We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Maj Gerald Leroy "Jerry" Barr OMM, CD (Ret’d) in Stony Plain at Bradenton, Florida on 20 January 2023 at age 83 years. 

Jerry joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Fifth Intake of the Sapper Apprentices in 1956 and served a very full career of 38 years with the Canadian Military Engineers.  As a Sapper, Jerry served in 3 Field Squadron, 4 Field Squadron, the School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC and then back to Germany. He was Commissioned from the Ranks from the rank of Sergeant in 1969. 

As a Military Engineering Officer, served broadly in Canada and also deployed on three tours with the United Nations. His first posting as an officer was as an instructor at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. This was followed by a tour as a Regular Support Staff Officer with 8^th Field Engineer Regiment in Edmonton followed by a posting with the Base Construction Engineering Office at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton AB. Jerry was subsequently appointed the  Base Construction Engineering Officer at Petawawa ON, followed by a tour as the Base Technical Services Officer at Canadian Forces Base Moncton NB. Jerry then became the Senior Staff Officer Construction Engineering for Canadian Forces Communication Command Headquarters. Jerry’s last appointment was as Station Commander at Dundurn SK.

One of Jerry’s career highlights included his being the Project Commander in 1971 for the construction of the 360-foot Highway Ogilvie River Bridge on the Dempster Highway, 160 miles north of Dawson City YT. Jerry was also the Force Engineer for Operation MORNING LIGHT, the clean-up of the radioactive debris after the Russian Satellite Kosmos 954 reentered the Earth's atmosphere in the North West Territories in 1978. His contributions to the Canadian Forces were recognized by the award of the Order of Military Merit in 1987.

Jerry's colleagues will remember his love of curling and participation in the Pigspeils.  Veterans will have benefitted from his many years of dedication to the work of the Last Post Fund.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry Barr will be held on 6 May 2023, 1:00 pm at the St. Albert Legion Branch 271 { 6 Tache St, St. Albert, AB}. A Legion Honour Guard will be present and military veterans attending may wear their blazer with medals if they so desire. Those who cannot personally attend are encouraged to write a few words about their military and/or personal time with Jerry, serious or humorous anecdotes, etc and submit them by the end of April at the latest to Ralph Gienow who will read the comments at the ceremony.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Deane James Gorsline, CD  on 18 January 2023 in Ottawa ON at the age of 33. 

Born in Prince George BC, Deane grew up on small farms in Burns Lake and Quesnel. He was introduced at an early age to family outdoor adventures including horse-packing, fishing, and skiing, and continued to extend his love of sports in school through hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

Deane attended the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 2011. Commissioned in the Canadian Armed Forces and serving with the Canadian Military Engineers as a combat engineer officer, his first posting was to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB. Between 2012 and 2015, he held the positions of Field Troop Commander, Construction Troop Commander, Operations Officer of 12 Squadron, and Dive Officer. Deane served in Afghanistan on Op ATTENTION in 2013. He subsequently served with the Special Operations Forces Command from 2015 onwards.

Deane was intensely passionate about his pursuits. Focused, disciplined, and determined, his never-give-up attitude saw him meet many challenges, including his battle with ALS that was diagnosed in December 2018. Not only did Deane pursue treatment options for himself, he felt compelled to contribute to creating an organization whose goal was to facilitate treatment options for all Canadians living with ALS. Deane joined with several others to be a founding member of ALS Action Canada and served as its first Chairman. His generous spirit and focus on creating opportunities and positive outcomes for all was one of his greatest strengths.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, 3 February 2023 from St. Paul’s Anglican Church [20 Young Rd, Kanata]. Reception to follow at Kelly Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel [580 Eagleson Road, Kanata]. The family requests that donations can be made in honour of Deane Gorsline to: The Healey Centre for ALS ) should you wish,  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home . 

There will be a celebration of life at the family farm in Quesnel BC in August 2023 with the burial of Deane’s urn and a bonfire in accordance with Deane’s request. All are welcome. 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Bernard Paul “Bernie” Gallant, CD (Ret’d), quietly at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm BC after a brief illness, on 13 January 2023 at age 96. Bernie served with the Army Surveying Establishment and Mapping and Charting Establishment as a Topographic Surveyor for 26 years.

Bernie was born in Moncton NB and completed his education in that city. He enlisted in the Carleton and York Regiment during WW II in February 1945 but soon transferred to the Canadian Army Pay Corps and was stationed  in Ottawa the same year. Bernie then transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1947 and joined the Army Survey Establishment.

Bernie had extensive surveying experience throughout Canada as a Topographic Surveyor.  He surveyed and mapped areas of the Canadian North during the postwar years when the defence of the North was a priority for the Canadian Military. He travelled extensively throughout the northern wilderness by dogsled and packhorse train.

Bernie was noted in the unit for providing sage advice and providing mentorship to all in the former Field Engineer. Bernie was awarded the Centennial Medal in 1967. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion  Branch for 45 years

Bernie retired from the Canadian Forces in 1973at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and settled in Sorrento BC. He was a proud Acadian, which showed in his joie de vivre, good times shared with friends and his deep connection with his family’s history. In retirement, Bernie became actively involved in the Sorrento community. He worked as a contractor building houses, participated on the Sorrento Water Board and was an active member of the Shuswap Volunteer Fire Department. Bernie was honoured as Citizen of the Year in 1989.

In his retirement, Bernie learned to ride a motorcycle, fly an ultralight aircraft, and he travelled across Canada in a converted school bus with his restored 1928 Model A Ford truck in the back. He drove his model A Ford across Canada for the 2003 Centennial Celebrations of the Canadian Military Engineers  and participated actively in events in the National Capital Region.

Many an orphaned cat found love, comfort and safety in Bernie’s home. If you would like to honour Bernie’s memory, donations may be made to the Shuswap Branch of the BCSPCA.Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. A celebration of Bernie’s life will take place at the Notch Hill Hall [1639 Notch Hill Rd, Sorrento] at 11:00 a.m. on 27 May 2023. Everyone is welcome. More details will be published as the date approaches.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer James "Jim" Gerald William Wight CD, peacefully at home in Cold Lake AB on 6 January 2023 at age 51, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was a former Combat Engineer who remustered to Aviation Systems Technician.

Jim was born in St. Johns, NL and grew up making many friends in Mount Pearl through school and sports. When it came to choosing his career, joining the Canadian Armed Forces was a clear choice. Jim joined the Canadian Reserve Force in 1991 as a Combat Engineer with 56^th Engineer Squadron. He soon deployed in 1993 as a member of the United Nations Protection Force where he served in Sector South/Medak with 2^nd  Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry. Jim transferred to the Regular Force as a Combat Engineer in 1996 and joined 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB. While stationed there, he deployed to Bosnia in 1999 on Operation PALLADIUM and to Eritrea , Africa in 2000 on Op ECLIPSE. He also served as an instructor in the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. 

