Mewburn Phillip Wood

Born near Coventry, England on February 7, 1922, he was the youngest son of Elsie Jennie (Allen) and William Wood. Mewburn was married for over 68 years to his beloved wife Patricia (Merifield). They shared a love of reading, animals, travel and music and were fortunate to experience many wonderful adventures together.

Mewburn carried on the Wood seafaring tradition as a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy. He was a distinguished veteran of World War II, mainly serving as a submariner. He even had a short stint as a U-Boat Captain, when he brought the surrendered German U-190 from Bay Bulls, Newfoundland to Halifax. Near the end of the war, Mewburn was assigned to HMS Alacrity, based in the Far East. He then worked with the Chinese Maritime Customs Service, where he was engaged in anti-piracy patrols and the rehabilitation of China’s damaged navigational aids, including lighthouses. He demonstrated a facility for language learning, and was known to strike up conversations in Cantonese when given the opportunity.

After leaving the RN, Mewburn immigrated to Toronto with his young family and eventually returned to Halifax to run a small business specializing in industrial cleaning and, later, environmental remediation. Mewburn was a born storyteller, whose bedtime stories instilled a love of reading in his children. He bridged generations by fascinating his grandchildren with his memories of the war and other amazing experiences. In his youth, Mewburn was a ferocious rugby player, a Navy boxer, and a fast bowler for a cricket team. He enjoyed watching football (Newcastle) and swore that a Guinness a day was the way to good health.

Finally, and most importantly, no one could have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Gone but never forgotten. Forever in our hearts. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Brian and Cedric, and cherished grandson, Wesley Moss. Survived by wife Patricia, son Bryan (Cathy), daughters Jane Lowe (Brian), Sally, Pippa (Richard DeWolfe), Susan Cannon (Geoffrey), and Alison (Bryan Moss). Grandchildren, Mark and Michelle Wood, Michael, Jennie, Patrick and Johanna Lowe, Vincent and Paul DeWolfe, Christopher Cannon, and Kathleen Moss. And ten great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

Sincere thanks to all the wonderful care workers from Bayshore, to Veterans Affairs, the VON, the medical and palliative care staff, especially Amber Gillis, Heather Jodrey, Claire Morton, and Dr. Allegra Lywood.

If so desired, donations in Mewburn’s memory to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather. Online condolences may be made at: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.

I strove with none; for none was worth my strife,

Nature I loved, and next to Nature, Art;

I warmed both hands before the fire of life,

It sinks, and I am ready to depart.