CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Ronald “Ron” Cecil Paris CD (Ret’d) peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital, Ottawa, ON on 7 December 2003 at the age of 89.

Ron was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1940-1946 finishing the war with the rank of Captain in the 1 Canadian Works Section of the Canadian Army Occupation Forces.  After the war, he enlisted in the Permanent Force and served as Commanding Officer of 17 Works Company in Whitehorse, YK from 1951 to 1954.  In 1957 to 1958 he commanded 1 Field Squadron in Camp Petawawa, ON.

Internment will take place on 9 December in the Beechwood Military Cemetery in Ottawa.  Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdDec2016kh} [zsd,zcc,zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Hugh Roberts Forsythe (Ret'd) of Wetaskiwin, SK on 7 December 2003 at the age of 86 years.

Hugh was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War and was a Life Member of the Wetaskiwin Branch #86 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Hugh’s Funeral Service was held on 12 December at 2:00 PM at the Baker Funeral Chapel.  He is buried in the Wetaskiwin Memorial Cemetery.  Memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, Wetaskiwin Chapter or to the charity of one's choice. ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant David Munro Scullion (Retired) on 3 December 2003 in Chilliwack, BC.

David served in the British Army prior to moving to Canada and joining the Royal Canadian Engineers. Many will recall him from his tour with the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in the early 1960s.

After retirement from the Canadian Forces he served with Corrections Canada. Funeral Mass was held on 9 December 2003. 

We regret to advise of the death of Omer Joseph Arsenault of Richibucto, NB on 30 November 2003 at the age of 85 years.

Omer was born in Adamsville, NB.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served five years in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he returned to Richibucto where he taught in the old Richibucto Grammar School for two years and served as the Postmaster of Richibucto for 32 years afterward.  He was the Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of Oaths for the community.  

Omer was active in community organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the Richibucto Lion's Club,  and Club d'age d'Or de Richibucto.  He was also the organist choir director for St-Louis-de-Gonzague Church in Richibucto for over 60 years.  Omer was a Life Member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #30 in Richibucto and past Commander of the Northumberland-Kent District of the Royal Canadian Legion.  For all his work in the community, Omer was awarded the Centennial Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, the 125^th Anniversary Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

Omer is resting at Thompson's Funeral Home,  Richibucto with visitation on  3 December from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM, 4 December from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM and 5 December from 2:00 PM until time of funeral at 4:00 PM.  The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Louis de Gonzague Roman Catholic Church, Richibucto with interment to take place in church cemetery.   ^{[dcSep19gd} [ zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Charles Spencer Nicoll P.Eng., RCE (Retired) on 27 November 2003.

Charlie was born and raised in Mira Gut, Cape Breton and graduated from Acadia and Nova Scotia Tech. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War in appointments that included Command of 6 Field Company and 2 Canadian Works Section. After the war, he worked with the Canadian International Development Agency. 

Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 3000 Woodroffe Avenue (south of Fallowfield Rd.) on Sunday, 30 November from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Monday, 1 December, to St. Patrick's Church, Fallowfield, for Mass of Christian Funeral at 10:30 a.m. In Memoriam donations to the charity of your choice appreciated. 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Richard Fletcher (Ret'd) in Saskatoon, SK on 23 November 2003 at the age of 84 years.

Richard was born in Farmingdale, SK.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served overseas in the Royal Canadian Engineers where he married an English woman and returned to Canada to live in Kelvington, SK.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion of the Kelvington Branch #19. Richard is buried in the Kelvington Cemetery. ^{{dcJan19gd} [ zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Edmond Bélanger (Ret’d) from Thetford Mines, QC on 20 November 2003 at the age of 83 years.

Edmond was a Second World War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member and former President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Thetford Mines.

A religious service will be held at the St-Alphonse de Thetford Mines church. ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpi]}

We regret to advise of the death of another Engineer First World War veteran. The Reverend Cyril Edward Martin died on 17 Nov 2003 at the age of 103 in the Mewburn Veterans Centre in Edmonton, AB. Cyril Martin was born in February 1900 near London, England. His family emigrated to Canada in 1907 and settled in Verdun, QC.

When war broke out in 1914, Cyril went to work in a munitions factory and when a Navy recruiter visited his factory he convinced Cyril to join up. However, as Cyril was only 15 his father had him taken out of the Navy as soon as he found out. But it was impossible to keep dreams of 'adventure' out of a young man's head and Cyril tried next to join the Army. While the army recruiters knew he was lying about his age, Cyril was enlisted and sent overseas. By his 16^th birthday, Cyril was already in France with the Canadian Army Expeditionary Force. He was assigned to the 7^th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops and was in action at Ypres and Passchendaele where he laid track from the rear areas over the shell-holes and up to the trenches in order to bring forward the ammunition, rations and other supplies. Cyril contracted trench fever and became so ill that he was sent to England to recover. He spent the rest of the war with a young boys' regiment in England and returned home to Canada when the war ended.

For Cyril, however, peace was hard to find. He had been deeply religious when he went overseas but the war had shaken his faith. However, the goodness in human nature that he remembered became the focus of Cyril's life and in 1919 he decided to become a minister. He attended Toronto Bible College for several years and moved to Saskatchewan to preach. Attending St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, in 1929 he was ordained as a United Church minister. When war broke out again in 1939 Cyril re-enlisted in the army - this time as a chaplain assigned to the 7^th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, stationed in England.