Jim then made a transition to the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aviation Systems Technician. After completing his trades training at CFB Borden ON, Jim was posted to CFB Shearwater NS in 2004. He spent four years working on the Sea King helicopters before being posted to Cold Lake AB in 2008 where he spent the rest of his career. Jim’s first assignment in Cold Lake was working on the CF-18 Hornet as a Junior Crew Supervisor within 409 Squadron. Jim went on one more tour to Europe..He became an instructor at 10 Field Technical Training Squadron responsible for training future technicians. Another among Jim’s long military career was his participation in the annual 120 kilometre Nijmegen Marches in The Netherlands.  Jim finished his career as a Warrant Officer in the position of Senior Air Maintenance Superintendent at 410 Squadron.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Jim at 1:00 PM on Monday, 16 January 2023, at Club 41 [ 41 Beaverlodge Road, on 4 Wing. Cold Lake]. Jim’s family hopes that all who have been honoured to know, make the acquaintance of, and befriend Jim will attend. 

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. Donations can be made in memory of Jim to The Terry Fox Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer James “Jim” V. Hill, CD (Ret’d), peacefully in Kingston ON at Arbour Heights Long-Term Care on 4 January 2023 in his 86^th year. 

Jim enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1957 and became an Electrical Generating Systems Technician. During his career, he served on many radar sites, including: St Margaret's, Beausejour, Chibougamou, Foymount, Sioux Lookout, Holberg, Lac St Denis, and Mont Apica. He also served at Canadian Forces Bases Lahr, Kingston and Winnipeg. During his career, Jim served in Ismailia Egypt on the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF II) and at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU. Jim retired as a Mechanical Systems Technician Chief Warrant Officer in Winnipeg in 1989.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no visitation nor service. The family will honour his memory privately. Donations in Jim’s memory to Soldier On or the Last Post Fund would be welcomed by his family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Smith, CD (Ret’d) on 15 December 2022 in Salmon Arm BC at age 75 years.

Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Systems Technician and later became a Construction Engineering Superintendent. He was the Canadian Forces expert on Aircraft Arresting Systems for years and passed on his knowledge and extensive experiences to many RCAF Refrigeration and Mechanical Systems Technicians at our Forward Operating Bases. Bob's early career included a posting to RCAF Station Foymont ON and subsequent postings included Air Command Headquarters A4 Engineers and Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB. Bob also served in Cyprus on United Nations peacekeeping duties. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 2002 as the 4 Airfield Engineering Squadron Chief Warrant Officer in Cold Lake.  He then followed a second career with the Public Service for ten years at Cold Lake with 4 Wing Construction Engineers. He served as a Contract Inspector and then as the Planning Officer before he retired in 2012. While at Cold Lake, Bob had obtained his pilot’s license. After he retired, he moved to Salmon Arm BC and flew his private float plane for a number of years out of Salmon Arm.

Funeral arrangements are private.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Douglas “Smokey” Grosart (Ret’d) of Chilliwack on 12 December 2022 in his 100^th year.

Born in Winnipeg, Smokey served in 3 Field Squadron as a Field Engineer, mostly with Heavy Equipment. He played hockey on the 3 Field Squadron hockey team that won the first ever Canadian Armed Forces Hockey Championship in 1968.  Years later, in 2014, Smokey and members of this team were inducted into the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame.

A farewell send off will be held Thursday, 6 April 2023 at 1 pm at the Chilliwack-Vedder Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 295.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Warrant Officer Jean-Marie Bellefleur, CD (Ret’d) on 10 December 2022 in Mississauga ON at the age of 93 years. Jean-Marie was a former Fire Chief of Canadian Forces Base St Hubert QC.

Born in Lac-Megantic QC, Jean-Marie was the eldest of seven siblings and half-siblings. Having lost his father at an early age, Jean-Marie stepped in to provide financial support for the family and was looked up to as a mentor by his closest siblings. Jean-Marie began his military career in 1948 when he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Jean-Marie served a full 25-year career as a military Firefighter before retiring with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He had a long and distinguished career with postings across Canada and NATO postings in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Jean-Marie joined the Public Service and became the Fire Chief at Canadian Forces Base St Hubert QC. He retired from this position as a FR5 in 1984 and moved to the Toronto area to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

A private funeral service and interment ceremony will be held in Mississauga where Jean-Marie will be laid to rest alongside his wife. Online condolences may be made to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Glenn Russell Ford of Carleton Place ON on 3 Dec 2022 at the age of 75 years. Glenn had served with the Public Service at the Base Construction Engineers Section at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa ON.

Glenn grew up in Carleton Place, attended Carleton Place high school and was a proud member of the 1965 Golden Bears. He had a full career in the Public Service starting with the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Glen then worked at the Vineland Research Station near St. Catharines ON for several years and, finally, with National Defence at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa with the Base Construction Engineering Section. Glen was a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and retired from Petawawa after a 37-year career of Public Service. 

There will be a public visitation on Thursday, 8  December 2022 at 12:00  at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home & Chapel [19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place ON] followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 1- 4:00 p.m. Glen’s ashes will be scattered later at the Henderson family homestead. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain William “Bill” David Hewson, CD (Ret’d) on 2 December 2022 in Surrey BC at age 73 after a long battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Winnipeg, MB where he lived his first 23 years. He started his military experience as a Reservist with the Fort Garry Horse in 1968 and joined the Regular Force in 1973 as a Direct Entry Officer. After completing his Basic Officer Training at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School, Bill began his training as a Canadian Military Engineering Officer. Completing this training in 1974, Bill was posted to Canadian Forces Base Greenwood NS. This first tour was followed by a posting to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack, after which was a succession of postings as a Construction Engineering Officer.

Bill served next with Canadian Forces Training System Headquarters in Trenton ON, and was then appointed Station Construction Engineering Officer at Canadian Forces Station Dana SK. A posting to Canadian Forces Base London with the Construction Engineering Section followed, after which he attended the University of British Columbia for his Masters Degree. Bill then moved to Winnipeg, where he served the remainder of his career with Air Command Headquarters and Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.

Bill retired from the Canadian Forces in 2000 after a military career that spanned 32 years as a member of both the Reserves and the Regular Force. Bill’s career also included a peacekeeping deployment to Egypt.

Bill pursued a second career as Senior Facilities Manager at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. That career took him across Canada, the US and abroad to Europe and the Middle East in a wide variety of roles and industries.

A private remembrance event took place on 5 May 2023 on what would have been Bill and Cathy’s 50^th wedding anniversary.  He rests in a peaceful river near home.

We regret to advise of the death of Donald Leo Sudden on 22 November 2022 in Kitchener ON, a few days before reaching his 90^th birthday. Don was the last national president of the former Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

Donald joined the Canadian Army in June 1951 to serve in Korea and went overseas with the 81^st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in January 1953. During the war in Korea, his battery fought in the epic Battle of Hill 187(2-3 May) when a huge raid by hundreds of enemy troops fought 'C' Company of the 3^rd  Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. This was the final major battle fought by the Canadian Army in the Korean War, although all units stayed in action and fought with the enemy on other positions right through until the armistice that ended the war was signed on 27 July 1953. Don’s unit fought until the very deadline of 11 pm on that final night of 27 July 1953. After the armistice, Don’s regiment remained on the line in defensive positions along what was designated as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). 

