Dernière sonnerie

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Black, on Monday, 18 November 2024.

Robert enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces as a Combat Engineer in 2016. Upon completion of his training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB.

A funeral service will be conducted at St Luke’s Chapel, 5^th Canadian Division Support Group, at 14h00 Atlantic Standard Time on 26 November 2024. Dress for serving members for those attending will be DEU1A. There is also an option to attend virtually.

Meeting ID: 214 941 719 963

Passcode: f4ma2xo3

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Dustin Gerry Lee Spurrell (Ret’d) of of Dunfield NL, unexpectedly on 17 November 2024, in Muskoka ON at the age of 41 years. 

Dustin was a former Combat Engineer who joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 2003 and served for a short period with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa before being released from the Canadian Forces. He joined the Peel Regional Police in 2007 and later joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary .
Dustin lived his life to the fullest every day he could. Always on the go with phone and suitcase in hand seeking his next adventure. He kayaked the waters from Canada to Mexico and had the joy of experiencing the very best of Newfoundland's beautiful back-country. 

A memorial service to celebrate Dustin's life, will be held at the Grace United Church in Dunfield on Sunday 8 December 2024 at 1:00pm. His final resting place will be the United Cemetery in Trinity and a post memorial gathering with lunch will be held at the ACW Hall in Dunfield. The church will be open from 2-4:00 and 7-9:00 pm for visitation on Saturday December 7th, 2024. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We  regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant James Gordon “Gord” Davis, CD (Ret’d) at North Bay Regional Health Centre on Saturday 9 November 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Gord’s military career postings with the Canadian Military Engineers spanned Canada including Canadian Forces Base North Bay,  CFB Summerside PE, CFB Trenton ON, CFB Cold Lake AB, and Canadian Forces Station Alert NU. He also served overseas in Germany at Royal Canadian Air Force Station Zweibrucken and CFB Baden.

Cremation has taken place. As per Gord's wishes, there will be no service in North Bay. Gord will be laid to rest at Assumption Cemetery in Mississauga ON with his late wife Bernice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Warrant Officer Jack Alexander, CD (Ret'd), peacefully at the age of 81, on 8 November 2024 after a brief illness.

Born in Stratford ON, Jack served 26 years as a Firefighter with the Canadian Military Engineers across Canada and in Europe. Jack's career postings included Royal Canadian Air Force Station Borden ON, RCAF Station Val-d'Or QC, CFB Summerside PE, Canadian Forces Station Dana SK, Firefighting Training Company at the Fire School at CFB Borden ON, CFB Shearwater NS and CFB Baden Germany. Jack retired from the Canadian Forces in 1988 as Deputy Fire Marshall for Training Systems Headquarters at Canadian Forces Base Trenton ON. Following his military service, he worked as a Fire Prevention Officer and in Property Management at the University of Toronto.

Jack retired early in 2003 to fulfill a lifelong dream of living "in the country." For the last 20 years, he enjoyed living on his rural property in Frontenac County, ON pursuing his hobbies, including woodworking, photography, tending to his many vegetable gardens and producing maple syrup.

Jack will be cremated, and a celebration of his life will occur on Saturday, 23 November 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack's memory can be made to the National Air Force Museum of Canada in Trenton ON or the Lennox & Addington County General Hospital Foundation in Napanee. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of  Firefighter David "Pipi" Gorton (Ret'd) of Dartmouth NS, peacefully at home at age 72 on 31 October 2024 after a battle with cancer. 

Born in Leamington ON, Dave joined the Canadian Navy in 1969 and was posted to Halifax NS, where he served on the HMCS Margaree until 1975. He then began a firefighting career with the Department of National Defence Fire Service. He served in Nova Scotia at Canadian Forces Station Mill Cove, Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Bedford NS Magazine and CFB Halifax Dockyard, that included the Canadian Forces Auxilliary Vessel "Firebird." Dave retired from DND Public Service in 2008 as Platoon Chief.

Dave volunteered at the Hubbards District Fire Department for 10 years, ending his service as the Hubbards Fire Chief in 1997. He served as Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Burn Treatment Society, including being the Executive Treasurer for 11 years before he stepped down in 2013 to enjoy his retirement. "Davey" was also a well-known and popular person at Camp Connect, the summer camp for survivors of burn injuries sponsored by the Society, that he helped organize and operate. 

Cremation has taken place. Dave will be laid to rest in the Spring of 2025. As per Dave's wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Burn Treatment Society or Charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Mark Parker, CD (Ret’d) in Revelstoke BC on 25 October at age 65 years.

