CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Earl Martineau peacefully at his residence in Greely ON on 31 October 2003.

Earl served overseas during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 3^rd Field Company, 1^st Infantry Division who saw action in Sicily, Italy and Northwest Europe.

A graveside service will be held on 4 November at All Saints Cemetery, Greely, ON at 11:00 a.m.  Donations to the Palliative Care Outreach Program, 1455 Woodroffe Ave. S., Nepean, ON.  ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer France Georges “Frank” Gaulin, CD, (Ret’d)  on 27 October 2023 in Chilliwack BC at the age 70 after his brief battle with cancer.

Frank was born in Princeville QC. He started his military career with the Canadian Military Engineers upon completion of  basic Combat Engineering training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. Frank's first posting was to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack in 1972. He later re-mustered to the Electrician trade and his career followed that path for the rest of his 24-year military career.
Frank continued his electrical career as a contractor after he retired from the Canadian Forces. He later joined the Chilliwack School Board in 2007 and then fully retired at age 60. 

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Léo Cormier on 22 Oct at the Palliative Care Unit of Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, AB.

Léo started his military career in the Navy in 1970 as a Radio Technician 231. He became a Military Engineer in 1986 when he remustered to 621 Refrigeration Mechanical Technician and was posted to Cold Lake and Edmonton. He spent 23 years in the military before retiring in 1993.

After retirement, Léo settled in Cardiff Echos (just north of Edmonton) and worked for several different contractors in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and St Albert. Leo was employed lastly by Johnson Controls and was the lead HVAC mechanic at a fertilizer plant in the Edmonton area.

The family requests that any donations be made to Palliative Care Unit # 43, c/o Grey Nuns Hospital, 1100 Youville Dr. W., Edmonton, AB, T6L5X8 .

We regret to advise of the death of Major John Frederick “Si” Sininger, MiD, CD (Ret’d) at the Matsqui-Sumas-Abbotsford General Hospital in Abbotsford, BC on 21 October 2003 at the age of 84. Si served 29 years with the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Military Engineers.

Si was born at the Little Horseguard District near Alhambra, AB. In June 1940, at the age of 22, he enlisted in the Canadian Army Active Service Force and joined the 78^th Battery Royal Canadian Artillery in Red Deer, AB. He served with the Artillery until his transfer to the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1942. His first tour with the RCE was with No 1 Chemical Warfare and Mortar Companyin Owen Sound, ON as a Platoon Sergeant and instructor in mortars and chemical warfare. When that unit disbanded in August 1943, he was posted to the 2^nd Canadian Division as a member of 1 Field Park Company, RCE in England.

Promoted to Company Sergeant Major, Si landed in France on D-Day plus 1 and served with that unit through France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany until the cessation of hostilities in Europe. He took part in the Battle for Carpiquet Airport and the Battles of Caen and the Falaise Gap. He marched through Dieppe after the city was liberated and then advanced through Belgium to Antwerp and the Scheldt Estuary. In Spring 1945, he saw action at the Twent Canal, Appeldorn and Hangelow, NL as the Allies crossed the Rhine into Germany. For his exemplary service and devotion to duty Si was Mentioned in Dispatches and received a special citation from Field Marshal Montgomery.

Repatriated to Canada with 13^th Field Company, RCE in October 1945, he was assigned to the Administration and Training Staff responsible for organizing and setting up the RCE Militia units in Alberta.In 1947 he was posted to 23^rd Field Company RCE at Camp Chilliwack, BC as that unit’s first post-war Company Sergeant Major. In May 1948 he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the Training Wing, Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering. He earned his Parachutist Wings in 1948 and during the Fraser River flood that same year, was the co-ordinator of military and civilian relief workers at Rosedale, BC. Promoted to Warrant Officer First Class in 1950, he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of RCSME as one of the younger peacetime RSMs in the Canadian Army. He held the double position of RSM of RCSME and Camp Chilliwack for eight years.

In 1958, Si was appointed as the Regimental Sergeant Major of The Royal Military College, Kingston, the Canadian Army’s most senior and prestigious RSM appointment.  He served in that position until 1961.

Upon leaving RMC, he was commissioned to the rank of Captain and posted to RCSME, Camp Chilliwack where, during the period 1961-65, he served as Recruit Squadron Training Officer, Second-in-Command and Acting Officer Commanding. He was promoted to the rank of Major in 1966 and appointed Officer Commanding Recruit Training Squadron followed by command of Field Engineer Squadron. Si retired in 1969.

Si was one of the driving forces behind the opening in 1957 of the RCE Museum in Chilliwack as well as being a founding member and organizer of the Royal Canadian Engineer (Retired) Sapper Association in Chilliwack. In honour of his outstanding and dedicated service to the Royal Canadian Engineers, the main auditorium at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in CFB Chilliwack was named “Sininger Hall”. After the closure of CFB Chilliwack his memory was perpetuated by the naming of “Sininger Place” in the Garrison Crossing complex in Vedder Crossing, BC.

