After over 30 years of loyal and dedicated service to the Canadian Armed Forces and the Canadian Military Engineer Branch, Capt R.M. Facey, CD, retired on 16 March 2025. Anecdotes and well-wishes may be sent to Maj Ivan Siy at: ivan.siy@forces.gc.ca
Capt Facey enrolled in the Air Reserve in 1985 while on the waitlist for an aerospace engineering officer vacancy. As a university student, he spent his summers at CFB Cold Lake working within BAMEO. In 1987, he elected to transfer to the Army Reserve, after which he completed his officer training, and served with 8 Field Engineer Regiment (8 FER) in Edmonton. In 1995, he released from the Canadian Forces to focus on graduate studies.
Awarded a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering in 1999, Rod decided to re-enrol as an infantry officer with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. After three years, he concluded his engineering ability would be better utilized elsewhere. He re-joined 8 FER in 2005 (later amalgamated into 41 CER), where he served in roles such as Tp Comd, Sqn Comd, and various roles within the RHQ until retirement.
Capt Facey played a crucial role in fostering the 41 CER’s relationship with the Town of Vegreville. In particular, he and Sgt Tom Troost led the design and construction of two permanent non-standard bridges in Elks / Kinsmen Park within the town. The first bridge was constructed by 8 FER in 2007, and the second in 2019 by 41 CER. Both bridges remain as a lasting testament to the unique application of both civilian and military expertise and provided numerous soldiers with immense training value. Capt Facey retired from the Canadian Forces in March 2025 upon reaching CRA 60.
Capt Facey continues to practice as a distinguished civilian engineer with over 35 years of professional practice. He is licensed in BC, AB, SK, ON, and NS, and has been issued many US and Canadian patents. As a result of his prominence within the engineering profession whilst serving in the Army Reserve, he employed many serving members of 8 FER and 41 CER throughout the years ranging from Cpls to COs.
Despite his demanding role as a principal engineering consultant, Capt Facey also acts a seasonal mentor and lecture at both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary to further contribute to the profession. He resides in Edmonton with his wife and two children and is adamant that he will not retire anytime soon.
Chimo!