1934
In 1934, I bought a 1929 Model “A” Ford 4-door Roadster and enjoyed this
car without any mishaps. I sold this vehicle in the fall because winter storage
was a problem. From then on I depended on others for transportation, primarily
Maurice Devine. My next car was purchased after the war in 1946 (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1935
In the Newfoundland
Census of 1935, John (then aged 49) was shown as head of the household,
a manager with a grocery department, living at 173 Gower Street, St John’s,
East Ward. He lived with his wife Bessie (aged 51), recorded as a homemaker,
and his sons Raymond (aged 21) who was by then an accountant with a fishery
firm and Bertram (aged 16) who was still at school. The record confirms that
John and Bessie had emigrated to Newfoundland in 1910.
1937
I resigned from Tors Cove
Trading Company in 1937 to
take a position with Bowaters Newfoundland Ltd. in St. John’s (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1937: Joined Bowater Corporation, who were planning to buy corner brook
paper mill. This took place in 1838, and I was one of 3 people transferred to
Corner Brook which became my next home (Memories recorded at
his 88th birthday in 2002).
Employed: 1937-1938: Assistant
Secretary-Treasurer, Bowaters Lloyd
Limited, St. John’s while Bowater was cutting trees for
mine pit props and was buying the Corner Brook mill from International Power
and Paper Limited
Corner Brook, Newfoundland
1938
In 1938, the Bowater organization, which had been operating in St.
John’s for a couple of years, bought the Paper Mill from the International
Power and Paper Company. I had joined
the staff of Bowaters Newfoundland Limited in 1937 and was one of four people
transferred to Corner Brook in October 1938. The others were Bruce Fraser, Jim
Downing and Jack Lee. A new chapter in my life then began. I was twenty-four
years of age. I took up residence in the Glynmill Inn, where the guests were
mainly company personnel. Room and board cost me $35.00 a month. I was assigned
to the Accounts Department and the other transferees went to the Woods
Department. I adapted quickly to my new life in Corner Brook. I joined various
sports clubs, and took part in badminton, tennis, bowling, skating and skiing.
My closest friends were Austin Purchase, Howard Humber, George Gullage, and
Alan Goodridge, all of whom are now deceased (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Residence: 1938-1940 and 1945-1946: Glynmill Inn,
Corner Brook
Employed:
1938-1946 – Bowaters, Newfoundland Pulp and Paper
Limited, Corner Brook (minus 5¼ years overseas in army). In 1938, he was transferred to the Corner
Brook mill, reporting to General Manager H.M.S. “Monty” Lewin. He lived at
Glynmill Inn, then a staff house for senior employees.
Overseas military service
1940
In the early 1940s, a Men’s Club was formed, patterned after similar
clubs in England. I became the first Secretary-Treasurer. I also served on the
Golf Club board in a similar capacity, despite the fact I did not play golf! (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
World War II had started in September of 1939, and the Newfoundland
Government had decided to recruit volunteers for all branches of the armed
forces. At that time, Newfoundland had no military units operative. The Royal
Newfoundland Regiment, which had taken part in World War I from 1914 to 1918
had been disbanded long ago, therefore a decision had been made to form a
Regiment of Artillery. Later two
regiments were formed, the 166th and 59th. The Regiment
of Artillery became part of the British Army. Likewise, volunteers for Naval
duties or for the Air Force would become part of the British forces. A large
number of my friends chose the Army, as I did. The first contingent of
volunteers from the West Coast left Corner Brook on May 12, 1940. I was not
amongst them, because it seemed unlikely that I would pass the eyesight test.
However, within two weeks I managed to pass, with the help of a young Doctor
who coached me in the eyesight requirements (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Raymond WS Farndale, served in 59th
(Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery as 970929
Gunner RWS Farndale in England. He left Halifax on 6 June 1940. He is shown on
the passenger manifest of the Nerissa on a
voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Liverpool arriving on 6 July 1940. The list
of names is shown as “Troops from Newfoundland”.
Friendships: Bragg, Seymour, Scott and Sullivan, among others (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
The Regiment trained in the South of
England (Ardingly, Ashford), for 4 years, until 1944.
