CME Family Last Post

Our Last Post feature aims to notify colleagues of the passing of a comrade and to publish a short summary of their career and accomplishments to honour those who have served our country who died after 1 January 2000. As we receive news of the death of a member of the CME Family, we post an obituary along with funeral details and family wishes. We have done our best to ensure their completeness, with a focus on each person's service records and notable accomplishments.

Last Posts by Year: You can do a quick scan of our entries listed by year of death by clicking here.

Last Posts by Name: You can get an alphabetical listing of entries by clicking here.

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William “Bill” Fenton

We regret to advise of the death of William “Bill” Fenton of Port Coquitlam, BC on 24 February 2002 at the age of 83 years.

Bill joined the Army in Newfoundland and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #133 in Port Coquitlam.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 PM on 1 March from Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Road, Coquitlam.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. {dcOct17gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]

Spr Dominic Joseph Calaiezzi (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Dominic Joseph Calaiezzi (Ret'd) on 20 February 2002 in Cochrane, ON at the age of 85 years.

Dominic was born in Cochrane and grew up on a nearby farm.  He attended trade school and worked as a mechanic in Toronto before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Toronto in June 1942. After training in Petawawa and England he was posted to 29th Field Company in the 2nd Canadian Corps and served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was qualified as a Wireless Telegraph Operator, Driver/Mechanic "B", and Driver for Self-Propelled Vehicles.

In February 1945, while on a bridge demolition task, Dominic was badly wounded and not expected to live. He was evacuated to England and by the time he recovered, the war had ended. He was sent back to Canada to be discharged after a long period of rehabilitation in Toronto.

On returning to Cochrane, Dominic worked as a mechanic started his own garage business. He then went on to work for the Ministry of Transportation as a mechanic and attended College in Detroit to learn diesel mechanics. Dominic returned to Cochrane in his later years and was active in many community activities including as a court usher. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #89 in Cochrane for many years.

Dominic is buried in the Cochrane Civic Cemetery. [dcMar17gd}[zbd]

Sgt J. J. J. Michel Forget, CD

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant J. J. J. Michel Forget, CD on 14 February 2002 in Kingston, ON at 39 years of age. Michel had served in the Canadian Military Engineers as a firefighter and was selected for remuster to a Communications Trade. Michel died unexpectedly while undergoing this training. {gdMay2019dc} [zpp. zsd, zbd]

Arthur E. Cutts

We regret to advise of the death of Arthur E. Cutts at the Golden Door Nursing Home in Winnipeg, MB on 11 February 2002 at the age of 85 years.

Arthur was born in Beulah, MB and moved into Winnipeg in the early 1920s with his family where he lived his early years. He enlisted in the Army in September 1939 and served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers until his discharge in 1945.  Returning to Winnipeg, he was employed by the Canadian National Railway for most of his working life - retiring in 1981. He and his family lived their entire life in a house he built.  Arthur was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Fort Garry Branch #90.

A funeral service will be held on 15 February at 10:00 a.m. in Green Acres Funeral Chapel, Hwy #1 East at Green Acres Lane.  Interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba. {dcOct2017gd} [zpp, zsd]

Capt Gerald William Graham, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Gerald William Graham, CD (Ret'd) of Ottawa ON, on 9 February 2002 at the age of 83 years.

Gerald was born and raised in Ottawa and, except for his time in the Canadian Army, spent most of his life there. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War who enlisted in 1941. He was promoted to Captain in 1945 and transferred to the Permanent Force after demobilization. Gerard's post-war service include the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack BC where he was the Chief Instructor from 1957 to 1958, and as Career Manager in National Defence Headquarters in 1960. Gerard retired from the Canadian Forces in 1969. 

 

Capt Kenneth Brown (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Kenneth Henry Brown, RCE (Retired) on 7 February 2002 in Kingston. ON.

Ken was originally an Engineer Accountant and was then Commissioned from the Ranks. He was with Trades Training Squadron at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in the 1960s where he is also remembered for his work with the late Major Fred Swinnard in setting up the Royal Canadian Engineers Museum.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Paul's Anglican Church Building Fund or to the Kingston Regional Cancer Centre. 

MCpl James Lyons (Ret'd), CD

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal James David Lyons, CD (Retired) on 7 February 2002 at the age of 63.