After the war, Cyril continued to work in a military hospital in England. Through his life, Cyril spent 55 years as a minister before retiring in 1968 from full-time work, 50 years as a Legion member, and 50 years as a Mason. Well past his 90^th birthday, Cyril was invited by the governments of Canada and France in 1997 to attend the 80^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. He visited Vimy and Passchendaele and received the Legion of Honour from the French people. The Chaplain General of the Canadian Forces authorized the awarding of Canadian Forces Chaplain's Coin in December 2002. In Jun 2003 he was presented with the Queen's Jubilee Medal and, in October, St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon awarded him with a Bachelor of Theology degree.

A memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on 26 November 2003 at St. Andrew's United Church, 9915 148 St, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cyril Martin's memory may be made to the Mewburn Veterans Centre or the Bissel Centre.^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Robert Donald Bingeman (Ret’d) on 16 November 2003 at St. Mary's Hospital in Kitchener, ON at the age of 79 years.

Robert was born and lived most of his life in New Hamburg, ON.  He was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he had a 26-year career with the Ontario Ministry of Transport Roads Department prior to his retirement.  Robert was a member the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #532 New Hamburg and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, London ON.  He was also involved in the former New Hamburg Turf Club and had worked with the Agricultural Society in the Horse Racing Section.

Visitation will take place at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street on 18 November from 7:00 – 9:00 PM and 19 November from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  The funeral service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hamburg on 20 November at 2:00 PM.  Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery, New Hamburg.  Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Scholarship Fund or St. Mary's Hospital.  A Legion service will be held on 19 November at 6:45 PM at the funeral home.  ^{{dcFeb2017gd}  [zpp, zsd]} 

We regret to advise of the death of Percy Baker "Pete" Pratt on 14 November 2003.

Pete was a Locomotive Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers Railway Troops during the Second World War - transporting supplies and personnel throughout Europe. After the war, Peter worked with Canadian National Railways and retired as a CNR engineer in the mid-1970s. He remained active and interested in his church, gardening, woodworking, and community activities for many years before moving to Fredericton in 2001, where he resided in the Veterans Health Facility.

A graveside committal service will be held in the summer of 2004 in Campbellton, NB. The family would appreciate memorial gifts be made to Atlantic Baptist University, Box 6004, Moncton, NB E1C 9L7 or the Endowment Fund of Greenwood Drive United Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3637, Station B, Fredericton, NB E3A 5L7. ^{khMar2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Robert MacDonald Murphy, CD (Retired) on 14 November 2003.

Robert served in the Royal Canadian Air Force Fire Service from October 1948 until January 1969, retiring as a Warrant Officer.

In accordance with Robert's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Robert's life was held on 18 November. There will be a family service in Vancouver, BC on 29 November. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John Bohun (Ret’d) peacefully in Ladysmith, BC on 12 November 2003 at the age of 85 years.

John was born in Krydor, SK.  He was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #171 in Ladysmith, BC.

Prayers will be held on 16 November at 7:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ladysmith with a funeral mass the following day at 11:00 AM.  Interment will be in the Ladysmith Cemetery. ^{} [zpp, dcFeb2017gd{zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Ralph K. Porter in Ottawa ON on 7 November 2003 at the age of 80.

Ralph was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 2^nd Battalion.  He was a member of the Corps of Commissionaires as well as a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Visitation will be at the Kelly Funeral Home, 2370 St-Joseph Blvd, Orleans ON on 12 November from 7 to 9 p.m.  Members of the Royal Canadian Legion will assemble for Service at 7 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on 13 November at 11 a.m. at Redeemer Alliance Church, 4825 Innes Road.  Donations may be made to the Redeemer Alliance Church.  ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John Donald “John D” Bowie (Ret’d) from Lower West River, NS on 6 November 2003 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, NS at the age of 85 years.

John a was a veteran of the Second World War who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers in North Africa, Italy and Continental Europe.   He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Arras Branch #59 in Antigonish.  He was a respected bricklayer throughout the Antigonish area and was a member of the Bricklayers’ Union.  He also was a director of the Bergengren Credit Union and member of Holy Name Society and Atlantic Retired Sappers. 

Visitation will be at the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish 8 November from 7:00 – 9:00 PM and 9 November 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  Funeral service will be conducted on 10 November 10:00 in St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish.  Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made to the Anthony Daniel Bowie Bursary Fund at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional School, 105 Braemore Ave, Antigonish. On-line condolences at: www.clcurry.com.  ^{{gdFeb2017dc} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of George Sneddon who passed away 2 November 2003.

George was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1924 and served in the Royal and Merchant Navies in the Second World War. One of the most memorable events of George's naval career occurred during the war as the ship he was on was involved in hunting down the German Battleship "Bismarck". He emigrated to Canada in 1948 and first worked on the Canadian Pacific Steam Ship "Princess Louise" on the Alaska run.

George joined the Canadian Forces in 1949 and served 25 years as an RCE Administrative Clerk with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Chilliwack, Whitehorse, Germany and with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt. A longtime resident of Cultus Lake, upon retiring from the Forces in 1974 George served as a prison guard with Federal Corrections for 12 years and fully retired in 1986.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday 8 November 2003 at 3:00 PM from the Chapel at Woodlawn Mount Cheam Funeral Home 45865 Hocking Ave. Chilliwack, BC. A Memorial Tea will follow In lieu of flowers, donations in George's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Fund. ^[zpp]

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph A. Dargus (Ret’d) of Kirkland Lake ON on 1 November 2003 at the Sensenbrenner Hospital in Kapuskasing ON at the age of 82 years.

Joseph was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Kirkland Lake Branch #87.

At the family's request there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will follow in the spring at the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. ^{{dcJan18gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

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}}