Obituary of R. Warren Ellis

On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, R. Warren Ellis passed on peacefully after a spirited battle with cancer. Born and raised in Rothesay, Warren was the son of the late H.G.D. and Elsa (Scarff) Ellis. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and trained as a pilot and air-gunner. Warren completed his first tour of thirty operations with 166 Squadron as a tail-gunner aboard his fourth Wellington bomber, surviving three crashes the result of enemy fire. He was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace. Assigned for twelve months as Gunnery Leader instructing two Polish squadrons stationed in England, Warren was subsequently instated as an honourary air-gunner in the Polish Air Force; an experience and distinction he cherished throughout his life. He completed a second tour of twenty operations with 426 Squadron as a tail-gunner aboard Halifax bombers, returned home from overseas as Flight Lieutenant, and was completing his training to fight in the Pacific theatre (York bombers) on VJ Day. Warren started and ran his own business until its sale in 1954, managed Clogg’s Ltd. for ten years, and joined Hayward & Warwick in late 1964, managing retail and wholesale operations until his retirement. He was a past member of the Riverside Country Club, the Union Club, and local seniors/bridge clubs. Warren is survived by his son Tim (Gail) of Rothesay, stepdaughters Catharin Bird and Margaret Arnfield, stepsons Anthony, Patrick, Philip, and Paul McGuinness, sister Audrey A. Stanley, and grandsons Mark and Tyler. He was predeceased by his beloved wives Frances MacLean (Catharin) in 1975 and Isobel Veronica (Shepherd) McGuinness in 2004, brothers H.R.S. ("Tim") and Fenwick, and sisters Marjorie and Marian. The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation and thanks for the kindness shown by the nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers of 3B North (Palliative Care Unit) over these last six weeks. What incredible care givers you are. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, 634-7424. In accordance with Warren’s wishes there will be no visitation. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, May 7, at 2:00 in the Riverside Room of the Riverside Country Club with a reception to follow.