59th (Newfoundland)
Heavy Regiment
While the 166th
(Newfoundland) Field Regiment was fighting in Africa and Italy, a second
Newfoundland regiment had been serving in England and parts of Western Europe.
Shortly after the 166th (then 57th) Regiment departed Sussex in the summer of
1940, the RA formed the 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment to accommodate
successive drafts of new recruits from Newfoundland and Labrador.
By late June 1941,
members of the regiment’s four batteries had completed training and assumed an
operational role guarding England’s south coast from enemy invasion. As
hostilities progressed, the War Office shifted its efforts from defence to
offence, and in mid-1942 it slightly reduced the 59th Regiment’s anti-invasion
role and ordered it to begin training for offensive warfare.
However, it was not
until July 1944 that the regiment departed England for France to take part in
the Battle of Normandy. Once there, the artillerymen fought alongside other
Allied troops, firing their 7.2-inch howitzers and 155-millimetre guns against
German forces. The regiment suffered its first injuries on July 17, when enemy
fire wounded 12 men – causing one to lose a leg – and destroyed two guns.
Following the Allied
victory in August 1944, the 59th Regiment pressed east and continued fighting
in Belgium and the Netherlands before proceeding on to Germany. Gunners with
the 59th Regiment fired their last rounds of the war in Hamburg on May 2, 1945,
two days before the city’s German forces surrendered.
War's End
Shortly after V-E Day on
May 8, 1945, the RA took steps to send recruits from Newfoundland and Labrador
back home rather than deploy them to the Far East, where the war against Japan
was ongoing. On August 7, the Lady Rodney departed Liverpool for St. John’s,
carrying the first group of 301 artillerymen back home. By mid-October, the
vast majority of recruits had returned home.
Throughout the war,
artillerymen from Newfoundland and Labrador distinguished themselves as
hard-working and brave soldiers who earned high praise from their commanding
officers. Members of both regiments received numerous awards, including the
Military Cross, British Empire Medal, Distinguished Service Order, and
Croix-de-Guerre. The years of combat, however, took their toll, and many men
returned home injured, while 87 died in service. The 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy
Regiment officially disbanded in August 1945, and the 166th followed suit in
October.
1943
Ashford, Kent -
Chosen by Commanding Officer J.W. Nelson as a candidate for Officer training.
After 3 years of training, I was accepted for a commission and became lieutenant in September 1943.
Posted to Tonbridge, Kent (23rd battery, 59th
Newfoundland Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery (Memories recorded
at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Officer training at 23 Office Cadet
Trg Unit in Yorkshire for 6 months. Commissioned Sept 1943 Second Lieutenant.
Posted to 23 battery Sept 1943.
Raymond went to 23 OCTU at Catterick
in March 1943 and was commissioned into the Royal Artillery in September 1943.
He was posted to 23rd Heavy Battery, 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment RA at
Ashford Kent. 20th and 23rd Heavy Batteries were given 155mm guns and 21st and
22nd Heavy Batteries were given 7.2-inch guns.
Raymond Farndale
RCA, 1943
London Gazette
Supplement, 5 October 1943: ROYAL
REGIMENT OF ARTILLERY. The undernoted Cadets to be 2nd Lts, 27th Aug 1943 … Raymond William Stainthorpe
FARNDALE (292503).
1944
Wartime – Second year of training for eventual invasion of North West
Europe in 1944 (Memories recorded at his 88th
birthday in 2002).
The Regiment trained in Northumberland
but by July 1944 it was at Worthing in Sussex. It went to France and took part
in the battles for Caen.
Ray landed at Juno Beach in
Normandy on 5 July 1944, one month after
D-Day. His Regiment’s route took him through France, Netherlands, Belgium,
reaching Bergerdorf near Hamburg.
1945
By VE-Day the Regiment was at Hamburg.
Lieutenant RWS Farndale RA went back
to Canada in September 1945 with the Defence Medal, the 1939-45 Star and War
Medal with a Mention in Dispatches.
