Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Wayne Alvin Charlebois, MMM, CD (Ret’d) of Two Hills AB, on 14 January 2026 at the age of 86 years. Wayne was a Combat Engineer with Airborne and Combat Diver Supervisor specialties. 

Born in the Ottawa area, Wayne grew up in eastern Ontario and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1956. After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, his first posting was to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON. His next move was to 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany (1961 - 64), after which he returned to 1 Field Squadron (1964 - 68). 

Wayne was part of the large contingent of Airborne Sappers in 1 Field Squadron who were posted to Edmonton AB when the Airborne Regiment and 1 Airborne Field Squadron were formed in 1968. A six-year posting with the Squadron included a tour in Cyprus with the Canadian Airborne Regiment during the Turkish invasion, when he was awarded the MMM for his actions in combat. 

Wayne served his last two tours in Chilliwack where he was with both the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School (1974 - 76) and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (1976 - 80).

Wayne retired from the Canadian Forces in 1980 and then went to work with BC Forestry before moving on to Alberta as a Department of Highways Supervisor.   Wayne joined the Reserves with 8 Field Engineer Regiment in Edmonton and served with them until his full retirement in the mid-1990s.   A debilitating stroke in 2000 limited his enjoyment of retirement. 

In accordance with Wayne’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no service will be held. If desired, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation { 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Eugene "Gene" Lyal Tanner, CD (Ret'd) of Comox BC on 10 March 2026 at the age of 95 years.

Gene was born in Little Britain ON, and grew up in Bancroft. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949 and undertook his basic training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) in Chilliwack BC. He was then posted to the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa, where he served the rest of his military career, except for a 1964 tour with RCSME as a Survey Instructor.

Known also as "Slim," much of Gene’s career was spent surveying the rough terrain in the northern regions of Canada. He loved to regale his many friends with exciting stories of camping and travelling with packhorses on the sides of steep mountains. 

Gene retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970. In his second career, he worked at the Vancouver Airport.  He moved to Comox in 2008, where he enjoyed retirement and participated in car clubs in Comox and Campbell River. He enjoyed road trips and gatherings with his collection of old cars, and he took great pleasure in driving wedding parties and high school graduates to their ceremonies.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known. Donations in Gene’s memory will be welcomed by the BCSPCA Comox Valley. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Winston Edward Pengelly (Ret’d) of Regina on 6 March 2026 at the age of 84 years.

Winston was born in Regina, SK. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers at 16 years of age with the Sapper Apprentice 6^th Intake (1957) and served for five years before retiring from the Canadian Forces. He spent most of his second career of 30 years with Saskatchewan Power, working in various departments and positions (both downtown and at the Research and Development office) until he retired at age 55.

An informal Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 28 March 2026 at Regina Village { 4550 10th Avenue, Regina, SK}. In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to Regina Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.