Service spent the decade prior to the First World War sating his wanderlust by travelling across North America. His adventures included a trip that ranks as one of the great northern river journeys of his era. He went to Europe and served in the war in many capacities. He lived much of his life in France with his wife and daughter; they spent the Second World War in North America, summering in Vancouver, BC, and wintering in the Los Angeles area. An intensely private man, Service remained an enigmatic character until his passing in 1958.