The London
Gazette, 9 August 1945 (Raymond appeared in this list of those
serving with the Royal Regiment of Artillery): WAR OFFICE, 9TH AUGUST 1945.
The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned
in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in North West Europe …
Lt R W S FARNDALE (292503).
He joined 166th (Newfoundland) Field
Regiment RCA (Reserve) and was with them until 1954, retiring as a Major,
earning the Canadian Forces decoration (CD). He became an accountant
and lived at St Johns, Corner Brook, Toronto and Halifax.
Raymond served as Captain and Acting Major, Royal Canadian
Army Reserve. After confederation, the Royal
Canadian Army formed a new regiment -- the 166th Newfoundland Field Regiment.
Ray became Acting Major of the Corner Brook Battery until his departure from
Corner Brook. in November 1959.
Corner
brook, Newfoundland
He returned to Corner Brook in October
1945.
In the Newfoundland
Census of 1945 he was living at Corner Brook, Humber, Newfoundland. He
is shown as part of a large entry of residents at a hotel. His birth place is
confirmed at St John’s. He is still an accountant, but now in the paper
industry.
1946
The London
Gazette, 1 March 1946: 6th Nov 1945:- R W S FARNDALE
(292503) and is granted the hon rank of Lt.
Raymond WS Farndale, son of John
Martin and Elizabeth Farndale (FAR00613), married
Maud Ellen Tipple 1 Jun 1946 in Newfoundland
where they lived (Letters). They were
married at the United Church.
Raymond sang in the choir of, and
taught Sunday School, of the Anglican Church of St John the Evangelist in
Corner Brook.
Employed: 1946-1954: Newfoundland
Distributors Limited (West Park Motors), Corner Brook. In 1946, Ray left Bowater to become
Accountant, and then General Manager, West Park Motors. At first they were the
Newfoundland distributor for Bombardier snowmobiles, and later, after
Confederation, became a Ford dealership.
Residence: 1946: George and Ada Poole, Broadway
Residence:
1946-1949: 22 North Street, Corner Brook
During his time in Corner Brook, Ray
was an active member of the Corner Brook Players amateur theatrical group,
(also Officer in the badminton club, various other clubs), Secretary-Treasurer
of Blomidon Club which later became the Blomidon Country Club upon developing the golf course and
curling rink.
1948
On 5 October 1948, he arrived in
Norfolk, Virginia, on a round trip, with his wife, Ellen.
Passenger Manifest: On SS “Cornerbrook,
First Class, Raymond and Ellen Farndale, together making a ‘round trip by this
steamer’.
1949
Residence: 1949-1950: 54 Humber Park, Corner Brook
1950
Keith Raymond Farndale (FAR01041)
was born in 1950.
1951
Residence: 1951-1954: 57 Elswick Road, Corner Brook
1952
West Park Motors – Hal House – appointed Dealership for Ford Motor
Company – Canadian Army Militia, rank Captain (later Major) – Friendships:
Pooles, Bouzannes, Purchases, Andrews, and Humbers, among others (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1954
Employed: 1954-1959: Corner Brook Garage Ltd., Corner Brook. In 1955 or 1956, Ray was Office
Manager, Corner Brook Garage Limited, the General Motors dealer.
1957
Residence: 1957-1959: 34 Reid Street, Corner Brook
1958
John Farndale
(left) with his wife Betsey Farndale and sons: Raymond Farndale (back) and
Bertram Farndale (right), taken in 1958.
