RIP James Manson Bond HMCS Prince Robert, HMCS Magnificent, HMCS Cowichan, HMCS Cayuga, HMCS Gatineu

BOND, James Manson, CD, MA, LCDR (Ret’d) age 91, of Dartmouth, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2018 in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, QEII. Born May 11, 1926 in Regina, Sask., he was the only child of the late Melvin and Jessie (Manson) Bond. He grew up in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where he joined the RCNVR at Saskatoon in June 1944. He was a crew member of HMCS Prince Robert in the Second World War during the relief of Hong Kong in 1945. After the war, he attended the University of Alberta, graduating in 1950 with a BA in Psychology. While there, he was a member of the University Naval Training Division and was promoted to Sub Lt. In 1950, he joined the RCN for Personnel Selection and Executive Branch duties, serving in HMC ships Magnificent; as the first XO of Cowichan (1957); the last XO of Cayuga and XO of Gatineau. In 1965, he established the first full-time Service Conditions and Welfare Office in HMCS Stadacona. In 1968, he was Commanding Officer of the CF Personnel Selection Unit (Atlantic). While in the Navy, he received a Bachelor of Education Degree from Saint Mary’s University, and in 1973 joined the Nova Scotia Department of Adult Vocational Education where he was involved with Job Readiness Training Programs. During this time he received a MA (Education) Degree from SMU and was awarded the Nova Scotia Teachers Union Gold Medal. Upon retiring in 1986, he joined the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust and was with the working group restoring HMCS Sackville. He was her Commanding Officer from 1991 to 1994. He was also a member of the Nova Scotia Naval Officers Association. He had a lifelong interest in flying. He obtained a Private Pilot’s License at age 52 and was the last President of the Halifax Flying Club. He was also a life member of the Shearwater Aviation Museum Foundation and Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum. For many years he judged Nova Scotia High School Debates, and later was a member of the Navy League of Canada, which sponsors Sea Cadet Corps. In later life he greatly appreciated the company and kindness of Sherry and her friends. Surviving are his sons, Richard (Serena), Kelowna, B.C.; Ian (Janet), Dartmouth; one niece; three granddaughters; two grandsons; two great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. He was predeceased by Evelyn, his wife of 53 years.