Norman Edward Breen

 The passing of Norman E. Breen formerly of Fredericton occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on January 26, 2012. He was 86. Born in Ridgetown, ON in 1925, he was the son of the late William Howard and Victoria May (Downing) Breen.

He served overseas in WWII in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, returning to Canada in August 1946. In 1948 he rejoined the Canadian Army and served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps until July 2, 1974. His last posting was at CFB Gagetown, NB where as a Chief Warrant Officer, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 3 Service Battalion. He served in the Middle East in 1967, with the United Nations Peace Force and was awarded the Centennial Medal in recognition of his valuable service to Canada.

Norman was involved in many worthwhile organizations such as, the Credit Union at CFB Gagetown, and the Royal Canadian Cadet Corps of Canada. He was appointed RSM of the First Version of the Cadet Camp Argonaut at CFB Gagetown. He served for 15 years in the Corps of Commissionaires in Fredericton.

Norman is survived by his 5 children, daughters Heather McFadgen (Tony) and Maureen Breen of Fredericton; sons Brian (Shelly) of Grand Bay-Westfield, Michael of Hudson, ON and Bruce of Brace Bridge, ON; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; and his second wife’s family who he loved as well. Predeceased by his first wife Dolores Pauline (Burtch) Breen in 1997 and his second wife Mary Rebecca (Legassie) Breen in 2009.

Respecting Norman’s wishes, there will be no visitation at the funeral home. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held Sunday January 29, 2012 from Bishop’s Funeral Home Chapel, 540 Woodstock Road at 3:00PM with Rev. Doug Hapeman officiating. Following cremation, interment will be held in the family plot at Forest Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.