Jim started his career with the Black Watch in Nova Scotia and then served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Chilliwack, Germany and Gagetown. He retired in 1988 from the Canadian Armed Forces after serving for 32 years and was then employed with the Ammunition Depot at the Camp McGivney in New Brunswick.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 11, 2002 at 11 am from the St. James The Greater Anglican Church, Ludlow, NB. Interment will take place in the St. James The Greater Anglican Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the St. James The Greater Anglican Church, Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick or to a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Spr James Francis “Jim” Callaghan, P.Eng., (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper James Francis “Jim” Callaghan, P.Eng., (Ret’d) at the Moncton, NB Hospital on 29  January  2002 at the age of 82 years.

Jim graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1941 with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, Jim practised as an engineer and, in 1967, he founded Callaghan Contracting Ltd.  During this time he oversaw the construction and repair of over 60 bridges in the province of New Brunswick.

After retiring in 1988, Jim remained active in the community, church, Knights of Columbus, the International Gathering of the Irish, Commissioner for the Greater Moncton Town Planning Commission, Commissioner for the Moncton Water and Sewerage Commission, member and Past President of the Moncton Probus and Gyro Clubs. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #6 in Moncton.

Visitation will take place at the Tuttle Brothers Funeral Home in Moncton on 31 January from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM.  A funeral mass will be celebrated from St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, Moncton on 1 February at 11:00 AM with interment in Our Lady of Calvary Roman Catholic Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made to The Ray of Hope Needy Kitchen Inc., or to a charity of one’s choice.  {dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zcc, zpi, zsp]

Lt Col Sydney Frederick Dadson, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Sydney Frederick Dadson, Royal Canadian Engineers (Ret'd) on 26 January 2002.

Sydney went overseas with 1 Corps Field Survey Company in January 1940 as a Sapper and by the end of WW II was a Lieutenant in charge of the Reproduction Section. Upon returning to Canada he remained in the Army and joined the Army Survey Establishment. He became the Reproduction Officer and later in the early 1960s, as a Major, was Second-in-Command of the unit. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, Sydney had an assignment with the Canadian International Development Agency to Nigeria to assist that country in setting up its map reproduction program. After his retirement, he had a similar assignment to Pakistan.

Visitation will at the Kelly Funeral Home, 2313 Carling Avenue, Ottawa ON on 29 January with the funeral at Our Lady of Fatima Church on 30 January followed by internment at Capital Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to the Ottawa Regional Heart Institute or Lisaard House Cancer Hospice, Cambridge, ON. {gdNov2015kh}

Sgt Frank Plank, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Frank Plank, CD (Ret'd) who passed away unexpectedly on 23 January 2002 in Kelowna, BC.

Frank joined the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Sapper Apprentice in July 1953, commencing training with Apprentice Training Squadron 2nd Intake at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Camp Chilliwack. Graduating in 1955, he was posted to 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa, ON. This tour included summer projects working on construction at Canadian Forces Station Alert, in Canada's High Arctic. Frank was then posted to 4 Field Squadron, Fort Victoria, Germany in 1957 and returned to 1 Field Squadron in 1960.

During this second 1 Field Squadron posting, he served a tour with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Egypt. In 1968, he left 1 Field Squadron to join 1 Airborne Field Squadron with the newly formed Airborne Regiment in Edmonton, AB. In 1976, Frank was posted to the Training Standards Squadron at the Canadian at Forces School of Military Engineering, Chilliwack where he retired in 1978 at the rank of Sergeant - completing 25 years of service. In retirement, Frank also returned to CFSME as Class 'C' Reserve with Field Engineering Training Squadron.

Sgt Joseph "Jim" Martel (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Joseph Marshall "Jim" Martel (Ret'd) in his 76th year in Vanier, ON 20 January 2002.

Sgt Martel served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1947 - 1964 when he retired at the rank of Sergeant.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Diabetes Association would be appreciated. [zsd, zcc, zpp]

Metro “Mike” Balanko

We regret to advise of the death of Metro “Mike” Balanko on 20 January 2002 at the Central Peace General Hospital in Spirit River, AB at the age of 81 years.

Mike was born in Smokey Lake AB. He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Northwest Europe.  He was discharged in September 1945.  Mike was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #235 in Eaglesham, AB.

Mike is buried in Eaglesham.  {dcMar2018gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]

Camber "Cam" Hill

We regret to advise of the death of William Camber Norris "Cam" Hill, RCE (Ret'd) on 17 Jan 2002 at the age of 80.

Born in Vancouver, Cam underwent training with the Royal Canadian Engineers at A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre at Camp Chilliwack, BC and proceeded overseas. Medical problems required his return to Canada where he trained as an RCE Electrician and returned overseas.

Cam returned to Canada in 1946 when, upon demobilization, he became a farmer and raised game birds. 

Sgt Ronald Roberts (Ret'd)

We regret to advise that Sergeant Ronald Roberts passed away from a heart attack on 10 January 2002.

