Dernière sonnerie

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Francis Assisi Bresson, CD (Ret’d) on 10 January 2018 in Fredericton NB at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital.

Born in Glace Bay NS in 1949 and a graduate of Glace Bay High School, Francis joined the Canadian Armed Forces at age 16 and served a full career as a Combat Engineer in the Canadian Military Engineers. Francis served across Canada and in Germany with the majority of his service being spent between 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, ON and 22 Field Squadron and 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown, NB.  Francis was also deployed on a UN Peacekeeping tour to Cyprus in 1974.

Francis had a specialty as an Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB) operator where he provided leadership in the introduction of the Leopard AVLB to 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, GE. He also held an Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialty. When he retired in 1997 Francis went to work in this area as a Team Member and Project Leader working with different companies and Defence Construction Canada on Legacy Sites clean-up projects across Canada as well as in Copenhagen, Denmark.

There will be no visitation by request. A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel at 2:00 p.m. at CFB Gagetown on Monday 15 January 2018.  The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93 will be holding a tribute prior to the funeral service at St. Mary’s Chapel at 1:45 pm.  After the mass, there will be a get-together at the Legion on Restigouche Road in Oromocto, NB. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Veterans Advocacy.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II John Gordon Ball, CD (Ret’d) peacefully on Tuesday 9 January 2018 in The Grove Nursing Home in Arnprior, ON.

Formerly of Perth and Ottawa, John was born in Myrtle, ON in 1922 and joined the army when he was 16.  He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers and retired in 1967 at the rank of Warrant Officer Class II. John then followed a second career of public service with the Department of Energy Mines and Resources until 1980.

Private family arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. For those wishing, a donation to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation would be appreciated by the family. ^{{khJan18} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant James "Bud" Adams, CD on 4 January 2018 at the Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, Tatamagouche NS with his family by his side. Bud was 81 years old

Bud was born and raised Westchester Station NS. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1953 and served with United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF Egypt) and Germany. He also completed a tour in the Canadian Airborne Regiment with 1 Airborne Field Squadron. His last posting was to CFS Barrington where he retired in 1975. After retiring, he and family moved back to Westchester Station. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 106, Debert for over 30 years.  

Cremation has taken place under the direction of MacDiarmid’s Funeral Home & Crematorium. A private graveside service will take place in Eagle Hill Cemetery at a later date. Donations may be made to Eagle Hill Cemetery or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting the funeral home website at: www.mmcfunerals.com.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Frank Howard-Smith, CD (Ret'd) on 24 December 2017 in Ottawa, ON at age 78.

Frank joined the Canadian Army in 1954 with the Royal Canadian Artillery as a Gunner Soldier Apprentice. After two years with the Apprentice Battery in Shilo, MB he was posted to Germany with 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and returned to Canada at Camp Gagetown, NB in 1961 followed by a posting as Artilleryman in Petawawa, ON. Frank transferred to the Canadian Military Engineers while stationed in Petawawa and was posted to Mapping and Charting Establishment in 1971 where he spent the rest of his military career as a Topographic Surveyor. One of his early field trips was on Op ARCTIC 1973. Promoted to Sergeant in 1976, Frank was active in unit sports. He was a good boxer and coached the 1977 MCE Broomball Team to the Ontario Northern Regional Playoffs.

Frank retired from the Canadian Forces in 1979 and became the Bar Manager at Beaver Barracks Senior NCO's Mess in Ottawa. He was later the Club Manager for the Ottawa Police Association and later began his own catering business.

Friends are invited to visit at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Thursday, 4 January from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion, Bells Corners Branch on Friday, 5 January from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Queensway Carleton Hospital, or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 593 (4026 Old Richmond Road).^{{khJan2018dc}}

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Lawrence  Douglas "Smokey" Goddard, CD (Ret’d) in Alberta on 20 December 2017 at the age of 68 years.

Smokey served the Canadian Military Engineers as a member of our Fire Service. During his career as a Firefighter, he was stationed at locations that included Canadian Forces Base Lahr, Germany, the Canadian Forces Fire Academy, CFB Baden, Germany,  CFB Ottawa and at National Defence Headquarters where he was attached to the Fire Marshall’s Office,

Funeral arrangements were private. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Weldon "Bill" Nicoll, BSc (Ret'd) on 16 December 2017, at Taigh na Mara Nursing Home in Glace Bay NS at the age of 97 years.

Bill was born and grew up in Mira Gut, NS on Cape Breton Island. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.  Bill enlisted in Halifax on 4 December 1941 and took his basic training at No. 62 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre in Charlottetown, PE. From there he went on to A5 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Petawawa ON to complete his Field Engineer training. He was then assigned to the 20^th Field Company who were stationed in Winnipeg at the time. Shortly after his arrival the unit was dispatched overseas and arrived in the United Kingdom in May 1943. In England they continued their training in preparation for the invasion of the Continent. 

Bill landed in Normandy on 16 June 1944 and stayed with his unit through France, Belgium, and Holland.  He participated in Operation BERLIN (September 24/25) during which British and Polish paratroopers were evacuated under German observation and fire across the Neder Rijn River . He later took part in Operation DUCK during the Battle of the Scheldt when his company was tasked with the ferrying of personnel and equipment using stormboats and, later, Bailey Close Support Rafts. While in Holland, the company completed many bomb disposal tasks including the destruction of V-1 launching sites. When the war ended, they were tasked with the construction of many Bailey Bridges.

Bill returned to Canada in October 1945 and was demobilized. He entered Acadia University in 1946 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He worked for INCO (International Nickel Company) in Thompson, MB for 25 years before retiring to his home in Mira Gut. The French government honoured Bill in 2014 by awarding him the National Order of the Legion of Honour at the rank of Knight.*

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private family burial of his ashes will take place at the Mira Bay Baptist Cemetery in Mira Gut, at a later date.  Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca  or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca. ^{{dcFeb2019kh}} 

*Also see: https://cmea-agmc.ca/ww-ii-veteran-sapper-bill-nicoll-presented-french-legion-honour ​

We regret to advice of the death of William "Bob" Robert McKenzie of Abbotsford, BC  peacefully on 10 December 2017 at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 77. 

Bob was born in Winnipeg, MB and served 22 1/2 years in the Canadian Military Engineers as an Electrician. After retiring from the Canadian Forces Bob became a supervisor of the former Matsqui-Sumas-Abottsford Hospital in Abbotsford.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Pentecostal Assembly Church, at Gladwin Road, Abbotsford on Thursday, 21 December at 11 AM. Graveside to follow. Online condolence can be sent to the Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major David Platt, CD (Ret’d) on 7 December 2017 at age 71 after a stay at Mt. Sinai Medical Centre in Toronto, ON.

David started his military career in 1962 with a short tour as a private with the Royal Regiment of Canada, the reserve unit at Fort York Armory in Toronto. He rejoined the Royals as an officer in the early 1970s but then moved to Ottawa after for several years and joined 3^rd Field Squadron and the Canadian Military Engineers. David was appointed Commanding Officer of that unit (1988- 89).