Si was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #15 in Abbotsford BC. At his request there will be no funeral. A celebration of his life will be held at the Rhombus Hotel in Chilliwack on 1 November 2003. ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Earle Clement “Bill” Boylan (Ret’d) of Bible Hill, NS at the Colchester Regional Hospital in Truro, NS on 19 October 2003 at the age of 86 years.

Bill was born in New Ross, NS.  He was a Second World War veteran who served with the 5^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in England and the Continent during the war and remained in Germany after the war as part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force.  After demobilisation, he worked for the Nova Scotia Department of Highways and had his own service station businesses.  He later taught Automotive Mechanics at Vocational School in Springhill, NS and Truro as well as a driver education instructor for many years.  Bill was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 in Truro and a Lifetime Member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Visitation will be in the Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro 20 October from 3:30 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM with a Royal Canadian Legion service at 7:00.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church, Truro on 21 October at 2:00 PM with interment in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in New Ross, NS.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or a charity of one’s choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Trevor "Trapper" Allen MM, MiD, CD at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton NB on 17 October 2003.

Trapper was born in England but moved to Canada at an early age.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers whose career spanned 27 years.  He was a WW II veteran who served in England, Italy, France, Holland and Germany and was Mentioned in Dispatches for his distinguished service.  He later served in Korea where he received the Military Medal for recovery operations on the Sherman Armoured Recovery Vehicle.

After Korea Trapper’s army service took him to Cyprus, Egypt, Wainwright AB, Calgary AB, Winnipeg MB, Saint John NB, Halifax NS and Baffin Island NT.  His final posting from 1964 to 1972 was as Engineering Technician Sergeant Major (ETSM) for 2 Field Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB.  After his retirement from the Army, he remained in Gagetown working with Base Maintenance Section until fully retiring in 1987. Trapper took special pride in helping military personnel, both active and retired, in their dealings with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Visitations will be held at Oromocto Select Community Funeral Home, in Oromocto NB, on 20 October followed by a tribute service by the Royal Canadian Legion Oromocto Branch # 93.  The funeral service will be held at St Luke's Chapel, CFB Gagetown, on 21 October.  Interment will be in the Burton NB Cemetery at a later date.  Donations may be made a charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdApr2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel John Alexander Beswick, M.D., C.D., FRCS (C) (Ret’d) in Toronto ON at Sunnybrook Hospital, where he was a resident, on 10 October 2003 at the age of 87 years.

John was born in Toronto and was a fifth-generation Torontonian. He was a veteran of the Second World War who served over five years in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he attended medical school and graduated in 1950. John joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and served for a year and a half in Korea.  He then studied ophthalmology and became a specialist in 1959. During his military career, John served as Chief of Ophthalmology of Canadian Forces Hospital, Kingston ON and the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa ON.  Upon retiring from the Army, he became Chief of Ophthalmology at Scarborough Centenary Hospital, West Hill ON for 14 years.  Dr. Beswick took a very active part in the promotion of the EYE Bank in the early '50s and '60s at Sunnybrook Hospital, Scarborough Centenary, and other Toronto Hospitals providing a steady flow of donated eyes for transplants and research. He retired in 1987.

John will be interred at St. James Cemetery Toronto in the plot owned by the Beswick family since 1874. ^{{dcJul19gd} [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Major John Robert "Bob" Preen (Ret'd) at his cottage at Lac Sinclair, Quebec on 2 October 2003.

Bob was a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War from 1942 to 1945. After the war, he attended the University of New Brunswick and graduated in Civil Engineering in 1950. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in a variety of staff positions. After retiring from the Canadian Forces, he joined the Department of Public Works in 1974 and retired in 1986.

Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 580 Eagleson Road (Kanata) Sunday 5 October from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Funeral Service Monday 6 October in the Chapel at 3:00 PM. In Memoriam donations to the Queensway Carleton Hospital would be appreciated. 

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Corporal Edward Albert “Ted” Whitehurst (Ret'd) peacefully at the Winchester and District Memorial Hospital, Winchester, ON on 1 October 2003 in his 83^rd year.

Ted was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was also retired from the Canadian Pacific Railway in Montreal.

Visitation will take place at the Duncan Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, 6971 Bank Street, Metcalfe, ON on 3 October from 1 to 3 p.m.  A memorial service will follow in the Chapel at 3 p.m. Donations may be made to the Winchester and District Memorial Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society.  ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise on the death of Sapper Marinus "Ring" Yzerman (Ret'd) on 30 September 2003 at the age of 98 years.

Marius was born in the Netherlands.  He emigrated to Canada, arriving in Saint John, NB and later moving west to Alberta. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Marinus was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Olds. {jpMar17dc}[zsd, zcc, zpp]

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Trevor Harper McDowell (Ret'd) on 27 Sep 2003 in Chilliwack, BC.