Ron Roberts spent most of his career in the Royal Canadian Engineer Field Squadrons; Chilliwack in 1957, then Camp Gagetown until 1963, Germany for 1963-1966, and Petawawa from 1966 until his retirement. Many will remember Ron from his days in 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa and 4 Field Squadron in Germany.

His funeral will be held on Monday, 14 January at 1:00 PM from the Davidson's Funeral Home, 134 Clarence Street, Port Colbourne, Ontario. For those who wish, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 

John E. Elves

We regret to advise of the death of John E. Elves in Victoria BC on 9 January 2002. 

John was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Victoria.  {gdJul2018dc}  [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]

Eric Andrews

We regret to advise of the death of Eric Watson Andrews on 7 January 2002 at the age of 84.

Eric was a Second World War Royal Canadian Engineer veteran.

Eric's funeral was held on 11 January at Newcastle Bridge, NB. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eric's memory to the New Brunswick Lung Association, Multiple Sclerosis Association, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 12, or a charity of choice. 

Sgt Bob Castle (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Bob Castle (Ret'd) on 7 January 2002.

Bob was originally a member of the Lord Strathcona's Horse but joined the Canadian Military Engineers in Calgary in 1980 when he remustered to Construction Engineering Procedures Technician. Bob spent quite a while in Chilliwack and then went to Halifax where he was promoted to Sergeant. He returned to Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack for a tour with the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) and also had a six-month assignment at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School while in CFB Chilliwack. Bob retired from CFSME in 1995 at the rank of Sergeant.

Bob was an excellent graphic artist who specialized in cartoons. Instead of course photos, he would often be asked to draw cartoon characters of course personnel as these were more popular. Many of his works made it into military newspapers. {khMar2016}

BGen Edward Howard "Ted" Webb, DSO, MiD, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise that Brigadier General Edward Howard "Ted" Webb, DSO, MiD,CD passed peacefully at home on 6 January 2002, at the age of 88 years.

Brigadier Webb was born in Simcoe ON. He started his military career with the Grey & Simcoe Foresters and then joined the 7th (Reserve) Field Company, RCE, of the Non-Permanent Active Militia before joining the Canadian Army Active Service Force in September 1939 upon the outbreak of the Second World War. During the War, Major Webb commanded 4th Field Company, 7th Field Company, 2nd Field Park Company and 14th Field Company. Promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel during the Italian Campaign, he was appointed Commander, Royal Canadian Engineers of the 1st Canadian Division and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his direction of the engineer work. He continued in that appointment during the Division's advance across the Rhineland.

After the war, Lieutenant Colonel Webb served as Officer Commanding 2 Works Company in Toronto, District Engineer of Military District 2 and then Command Engineer of Central Command. Colonel Webb was Army Chief Engineer 1954-58 and was appointed Military Attaché in Moscow in 1959. Promoted to Brigadier in 1962, he commanded the Northwest Highway System 1962-63 and then became Deputy Quartermaster General (Works and Quartering) for the Army.

For those who wish, donations to the charity of choice would be appreciated.

Spr Edgar J Giberson (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Edgar J Giberson (Ret'd) of Plaster Rock NB on 5 January 2002 at the age of 90 years.

Edgar was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War.

Visitation was at the Tobique Chapel in Plaster Rock on 8 Jan 2002. The funeral was held at Tobique Chapel. Interment was in the Plaster Rock Community Cemetery. There was a Legion Memorial service held at the chapel on 7 Jan 2002 at 7 :30 PM. {dcFeb20wrd} [zcc, zpp]

George Doucette

We regret to advise of the death of George Jerome Doucette in Halifax on 24 December 2001 at the age of 85.

George was a veteran of the Second World War, serving overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers and taking part in the D-Day landing at Normandy. He retired in 1976 from Windsor Park, NS.

George's funeral was held on 28 December in Halifax, with internment in Lower Sackville In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's memory to the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Queen Elizabeth II, or a charity of choice. 

Lt-Col Harold William Ball, MBE, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Harold William Ball, MBE, CD (Ret'd) of Santa Barbara CA on 17 December 2001 at the age of 82 years.

Harold was born in Consort, AB to an American father and an English mother. In 1927, the family moved to Monterey CA  where Harold completed high school and junior college. He returned to Canada in 1938 and in 1941 entered the University of British Columbia to study engineering. He served in the Canadian Officers Training Corps at UBC and on graduating in 1944, was commissioned as a lieutenant into the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was sent to Northwest Europe and received a Mention in Dispatches recognising gallant and courageous service. 