David  then transferred to the Regular Force in 1991 and joined the National Defence Headquarters staff of the Director of Military Engineers for three years (1991- 94). During this assignment he deployed on the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) during the Yugoslav Wars. Following his NDHQ tour David joined the headquarters of the Canadian Forces Recruiting Education and Training System in 1994 for several years before taking on responsibilities at the new Militia Training Support Centre at Meaford, ON (1998/99) and with the new organization of the Land Forces Central Area Training Centre (2000-02).  David retired from the Canadian Forces in 2006

Following his military career David completed a degree in architecture and achieved his M.Arch at Ryerson University in 2010.  Upon graduating, David was recognized by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada by the award of the Student Medal for being the top student in his graduating class. He was also placed on their Honour Roll for those who have achieved high academic standing in their graduating class. In his retirement, David supported and contributed to a number of charities.

By David’s request, cremation has taken place and his ashes are to be sent to England for burial by his relatives there. There will be a celebration of David’s life in the New Year. ^{{khDec17} [zsp]}

We regret to advise Corporal Fred Lortie (Ret’d) of Brandon MB on 17 December 2017.

Frederic Jerome Lortie was born in Quebec City. He joined the Canadian Army in Quebec City in 1951 when he was 18 years old, joining four of his five brothers serving in the Royal 22^e Regiment (Vandoos). He served with the Vandoos in Korea, returning to Canada in 1953 and was posted to the PArachute Training Centre in Shilo MB. In Shilo, he developed an interest in photography. He met his wife in Shilo and was married in 1956 when he was posted to Montreal and transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers in the trade of Photographer.

In the 60s, Fred was hired by a past unit commander then working in the Canadian National Railway and began a new civilian career as a professional photographer. Highlights of his career during the 60's that took him across the country on a range of railway tasks. Other tasks at CN included taking photos of prominent political figures and celebrities of the time as well as promotional photos for events such as Expo 1967 Centennial celebrations in Montreal. Fred and Ena returned to Brandon in May of 1972 to begin raising their three young children. He established his own private photography business. Later in life, he was employed in public services with the federal government. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. 

We regret to advise of the death of George Medal recipient Flying Officer Douglas Edgar Stevenson, GM, CD (Ret'd) peacefully, on Friday, 1 December 2017 in Ottawa in his 90^th year.

Doug dedicated his life to the protection and safekeeping of others, first as a fire fighter in the Royal Canadian Air Force (1946–1963) and, since 1969, as the Founder and President of Douglas Fire Safety Systems Ltd.

Some highlights of Doug's career include his posting in 1954 from RCAF Station North Luffenham, England  to the new home of No. 1 Fighter Wing in Marville, France.  He was  Fire Chief, RCAF Station Churchill, MB. Sergeant Doug Stevenson was a Crew Chief with a special detachment of RCAF Firefighters stationed at RCAF Station Downsview, ON in 1958 to provide crash protection for the AVRO Arrow Flight Test Program. He was the RCAF Auxilliary Eqpt procurement Officer in 1963.

After his retirement, as President of Douglas Fire Safety Systems Ltd Doug was responsible for the installation of HALON fire suppression units in some army combat vehicles in the early 1970s. 

A strong supporter of the Fire Fighting Community, Doug was also the sponsor of the “Foam Bowl Trophy” for the Annual Firefighter Curling Bonspiel when he was Sales Manager with LORCON Foam Supplier. As a member of one of the History Teams he also contributed to the compiling of the Firefighter history: “Standing Against Fire.”

Doug became an honoured recipient of the George Medal of Bravery on 1 July 1959 in recognition of his courage and unselfishness and the complete disregard for his own personal safety at a major aviation fuel fire on 10 July 1956 at a NATO fuel dump at Montmedy, France near No. 1 Fighter Wing. Sergeant Stevenson, who was acting as Deputy Fire Chief, performed two acts of bravery that enabled the fire department to bring the fire of a rail shipment of aviation fuel under control and finally to extinguish it.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, ON on Friday, 8 December at 10:00 am followed by a Memorial Service in the Chapel at 11:00 am.  Immediately following the interment, the family invites you to join them for Doug’s last beer at the Manotick Legion, 5550 Ann Street, to share your stories and memories. 

Contributions in Doug's memory may be directed to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.\On line condolences can be sent to Arbour Memorial.   ^{khDec2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Michael Tomlin, CD (Ret'd) suddenly, on 28 November 2017 at the age of 52 at the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Michael joined the Canadian Forces in September 1983 as a Combat Engineer and served a 16-year career.  He was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialist whose postings include 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, ON and Primrose Lake Evaluation Range at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, AB.  Michael retired in August 1999 and went to work for H & H Construction Inc in Petawawa.  Michael attended Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology and graduated in 2013 a Construction Engineering Technician in Civil Engineering and received a Stantec Consulting Award.  He returned to H & H Construction and at the time of his death was employed as a Civil Foreman.

A funeral mass will be at 10:00 AM on 8 December at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 51 Venison Street, Tillsonburg, ON. Condolences can be sent to YourLifeMoments. ^{{kh/gdJan2018} [zcd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Travis Douglas Wright (Ret’d) of Braeside, ON at the age of 36 years, tragically as the result of a car accident in North Bay on 28 November 2017.

Travis started his military career with the Royal Canadian Regiment and then served as a Combat Engineer with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, ON. He had deployed to Afghanistan in the summer of 2010 and had recently retired from the Canadian Forces. Travis was studying in North Bay at the Canadian Career College to become a Paramedic .  

Relatives and friends will have an opportunity to pay their respects during visitation at the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior on Friday evening, 1 December 2017 from 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Saturday morning,  2 December from 9:45 to 10:45. A Tribute to Travis will take place in the Pilon Family Chapel at 11 o’clock. Cremation will follow. In memory of Travis, please consider a donation to MADD.

Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.^{{khNov2017}[zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Gordon Ellis Wright on 26 November 2017 at the Parkwood Institute in London ON at the age of 98 years.

Gordon was born in Ancaster ON. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War seeing action in Northwest Europe.  

Funeral services will be held at the Evans Funeral Home in London, Ontario on Thursday 30 November with interment in Dorchester Union Cemetery, Dorchester ON. Those who wish to make a memorial donation are asked to consider St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation, Veteran's Care.  A tree will be planted, by the Evans Funeral Home, as a living memorial to Gordon Wright.

We regret to advise of the death Reginald Duncan Streeter of Halifax, peacefully on 26 November 2017.

Born in Tuft's Cove, NS in 1925, Reginald served during World War II with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1944 to 1946. Demobilized after the war, he rejoined the Canadian Army in 1951 with the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers where he served in Germany, Egypt and Montreal. After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1968 Reginald returned to his home town and worked at the HMC Dockyard until his retirement in 1988.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, 2 December 2017 at 2:00 pm at the JA Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive, Halifax. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the War Amps of Canada.^{{khNov 2017}}

We regret to advise of the death of Major André Samson CD (Ret’d) in Quebec City, QC on 24 October 2017 at the age of 72 years.

André was born and educated in Quebec City.  He had a Bachelor’s degree in Education as well as in English Linguistics.  He taught for the Quebec City School Board from 1969 to 1983 and successively held the positions of Assistant Director at Louise-Jolliet High School followed by Marie-de-l'Incarnation High School and Professional School.  André also served as Deputy Director at the Commission Scolaire de la Capitale in Quebec City.