Trevor joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1960. His first tour was with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt 1961-1962 and this was followed by tours with 3 Field Squadron (1962 - 63 and 1966 - 71) and 4 Field Squadron (1963 - 66 and 1971 - 74). Returning to Chilliwack, he took his release and was employed by Uneeda Wood Products until retirement in October 2001.

Trevor was cremated privately. There will be an Irish Wake on 11 October at 6:00 PM at the Cultus Lake Hall.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Wallace Roy "Bud" MacKinnon (Ret'd) on 27 September 2003 at the age of 74 years.

Bud was born in Sackville, NB.  He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers is 1952 and served his first tour with 2 Field Squadron in Germany in 1953 - 55, returning to that unit as Squadron Sergeant Major in Gagetown 1976 - 78. He served in Tanzania Africa 1965 - 66 and also with 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack. His last assignment was at CFB Chilliwack with Base Operations. After retiring in 1980, Bud sold real estate in the Chilliwack area for many years.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday 3 Oct at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn' Mt Cheam Funeral Home on 45865 Hocking Avenue in Chilliwack. There will be a gathering for friends and family in the Lodge Banquet room of the Masonic Hall immediately after the service. Masonic Brethren attending are asked to bring their regalia and assemble at the Lodge Building by 1 :00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper George Alfred Wilson (Ret'd) of Fredericton, NB at the Oromocto Public Hospital on 24 September 2003.

George was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the 23^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and was President of the 23^rd Field Company Veterans Association. He was a graduate of Nova Scotia Technical College and later worked for Moncton Electric and Gas in 1940 where he also was a Volunteer Fireman for the city of Moncton prior to enlisting. He later worked for NB Power from 1959 until he retired 1985.

Visitation will be held at McAdam's Select Community Funeral Home [ www.mcadamfh.com ] on Friday, 26 September from 7:00 - 9:00 PM and 27 September from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 PM. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 will hold a tribute service at the funeral home on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM followed by the Knights of Pythians Riverview Lodge # 51 at 7:30 PM. The funeral service will be held at the Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Sunday, 28 September at 3:00 PM. Interment will be at a later date. For those who wish, memorial tributes to New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. 

We regret to advise of the recent death of a firefighter, Chief Petty Officer 2^nd Class John P. "Jack" Low, (Ret'd) who passed away suddenly on 23 September 2003 in Dartmouth General Hospital.

Jack joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1963 and retired in 1992 and was working at the Damage Control School on Purcells Cove Road in Halifax.

Funeral service was on 27 September 27 in Stadacona Chapel, Gottingen Street. Interment in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Donations in Jack's memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, 204-5523 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax, NS B3J 9Z9 would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Frank Mitchell peacefully at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary AB on 22 September 2003 at the age of 85.

Frank was born in Vancouver BC but grew up in Cloverdale BC.  He was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1941 to 1945.  After demobilisation, he moved to Calgary in 1952 where he worked for Lilydale Co-op Limited as the manager of the Chinookbelt Hatchery. He retired in 1987 from Pinecrest Foods Limited.

A private family Graveside Service will be held at Queen's Park Cemetery, Calgary.  Donations may be made to the Alberta Lung Association, Calgary. ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise the death of Sapper Frederick Carl Wiese (Ret'd) on 18 September 2003 at the age of 84 years.

Frederick was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1941 until 1945.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Nipawin Branch #120. 

We regret to advise of the death of Donald Kingsley Douglas Crocker in Halifax NS on 12 September 2003 at the age of 78 years.

Donald was a Second World War veteran of the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he returned to Nova Scotia and worked as a fisherman. He was a long-term resident of the Digby area. He was a Life Member of the Carpiquet Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Freeport.

Donald is buried in the Port Maitland & Beaver River Cemetery in Port Maitland, NS.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Kenneth G. Devlin (Ret’d) on 6 September 2003 in Perth ON at the age of 84 years.

Kenneth was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Perth-Upon-Tay Branch #244 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Perth. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Arnold Alfred Flieler (Ret'd) of Cloyne, ON  in his 84^th year on 6 September 2003 at Quinte General Hospital in Belleville, ON .

Alfred was born in Fernleigh, ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the 5^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.

The family will receive friends at the McConnell Funeral Home in Tweed from 7:00 until 9:00 PM on 8 September and again on 9 September from 2:00 until 4:00 and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM.  The Funeral Service will be in the Tweed Chapel on 10 September at 1:00 PM.  Interment will follow in the Northbrook United Church Cemetery. Donations to the Pine Meadow Nursing Home in Cloyne or the District Historical Society will be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Charles Aspler (Ret’d) in Montreal, QC on 5 September 2003 at age 87 years.