Nova Scotia
1959
Residence: 1959: Pleasant Avenue, Stellarton
Residence: 1959-1961: Birch Street, New Glasgow
Having resigned my position with Corner Brook Garage in the summer of
1959, we packed our belongings and moved to New Glasgow in November to take up
employment with Spencer Motors Ltd., a Pontiac dealership. It had great
potential in the automotive field but was in need of some accounting skills to
keep it profitable. Bing Spencer, the owner/manager was a very personable
fellow and had been in business for about ten years. The early years were very
profitable but he was inclined to branch out into other fields such as an
apartment building in Trenton, a Trucking company, a service station in
Guysboro and one in the Magdalin Islands. A large part of the profits from the
main business was used to finance these ventures, none of which became
profitable. In fact, most recorded losses. We adapted to life in Pictou County
very well. We made many friends and became members of the gold club, bowling
club and Lions club. We stayed at the Norfolk Hotel for a short while, until a house became
available in Stellarton which we rented furnished for $75.00 per month. Our
immediate neighbours were the MacKeans, the McEacherns, the Arthurs and the
Buckles and we soon became friends (Memories recorded
at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Employed: 1959-1961: Spencer Motors, Ltd. (Pontiac dealership), New Glasgow
1960
In the Spring of 1960, we decided to purchase a home in New Glasgow – a
fairly new home on Birch Street (cost $11 000). We had bought a new car before
we left Corner Brook, a prink Cortina. I as provided with a new car as part of
my employment package, so the Cortina became Ellie’s car. I enjoyed the
challenge of trying to keep Spencer Motors profitable, but after about a year
it became apparent that Bing and I were not on the same wavelength and when an
opportunity came up with a Toronto dealership I took advantage of it.
Consequently, we moved to Toronto in July 1961, to take a position with Lauria
Motors Ltd., Willowdale (Memories recorded at
his 88th birthday in 2002).
Toronto, Ontario
1961
Employed: 1961-1962: Lauria Motor Sales Ltd., Toronto. Lauria became Roy Foss Motors, General
Motors dealership.
Residence: June 1961-April 1962: 2177 Avenue Road, Apt. 120, Toronto, Ontario
1962
Residence: April 1962-October 1962: 401 Willow Tree Estates, Willowdale
Employed: 1962-1964: Roy Foss Motors Ltd., Toronto
Roy Foss Motors – Buick, Pontiac Dealer – highlight of the year, birth
of daughter Denise in November, great joy in the family. Friendships: Matthews,
Combdens, Pooles, Balls, Taylors, Smiths and Suttons, among others (Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
Residence: October 1962-September 1964: 37 Willowbank
Drive, Willowdale
Ada Denise Farndale (Denise Watson) (FAR01117)
was born in 1962.
Raymond was on the voter’s list for York, Scarborough, Ontario
(Willowdale Avenue) in 1962, an office manager, with his wife, Ellie (also
known as Helen) also listed. His father John Martin is also listed and shown
retired.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
1964
Employed: 1964-1975: Wood Motors Ltd., Halifax. Office Manager Wood Motors (left in
1979 at age 65).
Residence: 1964: Brentwood Apartments, Bayers Road, Halifax
Residence: 1965: 202 Main Avenue, Halifax
Residence: September 1965-June 1968: 5 Laurel Lane
1968
Residence: June 1968-June
1969: 4 Forest Hill Drive, Halifax.
Raymond was on the voter’s list for Halifax, Nova Scotia (Forrest
Hill Drive) in 1968, an accountant, with his wife, Mrs Farndale also listed.
1969
Residence: June 1969-May 1970: 275 Dublin Street, Halifax
1970
Residence: May 1970-November 1973: 6354 London Street, Halifax
1972
6354 London Street – Ches Abbott (next door neighbour); our dog Jamie.
Wood Motors Ford – Riley, Davis, Smith, Mansour, Miller and others.
Friendships: MacNeills, Reynolds, among others. Canada vs. Russia, Paul
Henderson scoring winning goal (Memories recorded
at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1973
Residence: November 1973-October 1977: 211 Willett Street, Apt. 504,
Halifax
1974
Raymond was on the voter’s list for
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Willett Street) in 1974, an accountant, with his wife,
Ellen also listed.
1976
Employed: 1976-1984: Airport Transfer Ltd., Halifax
1977
Residence: October 1977-October 1982: 114A Main Avenue, Halifax
1979
Ray worked for Airport Transfer
Limited 1979-1988.
1982
Residence: October 1982-September 1988: 128 Forestside
Crescent, Halifax
Forestside Crescent. Neighbours:
Chryslers, Elves, McKinnons, Sullivans, Cullens,
O’Briens, etc. Denise lifeguarding in summer; pool parties and more socializing
(Memories recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1984
Employed: 1984-1988: Airport Transfer Ltd., Halifax (Part-time)
Employed: 1984-1990: Atlantic Venetian Blinds and Draperies, Halifax
(Part-time)
1988
Residence: September 1988-November 1990: 6967 Bayers Apartment, Apt.
