Remembering Joe Funfer
In
your website on the NWT&Y History project, your photos of
Joe Funfer attracted my attention.
I met Mr. Funfer in August, 1968 when he was a civilian radio
operator – I believe his level was EL4 or 5 – at Vancouver
Wireless station, which at that time had become CFS Ladner. I
had been posted to Ladner from CFS Alert and was a shift supervisor
and later Comcen Supervisor before Ladner ceased operations and
we moved to CFS Masset in the Queen Charlotte Islands in September
1970. I retired from the CF in the Fall of 1972.
I
did not work directly with Joe, but had a number of occasions
to come in contact with him. He had a fishing boat and would sail
out into the waters off Ladner and Tsawwassen for salmon. One
day he proceeded on one of these voyages and during the trip he
passed away, apparently from a heart attack. He obviously had
had sufficient time to secure the boat and lock the rudder in
position so it would run aground. I am not sure of the date, but
think it was in the Fall of 1969.
He
was a true gentleman. It was a pleasure to see the photos of him
on your web-page and I thought I would pass on this short observation.
Best
regards.
Ray
White, Chief Petty Officer ComRsch 291 (retired)