Don returned to Canada in March 1954 after 15 months of service in Korea. He continued to serve in the Canadian Army for 21 years of service and retired in 1972. During his military career, Don served in Vietnam in the International Control Commission (1965-66) and in Cyprus on a UN peacekeeping mission (1966-67).

Don was very active in the Korean Veterans Association of Canada and was the last President of the National Heritage Unit of KVA. He was a member of the South Woolwich Optimist Club for many years.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, 17 December 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home [507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467]. Reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Preston RC Legion, Church of the Good Shepherd or House of Friendship would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). For those unable to attend, Don's service may be viewed via livestream. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Robert “Bob” Vatcher, CD (Ret’d) in Lethbridge AB on 12 November 2022, at the age of 74, after a period of illness. 

Bob was born in Montreal QC, the eldest of seven children and son of Sapper Gordon Archibald Vatcher. As a young man, Bob joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He became a Field Engineer and served across Canada and twice to Germany in the mid-60s and the early-70s before he remustered to become a Water Supply Technician. In this new occupation, Bob served at Canadian Forces Base Shilo MB, Edmonton AB and his final posting was to Wainwright AB where he retired from the Canadian Forces in 1986.

On Bob’s retirement, the family settled in Lethbridge AB where he pursued a second career. Bob worked for many years at the Lethbridge water plant as a Water Treatment Operator. He was also a private Water Consultant for a while and worked throughout the province at locations that included many indigenous communities. Later, he joined Alberta Environment as a Water and Wastewater Technician where he oversaw the well-being of many water treatment plants across Southern Alberta.

As was Bob's request, no formal funeral service will take place. In memory of Bob, please consider donating to Water for People to help provide clean drinking water to others. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the accidental death of Constable Drew Donald Nadeau of Perth ON on 18 November 2022 at the age of 31 years. A member of the Ottawa Police Services, Drew was a former Canadian Forces Firefighter.

Drew enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2014 and served with the Canadian Military Engineers at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. He took his release as a Corporal and joined the Ottawa Police Service in 2020. 

Family and close Friends are invited to the Madoc Kiwanis Club, 139 Saint Lawrence Street East, Madoc, on Wednesday, 23 November from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  A Celebration Service will be held at the Kiwanis Club on Thursday, 24 November 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, or the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Major George Russell Tarasuk, CD (Ret’d) on 15 November 2022 in Toronto ON at age 96 years.

George started his military career as a Sapper when he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Halifax NS in 1949. After his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME), he stayed in Vedder Crossing for four years before being posted to Fredericton NB. A promotion there to Sergeant saw him moving to Camp Utopia NB in 1957. Promoted to Staff Sergeant the next year, he was soon off to Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). George returned to Canada for a short posting to Vancouver and then he was off to Hemer, Germany for a three-year tour. He returned to Canada for a short stay in Camp Borden ON before he headed west to Camp Dundurn SK where he was priomoted to Warrant Officer Second Class.

George was then selected for Commissioning from the Ranks and, after his officer training at RCSME, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1967. Early in his commissioned career, he was posted to Canadian Forces Bases in Soest in Germany and Shelburne NS. George was then Deputy Construction Engineering Officer on the Canadian Forces Europe Construction Engineering staff (1974/76) before being posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. In Ottawa, George served with Compensation and Benefits as well as with Director General Quartering. George retired from the Canadian Forces in 1981.

George joined the Public Service in 1981 with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) for a second career. He soon took a posting to New Delhi, India and then returned to Ottawa in 1987 to the Physical Resources Bureau where he was assigned the Asia Pacific desk.

There will be no formal service or funeral for George. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be interred in the Last Post Columbarium in Halifax with a brief ceremony for the family. Online condolences can be left with the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Ronald Friedman, CD (Ret'd) on 5 November 2022 in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he had been living for several decades.

Ron was born in Montreal QC and attended high school there. He was a veteran of the Second World War initially enlistung in the Royal Canadian Engineers and, while in England, transferring to the Glider Pilot Regiment. Ron landed a heavy glider in Europe shortly after D-Day.

After the war, Ron joined the Regular Force as a Field Engineer. He then served much of his 20-year career as an instructor at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in the 1950s and 1960s. Recognized as a talented instructor, he was posted to the Forces School of Instructional Technique in Montreal in 1954. Returning to  Chilliwack, he regularly gave outstanding lectures to other instructors.

Ron was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1963 and then worked during 1964-65 in what was the office of the Chief Instructor of the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (that was located in Camp Chilliwack Headquarters). He was posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa in 1966, but he soon took his release from the Canadian Forces. 

After his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Ron initially worked as the chief of staff for Campeau Construction, a large developer of homes responsible for building several neighbourhoods in Ottawa in the 1960s and 1970s. Following this work, he joined retired Colonel Al Loveridge (RCE), who was heading an experimental instructional program in Saskatchewan called New Start. This program had been established to assist persons with disabilities and newcomers to Canada to make a meaningful labour force connection. 

Ron soon succumbed to a long-held desire to go sailing, so he and his family went to England, bought a sailboat, and sailed mainly around the Mediterranean for the next five years, Returning to Canada, Ron worked again with Al Loveridge, during which time he often would represent New Start at international conferences. After this period with New Start, the family moved to California, where he occupied himself with creating sculptures and paintings. After ten years, Ron moved back to BC, where he designed and built a beautiful home on the ocean in Sidney. Often on the move, Ron relocated to Costa Rica upon the death of his wife and he enjoyed retirement in San Jose until he died on 5 November 2022.
 

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Captain Eric Ho Chuen Cheung, CD in Baghdad, Iraq on 5 November 2022 at the age of 38 years.

Born in Hong Kong, Eric immigrated to Canada with his family and grew up in Coquitlam BC. Graduating from Pinetree Secondary School, he went on to the University of British Columbia where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Eric enlisted in the Canadian Army Primary Reserve in 2009 as a Direct Entry Officer with the Canadian Military Engineers. During his military career, Eric had a wide variety of employments. He served with 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in Vancouver and in Land Forces Atlantic Area Training Centre in Aldershot NS in 2009. After Eric undertook his Basic Engineering Officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 2010 and 2011, he became 2IC of 44 Squadron in Trail BC in 2011. He subsequently served with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown NB in 2012 as a Troop Commander.

Eric served with Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters in Ottawa (2015-17) and then joined 1 Combat Engineer Regiment as Squadron 2IC and Operations Officer (2017/8). He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management degree in Project Management from UBC in 2020 and, later that year, had a 6-month deployment on Operation IMPACT in Beruit Lebanon. Eric returned to Canada to work with 38 Canadian Brigade Headquarters in Winnipeg MB. While with 38 CBHQ, Eric deployed to Baghdad, Iraq on Op IMPACT in June 2022.

Eric was repatriated on 10 November 2022. Funeral details will be announced when available.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Aaron Christopher David O'Neill (Ret’d) on 5 November at age 40. Aaron was a former member of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON.

