We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Harry Poile, MMM, CD (Ret’d) on 17 May 2014 in Chilliwack. Harry served a full career with the Canadian Military Engineers – the highlight being his appointment as 1 Combat Engineer Regiment Regimental Sergeant Major 1990-1992.

Harry was born in Shellbrook, SK in 1939 and moved to Chilliwack as a young boy. He joined the local Engineer Cadet Corps and then the Militia in 1955 when he was old enough. In 1960 Harry joined the Regular Army as a Field Engineer and was posted to 2 Field Squadron in Gagetown later that year after completion of his basic training.

In 1965 Harry was posted to 4 Field Squadron at Werl Germany and moved back to Vedder Crossing with and 3 Field Squadron after completion of that tour. In October 1973 Harry was sent to Egypt for a year as part of the UN Emergency Force. He returned home the next year and later that year he moved on to 5 Field Squadron at Valcartier for a 3-year tour.

Upon completing his Valcartier tour, Harry returned to Vedder Crossing with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment. In 1981 Harry returned to Germany for four years but this time in Lahr with 4 Combat Engineer Regiment. He then returned to Chilliwack and 1 Combat Engineer Regiment and became 1CER RSM upon promotion to CWO in 1988. In April 1991 Harry deployed to Kuwait with the Regiment as part of the UN Iraq/Kuwait Observer Mission. On completion of this tour Harry was posted to his final tour at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering as the Standards CWO.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service for Harry at #280 Vedder Golden Royal Canadian Legion on Vedder Rd., Chilliwack, BC on Thursday 22 May at 1:00 pm. Wearing of blazers and medals for military personnel would be appreciated. There will be a light lunch / snacks and a reception following the service.

No flowers by request. The family requests any donations in Harry’s memory be made to the CFB Chilliwack Historical Society (https://www.canadahelps.org/DonationDetails.aspx).