André’s militia career began in 1963 at 10^e Escadron de Génie de Campagne as a sapper.  He successively climbed the ranks achieving Master Warrant Officer.  In 1974 André received his commission and occupied the positions of Troop Command and Deputy Commander.  He left the militia in 1977 but returned in 1981 once again with 10^e Escadron de Génie de Campagne.  During his second tour, André held the positions of Administrative Officer, Adjutant, Deputy Commanding Officer and eventually became the unit’s 14th Commanding Officer from 1987 until 1990. 

Visitation, in the presence of the ashes, will take place at the Deux Rives Funeral Cooperative, St-Charles Funeral Center, 1420 Wilfrid-Hamel Boulevard, Quebec, on 11 November from 8:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a Liturgy of the Word.  Donations may be made to the Quebec Cancer Foundation, 190 Dorchester Street South, suite 50, Quebec, QC.  ^{{gdNov2017dc}[ztr]}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Wallace Edward Gardner, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 21 November 2017 at The Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa, ON  at age 91 years.

Wallace was a World War II veteran of the Royal Navy who was awarded the rank of Knight of the National Order of the French Legion of Honor in November 2016 for his participation in the D-Day Invasion. He also participated in the Pacific Campaign. After the war Wallace joined the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served as a Firefighter in Canada and in Germany .

Friends are invited to Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, for a Celebration of Life on 2 December 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkinson’s Canada, The Leukemia Association or to The Kidney Foundation. ^{[khMay2018]{zsd, zcc}}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain David Morton Lohnes (Ret’d), peacefully, on 20 November 2017  at the age of 83 years.

Born in Lunenburg NS, David was a 1957 Forestry Engineer graduate of the University of New Brunswick and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After receiving his commission he was posted to Camp Chilliwack BC as Assistant Adjutant followed by a posting to the Works Company at the Ordnance Depot in Longue Pointe (Montreal QC) and then with the Works Company in Germany.

Returning to Canada, David retired from the Army with the rank of Captain. By the mid-60s he had embarked on a second career with Parks Canada where he embraced the mission of preserving our natural and cultural heritage for future generations. With a love of nature and an insatiable curiosity, David spent much of his time in retirement reading and learning and enjoyed sailing, fishing, computers, tending to his garden, and family gatherings.  

Visitation will be held at Kelly's Funeral home, 1255 Walkley Road, Saturday, 25 November 2017 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., where memories can be shared, followed by a ceremony in the Chapel at 1 p.m. David will be laid to rest at the Capital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ontario Lung Association would be most appreciated. On-line Condolences can be sent. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Christopher Malcolm Keith “Chris” Deas-Dawlish, CD (Ret’d) on 12 November 2017 in Vancouver, BC after a battle with cancer.

Chris was born in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia, in 1943 and moved to Dar-es-Salaam and then Nairobi, Kenya. He spent a short time in a boarding school in England and then returned to Kenya for high school from where he gained a Royal Air Force (RAF) scholarship to Aberdeen University in Scotland in 1963. Chris began his full-time training at Leeming RAF Station in Yorkshire in 1966 where, as a Pilot Officer, he flew Jet Provosts. Following an injury that precluded further piloting of jet aircraft, Chris left the RAF, married and then emigrated to Canada in 1968.

Chris joined 6^th Field Engineer Squadron in Vancouver in 1979 and served in various administrative positions until October 1980 when he transferred to the Logistics Branch as a Lieutenant. He worked out of Militia District Headquarters Vancouver where, as a Staff Officer, he commanded the District Intelligence Section. During that time he organized the Summer Youth Employment Program at CFB Chilliwack.

In 1985 Chris transferred to the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada as a recently promoted Captain and served as the Finance Officer. He was heavily involved as a volunteer in much of the refurbishing program for their Officer’s Mess. In 1987 Chris was awarded the CD and in 1989 he retired from the Primary Reserve. Chris was awarded the 125^th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal in 1992 .

A memorial service will be held at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Armoury on 8 April 2018. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Private Charles "Charlie" Angus Roberts (Ret’d) on 10 November 2017 just shy of his 60^th birthday. Charlie was a Canadian Military Engineer and was most proud of his service with the Canadian Military.

Funeral arrangements were private^{.{khMay2018}[zpp, zsd,zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of John Thurlow “Jack” Ward of Middleton, NS at the Mountain Lea Lodge in Bridgetown, NS on 3 November 2017 at the age of 96 years.

Jack was born in Victoria Vale, NS and attended high school at MacDonald Consolidated School in Middleton. He was a veteran of the Second World war and saw active service overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). After the war, he continued his education graduating from Acadia University (B.Sc.) and the Nova Scotia Technical College (B.E.) in Civil Engineering. In 1951, he rejoined the RCAF as a Technical Officer (Construction Engineering) and served in many areas across Canada as well as in France and Germany. In 1967, he was presented with the Canadian Centennial Medal 'in recognition of valuable service to the nation'.  

After leaving the RCAF in 1970, Jack worked in the engineering design office of the Nova Scotia Department of Housing before retiring to the Annapolis Valley in 1978. He was a member of the Military Engineers Association of Canada and a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on 6 November in the Middleton Funeral Home.  A committal service will take place at a later date in Pine Grove Cemetery, Middleton. In lieu of flowers, donations to Pine Grove Cemetery or to any charity would be appreciated. An online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com. ^{dcDec17kh}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Frederick William “Fred” Allbright (Ret’d) on 12 October 2017 at Grey Bruce Health Services in Markdale, ON in his 77^th year.

Fred served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Flesherton-Markdale Branch #333 in Flesherton, ON.

A funeral service will be held at the May Funeral Home in Markdale on 16 October at 1:30 pm.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Interment will be at Markdale Cemetery.  If desired, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.  Condolences for the family may be arranged through the May Funeral Home. ^{{dcDec19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}             

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Douglas "Doug" Neilson (Ret’d) on 26 October 2017 in Oromocto, NB.

Born in 1942 in Sheffield NB, Doug joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and completed his basic sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC.  In 1961 he was posted to Iserlohn, Germany for a tour with the Field Squadron.  Upon returning to Canada Doug took his release from the Canadian Forces to follow a police career. He was first a member of the Oshawa Police Force and then served with the Village of Nashwaaksis Police Force.  

Following his police service, Doug began a career with the New Brunswick Provincial Government.  He first worked on the Metric Conversion project and then, during the 1973 Flood, he and members of the Emergency Measures Organization coordinated the efforts to assist farmers in the Sheffield and Maugerville area in relocating their livestock to the Burton area.  Upon his retirement from the Provincial Government, Doug enjoyed farming, trucking and music.

Visitation will be held on Friday, 3 November 2017 from 6 – 8 pm at Oromocto Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Vincent de Paul on Saturday, 4 November 2017 at 11 am. There will be a reception following the service at the Church Hall.  Memorial donation may be made to the Oromocto Rotary Club, the Oromocto SPCA or the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{{khOct2017} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal David Cecil Jones, CD (Ret'd) of Morell PEI on Thursday, 26 October 2017 due to an accident.

Born in 1969 in Moncton, NB, David was retired from the Canadian Armed Forces, having served twenty years with the 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and with the Canadian Military Engineers as an Electrical Distribution Technician.  His postings as an ED Tech included Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, AB  and then Trenton, ON. David retired from the Canadian Forces in the 2010 and, in his retirement,  he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his hobby farm, hunting, camping, coaching youth basketball and volunteering in his community.