Charles was a member of the McGill University, Montreal, Canadian Officer Training Corps from 1940 to 1942. He graduated from McGill with a degree in Architecture. In 1942 he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers and started training in Long Branch, ON until joining the 23^rd Field Company in Petawawa, ON.   After the unit finished its training in Petawawa it moved to Camp Sussex, NB to complete unit training before deploying to Northwest Europe in 1943.  Charles served as the 23^rd Field Company Reconnaissance Officer before becoming the Headquarters Platoon Officer.  He participated in Operation BERLIN, the evacuation of Airborne troops from Arnhem under fire from across the Rhine River on the night of 25/26 September 1944 after Operation MARKET GARDEN.

Charles retired from active service in January 1946 and went on to a career as an architect in Montreal for over 50 years. He also served as an Alderman in the city of Westmount, QC.

Funeral service will be held at Paperman& Sons Funeral Home, 3888 Jean Talon West, Montreal on 7 September.  Burial will be at Congregation ShaarHashomayim Cemetery, Mount Royal Blvd. Shiva private. Contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice. ^{{gdNov2015kh}}

We regret to advise of the recent death of Sapper Archie Thompson, Canada's oldest First World War veteran.

A 107-year-old retired railway engineer from the Petrolia area, Archie died 2 September 2003 at his cottage at Old Woman's River, near Stokes Bay, ON and was buried on 6 September in Sarnia. This summer, Archie Thompson had received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his wartime service. He had gone unrecognized for years as he had never applied for veterans' benefits. When he received the award, Thompson was the oldest of the 13 surviving Canadian veterans of the First World War.

Born in Ireland, he emigrated to Canada in 1912. Archie was drafted into the Royal Engineers and shipped to Britain as the war was winding down and did not see action. Returning to Canada after the war, he followed a career with Canadian National Rail and retired in 1962.

Donations to the charity of choice would be preferred by the family. 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Alex Donald Armstrong (Ret’d) at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen, NB on 1 September 2003 at the age of 83 years.

Alex was born in St Stephen.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he worked for the Canadian Cotton Mill in Milltown, NB and then with his brother Jack in construction work and later with the New Brunswick Liquor Commission in St. Stephen.

A graveside service will be held on 5 September at the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery.  Donations may be made to Milltown United Church or to a charity of one’s choice.  ^{{dcNov17gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Benjamin Holterman “Benny” Bakken (Ret’d) in Ottawa peacefully in hospital on 26 August 2003.

Benny was born in Cranbrook, BC in 1929 and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in October 1948. Upon completion of his basic Engineer training, Ben was posted to the Army Survey Establishment in July 1949, and remained for more than 34 years. Ben was involved in all phases of the Topographic Survey, was on survey field parties throughout the country, and was a computer programmer for a number of years. Ben was the Army Survey Establishment Regimental Sergeant Major from 1979 to 1982 before he retired in October 1983.

Visitation will be at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, Hunt Club Road, Ottawa on 29 August followed by the funeral service in the Chapel. Internment in Capital Memorial Gardens, Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa. In memoriam donations to the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated. ^{khAug2015}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant George Dearle, CD  (Ret’d) of Port Alberni, BC on 26 August 2003 at the age of 77 years.

George was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war he served in the Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry for a total of 22 years of military service.  After retiring from the Army, George was employed with British Columbia Government Public Services in Fisheries.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Somass Branch #169 in Port Alberni.

A service will be held at the Legion on 10 September at 12:00 noon followed by interment at the Field of Honour. ^{{dcJan18gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise that Major Stephen Merle Bancroft RCE (Ret'd) passed away peacefully on 25 August 2003 in Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow, NS.

A graduate of Acadia University with a B.Sc. degree, specializing in geology with engineering, Stephen subsequently attained a civil engineering degree at Nova Scotia Technical College. He had a long and distinguished service career in the Royal Canadian Engineers that began in the Second World War and included assignments in British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Ontario and New Brunswick. During that time he also served overseas with the United Nations in Palestine. Upon retirement as Major in 1967, Stephen was employed by the Federal Department of Labour in Fredericton, N.B. until his second retirement in 1981.

In accordance with Stephen's wishes, there will no funeral or memorial service. A private family interment will take place in Lower Horton Cemetery, Hortonville.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Venence ‘Ven’ Denomy on 20 August 2003. Born in Zürich, ON, Ven joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Canada and Germany until his discharge in 1963.

Among his career highlights, Ven attended the Water Supply Course at the US Army Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 1956 where he received the highest marks. The information he learned there came in handy years later when Ven was a member of the Chesley Public Utilities Commission. He also owned and operated a successful TV and appliance store in Chesley.Ven was a member of Chesley Legion Branch 144 for forty years.

We regret to advise that Chief Warrant Officer Cecil "Cec" Brown (Ret'd) passed away in Ottawa on 19 August 2003 at the age of 78.

