 From 1971 to 1979 he commanded the Grenfell Association's "Strathcona" and was the first president of the Canadian Rescue Auxiliary, Newfoundland division.In 1992 he received an honorary doctorate from Memorial University of Newfoundland.He married Hilda Bessie (Primmer) Troake (October 1, 1913 - February 26, 2001) and together they raised three children.