Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Hester Avenue

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Street Name: Hester Avenue
Name of Veteran: Albert J. Hester May 6, 1912-Sept.22, 1998
Rank: Royal Marine A/Corporal
Ship Served: HMS Ajax
Date of Service on Ship: 1939 to 1942
Year of Visit/Dedication: August 7, 1996
Veteran or Family Visit: Albert, wife Joan, daughter Mavis, friend John.
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: Yes
Died at Battle: No

Albert was born on May 6, 1912 in Guildford, Surrey, England. As a young boy, Albert (Bert) always knew he was going to travel the world on a ship. He made that happen on October 14, 1929 at the age of 17 when he enlisted with the British Royal Marines.

As soon as Albert turned 18, he married the love of his life, Joan Kathleen Williams. He spent most of the 1940s and 1950s on a ship and completed 24 years of service in the British Royal Marines. He received numerous medals; however, one in particular is very important. The Queen distributed 5 medals across the world and Albert received the medal for England. In addition to the Battle of the River Plate he was involved in the Battle at Crete and lived in Hawaii where he helped with the clean up of Pearl Harbour.

Albert retired with the rank of Corporal in 1954 and began working for Cunard Lines. He worked on the ship liner for a few years before immigrating in 1957 to Canada with his wife, and daughters Brenda and Mavis.

Albert lived in Toronto where he worked for CN for over 30 years. While there he was a guest speaker on the Betty Kennedy show and received a ‘safe driving’ award. After retiring from CN he moved to Wasaga Beach and was very active in the community. Albert was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Stayner and a member of the Prime Time Club. A regular at the annual Christmas parades, he played the starring role of Santa Claus.

Albert and his wife Joan had 6 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren and celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Albert passed away on September 22, 1998 at the age of 86 at his home of Wasaga Beach. He maintained, and lived up to the character of a British Royal Marine all his life and was a true gentleman till the very end.

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