Cec joined the Army Survey Establishment (ASE) in 1950 and participated in many field parties, including the 1951 Alaska Highway Operation. He transferred to the Canadian Intelligence Corps as a Staff Sgt in the late 1950s and evenutally, retired as Chief Warrant Officer. Cec was a long-time volunteer at the Canadian War Museum at Vimy House working on their map collection. ​^{{khAug2015} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lance-Corporal Norman E. Fenn (Ret’d) of Halifax NS on 18 August 2003 at the age of 73 years.

Norman served in 23^rd Field Squadron during the Korean War. Afterwards, he was employed for 34 years by the City of Halifax Works Department and later as a Commissionaire at the Grace Hospital in Halifax.  He was a member of the Scotia Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion where he also worked part-time as a bar steward.

Visitation will be from 2 until 4, and again from 7 until 9 at the Snow Funeral Home on 29 September. The funeral will be at 11 AM on 30 September in St. Pius X Church. Burial will be in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Canadian Diabetes Association. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Melbourne "Mel" Cousins (Ret’d) on 17 August 2003 at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre in Calgary, AB at the age of 89 years.

Mel was born in Ystrad, Glamorganshire, South Wales and his family immigrated to Canada in 1921 settling in Coleman, AB.   Mel was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 13^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and an Artisan Works Company in Great Britain.  After demobilization, he returned to Canada in late October 1945 and settled in Calgary where he joined the Hudson Bay Company Floor Coverings and retired after twenty-five years.  Mel was a member of the Calgary Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Funeral Services will be held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home on 21 August at 2:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a memorial tribute in Mel's name may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary.  ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Aksel Nicholas Chrestensen (Ret’d) in Outlook SK on 17 August 2003 at the age of 92 years.

Aksel was born in Visby Denmark and came to Loreborn SK with his family in 1911. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Regina on 29 December 1943 and served as a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. He was stationed at Camp Chilliwack BC and Hamilton ON before being discharged in 1946. Askel then returned to Loreburn and reopened the garage he had closed up during his service. He later became Mayor of the village from 1955 until 1965 and stayed on as Administrator until 1973.  Aksel was also a member of Loreburn-Elbow Legion Branch 251. ^{{dcJan20wd} [zsd, zbd]}

We regret to advise that Lieutenant D."Dan" Giannini, MBE, RCE (Ret'd) passed away peacefully in Toronto on 15 August 2003.

Dan worked in the mines of Northern Ontario before volunteering for the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Second World War. He served with No 1 Tunnelling Company in Gibraltar, England and Europe, rising to the rank of lieutenant and earning a MiD and an MBE. The MBE came while he was on the rehabilitation of the Florence water supply from 12 August 1944 to 24 August 1944. During the early stages of the work, he and his crew were constantly harassed by the enemy who held the north bank of the Arno River. Dan discovered that the only supply of urgently special parts he needed were over there ahead of our own patrols. Without hesitation, Lt Giannini undertook this dangerous journey and although British and German patrol clashes were being fought some 200 yards to his flank he found a way through to the store and brought back the essential fittings, and did it again the next day. 

After the war, Dan switched to insurance with Empire Life rising to Vice-President by retirement. After retirement with no slowdown in sight, Dan became chairman of D.A. Stuart Oil Co. He established the Daniel Giannini Bursary in 1998  to be granted to students enrolled in the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine to provide financial assistance with tuition fees in order to further education in the medical field.

The family will receive friends at the Dodsworth and Brown Funeral Home, 2241 New Street, Burlington, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, 28 August 2003.[khAug2015} [zsp]

MBE Citation

Lieutenant Giannini, 1 Canadian Drilling Company, was employed with his section in the rehabilitation of the Florence water supply from 12 August 1944 to 24 August 1944. During the early stages the work was constantly harassed by shell fire and snipers from the north bank to with the enemy had withdrawn. On 15 August certain special fittings were urgently required and civilian information disclosed that these could only be obtained from a store located in front of our forward patrols on the north bank. Without hesitation Lieutenant Giannini undertook this dangerous journey and although British and German patrol clashes were being fought some 200 yards to his flank he found a way through to the store and brought back the essential fittings. Lieutenant Giannini successfully repeated this journey later in the day. His action resulted in re-opening the water supply to the city of Florence where conditions were serious. But for Lieutenant Giannini's inspiring and hard working example, showing complete disregard for danger, this vital supply would not have been completed in the time available.

Also see the article Kirkland Lake War Hero: Daniel Giannini by Bernie Jaworsk published in 2013.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Ernest V. Evans (Ret’d) on 13 August 2003 in Kelowna, BC at the age of 91 years. 

Ernest was a Second World War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #26 in Kelowna. ^{{dcJun2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Frederick E. Davis (Ret’d) of Calgary AB on 13 August 2003 at the age of 85 years.

Frederick was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch #285 in Calgary. ^{{dcJan18gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Howard Edward Hanson suddenly at the Lodge-at-Broadmead Residential Care Home for Veterans, in Victoria BC on 11 August 2003 at the age of 82.

