William Moss Landymore Rear-Admiral, OBE, CD, MID, RCN (Ret'd)

92, died peacefully in Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Halifax on Thursday, November 27, 2008. Born in Brantford, Ont., the only son of Dr. Frederick and Gladys (Moss) Landymore, he enrolled in 1934 at The Royal Military College of Canada, whose motto "Truth, Duty, Valour" was to be the inspiration for his 32 year military career. Landymore entered the RCN in 1936 and saw active service in Palestine, the Second World War and Korea. He served with distinction in 13 RN and RCN ships as well as training the gunnery crews of seven allied ships at Scapa Flow in 1943. He commanded HMCS Iroquois for two tours of duty in Korea and later HMCS Bonaventure. His final seagoing appointment was as Senior Canadian Officer Afloat Atlantic. Landymore served as both Flag Officer Pacific and Atlantic. He was twice appointed the Senior Officer in Chief Command Atlantic Sub-Area. Landymore led the Canadian Naval Contingent in the United Allied Parade, June 14, 1942 in London and he was Parade Commander when H. M. Queen Elizabeth II presented her colour to the RCN, August 1, 1959. During the unification crisis in the 1960's, Admiral Landymore, with many of his naval contemporaries, was in the forefront of the campaign to retain the unique identity and strategic expertise of the RCN in the defense of Canada and her NATO allies. In retirement, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Grace Hospital, Halifax for which he was awarded the Salvation Army Cross of the Order of Distinguished Auxiliary Service. Throughout his life, he thought of others for whom he was responsible before himself. He gave generously of his time, skill and resources, particularly encouraging education and children's therapeutic riding and assisting those in need. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, Bill married in 1940, Joan "Judy" L. G. Hall (1918-1998). He is survived by children, Lauretta Harris (Terence), Dr. Roderick Landymore (Frances) and John Landymore (Melanie); eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He married in 1999, Eleanor Fairn, widow of Sydney Riggs Kennedy. Bill is survived by Eleanor and his stepchildren, Derek Kennedy (Barbara), Gay Kennedy, Krista Kennedy (Eric) and Craig Kennedy (Donna), and six stepgrandchildren. He is also survived by Dr. Kathleen Quinlan Landymore (Covert) and his niece, Joan Hoffman (Innes); nephews, Robert Innes and Scott Innes. He was predeceased by his only sister, Lauretta Landymore Innes. In his later years, Bill Landymore was cared for compassionately by the staff of the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Halifax to whom his family, shipmates, colleagues and friends express their most sincere thanks and admiration. Sincere thanks also to those veterans and their families who shared in this support. Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date in Halifax at Stadacona Naval Chapel followed by a burial of his ashes at sea. Family flowers only. Donations in his memory, if desired, may be made to Cedar Crest Ward, Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Halifax, or to APSEA Library, School for Deaf & Blind Children & Youth, 5940 South St., Halifax. Letters and e-mails with a postal return address may be sent c/o A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home 217 Portland St., Dartmouth, NS B2Y 1J5 This may be viewed at www.mem.com