416, Bayers Road
Guelph, Ontario
1990
Employed: 1990-2009: Procept Associates Ltd.,
Guelph (Part-time)
Employed: 1990-2001: Dave Moore and Associates, Guelph (Part-time)
Residence: November 1990-April 1994: 411-400 Waterloo Avenue, Guelph
1992
2nd year of residence. Ferman Drive – spent many happy hours
during the day taking care of granddaughter Emily (Memories
recorded at his 88th birthday in 2002).
1994
Residence: April 1994-October 15, 2007: 210-400 Waterloo Avenue, Guelph
2007
Residence: October 15, 2007-2016: Wellington Park Terrace, 102-181 Janefield Avenue, Guelph
2015
101 year old Veteran, Raymond “Poppy”
Farndale, sits with his medals and war scrapbook in front of his portrait. No
013/100 in the 100 Portraits / 100 Poppies project. Tuesday July 14, 2015 at
the Guelph Public Library.
What motivated
you to be a part of this project?
I thought it was an important project
to remember those who have served in the military or had some association with
the military. Not only do I feel strongly about the poppy and what it
symbolizes, my 2 grandchildren (Christopher and Emily) call me “Poppy” so it is
quite special to me.
What was going
through your mind when you were “Sitting in Remembrance” for the project?
I was remembering the people I met
during World War 2. I am one of the few veterans left from my regiment and I
felt I was representing all of the amazing men and women I worked alongside.
What message do
you want to pass along to future generations about your life’s experiences?
While
a lot has changed since I was born, 101 years ago, some things have remained
the same. One thing I have always lived by… treat others as you would like to
be treated. If you do this, you can never go wrong.
2016
Raymond died on 23 May 2016.
The Chronicle Herald, Halifax,
May 28, 2016:
Ray enjoyed a long and fulfilling life. Beginning Feb
23, 1914, in St John's and then Corner
Brook, Newfoundland and living most of his life in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he
peacefully passed away on May 23, 2016, in Guelph, Ontario, his new-found home.
Ray, a true gentleman, was kind and generous of
spirit. He was passionate about inclusion, notably those with special or
medical needs and those marginalized by poverty or life circumstances. He
adopted many local and international causes, always adapting with the times. He
loved his Blue Jays, mystery novels, choir singing, politics, good jokes and
live music. A life-long learner, he conquered the computer and worked well into
his 90's, as an accountant. He always enjoyed "doing his books", gardening, walking, swimming, skating, ballroom dancing and
amateur acting. While a man of few words, he demonstrated deep emotion and
always had a twinkle in his eye.
Ray was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as
Lieutenant in the 23rd Battery of the 59th Regiment of Royal Artillery and was
awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD).
He
was a devoted husband to Ellie Tipple, with whom he shared many adventures,
until her passing in 2010. He was a dear father to Keith (Sue) Farndale, and
Denise (Jack) Watson and was a special Poppy to Emily and Christopher Watson
and granddog Molly, who adored him. Ray was pre-deceased by his British
parents, John and Bessie, and his younger brother Bertram. He was a loyal
friend to many and had strong relationships, most recently with those at
Wellington Park Retirement Residence.
All who knew Ray agree that his teachers and peers got
it right when they awarded him the Knowling Scholarship numerous times,
as "Best All Round Boy"!
To
honour his wishes, cremation and a private memorial was held. Arrangements
entrusted to the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel. Memories were shared
at www.wallcustance.com. A tree was
planted in memory of Raymond W. S. Farndale in the Wall-Custance Memorial
Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September
18, 2016 at 2:30 pm.