Mark was from Windsor ON, and joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1981 when he trained as a Combat Engineer at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. During his military career he was posted to Canadian Forces Europe in Lahr, Germany, from 1985-89 as a Combat Engineer. After that tour, he remustered to the Structures Technician trade at Canadian Forces Station Holberg BC. Subsequent postings included  CFB Trenton and Canadian Forces Station Penhold AB, where he helped close out the station. Mark's final posting was to CFB Comox BC. During his career, Mark deployed on the United Nations mission to Haiti in 1995.

Funeral details will be provided when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Glen Metherell Davidson, CD (Ret’d) of Doaktown NB on 16 October 2024 the Miramichi Regional Hospital at the age of 87 years. 

Born in Carroll’s Crossing NB, Glen enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and served 29 years as a Water Supply, Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants Technician. His Canadian Military Engineer career saw him posted to a number of bases across Canada while serving with the Army and Air Force. After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Glen worked with the local Cadets.

Following his wishes, there was no visitation. A funeral service was held at the Abundant Life Pentecostal Church on 22 October. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In memory of Glen, donations can be made out to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

Nous avons le regret d'annoncer le décès du caporal-chef Arcade Tremblay, CD (Ret'd), survenu le 13 octobre 2024 au Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke, à Fleurimont, à l'âge de 73 ans.

Arcade est né à Alma, au Québec. Comme sapeur, il a été affecté à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes, au 5^e Régiment de génie de combat à Valcartier, au Québec (où il a effectué la majeure partie de sa carrière), et au 4 Combat Engineer Regiment à Lahr, en Allemagne.

La famille recevra les condoléances le samedi 2 novembre 2024, de 13 h à 14 h 45, à la Coopérative funéraire de l'Estrie Résidence funéraire Windsor {310, rue St-Georges à Windsor, QC}. Un service commémoratif suivra à 15 h à la chapelle du même endroit.

En guise de témoignage de sympathie, veuillez considérer un don à l'Association pulmonaire du Québec :

Les condoléances en ligne peuvent être envoyées au salon funéraire.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Ernest Nicholas “Ernie” Fougere peacefully at home 6 October 2024 at the age of 85 years. Ernie served with the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Painter.

The family received relatives and friends at the Neville Funeral Home in Pembroke ON on 11 October 2024. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Petawawa on 12 October 2024. Interment was at St. Columba’s Cemetery, Pembroke. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Petawawa Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517 would be appreciated. Online Condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph Anthony Gatt (Ret’d) on 6 October at the age of 44 years.

Joseph served as a Combat Engineer in the Canadian Military Engineers from 2010-2015. After training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, he served with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown before being released.

A visitation was held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on 15 October 2024 at 3:00 pm, with the funeral service at 4:00 pm.

A memorial visitation took place for family and friends in Ontario at Victoria Greenlawn Funeral Home on 12 October 2024 from noon until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 pm.  Instead of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Soldier On fund. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Jeff Veinot, CD (Ret’d) on 15 September 2024 at age 49 years.

Jeff was a native of Hemford NS. He served his country as a Combat Engineer including a tour on Canada's NATO operations in the Balkans and four tours in Afghanistan. Jeff was wounded on two of those Afghanistan tours but was fortunate to be able to come home to heal. During his Afghanistan tour in 2010 he saved the life of a former U.S. Army Special Operations sergeant, Mr. Cicero, who lost his arm and leg when he fell victim to an Improvised Explosive Device while handling an explosives-detecting dog alongside Canadian troops.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life was held on 5 October 2024 at St Andrew's United Church, {2045 Westmeath Rd} Westmeath ON.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Paul Michael Thompson on 12 August 2024 at Victoria Hospital in London ON at age 39 after his battle with cancer.

Paul joined the Canadian Army in 2012 and completed Combat Engineer qualification at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at Gagetown NB.  He was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB where he became qualified as a Combat Diver. During his tour with 1 CER, Paul deployed to Iraq in 2019 where he served as a Force Protection Commander. Paul was posted to the London, Ontario Transition Center in 2021.

The funeral service will be conducted at Westview Funeral Chapel { 709 Wonderland Road North, London} on Saturday, 17 August 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery, London. For those unable to attend the service a livestream is available.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Paul are asked to consider Bladder Cancer Canada.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Leading Aircraftman Ingo Roggan (Ret’d) on 11 August 2024 at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay (Kawartha Lakes) ON at age 79.

Born in Nauen, Germany, Ingo joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1962 at age 17 as a Military Firefighter. He completed his Basic Firefighter course at the Fire School at RCAF Station Borden ON, he served at RCAF Station Penhold AB and Canadian Forces Base Bagotville QC, after which he retired from the Canadian Forces.