There will be no visitation at David’s request. Funeral will be held at the Dundas Baptist Church, 3361 Route 490, Dundas, NB E1G 3R5 on Monday, 30 October 2017 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a fund for his children or the Dundas Baptist Church would be greatly appreciated by his family. Online condolences can be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca ^{{khOct17} [zsp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel André D. Gauthier, CD (Ret'd) of Ottawa  on Thursday, 26 October 2017 at the age of 82.  Colonel Gauthier served a 37-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces before becoming a fulltime sculptor. André sculpted many statues and monuments that recognize the many branches of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Canadian Military Engineers are fortunate that he featured our Sappers in four of these statues.

André was born in Ottawa, ON and was educated in Montreal and the University of Ottawa. While attending university on the Regular Officer Training Plan he volunteered to serve as a troop commander with the Regiment de Hull – a Reserve armoured regiment. He was commissioned in the Canadian Provost Corps in May 1958. His early assignments included a year (1958-59) as an Infantry platoon commander in the First Battalion, Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada followed by a year as Second in Command  (2/IC) of No 1 Provost Platoon in Calgary, AB. In 1960 he was posted as 2IC of the Kingston Provost Detachment and Lt Gauthier became the Camp Provost Marshal at Base Valcartier, QC in 1961. The following year he was promoted Captain and posted to Germany where he first served in a Military Police staff appointment before assuming command of No 4 Provost Platoon.

On his return to Canada in the summer of 1965 André was posted as an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Intelligence and Security and served a year training foreign national officer cadets. He was then selected to attend the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston, ON (1966 - 67) and was promoted to Major on completion of that course. His next assignment was as Staff Officer Personnel Plans at Mobile Command Headquarters in St. Hubert, QC. Next, he became Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander of that Command and was briefly double-hatted as the Command Secretary. In 1969 he became the Senior Staff Officer Security.

André was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1970 and appointed to head the Regional Civil Emergency Operations Section of Mobile Command covering the Province of Quebec. In 1973 he was posted to Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean as Vice-Commandant and Director of Cadets. Concurrent to that CMR appointment he participated as a Commissioner of Enquiry on the Ducros Commission. In 1975 he undertook language training to learn Serbo-Croate. This course was followed by his promotion to Colonel and his assignment as the Canadian Forces Attaché to Yugoslavia and Greece (1976-78). Upon his return to Canada he became the Director of Security at National Defence Headquarters. In 1980/81, André attended the National Defence College in Kingston and was subsequently posted to Winnipeg, MB as the Chief of Staff for Headquarters Prairie Militia Area.

Over the period 1983-86, André served as the Military Advisor to the Canadian Delegation to the conventional arms control negotiations (Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions Talks) between NATO and the Warsaw Pact in Vienna, Austria and, in his last three years of his military career he was the Commandant of the unit administering Canada’s National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. In November 1989, Colonel Gauthier was awarded the Order of Military Merit and retired that year.

Family and friends may pay respect at the  Kelly Funeral Home-Orleans, 23710 St. Joseph Blvd. Orleans, ON on Thursday 2 November 2017 after 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass at Paroisse St-Joseph, 2757 Boul. St. Joseph at 11 am. In-memoriam donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation would be appreciated. Online Condolences can be sent to the  Funeral Home.  ^{khOct2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Donald “Donnie” O’Donnell peacefully at home in Derby, NB on 21 October 2017 at the age of 71 years.

Donnie was born in Lower Derby.  He Joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in the mid-60s and served initially in 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown before moving to 4 Field Squadron in Germany.  Returning to Gagetown, he served in 22 Field Squadron. After leaving the Army he worked for the New Brunswick Department of Transportation.  Donnie was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St Bridget's Roman Catholic Church in Renous.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Northumberland Funeral Home in Miramichi on Sunday, 22 October from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Monday, 23 October from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, 24 October 2017, at 11 a.m., from St Bridget's Roman Catholic Church. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Cemetery Fund, or to a memorial of one's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{{dcOct17kh} [zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of John Douglas “Jack” King of Herring Cove, NS on 16 October 2017 at the age of 96 years.

Jack was born Yarmouth, NS and went to school in Yarmouth, Weymouth, and Kentville, NS. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers principally on the West Coast of Canada. After the war, he worked with Dominion Atlantic Railways and Halifax Transfer, a trucking company, in Kentville.  After finishing a business course at Maritime Business College, Jack went to work with the Provincial Government; first with the Department of Highways and Public Works and then with the Office of the Auditor General, until his retirement.

At Jack’s request, there will be no visitation. A funeral service will be held on 23 October at 11 a.m.  at the J. Albert Walker Funeral Home Chapel, in Herring Cove. A reception will follow with interment will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Herring Cove. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com. ^{{dcDec17kh} [ zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Francis J.  O'Leary, CD (Ret’d) on 10 October 2017 in Ottawa, ON. Frank worked for over 28 years in Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa and then started his second career of 35 years as Property Master at the National Arts Centre.

Frank Joined the Army Survey Establishment in September 1946. He trained as a Topographical Surveyor and participated in at least fifteen field survey expeditions during his military career. In sequence; he was in the field in 1947 at Churchill MB and Trenton ON and in 1948 returned to Churchill MB with the Tractor Party. 1949 saw him in Cassiar BC and he surveyed in Stephenville NFL in 1950. Frank returned to Manitoba at 1952 at Caribou River and finished the year in Van Kleek Hill ON. Then he was off to Beatton River BC 1953, Churchill MB in 1956 and then to the Northwest Territories for the next two years at Anderson River and Wholdaia Lake. In 1962 he was involved with the Military Town Plan mapping project and subsequently continued with a variety of Field Survey projects. Frank retired from Mapping and Charting Establishment (as the unit was then known) in 1974 after 28 years of service. 

Frank was a unit morale builder and booster. His good nature was infectious and he helped organize most social events for the unit and acted as Master of Ceremonies for them.  He was a man of many talents who touched the lives of the people he met. Frank lived life to the fullest and had a passion to be physically active. He played hockey in his 70s, golf into his 80s, bowling in his 90s. 

Frank loved to be busy. Simple accomplishments made him proud and his service to his community made him happy. He was known for his Frank O'Leary Pancake Breakfast that raised money for Christmas hampers for the needy. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the Ottawa Sympathy Orchestra fundraiser. 

Frank was an entertainer at heart from his early years opening the Ottawa Roughriders football games with the singing of the National Anthem. He also led the Sing-Along-with-Frank on Sunday nights at the Ottawa Bandshell and sang Irish tunes each St. Patrick's Day in several local retirement homes and establishments. He once sang with the RCMP band at the NAC. 

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, 14 October 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 400 St. Laurent Boulevard. Reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Frank O'Leary's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Ottawa. Condolences may be offered at condolences@whelanfuneralhome.ca. ^{kh12Oct17} 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal James G Butler (Ret’d) on 9 October 2017,  suddenly and unexpectedly at age 28 while on a trip to Thailand with his fiancée.

James was a former Combat Engineer with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) and served a tour in Afghanistan with 1st Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in 2010. He qualified as a Combat Diver in 2009 and served with the 2 CER Dive Team until 2015. James later made a Voluntary Occupational Transfer to the Navy Clearance Diver occupation. Upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces, James worked as a life coach helping veterans.