Howard was born in The Pas MB and spent his early years in Cormorant Lake MB.  He participated in all the traditional activities of the North as part of his Cree ancestry.  He was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  While serving in Northwest Europe, he was severely wounded by mortar fire and was returned to Canada.  After demobilisation, Howard moved to Lynn Lake, MB and was employed with Sherritt Gordon Mines for 25 years.  He was an active member of the community.  He retired in Victoria, BC in the late 1970s.

 A memorial service will be held on 15 August at 12:00 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #172, 622 Admirals Road, Victoria, BC.  ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Beverly “Bev” Wells Snyder, MiD, (Ret’d) at Rockyview General Hospital in Calgary, AB on 01 August 2003* at the age of 85.

Bev was born in Toronto, ON yet he considered himself a true Calgarian, having attended the first Calgary Stampede in 1912. He was educated at Ramsay Elementary, East Calgary High School, and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he received his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering in 1931 as a member of a class of seven.  Bev’s first job was with the City of Calgary as a surveyor of what is now Glenmore Dam.  In November1933 he commenced employment with Canadian Western Natural Gas Company and retired forty years later.  In 1968 he was appointed their Vice President, Engineering and Rates Administration, a position he held to retirement. He helped engineer the original gas distribution system in Alberta and became a gas-rates expert at hearings before the Public Utilities Board.

Bev was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1939 to 1945.  He originally served with the 13th Field Company, and later as a Captain at Canadian Army Headquarters where his expertise at reading aerial photographs was instrumental in efforts to open the Port of Antwerp, which eventually led to liberation of The Netherlands.  He was Mentioned in Dispatches for his work in the interpretation of air photographs for the planning of engineer operations. The work involved continuous and most exacting effort over long periods and the information he produced assisted his superior officers to make decisions and produce the sound plans which resulted in the liberation of Belgium and Holland with the minimum expenditure of lives.  He was also decorated by the Governments of Belgium and The Netherlands in recognition of significant contributions to the liberation of their countries. 

Bev had life-memberships in the Engineering Institute of Canada, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta and the Canadian Gas Association.  He had a fifty-plus year career as a Mason (and Past Master of King George Masonic Lodge, Calgary) and a Honourary 33rd Degree Member of the Scottish Rite.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Avenue S.W., Calgary on 27 August at 12:30 p.m. following a private, family graveside ceremony.   Donations may be made to Scarboro United Church or to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada, 433 Marlborough Way N.E., Calgary.   In living memory, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial Chapel.  ^{{gdOct2016kh}}

* exact date of death unknown

We regret to advise of the death of Hazen Maxwell “Max” Richardson at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen, NB on 31 July 2003 in his 80^th year. 

Max was born in St. Stephen where he developed boat building skills with this grandfather. As a young man, Max traveled to Ontario, worked in the steel mills and graduated from Central Technical College in Toronto as a bricklayer. Returning to New Brunswick, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in Fredericton, NB in 1942. Max was a veteran of the Second World War who served overseas and returned to Canada in 1946.

After the war, Max worked for many years as a masonry contractor.  In 1973 he became maintenance supervisor for School District No. 23, a position he held until his retirement in 1989. Max was a Freemason in Victoria Lodge No. 26 and rose to the office of Worshipful Master in 1969. He was awarded an emblem for outstanding service in 1972. Max was also a member of the Queen Mary Chapter No. 4 of the Order of the Eastern Star.  He also served as District Deputy Grand Master, District 5 of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of New Brunswick.

Max’s funeral service will be held at the S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home in St. Stephen on 2 August. Interment will be at the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery. ^{[dcNov2017gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Bernard MacMullin on 30 July 2003 at the age of 77.

Bernard served with The Royal Canadian Engineers and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, The Sappers Club and Northgate Lions Seniors Association.

Visitation will be on 1 August at Park Memorial Chapel, 111 Avenue, Edmonton AB followed by a Memorial Service the following day.  A mass will be held at a later date.  Donations may be made to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, c/o Heart Function Stabilization Clinic, Room 2111 ATC, 10240 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9. ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant John William Wills, CD (Ret’d) at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Coquitlam BC on 24 July 2003 at the age of 80 years.

John was born in Ponoka, AB. He was a veteran of the Second World War. He joined the Canadian Army in 1940 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in the UK and Europe.  At the end of the war he remained in Germany as part of the Occupation Force. When he returned to Canada, he stayed in the Army Permanent Force.

In 1950, John joined 57^th Field Squadron while it was being formed in Chilliwack, BC using officers and senior Non-Commissioned Officers from 23^rd Field Squadron while new recruits and reservists filled the ranks. After months of training in Fort Lewis in Washington State, 57^th Field Squadron boarded troop ships in Seattle on 17 April 1951 and spent the next year in Korea. John returned and continued to serve in the Royal Canadian Engineers in various locations across Canada including Camp Borden and the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) in Chilliwack, BC. 

