Cecil Calvin Pelley

PELLEY Cecil Calvin Sept. 25, 1933 - July 30, 2020 Cecil Calvin Pelley of St. John’s, NL. passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on July 30, 2020 at his home and in the presence of his loving wife, Shirley and son, Brent. He leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years, Shirley Pelley (née: Pack); children Brent (Rhonda), Elaine (Reuven) Wpg.; and Linda (Nat) ON.; grandchildren Blair (Melissa), Alexe, Daniel and Sarah of Wpg.; great- grandchildren Marin and Mae; sister Velma (Ron) Piercey, brother Leonard; brother- in- law David Pack, sister- in- law Jennie Pack; lifelong friend John Ellis and a large circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends. Cecil is predeceased by his parents Cecil Sr. and Elsie Pelley; brother Melvin and sister-in-law Gertie (Leonard). Born in St John’s, NL. and raised in Hant’s Harbour and Corner Brook respectively, Cec was an industrious, adventurous and friendly lad who was always ready to lend a helping hand to others. His sense of humour, love of nature, and God were redeeming qualities that later informed his life’s path. Always eager to learn new skills, by his mid-twenties he had attained his pilot’s licence, played and coached minor hockey and was an active member of the Canadian Army Reserve. It was in Corner Brook that Cec initially met Shirley who later moved to Montreal to complete her nursing degree. At age 25, a determined Cec went to Montreal to complete his pilot’s licence and proposed to Shirley at her nursing residence. They were married in Corner Brook in 1960 and moved to St. John’s to raise their 3 children. Apart from his lengthy career as a facilities supervisor, initially with the NL. Telephone Company and later with Memorial University, Cec was a devoted family man, churchgoer, handyman, Shriner and Mason. He spent time with his family camping, snowmobiling, gardening and fishing, in addition to attending their numerous church, school and extracurricular activities. He was instrumental in fostering independence and a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren, and in other youth as a boy scout leader of the Vanier Scout Troop. Whatever he was doing, Cec often added a touch of humour when he sang a NL. shanty, danced or recited a verse! Cec was an active congregant of Cochrane Street United Church and a member of the Men’s Service Club. He was a long-term member and a Past Master of the Saint John’s Masonic Lodge as well as a Past President of the St. John’s Shrine Club and acting member of the Mazol Oriental Shrine Band. It was through his involvement in the Shriner Mazol Temple that he was designated Hospital Emeritus and acted as a chairman of the Orthopaedic and Burn Children Committee. As one of the dedicated Shriner’s, Cec also impacted many families’ lives by arranging travel for burn victims requiring treatment in Montreal and Boston and by assisting with Scouts and Girl Guides Canada for children with disabilities. Furthermore, his passion to help others led him to serve on the board of directors of The Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. Cec was a compassionate and loyal soul who would often quietly reflect and listen to your thoughts or stories. He also had a creative side that flourished in the poetry he wrote as well as in his handyman skills. A real Mr. Fix It, Cec loved to tinker in his shed and was proud of the tree fort he built for his grandchildren and the building and repairs he did at his cabin ‘Dunsearchin’ in Nine Island Pond. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, snowmobiling and berry picking. He continued his hobbies and snowmobiling with his son Brent until age 78, later turning to reading, conversation and local travel when he was afflicted with Parkinson’s. Shirley’s extraordinary attention to Cec enabled him to continue enjoying the many comforts of home. We gratefully acknowledge the exceptional care provided by Dr. Peter Noel and Cecil’s caregivers, Dale, Jonathan and Marina. Due to concerns around Covid-19, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Healthcare Foundation (NL.) To view the online guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca . A celebration of life for Cec will be held at a later date. Cecil Calvin Pelley jovial, exuberant, free a never-ending trout in a never-ending sea…