We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Charles Randolph Keple, CD (Ret’d), unexpectedly in Regina SK on 8 August 2025, at age 83.
Charles was born in Regina. His 38-year military career began in 1959 when he became a Rifleman with the Regina Rifle Regiment. The following year, he joined the Regular Officer Training Plan and studied Civil Engineering at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria and at Royal Military College in Kingston.
After completing his Military Officer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC, Charles’ first posting was to 2 Field Squadron, Gagetown. However, this posting lasted only eight months, as he soon joined 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany, in 1965. In Germany, Charles served as Park Troop Commander, Administrative Officer, and as 2 Troop Commander with the 2 Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group for two years.
Upon his return to Canada in 1968, Captain Keple became the Detachment Construction Engineering Officer at Longue Pointe (Montreal) QC. Following this tour, he attended the Army Staff Course at the Royal Military College of Science in Shrivenham, UK (1970). Returning to Canada, Charles became the Equipment Officer with the newly formed Directorate of Military Engineering. Upon promotion, he became the head of the Directorate of Military Engineering Requirements as his section expanded.
Charles was next a student at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto and became the Base Technical Services Officer for CFB Portage la Prairie MB in 1975 upon completing this course. After three years, he served next in Winnipeg. MB as Senior Staff Officer Military Engineer Plans, and Senior Staff Officer Quartering at Air Command Headquarters.
Promoted to colonel in 1981, Charles became the Command Construction Engineer at Mobile Command Headquarters in St-Hubert QC. He attended National Defence College in Kingston in 1985 after this FMC HQ tour and subsequently joined the NATO staff as Secretary to the Chief of Staff at HQ AFCENT, Brunssum, the Netherlands.
Returning to National Defence Headquarters in 1989, Charles was appointed Director General Military Engineering Operations and Branch Adviser of the Canadian Military Engineer Branch (1989-1993).
Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1993, Charles served as president of the Military Engineers Association of Canada and led the formation of the Canadian Military Engineers Association in 2000. He mentored many engineers and advocated for women and engineers in the Canadian Armed Forces. He actively volunteered with many charities, and was recognized with Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals, the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers and the Order of Saskatchewan. Charles was very proud of his longstanding support of the Rotary Club, where he was known as a thoughtful, kind and gentle leader who was devoted to serving others..
Charles wished that there be no funeral service. Details on a Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date. Memorials or donations may be made to the Regina Rotary Club Community Fund, which can be given through CanadaHelps.org. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.