After retiring from the Canadian forces, Ingo pursued several careers. He graduated from Sir George Williams University (Concordia) with a Bachelor's degree, McGill University with a University Certificate in Renovations and Restoration of Heritage Housing, and the Banff School of Fine Arts with a Certificate in Photography. He was passionate about his careers in Arts-photography, stained glass and heritage home restorations, where he was a project manager and site supervisor and connected to Norlon Builders London Ltd. and the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec [APCHQ] (Professional Builders Association of Quebec). He retired in the Kawarthas.

Funeral arrangements were private. Please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society in Ingo's honor.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Daniel Charles Page, CD (Ret'd) on 11 August 2024 in Kingston ON at the age of 64 years

Dan was extremely proud of the 16 years he served with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer and a Heavy Equipment Operator. His service included 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton and 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown. Dan also deployed to Canadian Forces Alert (1989-90) and the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Croatia (1994). Upon retiring from the Canadian Forces, He joined the Public Service as an Electrician with the Base Construction Engineers in Canadian Forces Base Kingston. Dan had a combined 32 years of service in the Canadian Forces and Public Service when he retired in Kingston.

A celebration of life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Clayton “Clay” Gallant, CD (Ret'd) on 6 August 2024 in Trenton ON, at age 69.

Born in Stephenville NL, Clay served as a Combat Engineer in 1 Field Squadron/2 combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON and 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Germany before taking an Occupational Transfer to Materials Technician in 1983. He served as a Mat Tech at Canadian Forces Bases Summerside PE and Trenton ON.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Weaver Family Funeral Home {29 Bay Street, Trenton, ON} on Saturday, 17 August, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM with a time of sharing and memories at 3:00 PM.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer James Andrew Dunn, CD (Ret’d) at Extendicare in Lindsay ON at age 88 on 30 July 2024. James served a full career as a Field Engineer.

In accordance with Jimmie's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. 

Donations in memory of Jimmie may be made to Support Our Troops. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal David Anthony Hornsby, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 29 July 2024 at age 79 years.

Dave Joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the 10^th Intake Sapper Apprentices in 1961 and served for 12 years as a Field Engineer. His first posting was to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, followed by a tour with 4 Field Squadron in Germany. Dave then returned to 3 Field Squadron from where he retired.

Dave then worked for Dairyland in Chilliwack for 28 years. He retired from there and went on to be a bus driver for special needs children for Chilliwack School District #33. Dave also gave his time to the local Cadet Corps.

There will be a military color party service to honour him and say goodbye at the Vedder Legion on Wednesday, 11 September 2024 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers- donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Locals can donate to the Legion in person (3-11:00 PM). Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Brigadier-General William Allan Douglas Yuill OMM, CD (Ret’d) on 19 July 2024 at the age of 92 years. Brigadier-General Yuill was a Korean War veteran who started his 44-year military career as a Sapper and retired as Colonel Commandant of the Military Police Branch.

William was born in Winnipeg MB. He spent four years in Army Cadets before joining the Regular Army with the Royal Canadian Engineers in October 1950. He was soon promoted and served in Korea as a Section Commander with 23 Field Squadron (1952-53). Upon return to Canada, William was selected for officer training and attended the College Military Royal in St. Jean QC. On graduation from the Infantry School in 1956, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Regiment of the Canadian Guards.

William graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston in 1958 and then served with the Canadian Guards in Camp Petawawa ON. He was next posted to West Germany (1957-59) as a Platoon Commander and later as Assistant Adjutant before returning to Petawawa. He then moved to  Western Command Headquarters in Edmonton AB (1963-65), and then returned to Petawawa (1966-67).

William deployed with the United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus for six months in 1966. After completing his CF Staff College Course in 1975, William returned to West Germany as the Commander of Base Support for CFB Baden Soellingen (1975-77).

William returned to Canada as Director of Defence Intelligence in National Defence Headquarters (1977-80),. He then returned to CFB Petawawa as the Deputy Base Commander (1981-83). William was then posted to Vancouver BC as the Chief of Staff, Pacific Militia Area (1983-85). His last assignment was as a Brigadier-General in Damascus, Syria, where he was the Deputy Force Commander of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) separating the Israelis and the Syrians across the Golan Heights Area of Separation (1985-87). 

On return to Canada, BGen Yuill retired from the Canadian Forces and became the Executive Assistant to the Base Commander, Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt BC 1988-93). William was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Military Police Branch in 1994 and held that appointment for six years.

