Obituary of Ray Cogswell

The passing of Ray Vincent Cogswell occurred at the Veteran’s Health Unit on Monday, January 28, 2013. Born in Oromocto West, Sunbury County, NB, May 5, 1920, he was the son of the late Earle Ray Cogswell and Mabel Alleyne (Hubble) Cogswell. Beloved and devoted husband of Jeannette M. (Duguay) Cogswell. He is survived by his two daughters, Anna Marie (Clinton) Sharpe of Maugerville, NB and Susan (Dean) Anderson of Fredericton, NB; three sons, Basil (Joan) of Fredericton, NB, David (Andrea) of Fredericton, NB and Martin (Lynn) of Sarnia, ON. He was a loving grandfather to ten grandchildren, Adrienne Goodine (John), Nicole, Patricia “Patti” and John Patrick Cogswell, Rachel and Benjamin Cogswell, Krista Garnett (Adam), Jason Sharpe, Amanda and Makayla Anderson. Survived also by special niece, Lynda Cogswell Lawson; many other nieces and nephews and several cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, step mother, Edith (Akerley) (Acker) Cogswell; three brothers, Ralph Edwin, Basil Allen and Martin; his first wife, Florine (Blacquiere) Cogswell; granddaughter, Mary Jane Cogswell; special aunts, Mabel Cogswell Smith who lived to a 100 years old and Clara Carr who lived to 91 years old. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on August 20, 1940 in Moncton, NB, and received initial training at #1 Manning Depot, Toronto, he then went on to #1 Wireless School, Queen Mary Road, Montreal, graduating on April 24, 1941 as a Wireless Operator and Radio Technician and received a Certificate of Proficiency in radio. He served in the Eastern Air Command in Labrador and went to Hopedale where they searched for enemy submarines. He first flew on Stranears and then PPY Flying Boats where he served as a Wireless Operator and Radio Technician. He was at Goose Bay (Happy Valley) Labrador when it first opened and Ferry Command planes made their first stop there. He flew on tests flights at Pennfield, NB and Rivers, MN with Anson Aircraft. Served at #30 Overseas Detachment as a Sergeant, received the Defense Medal. Went to UK and posted 412 Squadron in Japan but the war in Japan ended in August 14, 1945 and he returned to Canada and was honourably discharged. Attended Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University where he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree. Later received the designation of CMA (Certified Management Accountant) and was an active member in the Society. Was employed with the Provincial Comptrollers office as an Auditor and Treasury Officer, and retired after 35 years. Was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, 252 (Lord Beaverbrook) Wing, Fredericton and served as Treasurer for many years. Served as Scoutmaster in Oromocto with a very reliable assistant, Jim Hughson. Served on the Financial Committee of St. Theresa’s parish and set up the original financial reporting system. Served as Treasurer Finance Committee of the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) NB-PEI Branch. Also a member of the Royal Candian Legion, Fredericton, Branch #4. Was a member of the Cogswell Family Association of America and very interested in the history of his ancestors. He was a direct descendant of John Cogswell who immigrated to America in 1635 via the Angel Gabriel which later was ship wrecked at Pemaquid, Maine on August 15, 1635. The family will receive visitors at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. A Legion Tribute Service will take place on Thursday at 6:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 2 pm with Father Bill Brennan as celebrant. A reception will follow after the funeral mass downstairs in the Ann Wrynn Hall. Burial will take place in the family plot at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery, Oromocto, NB at a later date. For those who wish to make donations in Ray’s memory the family has suggested the Veteran’s Health Unit. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Dr. John Keddy and the staff of the Veteran’s Health Unit for their excellent care and friendship Ray received while a resident there. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com