Obituary of George I. Pridham

The death of George I. Pridham of Saint John, NB occurred on June 3, 2015 at Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing. He was predeceased by his wife A. Joyce on January 30, 2015. Born in Toronto, ON, on July 1, 1921, son of the late James and Anna (McQuarrie) Pridham. He worked for National Cash Register prior to enlisting in the R.C.A.F. in 1939. George served as an Air Gunner, flying with the 408 Squadron (the Canadian Blue Goose Squadron). On his 48th mission he was shot down over Holland in June 1943 and was a prisoner of war until repatriated, in an exchange of wounded in June 1944. For his Military Service he was awarded the C.D., the Operational Wing, the Caterpillar Pin and a Medal of Honour from the Dutch Government. Retiring from the service with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. After the war he served with the Militia for thirteen years, retiring with the rank of Major. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 69, a life membership of the 250 R.C.A.F. (Saint John) Wing and the last surviving member of the Bying Boys Club. George was President of George I. Pridham Insurance for 30 years. Was a member of Germain Street United Baptist Church. He was very active within the community serving as Past President of the New Brunswick Branch of the War Amputation of Canada. George is survived by his daughters Susan Pridham, Saint John; Miriam (Carl) Sears, Sudbury, ON; two grandchildren, Christine (Charles) Fink, Sudbury, ON; and Rev. Jeffrey (Danika) Sears of Victoria, BC; Great grandchildren Brian and Heidi Fink, Scott Sears; and several nieces and nephews. George is predeceased by his sister Isabel Kennedy. The family would like to thank Rev. John Martin of Ridgewood Veterans Wing and Staff for all their support and kindness to our father during his stay at Ridgewood Veterans Wing. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 from 12:30 pm until funeral time. The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 2:00 PM. The Royal Canadian Legion will start the funeral service with a Tribrute to a Veteran. Interment will take place at Fernhill Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the War Amputee Champs Program, Ridgewood Veterans Wing or the YMCA.