Robert (Lanc) James Lancashire, Cdr RCN Ret’d
Born: 01 June 1936
Died: 04 August 2024
Robert James (Lanc) (“Opa”) Lancashire, born June 1, 1936 in Montreal, Quebec, passed away peacefully August 4, 2024 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Lanc married Audrey Diane Lancashire (nee Lamond) in 1962. He remained Audrey’s beloved husband, best friend, and companion for 58 years until her passing in 2020.
Lanc served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 32 years in various staff and command positions ashore and afloat, including as Captain of HMCS Margaree. Lanc retired from the Navy as a Commander in 1986.
Following his retirement, he served on the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium as a staff officer with the Defence Support Division. After 11 years, he and Audrey returned to Canada in 1994, taking up residence in Coldbrook, Nova Scotia before later moving to Halifax in 2008.
In the years after his return to Nova Scotia, Lanc was involved with many activities and organizations. One of his most favoured was “Peopleworx” in Kentville, NS. A Rotarian for many years, he was honoured as a Paul Harris Fellow by both the Rotary Club of Kentville and the Rotary Club of Halifax Harbourside for his contributions.
In 2009, Lanc became a volunteer at the Halifax Mission to Seafarers, which he continued up until his passing. He was also active with the Nova Scotia Naval Association of Canada, serving for many years as Vice President.
Lanc had the kindest heart and opened it fully to everyone. He had an unwavering love for his many family and friends, and his faith. Lanc particularly enjoyed spending time with family at his daughter Morgan’s cottage, his favourite place on Earth.
Lanc was predeceased by his wife, Audrey Diane and brother-in-law Ronald Lamond. He is survived by daughter Morgan Lancashire Grimbly (Mike) of Halifax, NS, son Michael James of Toronto, ON; grandchildren Kailyn James (nee Grimbly) of Halifax, NS, Patrick Grimbly (Caitlin) of Halifax, NS, Lily Vermeulen (Hans) of Milford, NS; great-grandsons Dallas Owen James, Huck Lancashire Vermeulen, Max Chiasson Vermeulen, and Emmett James Grimbly; sister-in-law Erma Lamond of Lantz, NS, brother-in-law Donald Lamond (Donna) of Onslow, NS; and niece Alexis Decoste (Leonard) of Lantz, NS.
In his last days, Lanc was cared for by Nova Scotia Health Palliative Care team and Hospice Halifax. We would like to thank them and his entire healthcare team for their wonderful care and attention.
Cremation has taken place and a funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Benedict Church, Radcliffe Street, Halifax at 12:15pm on August 20, 2024. Private interment will be held in the Last Post Columbarium, Fairview Cemetery, Halifax at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to be made to a favourite charity.
Obituary courtesy of J.A. Smow Funeral Home
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