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Research in Other Countries => Canada => Canada Lookup Request => Topic started by: j-allen on Sunday 30 June 19 16:39 BST (UK)
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My grandmother's brother Percy Westley emigrated to Canada long before the second world war. His son Harold David Westley b. 3.4.1923 in Vancouver joined the Royal Canadian Air Force; his Attestation papers being stamped 5th November 1942. At that time he stated he was single and his next of kin was his mother Rose Adelaide Westley living at 2392 Linden Avenue Vancouver, his father having passed away in 1934.
On 29th January 1944 he was in a Wellington aircraft at Chipping Warden, Northamptonshire and during a training operation, the pilot practising solo circuits and landings dived into the ground and the the aircraft caught fire. All the four crew members were killed. Harold is buried in Botley Cemetery, Oxfordshire aged 20.
On the CWGC it states that his wife Maurine Westley is his next of kin. I would like if possible someone to find the marriage, sometime between November 1942 and January 1944 and if there was a child at all. I am assuming she was Canadian as I can't find a marriage here in England.
Many thanks.
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Canada does not have a BMD index - however here is a report of marriage
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 6 Nov 1943, Sat - Page 14
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33390274/maurine_isobel_walkerwestley/
Sandra
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Copy of the marriage - http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/4e3f52cb-7e8a-4fab-a101-8c019c931247
Sandra
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Death Certificate - Harold David Westley
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/4ff05475-9916-409d-8408-7841ae3bb864
Sandra
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The death of Rose Adelaide nee Beaven Westley - mother of Harold David Westley
24 March 1965 - burial 26 March 1965 - Ocean View Burial Park.
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/079ef8bb-8608-4136-9c0a-cdcc3fae179a
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLTG-X5S
FIND A GRAVE
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/161670033
Sandra
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Father Percy Thomas Westley - 11 April 1885 - 31 March 1934 - Ocean View Burial park
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q23T-37DV
Sandra
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No names of grandchildren on the obituary for Rose Adelaide Westley
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 25 Mar 1965, Thu - Page 41
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33390650/rose_adelaide_westley/
Sandra
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1921 census shows the Westley family - 2338 Roy Oak Ave New Westminster British Columbia.
Percy Thos Westley 36 Rose Adelaide Westley 34
Gladys Nellie Westley 10
Earl John Westley 7
Clarence George Westley 2
http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1921&op=img&id=e002873748
Sandra
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Brother Earl John Westley - Missing in a boat
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 6 Aug 1969, Wed - Page 3
FIND A GRAVE
Earl John Westley (1914 - 1969) - Audrey Corinne Westley (1933 - 2010) - Earl Glen Wesley (son 1959 - 1981 )
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/123903563/earl-john-westley
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132256327/audrey-corinne-westley (with obituary)
Death Certificate indicates drowning - http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/e8a36928-59fc-427c-9697-e8c8deb41699
Earl John Westley was married twice.
First marriage to Dorothy Jean Ford - 1st June 1935.
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/0a0780cf-5357-4281-91da-2c3da4b8c5cc
Death certificate for son Earl Glen Westley -
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/0f670581-4144-4d1a-b653-55ef7c284ea7
Earl Glen Westley - Surrey Leader British Columbia - 6 May 1981 - Died thru motor cycle accident.
spouse Terry Hildebrand.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL1P-ZQN
Sandra
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Brother Raymond Morris Westley - passed away 18-10-1998 Keremeos (son was the informant)
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/570e384e-8f90-4c10-852d-370fb0f3e9eb
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/7ed12719-cccc-41ee-8364-ff3df0a819b2
Sandra
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If you are hoping to make contact with family, you may have some luck tracing some rellies mentioned in obits or certs in the current telephone directory. Put just last name in the person box and British Columbia in the place box.....
https://www.canada411.ca
PB
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Dear *Sandra*,
Gosh that was quick! I do have one or two of the certificates already mentioned like the drowning but I can see I have my evening full now by printing off everything and going through it all.
Many many thanks, your research is much appreciated.
Janice
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If you are hoping to make contact with family, you may have some luck tracing some rellies mentioned in obits or certs in the current telephone directory. Put just last name in the person box and British Columbia in the place box.....
https://www.canada411.ca
PB
polarbear, many thanks for this information, I am sadly lacking any contact by this part of my family.
Janice
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Dear *Sandra*,
Gosh that was quick! I do have one or two of the certificates already mentioned like the drowning but I can see I have my evening full now by printing off everything and going through it all.
Many many thanks, your research is much appreciated.
Janice
You're very welcome. Pleased we can help.
Gladys Mary Westley/Chishom was divorced when she passed away - 15/11/1981 - son was the informant.