John was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery in 1965 in recognition of his quick reactions when a recruit at RCSME dropped a grenade in the bay. John pounced on the grenade and threw it over a safety barrier seconds only before it exploded. The commendation read "His prompt action at considerable risk to his own life was instrumental in saving the recruit from death or very serious injury.” 

After retiring, John stayed in BC.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #119 in Port Moody, BC.

There will be no service by request. In lieu of flowers, a donation in John's memory may be made to the charity of your choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William E. Broadhagen (Ret’d) on 23 July 2003 in the Plummer Memorial Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, ON in his 85^th year.

William was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #25.

Visitation will be at the Northwood Funeral Home, 942 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie on 28 July from noon until the time of funeral and committal service in the Chapel at 1:00 PM.  Memorial donations may be made to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation.  ^{{gdFeb2017dc} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sgt Lloyd A. Landry on 22 July 2003 at the age of 46 after a lengthy illness.

Sgt Landry was a Construction Technician who served 26 years in the Canadian Forces. He served in CFSME Chilliwack, CFS Debert, 1 CER Chilliwack, CFEMET Toronto, CFB Lahr, CFB Ottawa, CFSU Ottawa, 1 CER Det Edmonton, CFB Halifax, and participated in three United Nations peacekeeping tours in Syria, Visoko Bosnia - Herzogovina and Kosovo.

Funeral services for Sgt Landry will be held in St. John The Baptist Roman Catholic Church in River Bourgeois, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia at 10: 00 AM on Friday 25 July 2003. Burial in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Medical Day Unit, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax or the Lung Association of Nova Scotia. Online condolences at: info@haverstocks.com. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Joseph Gilles Lafontaine CD, (Ret’d) at home on 19 July 2003 after a long illness.

Gilles was born in 1942 in Kenmore, ON. He enrolled in the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers in Ottawa, ON in May 1960 and trained at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC. From there he was posted to 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa, ON. After three years he left the military only to return a year later as a Military Policeman serving in Camp Borden, ON followed by Longue Pointe Garrison in Montreal. QC.

In 1967 Gilles remustered back to the Military Engineers and was posted to 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB and a year later to 4 Field Squadron in Fort Victoria, Werl, Germany. This was followed between 1971 and 1986 with several back and forth postings between 5 Escadron du Génie de Combat in Valcartier and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, finally returning in 1986 to 5 Régiment du Génie de Combat in Valcartier from where he retired from the Regular Force in 1990. However, Gilles continued to serve as a reservist with 10 Escadron du Génie in Quebec City, QC for four years.

In retirement Gilles worked for La Société SNC Lavalin Engineering in the decontamination of military ranges in Eastern Canada. In addition he qualified as a long haul heavy transport driver. In 1999 he took his final retirement and settled in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier near Quebec City where he took up gardening and did volunteer work for his church.

Visitations will be at Claude Charest Funeral Services, 21 Jolicoeur Street, Sainte-Catherine-de-Jacques-Cartier, QC on 22 and 23 July. Funeral service will be at Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier Church in St Catherine on 23 July. Cremation to follow with the ashes to be buried in St Albert, ON. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Quebec Region, 1040 Belvédère avenue, Sillery QC. ^{{gdJan2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert R. Busche (Ret’d) on 19 July 2003 in Hagersville, ON at the age of 77 years.

Robert was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #164 in Hagersville.  ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zsd, zcc,, zsd, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph William DiMarco (Ret’d) of Etobicoke ON on 13 July 2003 at the age of 80 years.

Joseph was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Coronation Branch #286 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Etobicoke. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise the death of Gervace William Huestis (Ret'd) in Toronto, ON, on 8 July 2003 at the age of 85 years.

Gervace was born and raised in Toronto. He was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Canada from November 1944 until May 1946.

Before the war, Gervace had started a career in professional golf as a caddy and then served as Assistant Professional at the Ladies Golf Club in Thornhill, ON from 1938 to 1940. In 1940, he married and took a steady job with the Canadian Postal Service. Gervace ontinued to work for the Postal Service until his retirement in 1973 after which he continued to work at a golf course owned by his son and daughter-in-law for several years. ^{{dcOct19 wrd} [zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Austin (Ret’d) of Whycocomagh, NS at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, NS on 5 July 2003 at the age of 79.

Robert was born in Des Moines, Iowa, USA.  He was a WW II veteran who served overseas in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  In 2002 Robert was one of the veterans who received the Netherlands Commemorative Medal as a thank-you from the Dutch government for liberating their country.  Robert was a retired postmaster with Canada Post in Whycocomagh. He was a Life Member and former President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #123 in Whycocomagh. 

Robert was active in many service clubs throughout his life -- a past Zone Commander of  Sircom Masonic Lodge 66; a 25-year member of the Scottish Rite; a charter member and past president of the Causeway Shrine Club;  and past president of Whycocomagh CO-OP. 

