Colonel (Ret’d) John Stanley Fife, MSM, CD
1964-2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden
passing of Colonel (Ret’d) John Stanley Fife, MSM, CD of Oromocto, New
Brunswick on 28 December, 2021.
John is survived by his loving wife of 31 years,
Darlene (née Atherton); daughter, Michelle (Noah); son,
Phillip (Hunter); mother, Karen; brother, Hilton
“Angus”(Joan); sister, Karen(Dan); lifelong friends,
Clarence Griffin, Leo Snook, and countless
others.
He is predeceased by his father Hilton Leroy
Fife.
John was born into a military family in Iserlohn, Germany and
grew up in the PMQ patch in Oromocto before graduating from
Oromocto High School and later from the University of New
Brunswick. He later completed a Master in Defence Studies at RMC. He
enlisted in the Canadian Forces on 19 December, 1988 beginning a
fabulous military career of 26 years of loyal and dedicated service.
The highlight of his career was having the privilege of serving as the
Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment
in Oromocto, New Brunswick, his hometown. Loved by the soldiers and
officers alike, he was known for his integrity, compassion and respect
for others. He distinguished himself as a leader, commanding at every
rank level on numerous tours of duty to the United Kingdom, Cyprus,
Bosnia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan.
After retirement, John worked for the Province of
NB, Public Safety Department prior to taking on a role with Calian
Group at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown as the Site
Manager, bringing his wealth of military experience to
provide realistic exercise and training scenarios to young soldiers
undergoing training. Always wanting to give back to his
community, he ran as a Liberal candidate for the riding of Oromocto,
Lincoln and Fredericton in the 24 September, 2018 Provincial election,
narrowly being edged out by his Conservative opponent. John performed
extensive volunteer work in the community with
Oromocto Minor Hockey, Pioneer Days, The United Way (Forever Fund),
Fergusson Foundations, Corps of Commissionaires, Gage Golf Course and
the Royal Canadian Regiment. He was known throughout
the community as part owner of the Base Theatre, a business
he has owned and operated with his partners for over 24
years. John had recently taken on a job as the Chief Administrative
Officer with the Town of Oromocto. John often expressed how
much he enjoyed working for the Town. He looked forward to the many
challenges and was confident he could make a very positive impact on
the future of Oromocto and surrounding area. He always spoke very
highly of the Oromocto staff.
John was a fierce competitor on the ice and
on the golf course. While no one could accuse him of being
sneaky long on the course, he was a wily competitor with a
great sense of humour and an innate ability to trash talk and
grind down his opponents for a hard fought victory. A
life-long Toronto Maple Leafs fan, he was in his glory seeing his
beloved team at the top of the standings.
John will be missed by all those who knew him.
A funeral service will take place at 1:00pm on Wednesday,
January 5th, 2022 at the Oromocto Funeral Home
by private invite only. Due to current
provincial regulations, proof of vaccination and government issued
identification will be required for entry to the service.
A public service will take place at a later
date when COVID restrictions allow for larger gatherings. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke
Foundation.
www.oromoctofh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Colonel Ret’d John Stanley Fife MSM CD 19642021..
Death notice for the town of: Fredericton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick