Rear-Admiral Eldon James HEALEY, CMM, CD

RCN Service

Healey, Eldon James – CMM, CD, pcsc, ndc (b. Owen Sound, Ont 11/08/1934). Naval Cadet RCN (seniority 11/09/1953). Canadian Services College Royal Roads 1953. Midshipman (E) RCN (seniority 01/09/1955). A/Sub-Lieutenant (E) RCN (seniority 01/01/1957). HMCS Niobe for Royal Naval Engineering College for Basic Engineering Course 1955. Sub-Lieutenant (E) RCN (seniority 01/05/1958). HMCS Huron for training 1958. HMCS Haida for training 1958. HMCS Niobe for Royal Naval Engineering College for Marine Engineering Sub-Specialist Course 1959. Lieutenant (E) RCN (seniority 16/07/1959). HMCS Nootka for training 1960. HMCS Lauzon as Engineering Officer 1960. HMCS Stadacona Engineering Division as Marine Engineering Training Officer 1962. HMCS Cayuga as Engineering Officer 1963. HMC Dockyard Halifax Superintendent Atlantic for Ship Repair Activity as Marine Engineering Officer 1964. HMCS Gatineau as Engineering Officer 1965. Lieutenant-Commander (E) RCN (seniority 01/01/1966). Canadian Forces Staff College Toronto 1967. US Naval Ship Engineering Centre Philadelphia as Canadian Machinery Trials Officer for DDH-280 Project 1968. Commander (seniority 03/1970). CFHQ as Section Head Prime Movers and Boiler Design 1970. MARPAC HQ as Deputy Chief of Staff Current Operations (Technical Readiness) 1973. Captain(N) (seniority 01/08/1974). Training Command HQ as Chief of Staff Leadership and Support Training 1974. Training Systems HQ as Deputy Chief of Staff Career Training 1975. National Defence College of Canada 1977. NDHQ as Director Maritime Equipment Engineering 1978. NDHQ as Director Maritime Engineering and Maintenance 1979. Commodore (seniority 16/06/1980). NDHQ as Program Manager Canadian Patrol Frigate Program 1979. Rear-Admiral (seniority 06/1984). NDHQ as Chief of Engineering and Maintenance 1984. Retired 03/09/1985.

 OBITUARY

Rear-Admiral (Ret'd) Eldon James Healey, CMM, CD

 Dear friend to many, beloved father and devoted husband, Ed passed peacefully at home on 26 August 2024 at 90 years of age. He is predeceased by his father James and mother Hazel (nee Acheson) as well as his sister Ina and brother Ivor. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beverly Anne (nee Doane) and his three children; David, Anne and Chris and two grandchildren; James and Sydney as well as many relatives in Wales, England, and Nova Scotia.

Born in Owen Sound, Ontario on 11 August 1934, Ed's early years demonstrated the caring, resolve and sense of duty that were the pillars of his character throughout his life and career. As a teen tragedy struck his family and he became the sole provider for his sister and mother, first labouring in the tabacco fields of Tilsenburg (he confirmed his back still hurt when he hears that name) before making the prudent decision to begin a path of service to his country.

Ed served in the Royal Canadian Navy after joining as a cadet in 1953. He quickly ascended the ranks culminating in the rank of Rear-Admiral. His proudest career achievement was delivering Canada's current fleet of frigates which continue their service today. He was then promoted to ADM (Mat) and continued to serve Canada in that capacity for several years after which he worked in the private sector.

His volunteer work was also extensive. Over the years he was the President of Kiwanis, President of CDIA, active with the Bytown Brigantine sail training and he supported innumerable other institutes and charities.

Ed was a giant in so many ways; he was considered the 'father' of the Canadian Patrol Frigates, his intellect was towering, his story-telling was legendary, and above all else, he was the very best father in the world.