James spent his life helping others. He was the kind of man who touched everyone he met. He was equal parts comedian, humanitarian and warrior.During his short life, James had been compared to many famous people because of his eccentric personality but beneath it all was a most caring and loving guy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on 21 October 2017 between 1200-1800 hr. at Vimy Brewery,  1-145 Loretta Avenue Ottawa, ON. The family asks that no DEUs be worn and no black. ^{khOct17}

We regret to advise of the death of Kenneth Higham at the Kelowna General Hospital in British Columbia on Sunday, 8 October 2017 at the age of 88 years. Ken served with the Royal Canadian Engineers Band.

Ken graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London, England in the 1950s. He taught music for over 20 years in Chilliwack BC and served nine years with the Royal Canadian Engineers Band as a Bass Clarinetist, performing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, The Copper Room of the Harrison Hotel, Hotel Vancouver and at the World's Fair in Seattle. He was also the Organist and Choir Director at All Sappers Chapel. In his retirement, Ken enjoyed entertaining in various Care Homes and Senior Centers.

In keeping with Ken's wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. Cremation, Lakeview Memorial Gardens Crematorium. If desired, a donation in Ken's memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102-1433 St. Paul Street, Kelowna BC, V1Y 2E4. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the Funeral Home website. ^{[kh18Oct17} [zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Norman James Rolston, OBC, MSC, CD on 6 October 2017 at the age of 85.

Norman was born in Willowbunch SK but the family moved to Quill Lake, SK from the "Dust Bowl" of the southern parts of the province. Norm left home at the age of 17 to work in the mining industry in the Northwest Territories. He then moved to BC's coast and joined the Canadian Army. Norm served 13 years with the Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE). He performed with the 40-piece brass marching band across the province.

Upon the completion of his army service, Norm moved to the Peace River Country in northern Alberta to begin homesteading. At that time he managed Canadian Propane in Valleyview, AB. He became band leader - first for the town band and then the Navy League band. Norm next moved back to the BC coast where he started Rolston Crane and Freight and contributed to the construction of highways, Sky Train and Expo 86.

Norm invented the Able Walker and started Able Walkers Ltd that introduced wheeled walkers to the world. His Able Walker has helped millions of people gain a new mobility and restored their independence improved their quality of life. The Los Angeles Times voted the Able Walker one of the “Top Ten International Inventions of the 1990s.” Norman gifted his invention to the world by not patenting it. For this he won the first Humanitarian of the Year Award presented by the International Society of Inventors.  For his invention and generosity, Norm was awarded Order of BC and the Meritorious Service Cross.

A memorial Service to celebrate his life will be held at Sharon United Church ("Five Corners" in Murrayville) 21562 Old Yale Rd, Langley on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. Online condolences can be left at the family's online obituary.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Frederick Isaac Cook, CD (Ret’d) on 6 October 2017 at the Sackville Memorial Hospital in New Brunswick at age 81 years.

Fred joined the Canadian Army in 1958 with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) at Camp Chilliwack BC he remained in Vedder Crossing with the RCSME Demonstration Troop. From there Fred was posted to 4 Field Squadron in Germany. When he returned to Canada he started on an Airborne career path – first with 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa, ON and then with 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton, AB starting in 1968. After Edmonton he was stationed in Camp Gagetown, NB – first with 2 Field Squadron and then with the Base Construction Engineering Section. In 1982 Fred was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa where he served until his retirement in 1985.

Fred was a member of the Sackville Lion's Club and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Sackville. He was a devoted hockey fan and armchair statistician. Fred was an avid outdoorsman who made his own maple syrup. He loved spending time on his tractor and had built an intricate network of roads throughout the land behind his home and named them after his family.

Visitation will be held at Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville NB on Monday, 9 October 2017 from 2–4 and 6–8 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 am with interment to take place in the Four Corners Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Fred may be made to Lion's Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Fred's online memorial or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page. ^{khOct2017} 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Frank Wencel, CD (Ret’d) peacefully on 22 September 2017 at the London Health Sciences Centre, Victoria Hospital in London, ON in his 85^th year. A Korean War Vet, Frank worked for many years as a glass and metal mechanic with Norfolk Glass and Tillsonburg Glass and Mirror.

Frank enrolled with 25 Norfolk Medium Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) in October 1951 and transferred to the Canadian Army Special Force with the Royal Canadian Engineers in March 1952 for Korean War Service. After his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Camp Chilliwack BC he was posted to 59^th Field Squadron in Wainwright AB in May 1952 but was soon selected for service in Germany with 58^th Field Squadron. He was subsequently posted to 3 Field Squadron and deployed to Korea in 1954. Returning to Canada, Frank took his release from the Special Force and transferred to 69 Battery of 56 Field Regiment RCA in 1955.   He subsequently transferred to A Company of the 3^rd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment in Woodstock ON in 1968 and became Company Sergeant Major. Then, in 1970 Frank returned to 56 Field Regiment RCA and became Battery Sergeant Major.

Frank was a founding member of 153 Varnavair Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron,Tillsonburg ON in 1976 – serving two terms as Commanding Officer with the rank of Captain. Frank retired from the Canadian Forces in 1997 but continued to serve with the Air Cadets as a civilian instructor. Frank was a member of the Varnavair Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Tillsonburg. He had started his military service in Norfolk and he retired from military service in Norfolk County some 50 years later.

Visitation is at the Ostrander Funeral Home, 43 Bidwell Street, Tillsonburg ON on Friday 29 September 2017 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am. Veterans and or service member attending are encouraged to wear your medals. After the service there will be a private family interment at the Tillsonburg Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to London Health Sciences Foundation c/o the Palliative Care Program Fund # 50-501-01 by contacting the Funeral Home. ^{khSep2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Major Wilfred Gregory Tschirhart, PhD, (Ret’d) on 20 September 2017 in his home in St. Agatha, ON at age 96. Wilf was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of WW II.

Born in Kitchener, ON, Wilf was one of six kids. He grew up on a farm at Haysville, ON and had to leave school after Grade 10 to help support his family during the Great Depression. He became a carpenter and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War with Works and Services Company on the East Coast - achieving the rank of Sergeant Major. During this time he finished high school by correspondence.

After the war, Wilf spent his early career in the construction industry, in building design as Works Foreman for N. O. Heipel of Preston. He had a Structural Engineering certificate and was the designer and construction foreman in the building of many hockey arenas throughout Ontario that are still standing. These include Waterloo, Ayr, Goderich, East York, Burlington, South Porcupine, Gore Bay, Little Current, Providence Bay, and Mindemoya. Wilf left the construction trade and joined Canadian Blower in Kitchener, as Senior Mechanical Draftsman, where he worked 32 years until retiring in 1986.

Wilf was always a believer in education in all its forms - both practical and informal. Wilf volunteered as a teaching assistant at St. Agatha Catholic School and as a caregiver at Freeport Hospital. At age 65 he decided to finally finish his education and, once he got started, it seemed he couldn't stop. He fulfilled his dream of higher education after retirement by attending Wilfrid Laurier University where he was conferred a Bachelor of Arts in 1993, Honours Bachelor of Arts in 1999, Master of Arts in 2002 and Doctorate of Arts in 2009 - all in the field of Environmental Studies and Geography. At age 88 he was the third oldest person to achieve a Doctorate from an accredited University. 

Wilfred's family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm on 24 September 2017 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener. A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Agatha R.C. Church, 1839 Notre Dame Rd. St Agatha, on 25 September at 11:00 am. Interment at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery. Reception to follow in the church hall. 

Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Wilfrid Laurier University - Elizabeth Tschirhart Award would be appreciated by the family. ^{{khSep2017dc}[zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Stanley Roy Williams (Ret'd) on 20 September 2017 suddenly at home in Pembroke, ON in his 76^th  year. Stan served his career as a Field Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Postings included the Field Squadrons in Camp Gagetown NB, Germany, and Camp Petawawa ON - from which he retired. He was a longtime employee of the City of Pembroke (1973 - 2008) for his second career. He was a member of the Pembroke Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Visitation at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Saturday, 23 September 2017 from 7 to 9:00 p.m.  A Graveside Committal Service will be held at Cross Cemetery, Halstead's Bay on Monday at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Cancer Centre would be appreciated.  Online condolences and donations are available at www.mdbfuneralhome.com.^{{khSep2017} [zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain George Spear, CD (Ret’d) in Ottawa, ON at the age of 97 on 19 September 2017. George was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.

Born in 1920, George was one of the early members of 1^st Corps Field Survey Company, Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE) that had been formed in Ottawa in 1936. By 1939 he was a Lance Corporal. The unit expanded upon Mobilization in 1939 and grew to seven officers and 137 other ranks. George was assigned to the processing of new recruits. In early January 1940 the unit sailed for England on the Empress of Australia. For this reason, these original ‘Survey Engineers’ called themselves the “Yacht Club Boys.” 

In England the unit was soon occupied with courses, exercises and tasks to prepare them for the invasion of Europe. George served in Italy and North Africa on loan to the British Army. In December 1944, as a trained and experienced Sergeant Major, George was returned to Canada to train replacements for the overseas Canadian survey companies. 

George joined the Canadian Army Permanent Force after the war and eventually retired in the rank of Captain.  He continued in Public Service as a civilian until his retirement.  George was an active amateur historian who delighted in perpetuating the service record of 1 Corps Field Survey Company, RCE.

George died within hours of his wife of 75 years, Jean. She was a War Bride who was working as a firefighter, air raid warden, and a corporal in the Home Guard during the war. From Canada she worked to send food packages to Londoners in need and founded the England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Canada Club (ESWIC) for war brides. Jean was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for her work to improve the lives and welcome for other War Brides.

There will be a private family service with Military Honours at Beechwood Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of the lives of Jean and George on Friday, 13 October 2017 at the Britannia Yacht Club, 2777 Cassels St. Ottawa, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Pictures of special memories shared with Jean and George and written tributes are most welcome. Friends are invited to wear something red to remember the great love Jean and George had for each other.

Online Condolences can be sent to Beechwood Cemetery. ^{{ khOct2017}[z2kh]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Donald Taylor Somerville (Ret’d) on Saturday, 16 September 2017 in Mississauga, ON at age 95. Don was a WW II veteran of Operation BERLIN, the 25/26 September 1944 evacuation of the British 1^st Airborne Division forces from Arnhem.

Born and raised in Chatham ON, Donald attended school in Chatham. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE) in February 1941 with 9^th Field Company. After completing his Sapper training in Camp Petawawa ON, he arrived in England in July 1941 with the unit under its new name “1 Canadian Base Units Construction Company, RCE.” Don spent the next three years in England under training and working on construction projects for the Canadian Army and on defence works for the Defence of Britain. Don was reassigned to 23^rd Field Company in May 1944 by which time the unit had been in England for two years and was anticipating a major role in the Invasion of Europe.

On 11 July 1944 Donald disembarked on the shores of Juno Beach, France. His company soon moved into the outskirts of Caen where they got to work clearing a roadway through the city of Caen for the Allied advance. Regularly under fire as the city was still hotly contested, they constructed the “Andy’s Alley” roadway by clearing mines, filling potholes, bulldozing, and demolishing obstacles. After clearing this route they built “Reynold’s Bridge” across the Orne River.

The 23^rd Field Company was next assigned to support a 4^th Armoured Division assault crossing of the Seine River near Pont De L’Arche. Don and his company had trained extensively back in England on British “Storm Boats” and this assault crossing was successful under the occasional artillery and mortar fire. The 23^rd continued to ferry the allied forces and next built a Bailey Bridge across the Seine River in less than 24 hours.

The company continued to supported the Allied advance into Belgium and Holland. and played the major role in "Operation BERLIN"- the evacuation of the depleted and encircled British 1^st Airborne Division across the Neder Rijn. Don finished the war with the 20^th Field Company where he was transferred after returning to duty after an injury in Holland.

After returning to Canada and being demobilized, Don took over a portion of the family farm that he had acquired from the 'Veteran's Land Act'. During the Korean War he worked at Canadair on the fabrication on the Lockheed T-33 Trainer aircraft. After that, he worked a variety of different jobs including a 17-year stint with General Electric.

Don’s contribution to the Battle for France was recognized by France’s awarding him the National Order of the Legion of Honour in April 2015. He was active in the Royal Canadian Legion and played a significant part in the remembrance of the WW II contributions of 23^rd Field Company. Don made a total of six trips to Holland since 1990 to remember his lost comarades.

A "Celebration of Life" is planned for Donald at the Col. Tom Kennedy Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Mississauga (Cawthra and Dundas area), from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm on Saturday, 23 September. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. 

See a series of video interviews with Don Somerville:

A Memory I will take to my Grave

A Tradesman During Wartime

The Effects of a Mine

The Sounds and Sights of Fighter Planes

We regret to advise of the death of Michael Wayne Armstrong on 11 September 2017 at the Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury, ON at the age of 70 years.

Michael served five years in the Canadian Forces with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  Following his release from the army he worked for 31 years as a Firefighter for the City of Sudbury.

Michael is resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury.  Visitation will be from 2:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM on 14 September and from 10:00 AM until the funeral service at 11:00 AM on 15 September. Cremation will take place at the Park Lawn Crematorium.  Donations may be made to the Sudbury Hospice or the Salvation Army.  ^{{gdMay2019dc} [zsp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Gerald “Jerry” Gagne (Ret'd) of Riverview NB on 5 September 2017, peacefully at the Moncton Hospital at age 78. Jerry served as a Firefighter in the Canadian Forces and with Transport Canada for a total of 47 years.

Jerry was born in Leduc QC and was formerly of Moncton and Saint John. He started his military career as a Navy Air Bos’n 581 in the late 1960s and later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. His postings included Canadian Forces Base Val-d’Or QC, CFB Greenwood NS and CFB Chatham NB. Jerry joined the Public Service with Transport Canada after he retired from the Canadian Forces and retired as the Fire Chief at the Saint John Airport.

A small gathering for family and friends will be held on 8 September 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at 89 Silverstone Drive, Moncton, to celebrate and honour Jerry's life. Instead of flowers, tributes in Jerry’s memory to the ALS Society would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Donald Francis Cromwell (Ret’d) of Montague PEI at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 5 September 2017 at the age of 83 years.

Donald was born in Saint John NB. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers including service during the Korean Conflict.

At the family's request there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations to the Cancer Society would be appreciated. ^{{dcJan20WD} [zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Hugh Joseph Urbain Felix Beaudoin (Ret'd), peacefully, on 1 September 2017 in Chilliwack, BC at the age of 87 years.