Visitation will take place in the Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Whycocomagh on 7 July 7:00 to 9:00 PM and 8 July 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM including a Masonic Service at 7:00 PM.  A funeral service will be held at the Stewart United Church with interment in the Stewartdale Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to the Shriner's Children's Travel Fund or a charity of one’s choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at: info@haverstocks.com.  ^{{dcJan2017gd} [zpp, zpi,zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Robert H. Balcom (Ret’d) in the Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital, Sheet Harbour, NS on 2 July 2003 at the age of 71.

Robert was born in Port Dufferin, NS.  He joined the army as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Korea with 59th Field Squadron and in Werl, Germany.  He left the Army in 1955 and worked in construction until his retirement.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Courcellette Branch #58 in Sheet Harbour and a trustee of Brookside Hall for 18 years.

Visitation will be 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 -9:00 PM on 4 July with a Legion service at 7:30 PM. and prayers at 8:00 PM, all in D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home, 22558 Main Street, Sheet Harbour.  A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM on 5 July in St. James Anglican Church, Port Dufferin, NS. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. Donations may be made to Port Dufferin Parish. On-line condolences may be sent to crowells@dunmac.com. ^[zpp]

We regret to advise of the death of William Hunt peacefully in Ottawa, ON on 29 June 2003 at the age of 81.

William was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 3^rd Field Company.  He was a former employee of Statistics Canada.

Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair&McGarry, 315 McLeod Street on 2 July from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.  A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 1785 Alta Vista Drive on 3 July at 10 a.m. Interment Notre Dame Cemetery, in Ottawa.  Donations may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses, the Paramed Home Health Care or the Canadian Paraplegic Association.   ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Major General Norman Chalmers Brown DFC, MiD, CD (Ret'd) on 17 June 2003.

Major General Brown enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Toronto in October 1940 and, shortly after completing his pilot training, he joined No.194 Squadron (Royal Air Force) of Air Command, South East Asia in the Andaman Islands of Burma [Myanmar]. He flew two tours of operations in the ranks of Sergeant to Flying Officer in this theatre during the Second World War. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and was mentioned in dispatches for air support to the British 14th Army.

After the war, Norm Brown attended the University of Toronto 1945-49 and rejoined the RCAF as Flight Lieutenant in 1948. Upon completing his engineering degree, he joined No 2 Construction and Maintenance Unit in Calgary as a Project Officer with responsibility for construction projects in the Canadian Arctic. Following this assignment, in 1950 he was posted to Air Training Group, Winnipeg as Staff Officer responsible for Construction Engineering Contract Administration. In 1952 he was promoted to Squadron Leader and posted to Air Force Headquarters in Ottawa where he was in charge of the Mechanical Design Section with the Directorate of Construction Engineering Design. Promoted to Wing Commander in 1956, he was appointed Director of Engineering Construction.

In 1961, he was promoted to Group Captain and returned to Calgary as Commander of RCAF Station Lincoln Park. After this command, Group Captain Brown was posted to Air Force Headquarters in Ottawa in 1964 as Director Construction Engineering Control followed by his appointment as Director General Works. Promoted to Air Commodore in 1966, he served as Director General Quartering 1966-68 and Director General Construction 1968-70.

With Integration of the Canadian Forces, he became the second Canadian Military Engineer in the most senior CME position of Deputy Chief Construction Engineering (later renamed Chief of Construction and Properties) and the CME Branch Co-Advisor 1970 - 1974. He was Promoted to Major General in 1973.

Major General Brown retired on completion of this appointment and worked on several international construction projects. His post- CF career saw MGen Brown as Chief Engineer overseeing the building of the Trans-Botswana Highway, the installation of lighting systems on 17 airfields in Burma with Canadian International Development Agency, and construction of the urban waste system in Kingston, Jamaica.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday June 24, 2003 at 1:00pm at Sands Funeral Chapel, One Newcastle Ave. Nanaimo, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.^{khApr2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Lance-Corporal Harold E Gullett (Ret’d) on 19 June 2003 at City Hospital in Saskatoon SK at the age of 83 years.

Harold was born in Alpha SK and started his schooling in Ohio. He was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War. Harold was a member of the Dr. Harold Anderson Memorial TVS Branch #78 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Saskatoon.

Harold is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Saskatoon. 

We regret to advise the unexpected death of Sergeant Harold V. Erickson (Ret’d) on 13 June 2003 in Dryden, ON at the age of 54 years.

Harold served in the Canadian Military Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 63 in Dryden.

Visitation will take place on 17 June from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Stevens Funeral Homes, Moffat Chapel.  Services will be held 18 June at 2:00 PM at St. Luke's Anglican Church, Dryden. Branch #63 of the Royal Canadian Legion will conduct a Veteran's Memorial Service.  Cremation will follow and interment of ashes will take place at a later time.  Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Mortgage Fund. ^{{dcOct17gd} [zsd, zcc]}