POWER, J. Kevin, CAPT(N) Ret’d), Sea Logistics
J. Kevin Power–Captain RCN (Ret’d), 95, died peacefully at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, Halifax on 27 December 2017. Born and educated in Montreal, he was the son of Nicholas Power and Bridget Elizabeth “Lillie” Callaghan. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years Madeline (Fitzgerald) of Halifax, NS. He is survived by his 8 children: John (Nadine), Charlottetown; Nicholas, Toronto; Brian (Sharon Scott), Markdale, ON; Sarah, Toronto; Jeffrey (Marion) Halifax; Robert, Calgary; Jane Power-Grimm (Brian), Annapolis Royal, NS and Jennifer (Eric Flanders) Halifax, 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was enrolled into the RCNVR in December 1942 as an Acting Pay Sub Lieutenant and on graduation from McGill University (B. Com) in April ‘43, he was sent to Esquimalt, BC for training and employment, following which he commissioned with HMCS Victoriaville as its Supply Officer in October 1944. The ship was then employed in the Battle of the Atlantic until the war’s end. Following the war, he transferred to the Regular Force of the RCN where he served for 32 years. During this period, he had a very successful and enjoyable career in a variety of positions at sea, on both coasts and Headquarters in Ottawa in the RCN and the Unified Service. Of special interest to him were his appointments as Supply Officer HMCS Bonaventure, OIC Naval Supply Depot Hfx, Director of Pay Services and Co-Chairman of the Treasury Board-DND Task Force on Military Compensation. His final appointment before retiring in 1974 was Chief of Staff (Administration and Resources) at Maritime Command Headquarters, Halifax. Following his retirement, he won the competition for the position of Atlantic Regional Director for Statistics Canada. He held this position for 13 years, retiring in 1987.
He and Madeline enjoyed travel and visits from their many children. He was active in many Naval, community, and athletic affairs. One of the original Trustees of Canada’s Naval Memorial, HMCS Sackville, he was also a member of the Naval Officers Assoc., Royal United Services Institute, Probus Club, Hartlen Point Golf Club, the Waegwaltic Club, and was very active in his church.
Donations can be made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust, or charity of choice.
From the RCNBF Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund:
In addition to his other volunteer work, Kevin was also an important part of the RCN Benevolent Fund for many years where we are so grateful for his dedication, valuable input in helping us reach our goals, and the great friendship shared among so many of our members.