Obituary of George Cecil Jennings

It is with deep sorrow and great love that the family of George Cecil Jennings, age 89, mourn his passing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Saint John Regional Hospital with his family by his side. Born in Saint John, NB, on February 18, 1936, George was a son of the late Heath and Madeline (Ervine) Jennings, and the beloved husband of the late Gloria Rosamonde (Fillmore) Jennings.

Besides his wife and parents, Cecil is predeceased by his granddaughter, Rachael Dawn Duffley, his son in law, Mark George Duffley, two brothers, Frank Jennings, Kenneth Jennings and sister in law, Kathleen (Kay) Jennings, three brother in laws, Willard E. (Bud) and sister in law Evelyn Fillmore, Clifford H. (Kippy) Fillmore, Robert (Bob) Hopkins, five sister in laws and their spouses, Gladys M. and Lloyd Bartlett, Charlotte P. and George Craine, Frances P. and Louis Abbott, Shirley J. and Stephen Tchir, and Florence M. (Bonnie) and Bruce Colburn.

In 1950, Cecil gave Gloria the first of 74 Valentine’s Day cards, they were in Grade 8 at New Albert School. Cecil would say, thankfully Gloria saved him, and his only surviving brother Robert (Bev) Jennings, of Red Deer, AB, helped raise him. On December 3, 1955, Cecil married his true love Gloria, and they had three children. Cecil is survived by his son, Gordon Willard Jennings, of Saint John, and his two daughters, Lynn Ann Duffley, of Kiersteadville, NB, and Gloria Dianne Jennings, of Nerepis, NB. The family grew to include, seven grandchildren, Joshua (Sarah) Jennings, of Cochrane, BC, Benjamin Jennings, of Saint John, Amanda (Jonathan) Westfield, of Grand Bay/Westfield, NB, Nicholas (Karlene) Jennings, of Nerepis, NB, Vanessa (Mike Curwin) Curwin Duffley, of Saint John, Mariah (Alaya Hausstein) Duffley of Sutton, QC, and Kirstin (James Durnnian) Duffley, of Quispamsis, NB, six great grandchildren, Madison (Anthony Baker) Logan, Harmony Hebert, Jayden Westfield, Cash Jennings, Lilly Westfield, and Jackson Jennings, three step great grandchildren, Cody Russon, Braden Russon and Taya Robertson, one great great grandson Matthew Baker, three sister in laws, Eleanor Jane Hopkins, of Petitcodiac, NB, Barbara Ann (Raymond) Stinson, of Miramichi, NB, and Marion Fillmore of Musquash, NB, chosen sister, Sister Rosemary Costley, of Saint John, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A month after his 17th birthday, Cecil enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, and trained as an Aerial Photographer with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was a Leading Aircraftman (Aviator) with RCAF 408 (Photographic) Squadron, when honourably discharged. Cecil resumed his service as a photography instructor with the Air Cadets. His training provided Cecil with skills and memories to last a lifetime. After speaking with Air Cadets in the photography program, Prince Philip asked to be introduced to their instructor, much to Cecil’s surprise. ‘What A Wonderful World’ by Louis Armstrong was his favourite song. While working as a photographer with the Telegraph Journal/Evening Times Globe, Cecil met and photographed Mr. Armstrong prior to his concert, it was a night to remember. Cecil tried pipe fitting with Ocean Steel, then returned to his love of photography with Pridham Studios. Cecil began his ‘gold watch’ career with the Canadian Pacific Railway and was a Locomotive Engineer at the time of his retirement in 1996. He appreciated the friendships made while operating these timeless iron workhorses.

Known as a true gentleman, Cecil was a Royal Canadian Legion member for 64 years, enjoying Branch activities, like poppy campaigns, billiards, cards, dances, darts, and roundtable chats. In 1962, like many proud Westsiders, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion Carleton Branch 2. In 1975, Cecil became an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69. Remembrance Day was special, as both Cecil and Gloria had family members who served in WWI and WWII. For each ceremony, they proudly wore their poppies and donned uniforms to participate and dance in the style. Cecil loved hearing Gloria sing along with the band.

Cecil was a loyal parishioner of St. Jude Anglican Church, until it was deconsecrated in 2014. He was Gloria’s faithful escort to church, choir practices, church suppers, and fundraisers. While his beloved Gloria rehearsed with the choir, Cecil waited patiently outside. His family has fond memories of sitting with their Dad, listening to their Mom sing or play the organ, helping set-up or clean-up at church activities, and painting the church hall together. Cecil, like Gloria, was also a volunteer member of the Vestry.

Papa, to his grandchildren, was known as a man of great generosity, wisdom, and kindness. His love and commitment to Gramma and his family were undeniable, he was there for every graduation, show, or competition. His drinks kept them around for lively conversation and coming back for another. If Papa wasn’t in his lazy boy chair taking a nap, he could be found running up and down the stairs for Gramma. An inspiration for all! He loved reading good books, mysteries, aviation, locomotive, or war history, the whole newspaper, crosswords, and Sudoku. When Papa wasn’t napping in front of the TV, he watched the news, Jeopardy and Hockey Night in Canada. Papa was an excellent swimmer, a great pool player, a good fisherman, an honest golfer, and Gramma’s forever dance partner.

The arrangements have been entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, NB. (634 1701). A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service will be held at RCL Lancaster Branch 69, 714 Wilson Street, Saint John, NB, E2M 3B2, on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:30 PM, followed by a reception. A private interment for family will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM in Greenwood Cemetery, Saint John, NB.

For those willing, donations in Cecil’s memory can be made to the Rachael Dawn Duffley Memorial Scholarship Fund (GSJCF), the Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69, the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund, or a favourite charity. Online condolences can be made at www.Castlefh.ca.

The family wants to thank everyone for your support and kindness, also thanks to the health professionals and staff of 5C North Family Medicine, SJRH, for all your care. Our sincere thank you to the Royal Canadian Legion Lancaster Branch 69 Veterans, the Women’s Auxiliary, the members, and staff for your generous service.