FAMILY
Chapter 1
Ozmun - Scott
So, where does it all begin?
What is the background that has me going offshore, and, around
the world?
Indeed, secretly looking at the two capes and wondering…
Both parents, indeed, both families, have contributed to my
drive to explore offshore and beyond!
A touch of background:
 DAD
– born in London, cared for (from age two) by his grandparents
in Hawick, Scotland. He was one of nine kids, they are now
all gone. Dad was the only one to leave Scotland. Although
not Scotish by birth, he adopted and loved Scotland to the
end! He was a Scottish Nationalist! 
Dad played
rugby and cricket and he excelled at both. Indeed, if I understand
it correctly, he came close to playing for the Scotish National team(s). That
drive, spirit and competitiveness never left him, although, to most, it was
completely understated! He was competitive to the very end.
He came to Canada in 1927, May 2, I believe – rode
a train from Halifax to Edmonton, drinking all the way with
some guy called Molson, whose name continues today! He joined
the Bank of Nova Scotia in Edmonton and before World War Two
he was transferred to Kinistino, Saskatchewan, where on the
steps of the local BNS, he met Gertrude Claire Ozmun –
otherwise known as “Mom”. Both were engaged,
or involved at the time. Mom went home at lunch that day and
changed her dress; they played tennis that night and Mom won!
The following evening Dad whipped the local champ (whom Mom
had never beaten!).
 Dad
joined the South Alberta Regiment in 1939 and went overseas
in 1941, where he would remain until 1945, when I was 4; I
met him for the first time on the platform of the Kinistino
train station. Before he left, my sister Mary Alice was born
in Edmonton in 1939. My sister Elizabeth was born shortly
after his return in 1946.
Dad had a few problems upon his return – notwithstanding,
he set up his own business and continued it until his retirement
in 1972. He was the best insurance, income tax guy in Saskatchewan!
Dad died in 1986 – his old body just said it was time
– he was a week shy of his 80th birthday.
MOM – what a lady! Born in
1908 in Kinistino and raised by her grandparents in
Stevens, Minnesota from age two to age fourteen when
she returned home; you have the meeting details above,
and she says that as soon as she saw Dad walk down the
street that morning of May 2, she knew he was hers!
And she was right! While Dad was at war, Mom took care
of and raised Mary Alice and me. We lived at the Cottage,
a piece of land North of town, which I now own and farm.
I love it! |
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Upon Dad’s return Mom joined him and worked
with him in his business – a small insurance/income
tax agency. She also was the one who drove the family
car (Dad hated it) and would take us around the countryside.
There was no country road that was immune to Mom’s
exploration. I have no idea how many times we were lost,
but many! She was the one who took my cousin and I hunting
and she was the one who gave us endless books to read!
Her grandmother, Sarah Kelly, was from Ireland and her
grandfather fought in the civil war. The story of her
parents is unique!
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MARY ALICE was born in 1939 in Edmonton. Elizabeth
was born in 1946. The three of us were raised in Kinistino,
Saskatchewan (more later).
Mary Alice was a Saskatchewan gold medallist and held
degrees from U of S, U of T and studied at the Sorbonne
in Paris. She traveled extensively in Japan, Asia and
all parts of Europe. A great person with a great mind!
She worked to travel! She returned to Edmonton as a
librarian at the University of Alberta in the late 1960s
and was working as such when she was tragically struck
by a car while crossing 82nd Avenue in 1971. She left
behind the whole family, especially her little nephew
Jeff. Unfortunately she never got the opportunity to
meet and see her nephew Stuart! She was a great lady,
whom I miss deeply.
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ELIZABETH – Libby –
was born in 1946 and in the opinion of Mary Alice (Mimi)
and myself she had the great ride! 'Libs' stayed in
Kinistino until she went to U of S, then she traveled
to Europe, returned and married John. They then went
to Ontario where she studied Education. She then returned
to Edmonton where she raised three great kids; Andrew,
Scott and Shannon. She also, after her divorce, started
a very successful business selling cosmetics, which
she continues to this day!
It is from this, and a great deal more, that this adventure
begins. The entire family is composed of brave, bold
adventurers – I am but one. And, I am late starting
my venture! I truly hope that I can maintain the family
spirit and the strength to see this through. I want
it! So badly!
Of course there is much more! Many others have contributed,
not the least, JEFFand STU
– however, there shall be time for more later.
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