He stayed in the Canadian Army after the war, and in  October 1951, then-Major Ball took command of the 57th Field Squadron in Korea. He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his outstanding service in Korea. The Squadron completed its Korean service in May 1952 and returned to Canada. Even in that short period, Harold made a considerable contribution, leading the Squadron through a particularly arduous winter and bringing them safely home to Canada in May 1952. Maj Ball received the Canadian Forces Decoration in 1954. On promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel, he served as DA&QMG in Alberta Area HQ. The modern equivalent position would be G4. After serving in the Canadian Army, he returned to California. He worked as an engineer after retirement and travelled extensively in the Middle East including five years in Saudi Arabia.

Harold William Ball is buried in the Santa Barbara Cemetery.

Robert Perry Hetherington

We regret to advise of the death of Robert Perry Hetherington of Cody NB on 11 December 2001 at the age of 87 years.

Robert was born in Sussex NB. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the 11th Field Park Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Youngs Cove Rd. Branch # 60 in Codys and a member of Codys Baptist Church.

At Robert's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. The family will receive relatives and friends at their home on Thursday 13 December from 2:00 until 4:00 PM. The burial will take place in Hetherington Cemetery in Codys. Donations made to the charity of the donor's choice will be appreciated by the family. 

WO Allen Edward Pfeifer, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Allen Edward Pfeifer, CD (Ret'd) on 9 December 2001 at the age of 69.

Born in St Boniface, MB, Allen joined the Royal Canadian Navy immediately after completing high school in order to see the world. He was transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1953 and served at bases from coast to coast and overseas. He retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1981 as a Construction Maintenance Technician at the rank of Warrant Officer. After retirement fAl pursued a civilian career in design and construction engineering.

A funeral was held in Bon Accord, AB on 13 December.  If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Alberta Lung Association or a charity of their choice. 

MWO Leonard Adams, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise that Master Warrant Officer Leonard James Adams, CD (Ret'd) passed away 0n 9 December 2001 at the age of 73, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Montreal, QC, Len joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1948. He spent 28 years in the service and retired as a Master Warrant Officer. Len then worked with the CFB Chilliwack Roads and Grounds Section as a civilian until the time of his final retirement.

At Len's request, a private ceremony was held with the immediate family.  If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. {admin}[zsd. zpp]

David Andrew Fulton

We regret to advise that David Andrew Fulton passed away peacefully at his residence on 8 December 2001 at the age of 83.

Born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, David Fulton was one of the small group of 19 soldiers to break ground for the original Camp Chilliwack in Vedder Crossing, BC in 1942. He served during the Second World War and had a full career in the Armed Forces for 37 years, retiring in Chilliwack in 1973.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, 13 December at 1:00 PM. from the chapel of Henderson's Funeral Home, Chilliwack. Cremation to follow. If friends so desire, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. 

Gerald Arnold

We regret to advise of the death of Gerald Arthur Arnold on 7 December 2001 at age 75.

Gerry was a 26-year veteran of the Army Survey Establishment and Mapping and Charting Establishment. Gerry joined the Army Survey Establishment in 1950 and early responsibilities included Party Chief of the Watson Lake-Norman Wells northern survey in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon, leading the Tractor Train survey party out of Fort Nelson, and participating in the trials of the first helicopter survey party. In 1952, he became Chief of Computations and was Chief of Field Division from 1955 to 1963. From 1963 to 1976, he was Production Control Officer and OC Production Squadron. For his last thirteen years of his career, Gerry was responsible for Plans and Development in the Directorate of Cartography and was the Project Manager for The Digital Modernization Project in the mid-70s. Gerry served as Senior Advisor to the Director for the last ten years of his career.

Visitation at Kelly Funeral Home, Walkley Road, Ottawa on 9 December with a service in memory on 10 December at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa on 11 December. In memoriam donations to the Shepherds of Good Hope or The Mission would be appreciated.

S/Sgt George R.A. Moore (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Staff Sergeant George R.A. Moore (Ret’d) of Wawa, ON at the age of 85 years on 29 November 2001.

George was born in Otter Lake, QC. A veteran of the Second World War, George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in October 1943. He served overseas and was discharged on November 1947. 

George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #429 in Wawa for 42 years.   

WO II William "Bill" Simpson

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Second Class William A. (Bill) Simpson, RCE (Ret'd) in his 87th year in Ottawa on Wednesday, 28 November 2001 after a lengthy illness.

