Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer George Harris CD (Ret’d) on  2 November 2026 at age 95.

Born in Lethbridge NL, George was the second eldest of 16 children. After working in lumber camps doing various jobs and working on a dam construction project, George joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954. As a Mechanical and Electrical Systems Technician, George was posted twice to Germany, France, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta, and to Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He also deployed to the Former Yugoslavia.  George retired in 1986 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer.

Cremation has taken place. At George’s request, there will be no memorial service.  In his memory, donations may be made to the War Amps. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Major Thomas “Tom” Higgins, CD (Ret’d) of Abbotsford BC, on 27 October 2026.  Tom served a full 35-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer and a Construction Engineer, and as a Non-Commissioned Member and a Commissioned Officer.

Tom joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1953 as a Sapper Apprentice in the Second Intake. Upon completing his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he was posted ‘across the road’ to 3 Field Squadron. Qualifying as a parachutist, Tom was posted to 1 Airborne Troop, Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE) in Edmonton, AB.

Tom deployed with 1 Middle East Detachment, RCE, as part of United Nations Emergency Force I. Returning to Canada, he joined 11 Works Company in Victoria, BC but was soon on the move again when he joined 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany. Tom returned to Canada for successive tours in Construction Engineering, first with 7 Works Company in Camp Gagetown, followed by the Base Construction Engineering Section in Ottawa (Rockcliffe).

While stationed at Rockcliffe, in 1969 Sergeant Higgins was selected for Commissioning from the Ranks to Lieutenant.. After his Military Engineering Officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME), he was posted to the Construction Engineering Section at Cold Lake AB.  Following this tour, Tom returned to CFSME as the Mechanical Systems Troop Commander and, upon promotion, became BCEO at CFB Suffield in 1977. Following his Suffield tour, Tom returned to CFSME in 1981 for a four-year tour as Officer Commanding Construction Engineering Training Squadron. His final posting was as BCEO Chilliwack after which he retired from the Canadian Forces in 1988.

Following his military service, Tom worked with the cities of Matsqui, then Abbotsford, as their Manager of Inspection Services. 

Funeral arrangements will be advised when available. 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Sharman Patrick Thomas, MMM, CD (Ret’d), on 24 October 2026, at the age of 58. Sharman served a career in the Primary Reserve Force with 44 Field Engineer Squadron and was a former Regimental Sergeant Major of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment. 

Sharman led a life marked by adventure, accomplishment, and service to his country and community. His interest in the military began during his high school years as a Sea Cadet, when he was selected to sail aboard the destroyer HMCS Saskatchewan on a voyage to Europe and Asia.

Sharman served with 44 Engineer Squadron in Trail, BC - one of three generations of the Thomas family who did so.  Throughout his military career, he demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and being appointed Squadron Sergeant Major.  He deployed to Croatia and the former Yugoslavia on peacekeeping missions and subsequently served as Regimental Sergeant Major of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment.

Sharman later transferred to the Cadet Instructors Cadre with the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), where he continued his commitment to developing young Canadians. He spent several summers as Regimental Sergeant Major at the Vernon Cadet Summer Training Centre, mentoring cadets, helping them develop new skills, and building their confidence and leadership abilities.

Beyond his military service, Sharman was deeply committed to his community, which was recognized by his award of the Order of Military Merit in 2009. Working alongside fellow members of 44 Engineer Squadron, he helped construct and maintain Gyro Beach in Trail. He was the Head Lifeguard with the Municipality of Trail and established the local Polar Swim. Sharman devoted countless hours to community sports organizations, including coaching Timbits soccer. Known for his willingness to help others and his practical approach to solving problems, Sharman was someone his community could always count on.

One of his proudest moments came in 2010, when he was selected to carry the Olympic Torch as part of the Vancouver Winter Olympics torch relay.

In his civilian career, Sharman served as a manager and trainer with Trail Transit (Next Gen) until his retirement.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cominco Arena Gym in Trail, British Columbia, on 21 November 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at: https://fweb.tv/264906 . A reception will follow at the Trail Legion.

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may contribute to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1, or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca.