John « Victor » Ernest Messer
1931-2018
Peacefully with his family by his side, John
« Victor » Ernest Messer passed away at the Saint John
Regional Hospital on Monday, April 16, 2018. Born in Saint John on
August 15, 1931, he was a son of the late Harry Leonard and Hazel Mae
(Clark) Messer.
Vic was a loving and caring husband to his bride Betty
(Cunningham) of 65 years. Their marriage was an inspiration to so
many. In addition to his wife, Vic will be missed by his children:
Glen Messer(special friend, Karen Garrett), Josselyn McKim (Greg) and
Lenore Tracy (Chris); two beloved granddaughters, Vicki Newell
(Mitchell) and Ashley McKim; two great-granddaughters, Isla and Tily
Newell; and two step-great-granddaughters, Jadyn and Shealynn Bragg.
Grampy loved his granddaughters and his great-granddaughters; they
were the joy of his life. Vic is also survived by his siblings: Walter
Messer (Elizabeth), Doris Messer, Robert Messer (Sandra) and Gordon
Messer (Sandra); sister-in-law, Gwen Messer; as well as many nieces,
nephews and friends.
In addition to his parents, Vic was predeceased by his
sister, Vivian Howland; brother Douglas Messer; and sisters-in-law:
Shirley Cunningham, Barbara Tibbo and Glenna Tays.
Vic retired from NBTel as a life member of the Telephone
Pioneers with 31 years of service, part of which he was the area
manager in both Campbellton and Newcastle before returning to Saint
John in 1970. He retired as Human Resource Manager in
1992.
Vic was a past Chancellor Commander of NB Lodge No. 1 Knights
of Pythias and a fifty year member.
During his 45 plus years and as a life member with the
Simonds Lions Club and Lions International he has held various
positions; Treasurer, Secretary and President of the club, two terms
as District Governor, Past Council Chairman and Cabinet Secretary
Treasurer. He was awarded 3 of the prestigious Melvin Jones awards,
the highest honour in Lions. He was the last living founder director
of the Lions Foundation of Canada.
Vic had been active on the board of the Loch Lomond Villa
where he served as a board member multiple years and was also the
chairman of the board for three terms. He has also been a member and
huge supporter of the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation for many
years.
Vic was a past member of Saint John Presbytery where he also
held the position of Treasurer. He attended Park Avenue United Church
since he was a young boy and was involved throughout the years with
scouts, men’s groups and special functions. His church
family was very important to him. He held various positions within his
beloved church including Member of Session and Trustees, Treasurer and
Chairman of the Board.
Vic was the president of the Resident’s Council at Jubilee
Hall, Shannex in the valley.
Resting at Brenan’s Funeral
Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with
visitation on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Lions
Club will be holding a tribute service during visitation at 6:00 pm. A
Celebration of Vic’s Life will be held on Friday, April 20,
2018 at 11:00 am from Glen View United Church, 8 Upland Road, Saint
John. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. In
lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Saint John Regional
Hospital Palliative Care Unit or Cardiac Rehabilitation, Heart
Function Clinic, or the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation. Online
condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com
Vic’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt
gratitude to Dr Bewick, Jane Boyd Aucoin, nurses of 5C South and
Palliative Care at the SJRH.
« People will forget what you said, people will forget what you
did, but people will never forget how you made them feel » – Maya
Angelou
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Victor Ernest Messer 19312018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Saint John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