Bill was a World War II veteran of 1st Field Company, RCE. He had enlisted as a "boy soldier" in December 1931 and went overseas as Company Quartermaster Sergeant with 1st Field Company RCE. He subsequently served as Quartermaster Sergeant (WOII) at 7(British) Corps and 1 Canadian Corps then transferred to the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps and reached the highest warrant rank of Conductor (WOI). He was commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Regiment, transferred to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Canadian Engineers but eventually came back to the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1946 in his substantive rank of Quartermaster Sergeant (WOII) with the Directorate of Works.

Bill was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Past President of the Montgomery Branch 351 and a much honoured and dedicated volunteer of the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club and Kiwanis. In Memoriam donations to the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club or CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario) would be appreciated by the family. 

Douglas W. Donald

We regret to advise of the death of Douglas W. Donald of Vancouver, BC on 17 November 2001.

Douglas was born and raised in Vancouver. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a veteran of the Second World War.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Grandview Branch #179. {dcMay2019gd} [zpp, zsd, zcc, zbd]

Spr Sheldon Trevor Rogers, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Sheldon Trevor Rogers at the High Crest Nursing Home in Oxford NS on 9 November 2001 at the age of 81 years. Sheldon was born in Little River NS  and grew up in a family of two sisters and five brothers. After school, he worked in the family's lumber business.

On 9 September 1939, the day before Canada officially declared war, Sheldon and two brothers, Emerson and Doug, boarded a train for Halifax to join the army.  All three were assigned to the 1st Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and started their training at Wellington Barracks in Halifax.  They all ended up in the unit’s transport section assigned to the Headquarters Section as motorcyclists.

On 27 January 1940, the company embarked and sailed from Pier 21 in Halifax with a strength of over 270 officers and men for the United Kingdom.  They spent the first years of the war training in England in preparation for the invasion of the continent.  At some point in the war, Sheldon was posted to the 5th Field Company which arrived in England in July 1943. He landed on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944. His unit joined the three field companies of the 3rd Canadian Divisional Engineers in the assault phase of the battle. They later re-joined the 2nd Canadian Corps Troops Engineers and pushed forward on an 11-month campaign taking them through France, Belgium, Holland and into Germany, building bridges, repairing roads and clearing mines.

After the war, Sheldon and his brother Doug returned to the family logging and lumber business.  In 1952, Sheldon joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served until he retired in 1970 when he took over his father's insurance business. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed the outdoors.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Fighting Fifth Sappers Association.

The funeral will be at McDiarmid's Funeral Home in Oxford at 2 PM with burial in the Windham Hill Cemetery.  Donations to the Nova Scotia Lung Association, Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice will be appreciated.

 

 

 

CWO Gilles "Bis" Bissonette (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the recent death of Chief Warrant Officer Gilles (Bis) Bissonette (Ret'd) on 7 November 2001 in Dieppe, NB at the age of 66.

The funeral was held on 10 November. Gilles had a full career as a Construction Maintenance Technician. Donations to the charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family. 

Paul Doonanco

We regret to advise of the death of Paul Doonanco, a RCE veteran of the Second World War and native of Flat Lake AB, on 6 November 2001 at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 80.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 14 November 2001 at 2:00 PM. from Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack, BC. Donations in memory of Paul may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Spr Archie Frank Gardner (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Archie Frank Gardner (Ret'd) of Summerland BC on 19 Oct 2001 at the age of 83 years.

Archie was born in Carnduff SK. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. After the war, he homesteaded in the community of Whitemud Creek, 35 miles from Falher AB before moving to Summerland in 1967.

Archie is buried in the Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton BC. {dcFeb20wd} [zsd. zcc, zpp]

Raymond Walter Carman

We regret to advise of the death of Raymond Walter Carman who passed away peacefully in his sleep on 17 October 2001, at the age of 81 years.

Ray was born in Chilliwack and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. He spent the war period running diesel generator plants for the Army in Victoria, Prince Rupert, and York Island. Ray returned to the farm at the foot of Chilliwack Mountain upon demobilisation and this was to remain his home for the rest of his life.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 20. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Chilliwack Hospital Fund. [zpp,zsd]

James Albert Fyall

We regret to advise of the death of James Albert Fyall of Burnaby, BC on 17 October 2001 at the age of 81 years.

James was born in Indian Head, SK. He a veteran of the Second World War and served in both the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war he married and raised a family in Burnaby, BC. James was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion North Burnaby Branch #148. {dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]

John “Jack” Alexander Marshall

We regret to advise of the death of John “Jack” Alexander Marshall at Thunder Bay, ON Regional Hospital on 5 October 2001 at the age of 82 years. 

