Obituary of John Victor Ernest Messer

Peacefully with his family by his side, John "Victor" Ernest Messer passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Monday, April 16, 2018. Born in Saint John on August 15, 1931, he was a son of the late Harry Leonard and Hazel Mae (Clark) Messer. Vic was a loving and caring husband to his bride Betty (Cunningham) of 65 years. Their marriage was an inspiration to so many. In addition to his wife, Vic will be missed by his children: Glen Messer(special friend, Karen Garrett), Josselyn McKim (Greg) and Lenore Tracy (Chris); two beloved granddaughters, Vicki Newell (Mitchell) and Ashley McKim; two great-granddaughters, Isla and Tily Newell; and two step-great-granddaughters, Jadyn and Shealynn Bragg. Grampy loved his granddaughters and his great-granddaughters; they were the joy of his life. Vic is also survived by his siblings: Walter Messer (Elizabeth), Doris Messer, Robert Messer (Sandra) and Gordon Messer (Sandra); sister-in-law, Gwen Messer; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, Vic was predeceased by his sister, Vivian Howland; brother Douglas Messer; and sisters-in-law: Shirley Cunningham, Barbara Tibbo and Glenna Tays. Vic retired from NBTel as a life member of the Telephone Pioneers with 31 years of service, part of which he was the area manager in both Campbellton and Newcastle before returning to Saint John in 1970. He retired as Human Resource Manager in 1992. Vic was a past Chancellor Commander of NB Lodge No. 1 Knights of Pythias and a fifty year member. During his 45 plus years and as a life member with the Simonds Lions Club and Lions International he has held various positions; Treasurer, Secretary and President of the club, two terms as District Governor, Past Council Chairman and Cabinet Secretary Treasurer. He was awarded 3 of the prestigious Melvin Jones awards, the highest honour in Lions. He was the last living founder director of the Lions Foundation of Canada. Vic had been active on the board of the Loch Lomond Villa where he served as a board member multiple years and was also the chairman of the board for three terms. He has also been a member and huge supporter of the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation for many years. Vic was a past member of Saint John Presbytery where he also held the position of Treasurer. He attended Park Avenue United Church since he was a young boy and was involved throughout the years with scouts, men’s groups and special functions. His church family was very important to him. He held various positions within his beloved church including Member of Session and Trustees, Treasurer and Chairman of the Board. Vic was the president of the Resident's Council at Jubilee Hall, Shannex in the valley. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visitation on Thursday, April 19, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The Lions Club will be holding a tribute service during visitation at 6:00 pm. A Celebration of Vic’s Life will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 11:00 am from Glen View United Church, 8 Upland Road, Saint John. Interment will take place at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Saint John Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit or Cardiac Rehabilitation, Heart Function Clinic, or the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com Vic’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr Bewick, Jane Boyd Aucoin, nurses of 5C South and Palliative Care at the SJRH.