Born and raised in Storthoaks, SK, Hughie worked on the family homestead and rode his horse to the one-room schoolhouse. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1958 and was­ first stationed in Chilliwack, BC and then in Werl, Germany.  Returning to Chilliwack, Hughie took his release from the Canadian Army and became an orderly at Chilliwack General Hospital. He graduated in the ­first class of paramedics in the province and worked at the newly formed BC Ambulance Service until retirement.

A talented jack-of-all-trades, Hughie was an experienced carpenter, electrician, welder, woodworker, mechanic, and more. Always generous in helping others, especially friends and family, Hughie's workshop had pride of place and was open to anyone who had a special project or just wanted to 'putter around the shop.' Hughie was also very involved with the ANAVETS organization and committed to strengthening its community. He received the ANAVETS Award of Merit in 2004 - the Association’s highest honour.

There will be no service as per Hughie's wishes. Rather, please consider a toast (or two) in his honour. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the ANAVETS Bursary Fund would be appreciated.^{khOct17} 

We regret to advise of the death of Major Gordon Vincent “Vince” Clark, CD (Ret’d) in Ottawa, ON at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre on 30 August 2017 at age 91.

Vince was born in North Sydney, NS and was educated in the local public schools and Sydney Academy. He enlisted in the Army for WW II in August 1943 while attending Acadia University. He qualified as a Gunner Operator and arrived in England in January 1945 where he was soon assigned to VIII Princess Louise’s (NB) Hussars in Holland. At war's end Vince was transferred to 17^th Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars in Leer, GE as part of the Canadian Army Occupation Force.

Repatriated to Canada in June 1946, Vince returned to Acadia that Fall and received his Applied Science Certificate in 1949. He qualified for his Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) in 1951. While at Nova Scotia Technical College he enlisted in the Militia in May 1950 with the Halifax Rifles (23^rd Armoured Regiment) and, later, with 5^th Field Engineer Regiment, Royal Canadian Engineers. In October he re-enlisted in the Canadian Army Active Force. Vince was a member of No 3 Young Officers Course at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) and was assigned  as  RCSME Assistant Adjutant (1953-53) for his first tour as a Commissioned Officer. For his next assignment he was Roads Platoon Commander on the Northwest Highway Maintenance System (1953-55) before returning to RCSME as Troop Commander, Electrical Trades Troop.

Upon completion of this second tour at RCSME Vince embarked on a career that was to be primarily in the Technical Staff sector.  After a year in the Army Headquarters Directorate of Design and Development he was selected to attend the Royal Military College of Science in England where he received his qualification as a Technical Staff Officer (1960-61). He then returned to Ottawa where he was employed in the Directorate of Equipment Engineering (1962-65) before deploying to Camp Rafah, Egypt as the Force Engineer for the United Nations Emergency Force and Commanding Officer of the Canadian Engineer Company (1966). Upon return to Ottawa Vince had a two years tour with Director General Environmental and Operational Services before moving back into the Technical Staff sector with the Directorate of Vehicles and Field Engineer Equipment (DVFE) (1969-72).

Vince retired from the Canadian Forces in 1972 and joined the Public Service. For the next eight years he continued his work with Field Engineer equipment in DVFE and its replacement Directorate of Combat Mobility Engineering and Maintenance (DCMEM) in National Defence Headquarters.

Vince was a proud Cape Bretoner who was an active alumni of the Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS) and served on the Executive Committee of the Ottawa Branch of TUNS. He volunteered in many ways in support of the Baptist Church community where he became Moderator of the Ottawa Baptist Association. Vince was an active member with several Regimental Associations. He dedicated much of his efforts in his retirement to the Canadian Defence Association as their Archivist and the Military Engineering Association of Canada (MEAC). Vince was a Honourary Life Member of the MEAC and was awarded a CMEA Commendation in 2012 for his dedicated work over many years to archive and preserve the written records of the Military Engineers Association of Canada.

The family will receive friends at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa), on Saturday, 30 September 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of Memorial Service in Beechwood’s Sacred Space at 2:00 p.m. Interment in the National Military Cemetery located at Beechwood Cemetery, followed by a Reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Dementia Society (formerly Alzheimer Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County), or First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Avenue West, would be appreciated. Messages of Condolence may be left at www.beechwoodottawa.ca. ^{khSep2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Harry Charles Quick, peacefully, on 28 August 2017 in Peterborough ON at the age of 76.

Harry was born in Holland and came to Canada at age 13. He joined the Canadian Army as a Royal Canadian Engineer in 1957 with the 6^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice program and took his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Camp Chilliwack, BC. After a short military career with the RCE, Harry started a  second career as a fireman for the City of Peterborough. He served as a fireman for 25 years before retiring at the age of 50.

Harry’s family invite everyone to a memorial service and reception for Harry on 2 September at Highland Park Funeral Centre, Peterborough. Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM, memorial service at 10:30 AM and reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.^{{khSep2017} [zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert Alexander Knapp in Cascade Hospice, Chilliwack BC on 27 August 2017 at the age of 88.

Bob was born in Halifax, NS and served in the Canadian Military Engineers for 25 years as an Engineer Accountant. His postings included Fort Churchill MB, Whitehorse YT, several other stations in the rest of Canada, and in Germany. He was qualified as a Dominion Marksman Expert.

After retirement, Bob studied Watchmaking and was a Certified Gemologist. He went into business with his father-in-law in Sackville, NB. After his second retirement he spent two years in London England. Bob returned to Chilliwack in 1995 to enjoy his retirement.

A Memorial service and tea will be held at Henderson's Funeral Home on Thursday, 7 September 7 at 1:00 pm and afterward everyone is invited to Branch 4 Legion for story-telling. No flowers please, but a donation to Chilliwack Supportive Housing would be gratefully received. ^{{khJul2017} [zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Jean-Pierre “John” Mathieu, CD (Ret'd) in the Belleville General Hospital on 25 August 2017 after a brief illness. John served with the Canadian Military Engineers for 14 years with his last post being with the Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, ON. After his retirement from the Canadian Forces he followed a Second Career as a mason, carpenter, and home renovator in the Belleville, ON area.

Cremation is entrusted to the Steele Funeral Home, Belleville, ON. The family will receive friends at the Steele Family Centre, 20 Moira Street West, Belleville on Saturday, 9 September 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a time of fellowship and sharing memories of John. Memorial Donations to the Quinte Humane Society in John’s memory would be appreciated by the family. ^{{khSep17} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Gerald Edward "Jake" Mullin of McGregor Brook NB at the Sussex Health Centre on 23 August 2017 with his family by his side at the age of 94 years. Jake was predeceased by his wife, parents, nine brothers and sisters and three of his sons. He is survived by four daughters, three sons and 24 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. 

Jake was born in York, Gaspe QC. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. He served with the 10th Field Squadron in the United Kingdom, Italy and Northwest Europe. After the war, he worked as a well-driller and retired in 2000.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Sussex Select Community Funeral Home with where visitation on Saturday, 26 August from 6 until 8 PM. The funeral service will be held on 27 August 2017 at 1:00 PM in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be at Goseline Cemetery. Donations to Mullin’s Mile would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences are available at: www.sussexfh.com

We regret to advise of the death of Major J. Alfred “Alf” Hackaray, CD (Ret’d), suddenly, on 22 August 2017 in Nanaimo BC at age 82. Alf spent much of his career as a Mapper with the Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa.