John enlisted in the Army in 1937 and served overseas in the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1939 until 1945.  After demobilisation, he resided in Saskatchewan and Manitoba before settling in Fort William, ON where he was employed as City Engineer. After the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur into Thunder Bay in 1970 he continued to work for the city in other positions until joining Coates Engineering in Surrey, BC in 1979.  In 1994 he returned to Thunder Bay where he retired. 

Services will be held on 10 October at 2 p.m.in the Westfort Chapel, 420 Gore Street West in Thunder Bay.  Private inurnment will take place at a later date.  Donations may be made to the St. Lukes Memorial Fund by Everest of Thunder Bay. {gdMar2017dc} [zsd, zpp]

Maj Ed Hall, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major E.T. Hall, CD (Ret'd) on 23 Sep 2001 in his 81st year.

Ed attended the University of Toronto as a Canadian Officer Training Corps student. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1942 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During World War II, Ed served a member of A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Chilliwack. Following the war, he had a full and varied career, serving in both No 2 and No 3 Works Companies, on the Northwest Highway System in Whitehorse, was a United Nations truce observer in Pakistan in 1960 and was in the Directorate of Works in Army Headquarters in 1964. Following this, he commanded both Apprentice Training Squadron and Recruit Training Squadron at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering and was Base Administrative Officer in Chilliwack. After Ed retired in 1969 he worked for the Chilliwack School Board.

A Celebration of Life is being planned. Date and time to be advised later.

Work needed - funeral details missing

MWO Bruce Sinclair, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Master Warrant Officer Bruce Edward Sinclair (Ret'd) on 14 September 2001 in Toronto at the age of 53.

Bruce enlisted as a member of the 13th Intake Sapper Apprentices in 1964 and started his career as a Field Engineer. After an initial posting in 1966-68 to 2 Field Squadron, Gagetown, he served the next 30 years as a Topographic Surveyor with Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE), Ottawa. He worked on many major projects at MCE, including Arctic surveys in 1976, '81, '84 and '85, city mapping and camp plans, and gravity surveys. He also instructed in survey and photogrammetry at the School of Military Survey, was an exchange NCO in the UK (where he served in Norway, Kenya, and Germany), and attended the Advanced Geodetic Survey Course at Fort Belvoir, USA. One of his last major projects was support of the environmental clean-up of old military sites across the Arctic.

There will be no church service as Bruce's wishes were to be cremated and his ashes spread over the Arctic. There was a get-together at the NDHQ WOs' and Sgt's Mess Friday, 21 September, at 1400 hours for friends to remember Bruce. In memoriam donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (Familial Colon Cancer Research and Education). 

Sgt Gerry Pearson, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Gerry Pearson, CD (Ret'd) on 7 September 2001.

Gerry was a Field Engineer and an expert Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) Operator.  Thus, he spent several tours with 4 Field Squadron and 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Germany. He was also a Combat Diver and was one of the original (1964) Royal Engineer trained divers in 4 Field Squadron. Gerry later qualified as a Shallow Water Diver Land Force and participated in Army Diving Trial L1/66 that led to the establishing of Army diving as a speciality.

Gerry was cremated and a memorial service was held in Vedder Crossing on 13 September. (Jan2016kh)

CWO Howie Bell, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of that CWO Howie E. Bell, CD (Ret'd) died suddenly at home in White Rock, BC on 6 September 2001.

Howie joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1947 and served as a Troop Sergeant in Korea in 1950-51 with 57th Fd Sqn. After returning to Canada for a short period, he was posted to 2 Fd Sqn in Germany as Troop Sergeant from 1953-55. After a tour in the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering, in 1964, Howie returned to Germany for what was to be the first of three appointments as unit Sergeant Major. He was SSM of 4 Field Squadron from 1964-66 followed by RSM of RCSME /Camp Chilliwack 1966 - 69. After a United Nations Emergency Force tour in Egypt, Howie became SSM of 3 Field Squadron, Chilliwack from 1972-76. CWO Bell retired from CF in 1976 after which he worked with the BC Department of Highways for 14 years. 

A funeral service will be held on 12 Sep at 1100 hrs at Chapel Hill Funeral Home - 14615 16th Ave., White Rock, BC. Reception to follow at Branch No. 8 Royal Canadian Legion - 152 St., South Surrey, BC. Internment will take place in Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Howie's memory. [zsp]

Capt Gordon Hunter Madge (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the recent death of Captain Gordon Hunter Madge, RCE (Ret'd) on 23 August 2001 in Toronto at the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in his 85th year.