St John’s, Newfoundland; Corner Brook, Newfoundland;
New Glasgow, Canada; Toronto, Canada; Halifax, Canada; Guelph, Canada
NEWFOUNDLAND
1914-1918: 24 Cochrane Street, St. John’s
1919-1923: 35 Cochrane Street, St. John’s
1924-1925: 9 Bell Street, St. John’s
1925-1930: 60 Prescott Street, St. John’s
1930-1938: 173 Gower Street, St. John’s
1938-1940 and 1945-1946: Glynmill Inn, Corner Brook
1946: George and Ada Poole, Broadway
1946-1949: 22 North Street, Corner Brook
1949-1950: 54 Humber Park, Corner Brook
1951-1954: 57 Elswick Road, Corner Brook
1957-1959: 34 Reid Street, Corner Brook
NOVA SCOTIA
1959: Pleasant Avenue, Stellarton
1959-1961: Birch Street, New Glasgow
ONTARIO (Toronto)
June 1961-April 1962: 2177 Avenue Road, Apt. 120, Toronto
April 1962-October 1962: 401 Willow Tree Estates, Willowdale
October 1962-September 1964: 37 Willowbank Drive, Willowdale
NOVA SCOTIA (Halifax)
1964: Brentwood Apartments, Bayers Road, Halifax
1965: 202 Main Avenue, Halifax
September 1965-June 1968: 5 Laurel Lane
June 1968-June 1969: 4 Forest Hill Drive, Halifax
June 1969-May 1970: 275 Dublin Street, Halifax
May 1970-November 1973: 6354 London Street, Halifax
November 1973-October 1977: 211 Willett Street, Apt. 504, Halifax
October 1977-October 1982: 114A Main Avenue, Halifax
October 1982-September 1988: 128 Forestside Crescent, Halifax
September 1988-November 1990: 6967 Bayers Apartment, Apt. 416, Bayers
Road
ONTARIO (Guelph)
November 1990-April 1994: 411-400 Waterloo Avenue, Guelph
April 1994-October 15, 2007: 210-400 Waterloo Avenue, Guelph
October 15, 2007-2016: Wellington Park Terrace, 102-181 Janefield
Avenue, Guelph
Churches
1. St. Thomas’s, St. John’s, Newfoundland (Rev. Canon A. Howitt)
2. St. John the Evangelist, Corner Brook, Newfoundland (Rev. Canon T.E.
Loder)
3. Christ Church, Stellarton, Nova Scotia
4. St. Georges, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia (Rev. Sam Hiller)
5. All Souls, Willowdale, Ontario (Rev. Bruton)
6. St. John’s, Dutch Village Road, Halifax (Canon Elliot)
7. St. Philips, Bayers Road, Halifax (Rev. Sam Miller)
8. St. Peters, Halifax (Rev. V. Elvett)
9. St. Mathias, Guelph (Rev. Tim Boulton)
10. St. James the Apostle, Guelph (Rev. Canon Trudy LeBans)
11. Dublin Street United Church, Guelph (Rev. Emmy Beauchamp and Rev.
Doug Norris)
Employment
1. 1929-1930: Imperial Oil Ltd., St. John’s
2. 1930-1937: Tos Cove Trading Company Ltd., St. John’s
3. 1937-1938: Bowaters Lloyd Limited, St. John’s
4. 1938-1946 – Bowaters, Newfoundland Pulp and Paper Limited, Corner
Brook (minus 5¼ years overseas in army)
5. 1946-1954: Newfoundland Distributors Limited (West Park Motors),
Corner Brook
6. 1954-1959: Corner Brook Garage Ltd., Corner Brook
7. 1959-1961: Spencer Motors, Ltd., New Glasgow
8. 1961-1962: Lauria Motor Sales Ltd., Toronto
9. 1962-1964: Roy Foss Motors Ltd., Toronto
10. 1964-1975: Wood Motors Ltd., Halifax
11. 1976-1984: Airport Transfer Ltd., Halifax
1984-1988: Airport Transfer Ltd., Halifax (Part-time)
12. 1984-1990: Atlantic Venetian Blinds and Draperies, Halifax
(Part-time)
13. 1990-2009: Procept Associates Ltd., Guelph (Part-time)
14. 1990-2001: Dave Moore and Associates, Guelph (Part-time)