Alf joined the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa as a Lieutenant in 1959. He soon proceeded on the Long Survey Course in England and, upon his return to Canada, he participated in the field work for the Military Town Plan maps of Montreal QC, Hamilton & Niagara Falls ON.

Alf was posted next to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (1963-68) and then returned to the Army Survey Establishment as Officer Commanding of both the Survey and Reproduction Divisions (1963-73). Following this posting, Alf served with the Base Construction Engineering Section in Esquimalt (1973-77) after which he returned to Ottawa and the Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) for a ten year tour.

Alf retired from the Regular Force in 1989 and joined the Reserves where he was soon called-up with MCE for a year. Alf retired from the Reserves in 1990 and lived in Ottawa until 1993 when he moved to British Columbia.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Memorial, 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo on 6 October 2017 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alfred’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Nous regrettons de vous annoncer le décès du Lieutenant Cyrille Dufresne (Ret’d) survenu à Westmount, QC le 12 août 2017, à l’âge de 97 ans.   Cyrille était Lieutenant avec le Corps du Génie royal canadien durant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. 

Diplômé en génie minier à l’université Laval en 1943, Cyrille a obtenu son doctorat en géologie de l’université McGill en 1952. Bâtisseur et pionnier, sa carrière a débuté à la Labrador Mining & Exploration Co en 1948 avant de se joindre comme géologue, en 1950, à la Compagnie minière Iron Ore Company (IOC). Il a participé à la création et la construction de la ville de Schefferville, QC et, de 1958 à 1963, à titre d'ingénieur en chef pour la Compagnie minière IOC, il a joué un rôle clé à la réalisation du projet du lac Carol à Labrador City, NL.  Ayant participé à la fondation de la société d’État Sidbec en 1963, il a occupé plusieurs postes exécutifs entre 1964 et 1976. Il a exercé finalement la présidence de la société Sidbec Normines de 1976 à 1983. De 1983 à 1994, il s’est joint au Service Administratif Canadien Outremer (SACO), en tant que membre de son conseil d’administration, dont la présidence de son Conseil et, finalement, comme membre de son Comité consultatif.  Enfin, il a été Directeur du Service–Évaluation au Centre d’innovation industrielle/Montréal (CIM) de1984 à 1985.  Cyrille a siégé sur plusieurs conseils d’administration; vice-Président du Conseil d’administration de Resources Nova-Cogesco (1984 à 1993), membre du Conseil d’administration de Cangold Resources Inc (1994 à 1995) et membre du comité de retraite Hewitt Equipement Ltee (1991 à 2008). Homme impliqué socialement, il a été président-fondateur de deux commissions scolaires à Schefferville et Labrador City.  Parmi ses activités de bénévolat, il a été le président du chapitre de Montréal de l’Association canadienne pour la santé mentale (1975-1981) et a été, au début des années 1980 avec son épouse, un des parents-fondateurs de l’Association de parents et amis du malade mental. 

La famille recevra les condoléances au Complexe funéraire Alfred Dallaire Memoria, le vendredi 18 août 2017 ainsi que du samedi le 19 août en l’église St-Viateur d’Outremont à compter de 10 h, suivi des funérailles. Au lieu de fleurs un don à la Société Alzheimer de votre région serait apprécié. Service funéraire: Complexe funéraire Alfred Dallaire Memoria, 1111, rue Laurier Ouest, Outremont (QC), le vendredi 18 août 2017 de 14 h à 17 h, le vendredi 18 août 2017 de 19 h à 22 h. Service religieux: Église St-Viateur d’Outremont, 1175, avenue Laurier O, Outremont samedi 19 août 2017 dès 11 h. ^{{gdAug2017}[zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Algirdas “Al” Arelis (Ret’d) of Medicine Hat, AB on 9 August 2017 at the age of 88 years.

Al and his family emigrated from Lithuania to Canada in 1948 after surviving many hardships during the Second World War. The family settled in Lethbridge where Al was married.  As his English improved, he was able to secure successful employment in retail sales.  He moved his family to Medicine Hat to accept a managerial position.  Al joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1953 and transferred to the South Alberta Light Horse in 1955.  He excelled in the military.  In 1967, he was honoured to receive the Regimental Guidon from Princess Alexandra during Canada’s Centennial year.  Al retired in 1974 as a Chief Warrant Officer and RSM of his regiment.

A strong advocate of community service, Al was a member of several local service clubs and volunteer committees, including serving on the Medicine Hat College Foundation Board of Directors from 1995-2006 and acting as Chair for seven of those years. In 2004, Al was named Medicine Hat College Alumnus of the Year, in recognition of his volunteerism and family’s generous financial contributions to Medicine Hat College. ^{[dcSep19gd} [zbd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Willard “Will” Austin Garron, CD (Ret’d), of Dartmouth NS, who passed away peacefully in Dartmouth, NS, on 7 August 2017 at age 77 years.

Will was born in Westport, Brier Island, NS and was a graduate of Acadia University and the Nova Scotia Technical College. He served a 32-year career with the Canadian Armed Forces as a Military Engineer officer with postings that included Base Construction Engineering Office in Soest, Germany (1965-66), 4 Field Squadron Operations Officer in Germany (1966/68), Base Construction Engineer Officer, Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis NS (1968-69), Commanding Officer, 2 Field Squadron Gagetown NB (1970-72), and Deputy Chief of Staff Construction Engineering at Maritime Command Headquarters in Halifax NS (1985). After retiring from the Army Will worked for five years as a supervisor with the Dartmouth School Bus System.

Cremation has taken place. A private interment will take place at a later date in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Palliative Care, Cobequid Health Care Foundation.  Online condolences may be made by visiting the Funeral Home Dartmouth Chapel. ^{khAug17}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Joseph Rosaire Jean-Marie “John” Gagné, CD (Ret’d) on 31 July 2017 in residence at Manoir Héritage in Ottawa,ON.

John was born in La Tuque, QC in 1929 and grew up in and around La Tuque. Over the years he moved with his family among several communities including Montreal and Buckingham, QC. He worked for various industries including a paint manufacturer but eventually settled into a trade as an electrician. In 1948 he enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Leading Aircraftsman and eventually rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before being Commissioned from the Ranks and achieving the rank of Major.

John worked in the areas of building maintenance and major infrastructure construction projects. His career saw him posted to numerous locations including Borden ON, Calgary AB, Goose Bay NL, Grostenquin (France), St-Hubert QC, Bagotville QC, Baden-Soellingen (Germany), St- Jean-sur-Richelieu QC, and finally Ottawa where he settled down in 1975.

Jean-Marie had many accomplishments over the years; including his responsibilities as part of the Canadian Forces assistance with the security operations for the 1976 Montreal Olympics and seeing the completion of the construction of the "Mega" – the Canadian Forces Recruit School complex (c 1978) at St-Jean-sur- Richelieu, QC.

Jean-Marie retired in 1977 as a Major with the Canadian Military Engineers and then pursued a second career as a civil servant with the Department of National Defence where he remained until his full retirement in 1992. He also volunteered many hours and chaired the volunteer advisory committee of the Condo Owner's association of Brittany Place (Ottawa) and also contributed to the maintenance and oversight of many projects at that location.

At the family's request, there will be no viewing or funeral. Jean-Marie will be laid to rest alongside his wife Marie-Thérèse during a private family service at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services in Ottawa. For messages of condolence, please visit www.beechwoodottawa.ca . ^{{khJul2017}[ zsp]}