Death certificate - http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/192402d1-bd65-468f-9719-4603a06d460e
marriage certificate - https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MR-1JLK
Sandra
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son - Clarence George Westley was awarded the Croix De Guerre Avec Etoile De Bronze - 28/4/1945 - in recognition of gallant and distingusihed service.
The Province Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 26 Apr 1945, Thu - Page 3
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33394272/clarence_george_westley/
Sandra
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The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 12 Dec 1936, Sat - Page 35
Clarence awarded damages
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33394396/accident_suit_clarence_george_westley/
Sandra
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Sadly - Clarence George Westley died in a house fire.
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 5 Mar 1981, Thu - Page 8
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33394446/clarence_george_westley/
Informant on the death certificate was sister Kathleen R Symons. Smoke Inhalation/carbon monoxide poisoning/ severe burns. Clarence was divorced from Helen Fischer.
Burial/Cremation - Vancouver Crematorium - 10 March 1981
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/b218b8b9-a488-4dc2-b89e-2174cfe7c4a0
Sandra
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Helen Mildred Fischer Westley - 22 May 1920 - 15 september 2014
Predeceased by parents John Baptist & Ethel Rebecca Fischer, sister Pearl Hanrahan and close friend, Clarence George Westley
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/147110312/helen-mildred-westley
Sandra
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Obituary for Helen Mildred Fischer Westley - 15/9/2014
https://www.genealogiequebec.com/necro/avis-de-deces/1524103-FISCHER-Helen-Mildred
Sandra
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Grandchildren of Percy and Rose.............according to the obituary for Rose she had 24
grandchildren...............so far this is what is accounted for.............
Frank Westley (and Edna) Unknown at mo........
Kathleen Westley/Symons and Charles - had 1 daughter and 4 sons
Earl John Westley and Audrey had 4 (plus one that died in mototrcycle accident)
Gladys Westley/Chisholm had 2 sons
Clarence George and Helen Mildred Fischer seem to have had a son and a daughter - 2
Beverley Westley and raymond Westley - 6 sons and a daughter
20 so far......................
Perhaps Harold David Westley and Maurine Isobel Walker did not have any children when he died. They had only been married a few months.
Sandra
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Frank Thomas Westley - son of Rose and Percy - Frank born 13 November 1924 - passed away 24 July 1993 Burnaby BC. Frank was widowed. Informant sister Kathleen Symons
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/053694a5-c9da-47b0-835a-3c49f9db802b
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/4c35c2a9-b8e9-4ba0-be06-a74785072ee3
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK6P-VVGP
Believe Frank's wife was Edna (now deceased)
Sandra
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Westley Ross Symons - son of Kathleen Westley Symons and Charles Symons -
The Province Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 6 Sep 1989, Wed - Page 67
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33396554/westley_ross_symons/
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 18 Jan 1955, Tue - Page 24
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33396689/chuck_and_kay_symons/
Sandra
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Dear *Sandra*,
Gosh that was quick! I do have one or two of the certificates already mentioned like the drowning but I can see I have my evening full now by printing off everything and going through it all.
Many many thanks, your research is much appreciated.
Janice
You're very welcome. Pleased we can help.
Gladys Mary Westley/Chishom was divorced when she passed away - 15/11/1981 - son was the informant.
Death certificate - http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/192402d1-bd65-468f-9719-4603a06d460e
marriage certificate - https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2MR-1JLK
Sandra
Obituary for Gladys Chisholm - The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
17 Nov 1981, Tue - Page 41
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33396795/gladys_mary_chisholm/
Sandra
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Obituary for Charles Symons .....husband of "K"
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 18 Feb 2006, Sat - Page 121
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33396992/charles_symons/
Sandra
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Vancouver Sun and The provinces - June 2006
Obituary for Beverley (wife of Raymond - deceased 1998 )
WESTLEY - Beverley of Keremeos, B.C. passed away with her family by her side
on June 4, 2006 at the age of 77 years. Sadly predeceased by husband Raymond; brothers: Norman and Arnold and sister Gladys. Predeceased in 1998 by her loving husband, Ray,
after 51 years of marriage........etc etc
https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/canada-obits@rootsweb.com/thread/5041423/
Sandra
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Kenneth Westley (2012) - son of Raymond (1998) and Beverley (2006) -
Kenneth Westley 13 February 1955 - 12 December 2012 - Faulder British Columbia
https://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20130103070228100/14
Sandra
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Crikey *Sandra* you've really got your teeth into this one! ;D I have enough information to keep me going for months!
So grateful, thanks.
Janice
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Sadly - Clarence George Westley died in a house fire.
