Vincent Henry Tracey
We are saddened to announce the passing of Vince Tracey, age 99, formally of Moncton, on April 13, 2021 in Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Saint John, NB.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the wonderful nurses and staff at Ridgewood for their amazing care, support and love extended to Vince since his arrival in May 2017. It truly was beyond exceptional.
Born on March 31, 1922, in New Glasgow, NS, he was the second son of the late Frederick and Caroline (MacGregor) Tracey. Vince was predeceased by his wife Anita (Gaudet), brothers Chester and Lewis, as well as special friend Alma Daigle.
Vince is survived by children Brian (Nicola), Barrie, Ont.; Nadine (Dave Ellsworth), Saint John, NB; and Alan (Terese), Antigonish, NS; grandchildren Kyle (Tasha), Derek (Talis), Shaemus (Laura), Nicholas (Whitney), Michael (Stephanie), Julie (François), Katie, Joe (Asma), Grant, Caralena (Jonothan) and Patti-Anne; great-grandchildren Emmett, Jack, and Vinnie.
Vince, a veteran from WWII in the Canadian Armed Forces, served as a sapper within the Royal Canadian Engineers Regiment. Following his service, he proudly engaged in a 36-year career with Canadian National Railway in the Moncton Main Shops as a machinist.
A self-proclaimed “missionary from Pictou County”, he felt as though he truly never retired as “there is always work to be done”! Even in Vince’s later years, he could be relied on for his timely one-liners, to which no one was exempt! He was the consummate tease to all he knew, and to many he didn’t… “Who me?” With the mind-set of a machinist, he would endlessly tinker in his basement in order to fix things, as it was much cheaper than paying to have them fixed. A true farmer at heart, each spring he would revel in the “fresh country air aroma” of manure as it was spread throughout his vegetable garden. Although causing little-to-no laundry over the following few weeks, many would benefit from his gardens’ bountiful harvests each fall. He also had special fertilizer for his infamous salty blueberries… just ask Nadine! A true master of casting a line with his fly rod, his casts were always straight and true, regardless of wind conditions. To ensure he was never out-fished by his sons, he had no qualms about tossing fist-sized rocks into or walking directly through many salmon pools of the Renous River in order to keep his streak intact. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time at his trailers, both at the Renous as well as Shediac Bridge. In case one was ever in need of individual packages of assorted condiments, a trip “up to the trailer” could guarantee a full restocking. Through the years he excelled in many dart leagues however, most wintery Saturday afternoons would find him at Sergeants Mess Hall again utilizing his machinists’ steady hand and sharp mind while throwing for steak darts. His family was pleased to see him win numerous league trophies, but even more pleased for the many steak suppers. A bit too shy for singing solo however, when partnered with his favorite dog Lobo, they became an instant dynamic duo. Regardless of the time of day, he was always up for a game of cribbage, and professed to cheating… only when caught. During his post-CNR years and up until his late 80’s, he remained physically active with golf and fishing during summer while skating and x-country skiing during winter. When asked about attributes towards his long and healthy life, his immediate reply was “hard work, good clean living and a taste of the good stuff”. The family asks that you remember Vince by raising a glass with “a taste of the good stuff”, as it appeared on his doctors’ daily orders.
As per Vince’s request there will be no visitation or service; cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Ridgewood Veterans Wing or charity of one’s choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vincent Henry Tracey, please visit our floral store.
Ridgewood Veterans Wing
c/o SJRH PO Box 2100 STN Main, Saint John, NB E2L 9Z9 ,