Aaron enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2001 and after completing his basic training as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB, he was posted to  2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. Aaron served for six years in the Area Construction Troop of 2 CER including a deployment to Afghanistan. Aaron retired from the Canadian Forces in 2007 as a Journeyman and had recently secured a position with Lead Mechanical in Niagara Falls ON.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Pleasantview Funeral Home [2000 Merrittville Highway, Thorold ON] on Saturday, 19 November 2022  from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A Celebration of life will be held in the funeral home chapel from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health or Canadian Veterans Services. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrrant Officer Michael Sinclair MacAulay, CD (Ret’d) of East­ern Pas­sage NS on 5 No­vem­ber 2022 in Dart­mouth Gen­eral Hos­pi­tal at age 80. 

Mike started his military career in the Canadian Forces as a Field Engineer but he remustered to Structures Technician in the early 1970s. He proudly served in the Canadian Military Engineers for 35 years on nu­mer­ous post­ings across Canada as well as in Ger­many. Mike rose in rank to become a Construction and Maintenance Technician and retired in 1995 at the rank of Chief War­rant Of­fi­cer.

A cel­e­bra­tion of Life will be held on Sat­ur­day, 12 No­vem­ber 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Please con­tact his im­me­di­ate fam­ily for the ad­dress. Do­na­tions may be made to The Sal­va­tion Army, a char­ity close to his heart. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Bruce Allen McCarty of Thunder Bay ON, peacefully on 4 November 2022, at home at age 85.
Bruce was born just outside Chilliwack BC and grew up on a farm with a single mother. After serving his country with the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. Bruce then went on to have a long career in Project Management where he led projects all over Canada and internationally, notably in Indonesia. 
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund for future engineers: Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education. 40 Sheppard Ave W, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M2N 6K9.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Bradley "Chris" LaSalle, CD (Ret'd) in Ottawa on 3 November.  Chris was the former Regimental Sergeant Major of 33 Combat Engineer Regiment.

Born and raised in Burlington ON, Chris was greatly influenced by his scout leaders with their past military service and this led to his enlisting in the Canadian Forces in 1986 in Hamilton.  After his recruit training at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis, Chris completed his basic Combat Engineering training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in 1987.

Chris’ first posting was to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON but it was short as he was posted the next year to 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Germany. During his tour in Germany, Chris deployed with the regiment as part of the Canadian Contingent, United Nations Protection Force (CCUNPROFOR) in March – October 1992. He returned to 2 CER in Petawawa and, during this tour, Chris was sent back into Bosnia in January 1996 as part of the first NATO multinational Implementation Force (IFOR) mission. 

Chris subsequently had a four-year tour with CFSME starting in 1997 and an exchange posting to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. His last posting was with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown. In 2001. While at 4 ESR, Chris deployed to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Qunaytirah Syria (Jul - March 2006).

Chris’ Regular Force career also included domestic deployments such as the 1997 Winnipeg Flood and the 1998 Ice Storm.  He retired from the Canadian Forces in 2006 after 20 years of service with the Regular Force and set up residence in Val-Des Monts QC. He joined 33 CER in 2007 and also accepted a Class B position with the Joint Engineer Branch in the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Headquarters later that year conducting Country Info and IED-EOD Intelligence work. Chris remained with CEFCOM through its transition to the Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters. When he was promoted to Warrant Officer, Chris returned to Class A status in 2013 with 33 CER in the position of Squadron Sergeant Major. In 2015, on promotion to Master Warrant Officer, he moved over to a Class B position with Competition and Benefits (DGCB) to work on the new job-evaluation system for the purpose of pay. He served with them until his retirement in 2021. 

Chris deployed with 33 CER in 2017 during Op LENTUS for a bridge build in Laval QC. He has also been an active member of the Canadian Military Engineers Association where he served as the Reserve Units Representative on the National Committee. He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer in October 2020 and assumed the duties of Regimental Sergeant Major of 33 CER in 2020. Unfortunately, Chris became ill shortly thereafter and took a medical release early in 2021.

Funeral arrangements are private as Chris did not want any ceremony. His widow suggests that you can remember Chris by reading The Engineer Prayer that he always kept with him:

Almighty God. We pray thee to bless the Canadian Military Engineers. May our bridges always stand and our charges never fail. Our men be ever loyal, and our officers worthy of their loyalty. May we work diligently in all our purposes and be skilled in our trades; good soldiers for King  and country everwhere. Amen.

If you would like to make a gesture in his memory, you can make a donation to the SPCA of the Outaouais  as Chris would have liked.  

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Warrant Officer William Harold “Bill” Patey, CD (Ret’d) on Thursday, 3 November 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, at age 75 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in North Sydney NS, Bill was a Firefighter with the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 30 years. He served across Canada and on two tours in Germany. Bill’s postings included locations like Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB, CFB Ottawa and 4 Wing Baden-Soellingen. Bill also served two tours at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU.

Bill retired from the Armed Forces in 1992 at CFB Cold Lake at the rank of Warrant Officer and moved to Thunder Bay where he worked for airport security.

There will be no visitation.  A private family service will take place at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.  Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences can be left for the family by sending condolences to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Timothy “Tim” Grant Whiting, CD (Ret’d) on 1 November 2022, in Calgary AB at the Peter Lougheed Centre, at age 63 after a battle with lymphoma. 

A native of Calgary, Tim enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Navy as a Maritime Surface Officer (MARS) but, after a summer of phase training in Victoria, he quickly discovered that it would be impossible to use a Civil Engineering degree as a Deck Officer. Tim was able to reclassify to the Military Engineering occupation and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Tim was to serve 35 years as a Military Engineer Officer. 

Tim's postings over more than 28 years of service in the Regular Force started with being the Requirements Officer at Canadian Forces Base Portage la Prairie. This was followed by a tour with the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School in Chilliwack BC as Platoon and Standards staff. He then joined the Directorate of Construction Engineer Requirements in Ottawa at National Defence Headquarters as a Statement of Requirements writer. Following this NDHQ tour, Tim moved to 17 Wing Winnipeg as the Engineering Officer after which he had a tour with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the  Golan Heights as the Force Construction Engineering Officer. Returning to Canada, Tim became the Wing Construction Engineering Officer at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

Following Moose Jaw, Tim returned to NDHQ with the J3 Engineer section as an Engineer Operations Desk Officer, Project Director for Force Protection Engineering, and with the Canadian Forces Transformation Team. Tim then transferred to the Primary Reserve and worked with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Task Force in Ottawa, principally as the doctrine writer for EOD and C-IED, and as the Coordinator for the Task Force. He worked remotely from Calgary for the last three years of this Class B contract and finally retired from the Canadian Forces in 2013. 

Cremation has occurred and his ashes were interred alongside his mother in Calgary. At Tim’s request, there will not be any memorial service. He asked that others should consider contributing in his memory to a charity of their choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Odd Ivar Bjerke, CD (Ret’d) on 31 October 2022 at age 97 years. Ivar was a Second World War Royal Canadian Engineer veteran.

