John I. Kay - S.PO.
John Kay was born on July 20, 1920 in Eston, Saskatchewan. He left Eston in 1939 for Port Arthur, Ontario and enlisted in the navy Aug. 12, 1940 with HMCS Griffon. He trained in Halifax, HMCS Stadacona, joining HMCS Mayflower Nov. 28,1940 and served until Sept. 5, 1942 with EG5 Group, Murmansk run. John left the Mayflower and joined HMCS Avalon Regulating Office St. John's, Newfoundland. While there he met his future bride, Ella Reid. He returned to HMCS Stadacona on Jan. 10, 1943 for a Petty Officer's course. In 1943 he married Ella Reid in the Dockyard Chapel in Halifax. In 1944 they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Shirley. On completing the Petty Officer's course, John was in the Commander Engineer's Office. On June 17,1944 he joined HMCS Nene. John was discharged June 11, 1945. He moved back to Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay). Another daughter Barbara, was born in 1948, and son Reid in 1950. John worked for the Thunder Bay Telephone for 40 years and retired in 1983. John and Ella still reside in Thunder Bay with their family which includes four grandchildren, Sean, Shannon, Scott and Jennifer. John's hobbies include oil painting, wood-burning art, lawn ornaments, and taxidermy, which keeps him and his son Reid busy. John belongs to the RCNA and Royal Canadian Legion#45 Branch #5 (Colour Party and Sergeant at Arms).