It is with deep sadness, the family of Laurie Blue, 85, announces his passing at the Upper River Valley Hospital, Waterville, N.B. after a brief illness. He was the only son of Charles S. Blue and Marjorie (Walters) Blue of Debec, N.B. born on March 16th, 1938.

Predeceased by his parents, Laurie is survived by his wife, Ruth (Greer-Davenport) Blue, Centerville; his sister Carolyn Blue (Gordon Porter) Woodstock; his children: Linda Blue- Hoskins (Bill Hoskins), Toronto, Kellie Blue-McQuade (Mark Howe), Oromocto, Charles Blue (Patty), Toronto; his grandsons: Tyler and Bradley Hoskins, Daniel and Duncan Blue all of Toronto; his niece Jane Porter, Woodstock, and nephew Tim Porter (Valeri) Fredericton; and his cousin Dawn (Laverty) Matheson (Belleville, ON), and step-children: Kathy Verrill (Lester), Ronald Davenport (Beverly), Dwaine Davenport (Scarlett), Vaughn Davenport (Patricia).

Laurie received his early education at Debec and McAdam schools before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954. He was based at the Shearwater Naval Air station, home to the Maritime Helicopter community and centre of naval aviation in Canada. He saw service on several naval warships including the aircraft carrier HMCS Bonaventure and as a result visited many seaports around the World. Achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he retired from the Navy in 1985 after 30 years of service. He returned to his native Province living in Oak Mountain before moving to Centerville. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11, Woodstock, N.B.

Laurie will be fondly remembered for a quick wit and lively sense of humour. His family enjoyed his story-telling, especially stories of his ancestors coming to Debec from Argyle, Scotland, in 1831. Many a tale has been told by Laurie's Uncle Gordon Blue around the old pump at the farm in Elmwood. The original Blue homestead remains in the family to this day.

An avid follower of both hockey and baseball, Laurie loudly cheered the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays. He read widely on history, politics and current affairs and had great interest in health matters. He was especially fond of his dogs, enjoyed backyard bird-watching, and served up many great meals to family and friends.

At the request of the deceased, there will be no visitation or funeral. Interment will be held at a later date at St. John's United Church Cemetery, McKenzie Corner, N.B., a community named after his great-great grandfather, Captain William McKenzie.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund, the Carleton County Animal Shelter, or to a memorial of the donor's choice.

"No more a Watch to stand, Old Sailor

You are outward bound on an ebbing tide.

Eight Bells has rung, and last Watch done.

Now a new berth waits you on the other side...."

By Richard John Scarr (Brighton, England)