John Franklin Palen – DFC, BA
RCAF – RAF – Bomber Command 1942 – 1945
Born December 1st, 1922 in the village of Haliburton, Ontario
Eldest son of Harry and Gladys Palen (nee Lucas)
Died in Langley, BC on Sunday, February 3rd, 2019
John moved to Toronto in 1932 along with his parents and two sisters and brother and continued his education at Norway Public School and Danforth Tech and after graduation in 1942, John joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and soon began his training as an air gunner. After graduation he was posted overseas to England where he became a member of the Bomber Crew as a rear gunner on Halifax and Lancaster Bombers. By December of 1944 John had completed a total of 58 operations and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his return to Canada in 1945 John completed his education and worked as an administrator for Metro Toronto Long Term Nursing Homes for seniors throughout the metro area. After his thirty-nine year employment with Metro John moved to Barrie, Ontario where he lived with his wife Margaret (deceased 2010) until 2012 when he moved to Langley, BC to be closer to family members.
John had five children with his first wife Betty (deceased 1974). His eldest son, Larry (deceased 1991), Paul, Stephen (Liz), Catherine (John), Annemarie (Perry) and stepson, David (Yvonne)
His eleven grandchildren and his sixteen great grandchildren, lovingly remember John.
John was a member of the Legion (RCL) for many years in Toronto and Barrie and also a past member and president of East York Kiwanis Club, Barrie Kiwanis and Probus Clubs and Veterans Clubs.
Cremation has taken place and a short service of inurnment will take place at St. Paul’s cemetery, Barrie, Ontario on Saturday, April 20th with a tea to follow at 2pm at Steckley- Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley Street, Barrie, ON L4M 1L4.