Douglas Osborne Palmer

PALMER Douglas Osborne Sept 25, 1924 - June 10, 2019 It is with great sadness I announce the passing of my husband, Douglas Palmer, June 10, 2019, at Sidney, B.C. He is predeceased by his mother, Helen (Anderson); father, Charles who authored The Salmon Rivers of Newfoundland; first wife, Winnifred (Eveleigh) of Trinity East; and brother-in-law, Glenn Tahirali. He is survived by his wife, Jane (Adams); sister, Joan (Anderson) Tahiali and her two sons, Charles (Debbie) and Douglas. Doug was born in St. John’s and educated at Bishop Feild College, and later Memorial University. During that time he joined the St. Andrews Boy Scott Troop and became their Master Scout. Some time after the war broke out he joined the RCAF. He went overseas in 1943. He joined his crew as a rear gunner on a Halifax Bomber out of York, UK. They were on their 8th mission when shot down over Germany. Only 3 survived, Doug evaded for 10 days heading for France. However, his luck was not with him. The Germans picked him up and he became a POW for the rest of the war. He then went to Gander working with the Air Line industry. He worked there for 19 years. He played a part in forming may organizations including the 537 Air Cadet Squadron. Doug was its leader. It is still in operation to this day. In 1963 he retired from RCAF with the rank of Squadron Leader . He then moved to St. John’s to become a part of the newly formed Power Commission. He worked there for 10 years and retired to become a country gentleman and a snow bird. After spending 20 years in Florida, we decided the Newfoundland winters were not for us and moved to British Columbia in 2007. However, the land of our birth was very much a part of our lives and in keeping with Doug’s wishes he is coming home to be buried in the Field of Honour. Visitation to take place at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Avenue, on Tuesday, September 24, from 2-5pm. Committal Service will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 (his birthday) at the Field of Honour, Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully declined. Contributions in his memory, may be made to the St. John’s Cancer Society, which Doug served as his president some time ago. To view the online memorial guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.barretts.ca