Lieutenant Madge joined the 5th Field Company October 1941 as one of it's original officers. Gordon was an American citizen who came to Canada to join in the war against Germany. Gordon took command of 3 Platoon and led his platoon during the invasion of Normandy at Courselles-Sur-Mer, continuing through France, Belgium and Holland. He commanded as platoon officer until December 1944 when he was SOS due to illness. After the war, Gordon returned to work in the US and then came back to Canada upon retirement.

Funeral Service took place in Toronto at the Chapel of St. James the Less 635 Parliament Street on Tuesday, August 28. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation of Canada at 4211 Yonge Street, Suite 316, Toronto M2P 2A9 or the Salvation Army at 1645 Warden Avenue, Toronto M1R 5B3. 

WO II Eric Clamp, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the recent death of WO II Eric Clamp (Ret'd) on 9 August 2001 in Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 78 years.

Eric was born in Kentville, NS. He was a WW II veteran and served 27 years in Royal Canadian Engineers. After retirement, he served 11 years in the civil service.

A private service was held 13 August at Henderson's Funeral Home in Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Children's Hospital Foundation, 4880 Oak St., Room B321 Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V4.

Lt-Col William Alexander “Bill” Ewener, MC, ED, OStJ, BA, MD, (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel William Alexander “Bill” Ewener, MC, ED, BA, MD, OStJ  (Ret’d) on 7 August 2001 at the age of 96 years.

Bill was born in London in 1905 and in 1908 immigrated with his family to Canada, where they settled in Sarnia ON. At the age of only 12, Bill became an apprentice machinist for the Grand Trunk Railroad while in high school. He later worked in Peru for a number of years in the 1920s and '30s as an engineer for Imperial Oil before returning to London to finish his education. He had played football for the Sarnia Collegiate junior and senior teams, the intermediate Wanderers, the Sarnia Imperials (lineman) and the University of Western Ontario Mustangs (centre). He graduated with a B.A. in his early 30s. While at university, Bill also wrested and was an undefeated champion.

When the Second World War broke out, Bill volunteered for active service in the 11th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers at the age of 34 years. He was later transferred to the 7th Field Company and selected to take part in the Dieppe Raid.

Bill was seriously wounded at Dieppe and despite his injuries, he continued to lead his men. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Military Cross. (See: Lt William Alexander Ewener, MC).

On release from hospital, Bill returned to active duty with the 30th Field Company, 2nd Canadian Corps Engineers. He landed in Normandy in early July 1944 and stayed with the Canadian Army’s advance through France, Belgium and Holland. He was wounded a second time in Holland when a munitions truck in his convoy was hit by a shell and caught fire. After recovering from these wounds, he was promoted to Acting Major and took command of the 30th Field Company until the war ended.

After VE Day, he volunteered for duty in the Pacific as a company commander in Lt-Col Malcolm Sutherland-Brown’s 6th Combat Engineer Battalion and returned to Canada to help organize and train the unit. Fortunately, the war there ended before he could be deployed.

On returning to Canada, Bill completed his medical training at the University of Western Ontario, married and had three children. He practised family medicine in the London area into his 80s.  He was active in many activities throughout his life including the Military Engineer Association of Canada, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and the University of Western Ontario Alumni. Lt Bill Ewener is buried in the Medway Cemetery in London ON. {dcJul17kh}

WO James Robert Ripley, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer James Robert Ripley, CD (Ret'd) peacefully, in the Royal Jubilee Hospital on 2 August 2001.

Jim served a full career with the Royal Canadian Engineers. In addition to postings to the field squadrons and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Jim served in Korea and 1 Radiation Detection Unit. Upon retirement, Jim continued in government service with the RCMP and Canada Post.

A memorial service will be held at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, Galiano Island on Saturday, 1 September 2001. Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Galiano Health Care Society Galiano Island. {khMar15}

Maj Reginald Horace Parmenter (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Reginald Horace Parmenter (Ret'd), peacefully, in his sleep on 1 August 2001 at his residence in Chilliwack,BC at the age of 89.

Major Parmenter had a distinguished war record with the Royal Engineers. He served in the African and Italian campaigns, the Allied Invasion of Europe, and in Burma and Kenya. He was a bomb disposal expert and, when he retired from the Royal Engineers, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in No2 Works Company, Toronto and 1 Field Park Company in Camp Chilliwack,BC before joining the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering as an instructor. Reg's name is associated with Vedder Mountain where he used his engineering skills to design and build Parmenter Road through his property. In his later years, he devoted his life to honouring the memory of his fallen comrades and those who served the Allied cause in the War.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, 18 August 2001 at Henderson's Funeral Home in Chilliwack. By request, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion #280 would be appreciated instead of flowers.  {khMar2015}[zpp]

Douglas “Sam” James Drennan

We regret to advise of the death of Douglas “Sam” James Drennan in Ottawa ON on 11 July 2001 in his 71st year.  