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 5 Mar 1981, Thu - Page 8
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33394396/accident_suit_clarence_george_westley/
Informant on the death certificate was sister Kathleen R Symons. Smoke Inhalation/carbon monoxide poisoning/ severe burns. Clarence was divorced from Helen Fischer.
Burial/Cremation - Vancouver Crematorium - 10 March 1981
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/b218b8b9-a488-4dc2-b89e-2174cfe7c4a0
Sandra
*Sandra* Unfortunately I think you have given me a newspaper record with the same reference for both an automobile accident and the death in a house fire for Clarence George Westley.
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The RCAF service file of Sgt Westley shows "none" for any children of he and Maureen.
Two sisters. Gladys has been discussed already.
Kathleen Rose Symons, deceased Burnaby, BC 1 October 1994
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/b9fcd9c1-0103-481c-be95-403237cc9619
DTD
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I corrected the link to the fire - re Clarence George Westley - reply 12 ;)
Ran out of time yesterday ............obituary for Kathleen Rose Westley/Symons.
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 5 Oct 1994, Wed - Page 22
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33414239/kathleen_rose_symons/
Sandra
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For your records - excerpt...........single when he signed 5 November 1942 never found any reference to children with Maureen in the short window they were married and his unfortunate death. marriage was 3 November 1943 (reply2)
37579 WESTLEY HAROLD DAVID 1923-04-03 1944-01-29 R197685
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/second-world-war/second-world-war-dead-1939-1947/Pages/list.aspx?SurName=westley&GivenName=harold+david&
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial/detail/2437159?Harold%20David%20Westley
Sandra
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Crikey *Sandra* you've really got your teeth into this one! ;D I have enough information to keep me going for months!
So grateful, thanks.
Janice
Enjoyed helping out, you have quite alot of back ground info to fill on the family. It was a challenge to try and find 24 grand children - ;)
Hopefully a family member will "google" and find this thread so you may yet get a contact - amazing how many times it does happen.
Sandra
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Obituary for Clarence George Westley....
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada - 7 Mar 1981, Sat - Page 52
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33415492/clarence_george_westley/
Sandra
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*Sandra* I really can't thank you enough and an added bonus would be a family contact. Once again many thanks for your invaluable help.
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Just to note that the daughter "R" mentioned in the obituary for Clarence Westley must have remarried - married name is different in the obit for her mother Helen Mildred Fischer Westley who passed in 2014 (reply 17)
Sandra
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Just to note that the daughter "R" mentioned in the obituary for Clarence Westley must have remarried - married name is different in the obit for her mother Helen Mildred Fischer Westley who passed in 2014 (reply 17)
Sandra
Thanks *Sandra*.
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The RCAF service file of Sgt Westley shows "none" for any children of he and Maureen.
Two sisters. Gladys has been discussed already.
Kathleen Rose Symons, deceased Burnaby, BC 1 October 1994
http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/b9fcd9c1-0103-481c-be95-403237cc9619
DTD
DTD
[/quote]
DTD Many thanks for your input in putting together this Westley family, I am overwhelmed by everyone's kindness.
I have a further question if you are able to help: I spoke at the beginning of my Grandmother's nephew Harold David Westley but she herself had her own son, John Hemming Crowther born in 1924 in England who also went to Canada and joined the RCAF. He was Henry David Westley's cousin and survived WWII as a pilot and I have his log book and his No. 1 B.F.T.S Vol.4 book with a picture of him as a cadet. Would you have any info on a service file for him? I would be very interested if you do. Regards.
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There are no access restrictions on the service files for members of the Canadian Armed Forces who died in service between 1939 and 1947, including those killed in action, those who subsequently died of injuries related to service, and those who died as a result of accident or illness while in service.
For all other Second World War service files, access restrictions apply.
https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/second-world-war/Pages/introduction.aspx
Sandra
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Thanks *Sandra* although he has since died in 1985 it would seem these records are therefore unavailable.
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[/quote]
I have a further question if you are able to help: I spoke at the beginning of my Grandmother's nephew Harold David Westley but she herself had her own son, John Hemming Crowther born in 1924 in England who also went to Canada and joined the RCAF. He was Henry David Westley's cousin and survived WWII as a pilot and I have his log book and his No. 1 B.F.T.S Vol.4 book with a picture of him as a cadet. Would you have any info on a service file for him? I would be very interested if you do. Regards.
[/quote]
What was his service number? It should be inside the logbook. Many British men joined the RAF but were then sent to Canada to be trained, so I'm not sure which country's air force he fought in....then if we add in the fact he was sent to No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell, TX to learn to fly...
If it turns out he was RCAF, the fact he passed in 1985 works in your favour. They want proof of death plus 20 years.