Among his honours and awards, William became an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1985 and received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires Long Service Medal with Bar in 2000, representing over 17 years of service.

A Funeral Service will be held for William on 1 August 2024 at 2:00 pm from the Grandview Kinsmen Community Center in Grandview MB. Interment will follow in the Grandview Memorial Gardens & District Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal David Robinson, CD in Edmonton on 16 July 2024 at the age of 47 years. David served his country for 27 years, first as an Infanteer and then as a  Construction Technician.

David enrolled in 1997 in Fredericton, NB. Upon completion of  his basic training, he was posted to the 2^nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment.  While with 2 RCR, David completed the basic parachutist, mountain operations, and advanced reconnaissance patroller courses. During his infantry careeer, he deployed on Op PALLADIUM, the NATO mission to the Former Yugoslavia; Op ECLIPSE, the UN mission to Ethiopia and Eritrea and Op ATTENTION in Afghanistan. He also deployed to support the search efforts of Swiss Air Flight 111 off the coast of Nova Scotia.

David joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 2013 when he remustered to the Construction Technician trade. In this new career, he was first posted to Real Properties Operations Unit (Gagetown) for five years. David was then posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB, and deployed on Op REASURANCE  in Latvia in 2019.

Funeral will be at 1000 hrs on 14 August 2024 at St Luke’s Chapel, CFB Gagetown. Service will be provided by Padre Shawn Daley. Funeral OPI: MWO Trevor McCoul / WO Sebastian Levesque

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal John Thomas “Tom” Wall, CD (Ret'd), peacefully on 14 July  2024 in the Veterans Unit of Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg NS at th age of 98 years. Tom was a veteran of the Second World War, serving with the Carleton & York Regiment. After the war, he served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Tom was born in Sheffield NB and enlisted in the Carleton & York Regiment at age seventeen. His battalion landed in Sicily in July 1943 as part of Operation HUSKY and then took part in the invasion of mainland Italy in September. After the successful conclusion of the Italian Campaign, the battalion moved to North-West Europe along with the rest of the I Canadian Corps, where the battalion fought until the end of the war.

Tom returned to Sheffield after the war and worked as a farm hand and truck driver. He re-enlisted in 1956 with the Royal Canadian Engineers and his service included 2 Field Squadron in Gagetown as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Tom retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970 at age 45 and then worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator with the Public Service on Base Gagetown for 15 years.

The funeral will be held at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church in Oromocto NB at 2:00 PM on 9 August 2024. Interment will take place in the Parish cemetery, and a reception will follow. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Ken Poulton, CD (Ret’d) of Richards Landing ON, on 14 July at the age of 61 years.

Ken was born in Sault Ste. Marie ON and enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1983. After graduating from recruit training in Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis NS, he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment at CFB Petawawa ON to await his basic sapper course at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at CFB Chilliwack BC. He joined Course Serial 8401 in January of the following year and graduated as the Top Student.

Sapper Poulton returned to 2 CER with the Airborne Troop and started his summer of airborne training at CFB Petawawa and at the Jump School in CFB Edmonton. After completing these courses, he became a full-fledged member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Ken attended Jungle, Desert and Arctic Warfare courses and many types of Commando training, including Unarmed Combat and Long Range Patrolling. He also took part in RV 85 in Wainwright AB.

Ken was posted to 4 CER in 1986 for a 4-year posting. During this tour, he took part in the Nijmegen Marches in 1987. He returned to Canada to Training Support Troop at CFB Chilliwack. Here, he attained both the Explosive Ordnance Disposal-Basic qualification and the EOD-Improvised Explosive Device course. He was a member of the EOD team until his posting to 1 CER in Chilliwack in 1993.

During his first three years with 1 CER, Ken was in a Field Troop and with Resources Troop. He then took the Field Engineer Equipment Operator course and was assigned to the Heavy Equipment Troop. Ken deployed on Op KINETIC Roto 0 in 1999, the first NATO Mission to Kosovo. After his tour in Kosovo, Cpl Poulton qualified on the Grader.

Ken was posted to CFB Suffield in 2003 after his 7-year tour with 1 CER. He was employed in the G3 Range Control’s Range Maintenance Troop primarily as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Ken retired from the Canadian Forces in 2009 after almost 26 years of service. He returned to the Poulton homestead on St Joseph’s Island ON.  He served as the Veterans’ Services Officer at Legion Branch 374 St. Joseph Island after he retired.

Funeral details will be published as soon as they are available.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Leonard Payne, CD, peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in St John's NL on 13 July 2024 at the age of 57 years.