Born Lillehammer Norway, Ivar came to Canada as a child with his family in 1927. He enlisted in 1942 and served in Northwest Europe with the 4^th Field Park Company as a Dispatch Rider. At the war’s end, he joined the Permanent Force after he was demobilized and served a full career with the Royal Canadian Engineers that included service with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Egypt

Ivar retired from the Canadian Forces after serving with the Northwest Highway System in the early 1960s and joined the Public Service with the federal Department of Public Works. His responsibilities there included the military camps in British Columbia and the Yukon Territories.  

Upon retirement from Public Works, Ivar followed his love for the open sea and the Fraser River and enjoyed more than 20 years as a commercial salmon fisherman. Ivar was a proud member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.295. 

Ivar has been cremated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Joseph Laurent Joel Darcy "Darcy" St-Laurent MMM,  SC, MB, CD (Retd) on Sunday, 30 October 2022 at age 53. Darcy was a former Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technician who had started his military career as a Combat Engineer.

Darcy enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1987 and, after completing his basic Combat Engineering training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Base Gagetown NB, served with 5^e Régiment du génie de combat from 1989 to 1995. During his Sapper career, he was a combat diver, army parachutist, explosive ordnance disposal technician and a UN Peace Keeper in Cambodia and Bosnia. 

Darcy remustered to Search and Rescue Technician in 1995 and his postings included Greenwood and Winnipeg. He served an outstanding second career. during which he was awarded the Star of Courage in 1998 for a rescue performed in the Torngat Mountains of Labrador and he was awarded the Medal of Bravery in 2008 for a rescue mission 200 miles west of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut. He was awarded the Member of Military Merit in 2012.

Darcy was an outdoor enthusiast, happiest when hiking, paddling, or hunting in the woods. In addition to his impressive military career, Darcy’s accomplishments included an expedition to the North Pole that originated from landfall - a feat few have accomplished. He was the first Manitoban to walk to the North Pole, completing the 775-kilometre trek as part of a team that trekked for 51 days from Ellesmere Island.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Darcy was employed with Cougar Helicopters as a rescue specialist. He was working on a degree in Disaster and Emergency Management through Royal Roads University where he was expected to have passed at the top of his class. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, 4 November 2022 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home [1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, ON] followed by a service in the chapel that is open to all who wish to attend. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Fund.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Korin Kathy Ford, CD (Retd) in New Brunswick on 29 October at age 43 years. Korin was a former member of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON.

Korin joined the Canadian Forces in 2000. After completing basic Combat Engineering training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB, she was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. Korin served her entire military career with 2 CER and deployed twice to Afghanistan: on Operation ATHENA (Aug 03 to Feb O4) and on Roto 4 of Operation ATHENA (Aug 07 to Feb 08).   Korin retired from the Canadian Forces in 2016 at the rank of Sergeant. Continuing her desire to help and serve those in need, Korin became a Licensed Practical Nurse for her second career. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, 7 November 2022, from 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm at the Oromocto Funeral Home [108 Winnebago Street, Oromocto NB.  A private graveside service will take place at a later date.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. For those who wish, donations can be made in Korin’s memory to the Oromocto SPCA  [111 D' Amours St, Oromocto, NB E2V 0G5] or to a charity of one’s choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Walter Robert Edmonds, CD (Ret’d) of Edmonton AB, peacefully on 5 October 2022 at the age of 96 years. Walter enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1944 during the Second World War in 1944 and served a 30-year career in the Army.

Born in Pine Grove NS, Walter was working in the St. John NB shipyards dredging the harbour when he enlisted in December 1944. After completing his Basic Training in Fredericton and more training in Utopia NB, he returned to St. John on his way for embarkation to England when he saw the people dancing all over the streets. Germany had surrendered and the war in Europe was over. Walter then volunteered for the war in the Pacific and was in Vernon BC preparing for that deployment when the Japanese surrendered.  

Walter was demobilized and enlisted in the Permanent Force. He was transferred to Aldershot NS and then joined No.6 Engineer Services and Works Company in Halifax NS where he worked in Stores. After completing a clerks course at Camp Borden ON, he joined the Orderly Room staff. Walter next took vehicle and heavy equipment training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in 1946 followed by a mechanical course in Winnipeg MB. After completing his Junior NCO course in Victoria BC, he then worked on boat and pontoon repair.

Walter took his Senior NCO course at Camp Chilliwack and then instructed on heavy equipment at RCSME before being posted to the Works Company in Edmonton (Namao) in 1960 as the Transportation NCO. While in Edmnton, he deployed to Canadian Forces Station in Alert NU for six months to take care of the power and heating plant. Returning to Edmonton, Walter was then posted to the Airborne Regiment.

Walter retired from the Canadian Forces in 1974 and joined the Public Service at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton at Namao as the Base Maintenance Shop Foreman in the Vehicle and Fire Trucks Section.  He worked for the Public Service for 15 years and took his final retirement in 1990.  

The funeral service is at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Saturday, 15  October 2022 at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church [5003 -146 Ave]. Donations in Walter's memory are welcomed at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be sent here.  

We regret to advise of the death of Major-General Keith G. Penney, CMM (Ret’d) in Ottawa ON on 5 October 2022 at age 75 after complications from Parkinson's. Major-General Penney was the Senior Serving Canadian Military Engineer for the decade 1993 – 2003.

Born in 1947 in Montréal, Québec, Major-General Penney joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1967 while in University. Graduating from McGill in 1968 with a Science Degree, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the RCAF. Major-General Penney began pilot training 1969 but soon changed his occupation to TECH-CE. Major-General Penney completed this training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering and was subsequently posted to the Construction Engineering Section in Summerside PE. This was the start of an extensive career in Construction Engineering as a Canadian Military Engineering Officer. His postings included, among others, Station Construction Engineering Officer at Canadian Forces Station Dana SK, Base Construction Engineering Officer in Gagetown NB, Base Technical Services Officer at Canadian Forces Base Shearwater NS, Senior Staff Officer Works in Maritime Command Headquarters and Command Engineer for Air Command.

Major-General Penney served in National Defence Headquarters as Director Military Engineering Operations and Director General Infrastructure.  He had extensive experience in leading renewal initiatives in the field of defence infrastructure maintenance and construction.  Prior to his last appointment to Chief Review Services in 1996, Major-General Penney was on special assignment to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in the role of Chief Management Renewal Services. Major-General Penney retired in 2003.

Some of the accomplishments of his career included being Chairman of the Shearwater International Air Show, creation of the Airfield Engineering Squadrons and the RCAF Readiness Challenge Competition Team, implementing the Defence Ethics Program. Over the many postings across Canada the Penney Clan was always very involved in their adopted community. As a father he volunteered for all his children’s activities: hockey dad, Scouts dad, dancing dad, swimming dad, band dad, and much more.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Ave.) on Saturday, 22 October 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by a memorial service and interment in the National Military Cemetery of Canada.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Parkinson Canada. Online condolences can be sent to Beechwood. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Jean-Marie Joseph Adrien Lussier, CD (Ret’d) peacefully on Saturday, 1 October  2022 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in British Columbia at age 68 years.