DTD
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A few more small snippets to fill the story in...........
Not sure eif I gave you this one - Newspaper report of marriage (certificate in reply 2) of Harold David and Maurine/Maureen Walker -
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 6 Nov 1943, Sat - Page 14
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33390274/maurine_isobel_walkerwestley/
and
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 5 Nov 1943, Fri - Page 19
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33451067/westley_walker_marriage/
Sandra
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Memorium - Sgt Harold David Westley
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 29 Jan 1946, Tue - Page 17
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33451072/sgt_harold_westley_memorium_29_january/
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 29 Jan 1946, Tue • Page 17
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33452192/sgt_harold_westley_rcaf/
Sandra
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Obituary for Audrey Corinne Westley - wife of Earl John Westley.
The Province Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 29 Dec 2010, Wed - Page 92
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33451119/audrey_corinne_westley/
plus details of a terrible accident involving one of her sons "D" in 1973 - sent by pm
and a link to articles re - paralympic medallist. What a fabulous man to achieve so much from his disability -
Sandra
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Bergthora (Asey) Jahn (mother of Audrey Westley - wife of Earl John Westley)
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 31 Mar 1995, Fri - Page 57
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33452158/bergthora_asey_jahn_mother_of_audrey/
Sandra
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Bergthora (Asey) Jahn (mother of Audrey Westley - wife of Earl John Westley)
The Vancouver Sun Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 31 Mar 1995, Fri - Page 57
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/33452158/bergthora_asey_jahn_mother_of_audrey/
Sandra
FIND A GRAVE
Victory Memorial Park Surrey, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia.
Plot Section 83 Row D Plot 7
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132182143/bergthora-johanna-jahn
Audrey is also listed here -
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132256327/audrey-corinne-westley
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Vancouver Sun and The provinces - June 2006
Obituary for Beverley (wife of Raymond - deceased 1998 )
WESTLEY - Beverley of Keremeos, B.C. passed away with her family by her side
on June 4, 2006 at the age of 77 years. Sadly predeceased by husband Raymond; brothers: Norman and Arnold and sister Gladys. Predeceased in 1998 by her loving husband, Ray,
after 51 years of marriage........etc etc
https://lists.rootsweb.com/hyperkitty/list/canada-obits@rootsweb.com/thread/5041423/
Sandra
Obituary for Beverley Westley mentions a son "R" with a wife "D" - this is the obituary for the father of wife "D"
Ian Milton Loomer ( with photograph) Penticton, British Columbia - 1921 - 2017
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/ian-loomer-obituary?pid=184299590
Sandra
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*Sandra* If they gave out medals on Rootschat you would have one from me! You have gone above and beyond on your research and I am sincerely amazed at the amount of information you have been able to glean for me from one simple request.
Thanks too for the personal messages, for which I appreciate your consideration of privacy.
Janice
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Oh wow Janice, thank you so much, so pleased we were able to fill out your family research. The icing on the cake will be when a relative picks up on this thread, as I am sure they will at some point.
Regards
Sandra
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Nice work Sandra :)
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Hello,
I am one of the great grandaughters of Percy T Westley and Rose Beavin. My Grandparents were Earl Westley and Audrey Francis.
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Hello and a very warm welcome to RootsChat :)
It is always exciting when a rellie finds a thread. If you make 2 more posts to even just say "Hi" you will gain acces to the Private Message (PM) system and be able to exchange contact info with j-allen. Please don't post this type of info on this open public forum.
Regards PB
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Hello,
I am one of the great grandaughters of Percy T Westley and Rose Beavin. My Grandparents were Earl Westley and Audrey Francis.
Hi Welcome to RootsChat from me to. Loved working on this thread, think we amassed quite a lot of information for Janice.
Sandra
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Thanks PB, I was wondering how.
And *Sandra*, I love that you found so much information, isn't it such an interesting rabbit hole to wander down.
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Hi Smit7
I am here, up to my eyes at the moment with things and need to go back to Harold's information to refresh my memory.
Thank you so much for contacting me, very exciting. Will make another post later.
Merry Christmas. ;)
Janice
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Looking forward to it Janice, Merry Christmas!
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Maurine Isabel (Walker) Westley married Lloyd Harbor in 1946. She passed away 1 March 2010.
DTD
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Looking forward to it Janice, Merry Christmas!
I have sent you a personal message.
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Maurine Isabel (Walker) Westley married Lloyd Harbor in 1946. She passed away 1 March 2010.
DTD
Many thanks for the informations DTD
Janice
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Looking forward to it Janice, Merry Christmas!
I have sent you a personal message.
Smit7 Did you receive my personal message?