St. JOHN'S, N.L. - Newfoundland and Labrador is without one of the last surviving members of the 166th (Newfoundland) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery today following the passing of gunner Leo Knox.
The 93-year-old — who would have celebrated his 94th birthday today — passed at the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre in St. John’s on Jan. 14.
Knox enlisted with the 166th as a teenager, joining the 166th in Italy in 1944. Upon his return from active service, Knox joined the St. John’s Regional Fire Department and went on to serve 35 years, during which time he was instrumental in the development of the fire prevention program.
Knox has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 71 years and proudly carried the regimental colours to the Basilica to have them blessed. He was also a familiar sight at Memorial Day and Remembrance Day services at the National War Memorial in St. John’s.
A press release from the Legion’s Newfoundland and Labrador command says Knox “will be fondly remembered as a hero and a gentleman.”
Knox leaves to mourn Mary, his wife of 75 years, his six children, 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
He will rest at Barrett’s Funeral Home in St. John’s this Friday from 1-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Barrett’s on Saturday at 11 a.m.
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"I’m hoping they never have to face another war again." Second World War veteran Leo Knox at the 2018 Remembrance Day ceremony. - Juanita Mercer