Born in St-Barnabé-Sud QC, Jean-Marie was raised on a dairy farm with his two sisters. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1975 and joined the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer. During his career, he travelled the world including many points in Canada and overseas. His postings moved him between Valcartier QC, Petawawa ON, where he was part of the Airborne Regiment, to Trail BC, Chilliwack BC, Lahr, West Germany, back to Canada to Valcartier and with his final posting being in Chilliwack. Jean Marie deployed to Cambodia as a UN Peacekeeper for six months In the mid-90s. 

Jean Marie retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998 and promptly joined 44^th Field Squadron in Trail. Not one to stay idle, he started working at Red Mountain as a ski instructor, sharing his passion for skiing with the majority of Rossland’s children for over 20 years. In addition to his time at the mountain, Jean Marie was also a security guard for Safety Net, Membership Chair for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 14 and did maintenance for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rossland. After retirement, Jean Marie and his wife enjoyed travelling around the globe, especially driving all over North America countless times with their dogs in tow. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to spend his time hiking the mountains around his home and huckleberry picking in the summers.

A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Saturday, 8 October 2022, at 10:30 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 14 in Rossland. As an expression of sympathy, please donate to the BC Cancer Society or consider becoming a member of your local Legion. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer B.A. “Bernie” Grant, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC, peacefully, on 29 September 2022 at age 91 years.

Born in Reserve Mines in Cape Breton NS, the youngest of 11 siblings, Bernie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949. He then served a full career as an Administrative Clerk for 24 years. Bernie's military career included a deployment to Egypt in 1959-60 on the United Nations Emergency Force. 

After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Bernie was employed by the British Columbia Provincial Parks at Cultus Lake for 13 years.

A small family burial and memorial will be planned at the Fraser Family plot in Glenmont NS. Donations may be made in Bernie’s name to: Ann Davis Tradition Society [46230 Yale Rd. Chilliwack BC, V2P 4R6  RLeach@anndavis.org]. Online condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel James B. “Jay” Lucas, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 6 September 2022 at the age of 94 in his Victoria, BC home.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Jay was an excellent student athlete who excelled at basketball at both high school and university. He graduated in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1951. Having greatly enjoyed his cadet experience in his youth, Jay then made the decision to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

After 30 years of distinguished service with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Construction Engineer officer with many postings across Canada and at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Jay retired in Ottawa where he subsequently enjoyed a second career in property management with the Public Service. After this second career, he retired to Victoria BC.

Jay provided for many charities during his life and after. In lieu of flowers, he would encourage you to do the same. The family will gather to celebrate Jay's life at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Petty Officer Second Class Gerald "Gerry" Douglas Wills, CD (Ret’d) of Bayswater NS on 13 September 2022 in the QEII Victoria General site in Halifax at age 79 years.

Born in Dresden ON, Gerry served in the Royal Canadian Navy for almost 25 years. He served on HMCS Bonaventure, at Canadian Forces Base Shearwater NS and on other Canadian Forces bases across Canada. When he retired from the Navy, Gerry went on to pursue numerous other occupations including driving for the Lieutenant Governor and teaching for Survival Systems and the Halifax Regional Center for Education.

There will be no funeral service by request. Cremation has taken place and Gerry will be laid to rest at sea. Donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army 2038 Gottingen St., Halifax, NS, B3K 3A9, or Souls Harbour Rescue Mission P.O. Box 9255, Halifax, NS, B3K 5M8. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

Major General D. Benjamin, CMM, CD (Retired), Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Military Engineers, regrets to advise of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Colonel in Chief of the Canadian Military Engineers, on 8 September 2022.

Click here to sign the online Book of Condolence.

We regret to advise of the death of the Reverend Canon John Stanley “Stan” Whitehouse, a WWII Sapper veteran, peacefully on 3 September 2022 at his home in Waupoos ON at age 94 years.

As a boy and as a young man, Stan grew up singing in the Choir of the Church of The Transfiguration in Toronto. His association with that church continued for some years after he was married and he was  ordained a Deacon there. 

In 1942, at the age of 16, Stan joined the Reserve Army with the 2^nd  Battalion, 48^th  Highlanders. He enlisted in the Active Army with the Royal Canadian Engineers at age 17 and became a Photogrammetrist. Based in Halifax NS, Stan subsequently volunteered for action in the Pacific Threatre. He was training for this action when the Second World War ended in August 1945 and he was demobilized.

Returning to civilian life, Stan accepted a call to the Anglican Ministry and completed his education at the University of Toronto and Wycliffe College. Following his ordination, “Father”/“Padre” Stan, as he was commonly known, served as Priest and Rector of Anglican churches in Selkirk and Winnipeg MB. Later, in Ottawa, Toronto and Woodbridge ON.  Father Stan was Rector of that parish at the time of his retirement in 1990.

After his retirement, Stan enjoyed continuing his ministry as an Associate Priest at St. Mary Magdalene in Picton ON as well as at Christ Church in Glen Miller. Stan was also the Padre for 60 years at various branches of the Royal Canadian Legion, ending at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78 in Picton, as well as being Padre for the Air Force Wing Association.

In accordance with Stan’s wishes, there will be no public funeral service nor Celebration of Life ceremony. Stan has been cremated with a private interment to follow in a family plot within the cemetery of Christ Church Anglican, Woodbridge. 

Stan supported many charitable organizations. If desired, a donation to the charity of your choice in his memory would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Allan Douglas “Bud” McChesney, CD (Ret’d) of Edmonton AB on Monday 22 August 2022 at the age of 80 years.

Bud was born in South Porcupine ON and grew up in Timmins ON, the eldest of four children. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1958 at the young age of 16 and proudly continued his Army career until he retired as a Warrant Officer in 1979. 

Bud started his military career as an Artillery Surveyor but, while serving with 4^th Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Petawawa ON, he remustered to become a Topographic Surveyor with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1958. Bud served the remainder of his military career with Army Survey Establishment (later Mapping and Charting Establishment ) in Ottawa. His career with the Canadian Military Engineers focused on the work of the Military City Map program. In addition, he worked on the Arctic Survey program in 1971.

Bud retired from the Canadian Forces in 1978 at the rank of Warrant Officer and moved his family to Edmonton where he began a second successful career with Alberta Department of Highways. Bud also continued to do contract work with the Armed Forces bases in Edmonton. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, 2 September 2022 at 2:00 pm at Kensington Shepherd's Care Chapel (3^rd floor), 12603 135 Avenue NW Edmonton. Online condolences can be sent to his guestbook  Memorial contributions may be made in Bud's memory to Kensington Shepherd's Care Long Term Care or Alzheimer's Society of Alberta.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant William Sinclair Pickworth, CD (Ret’d), peacefully, 
on Monday, 15 August 2022 in Ottawa ON at age 93 years. Bill was a member of the 3^rd Field Engineer Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers (now 33 Combat Engineer Regiment ) during the 37-year period 1944 -1981. 

Bill volunteered as a boy soldier during the Second World War in April 1944 - with his parents’ consent as he was underage. Because of his youth, he could not be sent overseas. Bill started his career in the Militia as a sapper and rose through the ranks in the unit until he was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant. 

