CORRIGAN, JOHN FRANCIS
Wing Commander (Retired) John Francis Corrigan passed away on 14 March 2014 in Kelowna, British Columbia at the age of 91 years.
John will be sorely missed and affectionately remembered by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Elsie to whom he was married and devoted to for over 49 years as well as his 3 daughters Dianne Gillett (Victor), Joanne Corrigan (Steve), and Captain(Navy) Catherine Corrigan. Papa is also fondly remembered by his two grandchildren, and lights of his life, Caelen and Annika. Also fondly remembering him are John’s sisters Joan Ashby and Helen Kelly and several nieces and nephews.
John joined the RCAF in 1942 upon graduation from the Ottawa Technical school and upon completion of training at the No 4 Air Observer School in London, Ontario, he proceeded overseas to the Pathfinder Navigation Training Unit in Great Britian. In March 1944, he joined 6 Bomber Group and served back-to-back tours on RAF Pathfinder Squadrons No. 7 and 582, where he was engaged in master bomber and marking trips, and remarkably completed sixty-seven operational flights. He was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar by King George VI for his “numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.” Almost 70 years later, in October 2013, he was proudly awarded the Bomber Command medal by MP Ron Cannon in recognition of his World War II heroic efforts as a Lancaster bomber navigator who served his country with impeccable valour.
John served over 30 years with the RCAF before retiring with Elsie to Kelowna in 1973. For several years he developed a passion for gardening, and was an active member of his church, the 883 Wing of the Canadian Air Force Association, the Nordic Ski Club and the Wartime Aircrew Club.
The Corrigan family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Orchard Manor, Hawthorne Park who cared so lovingly for Johnny during his stay there, especially Ethel, as well as the Emergency staff at KGH who showed great compassion to John and Elsie in his final hours.
A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on March 21 at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, 4619 Lakeshore Road.
Memorial donations in John Corrigan’s name to the Salvation Army would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the guest book at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Valleyview Funeral Home, Kelowna, BC 250-765-3147.