Sam was born in Ottawa and joined the Canadian Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa in 1952 as an assistant map compiler using Kelsh & Multiplex plotters.  He spent most of his career in photogrammetry including several years in the Classified Mapping Program.  He retired in 1985 having achieved the supervisory rank of Drafting and Illustrating Level 6.

In retirement, he maintained contact with the Mapper community and supported many Mapping and Charting Establishment functions. {gdOct2016kh}

Cpl Henry Kenneth "Ken" Friesen, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Henry Kenneth "Ken" Friesen, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack, BC on 8 July 2001 at the age of 73 years.

Ken was born in Altona, MB.  He worked on farms until he was 18 when he left Manitoba for Britannia Beach, BC where he worked as a trainman in the copper mine. After five years, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in the Korea War. He continued in the Army for a total of 26 years serving in Canada, Germany, and Egypt.  After the Army, Ken worked as a gas safety inspector until his retirement in 1993.

Ken was always active in his community. He was a Brother in the Abottsford Masonic Lodge No. 70; a Past Master from 1983-84; a member of the Fraser Valley Scooter Corps; and, a leader of DeMolay. He was also a member of the Chilliwack Branch #4 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A memorial service will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Abbotsford, BC on Wednesday. 18 July at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children would be appreciated. ​{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]

Spr Elias Agapie Boudreau (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Elias Agapie Boudreau (Ret’d) on 5 July 2001, in the Veteran's Wing of St. Anne's Nursing Care Centre, Arichat, NS at the age of 82 years.

Elias was born in Arichat and lived most of his life in the Sydney area. He was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Canada, Britain and North Western Europe. After the war he worked as a self-employed carpenter and bricklayer and did contract work for various companies including Sydney Steel Plant and Chapels Building Supplies. Elias was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #12 in Sydney, NS.

Visitation will take place 7 July in I.M.L. Funeral Home, 3450 Highway 206, Petit de Grat, NS from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. The remains will be taken to Sydney Memorial Chapel on 8 Jul for visitation to be held 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Funeral service will be held 9 Jul 11:00 AM in Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Donations may be made to the St. Anne's Nursing Home, Arichat or the Canadian Cancer Society or Catherine Boudreau Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Cpl Peter “Pete” Heinrichs (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Peter “Pete” Heinrichs (Ret’d) on 23 June 2001 at the age of 68.

Pete was born in Lethbridge AB.  He joined the Army as a sapper and served with 3 Field Squadron in Esquimalt BC.  In 1957, he transferred to the Army Survey Establishment as a Cartographer where he worked until 1960.  While with ASE he did field work in Iberville QC.  In 1960, he moved to the National Defence Headquarters, Directorate of History in their drafting section.  While there he produced the maps for Volume One of the History of the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After leaving the Army in 1961, Pete went to work for the Government of Canada Geological Survey and later with Spartan Air Services in Ottawa as a draftsman.  {gdOct2016kh}

Lt Alexander Gordon Savage, RCE (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Alexander Gordon Savage, RCE (Ret’d) at Princeton, BC on 29 Jun 2001.

Born in Calgary in 1915, Gordon was educated in Calgary and Edmonton, graduating as a mining engineer from the University of Alberta in 1941. During World War II, he served with 6th Field Company RCE as a Lieutenant and was wounded by machine gun fire in France in Sep 44 during the attack on Calais.

After the war, Gordon initially worked in the mining industry and then became involved in the Canadian oil and gas industry in 1948. He enjoyed a long and rewarding career, retiring as Vice-President of Homestead Oils in 1980. The years after retirement gave Gordon the opportunity to pursue his love of travel off the beaten track, amateur prospecting, hiking and other activities with family. Gordon was a long-time member of the Calgary MEAC Branch, a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta as well as a founding member of Parkallen United Church in Edmonton and Westminster United Church in Calgary, a member of the Masonic Lodge of Alberta (serving for a year as Worshipful Brother of Jordan Lodge No. 177) and the Shriner’s Al Azhar Temple. As a past President of the Calgary Snowmobile Club, he was instrumental in developing backcountry trail grooming and effective search and rescue operations.

Gordon’s funeral was held 13 Jul 2001 in Princeton, BC. Donations may be made in his honour to the Princeton General Hospital and Ridgewood Lodge Foundation or St Paul’s United Church c/o the Princeton Similkameen Funeral Services, PO Box 1236, Princeton, BC V0X 1W0.