Bill always held fond memories of his unit building its own armoury on Lees Avenue in 1952 in just five months. They occupied that armoury for some 50 years until the unit was moved to their current location on Walkley Road.  Bill will be remembered by the unit as ”Father Bill” for when he was the Administration Officer and could always tie all the loose ends together.

Throughout his years of service, Bill was a frequent contributor of articles to the local newspapers where he explained what his unit did and how they contributed to the community. He was an active member of the Military Engineers Association of Canada.

Bill began his corporate career initially working for IBM and then with the National Research Council. Towards the end of his civilian career, he worked for the Science Council of Canada. 

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, a private cremation was held with a graveside service planned for later in the Fall. In Memorium Donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, 40 Ruskin St. Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of  Corporal John Francis Moore, CD (Ret’d) on 9 August 2022 at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville NS at age 65.

Born in Montreal, QC, John served 25 years in the Canadian Forces as a Field Engineer and an Aircraft Systems Technician. He took his basic Recruit training at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis NS in 1975 and then completed his Field Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. 

John’s postings as a Field Engineer included 3 Field Squadron and Base Operations in Chilliwack before he remustered to Aircraft Systems Technician. He was posted to CFB Greenwood as an AST Tech and retired there in 2000. For his second career, John worked  for IMP Aerospace & Defence at Greenwood for 10 years.
Cremation has taken place. John’s funeral service will be held on 18 September 2022 at 2:00 PM at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 in Kentville (37 River St, Kentville, NS ) . Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal John William Maxwell, CD (Ret’d), peacefully in Dartmouth NS on 8 August 2022.

Born and raised in Sydney NS, John was a member of the  Sea Cadets in his youth. He started his lengthy 45-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces when he joined the Reserves as a Field Engineer with 45^th Field Engineer Squadron in Sydney. John transferred to the Regular Forces and served with the Canadian Military Engineers in locations that included 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown NB, where he worked on Northern Airfield Construction at Pond Inlet. He also served in 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr Germany before remustering to the Royal Canadian Air Force.where he pursued a second career as a Safety Systems Technician.

There will be no service by John’s request. Visitation to celebrate John’s life will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd, Whitney Pier on 3 September 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Francis Room. Interment will take place in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney. Donations in memory of John may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Mark Anthony Hew (Ret'd) on 28 July 2022 in Toronto ON at age 57 years.

Mark was a former member of 2 Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto (now 32 Combat Engineer Regiment) who joined the unit in 1983. His service included a tour in Cambodia as a technical advisor for the Cambodian Mine Action Center.

Visitation will be on Friday, 5 August 2022 from 4-8:00 pm. at Highland Funeral Home in Scarborough ON [ 3280 Sheppard Ave E]. The funeral service will be held Saturday, 6 August 2022 at the Highland Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Mel Wells, CD (Ret’d) on 24 July 2022 at the Bradley Center in Chilliwack BC.

Born in Ceylo SK, Mel served his country in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Draftsman in the Royal Canadian Engineers for 25 years. He enlisted during the Second World War and started his sapper training at A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre (CETC) when it was in Dundurn SK. Mel was one of those Sappers who made their way by train from Dundurn to Vedder Crossing BC in April 1942 when A6 CETC moved to Vedder Crossing. The march from the train station in Chilliwack to the new army camp in what was a former pig farm in the Vedder Crossing  area remained in his memory as part of his introduction to the Royal Canadian Engineers… living in tents and starting to build the camp as part of his training.

Mel’s career as a Draftsman included postings to Winnipeg MB and Regina SK before he returned to Chilliwack as an instructor in Trades Training Squadron until he retired in 1963. Mel stayed with the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering for his second career as an instructor for an additional 27 years.

Funeral Arrangements are private. Online condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Joseph Alexander York, CD (Ret’d) of Kingston NS on 20 July 2022 at age 51 years. Joe’s career in the Regular Force as a Construction Technician spanned 13 years.

Joe was born in Halifax NS and was raised in the Eastern shore of Nova Scotia. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 2005 as a Construction Technician and was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown NB after the completion of his basic training course at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.  While posted to 4 ESR, Joe participated in numerous domestic exercises and completed the DP2 journeyman course in March 2011. After eight yearsin Gagetown, he was posted to 14 Wing in Greenwood NS.

During Joe’s posting to Greenwood, he was employed with 14 Mission Support Squadron  Construction Engineering, working primarily on infrastructure-related work orders in support of 14 Wing Operations. While serving in there, Joe deployed to Sinai on Op CALUMET for a seven-month tour, completed specialist training in Savannah Georgia, and to South Dakota on a joint tasking with other nations.

Joe retired from the Canadian Forces in 2019 and worked as a DND public servant for the Real Property Operations Unit (Atlantic) ) Greenwood Detachment paint shop. 

Cremation has taken place and there will be no service by request. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Captain Gary Oliver, CD (Ret’d) on 15 July 2022. Gary’s career in the Reserve and the Regular Force as an Infantryman and Firefighter spanned 36 years. 

Gary enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1970 as a Field Engineer with 56^th Field Engineer Squadron in St. Johns NL and transferred to the Regular Force the next year as an Infantryman with the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). His seven-year infantry career started at 3 RCR in Petawawa ON followed by the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton AB. That posting included a six-month United Nations Peacekeeping tour to Cyprus in 1974. In 1977, Gary was posted from 2 Commando (2 CDO) in Edmonton to 2 RCR in Gagetown NB. 

Gary remustered to the Firefighter trade in 1978 and upon completing the Basic Firefighting Course at Canadian Forces Base Borden, he was posted to CFB Comox BC.  Gary took his release from the Canadian Forces after three years but re-enrolled before the end of that same year. He was then posted to CFB Ottawa South after which he took up instructional duties at the Canadian Forces Firefighting Academy. Subsequently, he had a two-year sea posting to HMCS Margaree in 1986 after which he returned to Ottawa and a three-year sea tour on HMCS Fraser. In 1994, Gary was posted to 14 Wing Greenwood followed by a posting back to CFFA at Borden in 1999 as Standards Master Warrant Officer. 

Gary was commissioned in the rank of Captain in 2001 under the Special Requirements Commissioning Plan and assumed the position of Chief Instructor for CFFA. After this assignment, he received his long sought-after posting to “The Rock” when he was appointed Officer Commanding 91 Airfield Engineer Flight Gander in 2004. 

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, there will be no public funeral. Gary’s ‘Final Jump’will take place on 5 December 2022 when his ashes will be scattered from a RCAF Hercules CC 130J aircraft over the Jump Zone at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Charles “Charlie“ Wilkinson, CD (Ret'd) of Sherwood Park AB on 7 July 2022 at age 92 years.

Charlie was born in Readlyn SK and grew up with his five brothers in Pleasantdale SK where the family homesteaded. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1949 at the age of 19 and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers.  Charlie was a Carpenter whose postings included: No 1 Road Maintenance Company with the Northwest Highway System in Whitehorse YK, 13 Works Company in  Edmonton AB, 18 Works Company in Shilo MB, Mapping and  Charting Establishment in Ottawa, the Base Construction Engineering Section in Edmonton AB and the Carpenter Shop with 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Winnipeg MB.

