Obituary of Claude Melvin Corbett

March 08, 1919 – March 27, 2011 Our Dad was born March 8th, 1919 in Wellwood, Manitoba. His parents, David & Isabella (Ferguson) emigrated from County Ayre, Scotland in 1910. He was the last survivor of the six children David and Isabella (Bela) had; Jack, Bill, Winifred, David and Harold. David and Bela moved the family to Vancouver after WWII and finished out their lives there. Dad joined the Canadian Army in 1939 as a private in the Winnipeg Grenadiers and ended up being posted to Hong Kong with “C” Company in late 1941. When Hong Kong was attacked by the Japanese December 8th Dad fought valiantly alongside his friends and comrades until being forced to surrender December 26. After 3 ½ years as a POW, surviving barbaric treatment and conditions Dad, along with the other surviving prisoners, was liberated in August 1945. Despite the physical and emotional injuries he suffered during that time Dad never gave up or in. These strong traits carried on throughout his later work for the Department of Veterans Affairs and his home life. After returning from Hong Kong Dad was a patient in Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver recovering from his POW treatment. It was there that he met and fell in love with his Army nurse, his soon-to-be wife, June Sargent from Toronto. Despite having lost most of his eyesight as a result of his POW treatment he was able to provide a safe and stable home for his family in the Vancouver area. He always had a smile or joke for whoever was within range. Dad developed a close group of caring friends including his long time fishing buddy, Walt Goresky and old neighbourhood pal, Don Wood. Over the years Dad loved fishing, curling, bowling, and cribbage and just enjoyed having a good old “bull session” with his many friends at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88 in Maple Ridge. Dad is now at rest – he died at 9:17 PM Sunday March 27, 2011 at his care home in Maple Ridge, BC. Claude and June had three children: Russell (Gerry) of Lethbridge, Alberta; Denis (Yolanda) of Victoria, BC and Donna (Brent) of Maple Ridge, BC. His kids gave him six grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who all so loved Grandpa Corbett. We miss him already. He was a good man who did his best. Service: 11AM on Tuesday the 5th of April. Location: Garden Hill Funeral Chapel 11765-224th Street, Maple Ridge BC V2X 6A5. Parking is in the rear of the building. Tea reception will be at the funeral home. Instead of flowers, donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind would be appreciated.