Charlie served with 23^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and is a veteran of the Korean War (1952-53). He also served with United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) on peacekeeping duties in 1963 in the Gaza Strip in Egypt during the Arab-Israeli conflict. 

Cremation has taken place and Charlie will be laid to rest in Pleasantdale SK. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Gaitan Riopel “G.R.” Adam at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on Tuesday, 28 June 2022 at the age of 87 years. G.R. was a former Canadian Military Engineer who, in his second career, owned and operated a business in Pembroke for over 50  years. 

Respecting G.R's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Lapasse on Saturday, 9 July 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Interment of Ashes in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Lapasse. 

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Ottawa Cancer Clinic would be appreciated. 
Online Condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Jason “Jay” Gerald Crann , CD (Ret’d) of Sherwood Park AB on 23 June  2022  at the age of 44 years after a battle with cancer. 

Originally from Newfoundland, Jason enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Infantryman with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He served with the 1^st Battalion PPCLI in many domestic operations across Canada, in the United States and he deployed to Bosnia. During this time, Jason received the Province of Alberta Centennial Medal (2005).

Jason remustered to Construction Technician and began training in 2006 at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown NB. Upon completion of this training he was posted to 4 Construction Engineering Squadron in 4 Wing Cold Lake AB. In 2011 Jason deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Provincial Reconstruction Team. Jason was posted back to Edmonton in 2012 where he completed his military career with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

In his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Jason started his own construction company and expanded his hobby of woodworking. The outdoors was Jay’s element and his greatest joys were found outside, as he enjoyed fly fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and golf.

A Celebration of Jay’s Life will be held on Wednesday, 13 July 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Edmonton Garrison Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess [Building 210 Ortona Road, Canadian Forces Base, Edmonton]. Jason’s life will also be remembered and celebrated in Newfoundland on Saturday, 30 July 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church [110 Ashford Drive, Mount Pearl NL].

Memorial donations may be made to Rob Cosman’s Purple Heart Project or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas Carter “Tom” McEvoy of Cold Lake AB on 20 June 2022 at the age of 73 years.

Tom joined the Canadian Navy as a Supply Technician but remustered to become a Structural Technician in 1981. He served much of his career as a Carpenter with the Canadian Military Engineers at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB, where he retired.

At Tom’s request, no formal service will be held and cremation has taken place. Memorial tributes in Tom’s memory may be sent to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, c/o Donor Relations, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON K2M 2W1. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer R. Peter Pelley, CD (Ret’d) of Nobelford AB on 17 Jun 2017 after a battle with cancer.

Peter served for 27 years with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Stationary Engineer. His postings included Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Canadian Forces Station Alert and Air Command Headquarters. Peter retired from the Canadian Forces in 2001 and settled in Nobleford just outside Lethbridge AB. He worked for Enbridge Gas until 2017 and also served as a Municipal Councillor for seven years.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Jason “Jay” Henry Joseph Penny, CD (Ret’d) on 17 June 2022 in Moncton NB at the age of 45 due to complications following a heart transplant.

Born in Cambridge ON, Jason enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1994 and served the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer and Military Engineering Officer. During his career, he served with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment and 4th Canadian Division Support Base in Petawawa ON, with 37th Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters in Moncton NB, and at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB.

Jason participated in two international deployments: on the Kosovo Force (KFOR) in 1999 and as Section Second-in-Command on Joint Task Force Afghanistan in Kabul Afghanistan in 2005. He took great pride in being a Combat Diver, an Airborne Paratrooper, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist as well as a Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV III) Crew Commander.

Jason retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2019 at the rank of Captain. He then followed a second career as a Surveillance Officer for the National Aerial Surveillance Program (NASP) - Atlantic Region.  Although Jason was hired as a surveillance officer, he also held a private pilot's license and loved flying with the NASP crew. 

The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre [88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900)] where the funeral will be celebrated on Saturday, 25 June at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours are Friday from 6-8:00 p.m. Face covering is recommended. The funeral will be broadcast live  HERE.  

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In memory of Jason, a contribution to the CHU Dumont Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Guy Chenel, CD (Ret'd), peacefully at his residence in St-Jacques-Le-Majeur QC on 16 June 2022 at the age of 67 years. 

Guy joined the Canadian Forces in 1972 as a Stoker in the Navy and transitioned to the Stationary Engineer occupation with the Canadian Military Engineers. He served in the heating plants at Canadian Forces Stations Penhold AB and Moisie QC as well as Canadian Forces Base Ottawa in this occupation. Guy then worked in National Defence Headquarters with the former Directorate of Base Maintenance (DBM) where he was involved in the life cycle replacement of boilers on Canadian Forces facilities. This was followed by a tour as an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (1988-93). Guy then returned to Ottawa to work on the North Warning System project.

Guy was seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs as Property Officer with the Canadian Embassy in Ukraine in 1996. He was then posted to 3 Wing in Bagotville QC in 1998 and back to Ottawa NDHQ in 1999 for his final posting before his retirement from the Canadian Forces in 2001. Guy was greatly involved in the Mechanical System Occupation throughout his career within the Canadian Military Engineers.

For his second career of service, Guy joined Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) as a Regional Maintenance Officer. While with DFAIT he was part of the original team of Canadians that was sent to Kabul in Afghanistan in 2006 for two years to reopen the embassy. This was followed by two-year posting in Algeria after which he retired from DFAIT in 2011. Guy settled in Saint Jacques Le Majeur upon his retirement with his wife Adele.

A memorial service will be held on July 9, 2022 at the Maison Funéraire Audet Ltée [496 ave. Jacques-Cartier, Disraeli, QC]. A Military Funeral at Beechwood Military Cemetery in Ottawa will take place on 11 July 2022 at 11:00 hrs. n lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation  would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Vijayalayan “Vijay” Mathiyalaghan (Ret’d) of Ottawa on 14 Jun 2022 at age 28 in a motorcycle crash. An Ottawa Police Service officer, Vijay was a former Combat Engineer and had served as a Parachutist.

Vijay was born in Sri Lanka but grew up in Ottawa as the youngest child in his family. He joined the Primary Reserve in Ottawa while attending Merrivale High School. Vijay served a number of Class A, B, and C duties over the next few years with 33 Combat Engineer Regiment as well as in Meaford, Kingston, Gagetown, Ottawa and Gatineau.

Vijay transferred to the Regular Force and qualified as a Combat Engineer at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB in 2016. He was posted to 2 Combat Engineer in Petawawa ON where he served until taking his release from the Canadian Forces in 2020. Vijay deployed to Ukraine on Operation UNIFIER in 2018.

After his release, Vijay completed the Police Foundations Course at Algonquin College and joined the Ottawa Police Service’s Class of 2020. He served in A Platoon Central, policing downtown Ottawa. Vijay also volunteered with Ottawa Police Hoopstars, an outreach program that uses sport to engage with the community and was passionate about motorcycles. 

The flags at OPS buildings were lowered to half-mast in Vijay’s honour. Funeral arrangements will be published when available.