Doug served a 40-year career as a Combat Engineer with  56^th Field Engineer Squadron (later 37 Combat Engineer Regiment) in St John's NL. His career with the Reserves started in 1984 at the age of 17, and Doug rose to be appointed  Regimental Sergeant Major of 37 Combat Engineer Regiment. During his career, Doug participated in many projects, including the Lomond River Suspension Bridge project in Gros Morne National Park, the Rennies River Bridge in St John's and construction of the Upper Indian Pond Rifle Range in central Newfoundland. 

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Arthur Joseph Hiscock, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 4 July 2024 at Andrews of Summerside PE at age 96 years.

Born in Grand Falls NL, Art graduated with a Civil Engineering degree and served in the Korean War as a Captain with the 57^th Independent Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers.

Art retired from the Canadian Army as a Major and then earned his Masters Degree in Pollution Control and Environmental Management. He worked as a partner in an engineering consulting firm before joining the government of Prince Edward Island. He retired as PEI Director, Environment Canada.

Art was a long-standing member of the PEI Engineers Association; he was a founding member of the PEI Korean Veterans Association, and held various executive positions in both the Royal Canadian Legion and PEI Provincial Command.

Resting at East Prince Funeral Home, Summerside {245 Pope Road} until Thursday 11 July 2024.  Visiting hours are on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service that will be held in the chapel at 2:30 p.m. Interment to take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 5, Summerside will hold a service of remembrance on Thursday at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial donations in Art’s memory can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Seaman James Wayne Corbett, CD (Ret'd), unexpectedly at his home in Spryfield NS at age 81 years on 17 June 2024.

Jim was born in Westville NS and spent his formative years there. After completing Grade 8, he began the first of his many life adventures by joining the Bill Lynch shows and touring Atlantic Canada.

Jim's next adventure was his enlisting in the Canadian Armed Forces and starting a 17-year military career. He trained as a Field Engineer and served two tours with 4 Field Squadron in Germany, as well as with 1 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC  and with 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown NB. 

Jim was one of our first Combat Divers in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He qualified as a Royal Engineer Advanced Diver at the Royal Engineer Diving Establishment in Keil, Germany and then qualified on Combat Diver Land Force Course 6602. Jim participated in the  1966-68 Army Diver Trial and was a Combat Diver in 3 and 4 Field Squadrons.

In 1973, Jim became the first Combat Diver to remuster to the Clearance Diver trade and join the Royal Canadian Navy. He then served as a Clearance Diver in Fleet Diving Units (Atlantic) and (Pacific) until he retired from the Canadian Forces in 1980.

After he retired from active Military service, Jim trained as a machinist and spent the next 17 years working in Her Majesty's Canadian Dockyard in Halifax. Jim excelled in his field and was recognized for his innovative ideas and creative solutions. During this time, he also began selling Christmas trees. For 20 years, he was well known for his beautiful trees and for going above and beyond for his many repeat customers.

Jim loved the water. He was a decades-long Armdale Yacht Club member, volunteering his time serving on committees and assisting others with their boating needs. Jim owned several powerboats that he meticulously refurbished to their original glory. Once permanently retired, his many boating adventures led him and his wife spending much enjoyed time in Florida and the Carolinas.

Cremation has taken place. A private family burial will take place at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Armdale Yacht Club on 16 July  2024, starting at 2:00 PM. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Charles W. “Scotty” Alger, CD (Ret’d), suddenly on 15 June 2024 at home in Kemptville ON at the age of 82 years.

Scotty was born in Halifax NS during WW II where his Canadian mother had met his father who was serving in the Royal Navy. The family was reunited after the war and moved to the Shetland Islands, Scotland. Scotty lived in Scotland for 12 years before returning to Canada. He was living in the Ottawa area in 1958 when he enlisted in the Canadian Forces.

Scotty joined the Royal Canadian Engineers at age 16 with the 7^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program. After completing this training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, the first posting of his 35-year military career was with 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC. Initially a Field Engineer, he soon remustered to the Topographic Surveyor trade and joined the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa in 1961. Scotty served a full career with MCE on Booth Street and in the Arctic. One of his final projects was as Party Chief during Operation CONSERVATION, the cleanup of some 12,000 old fuel barrels left up north by old MCE survey party operations.

Friends may visit the Kemptville Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry {805 Prescott Street, Kemptville} on Saturday 22 June 2024 from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, immediately followed by a Celebration of Scotty’s Life in the Chapel at 3:30 pm. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Leo Francis Burke (Ret'd) on 6 June 2024 at the Health Sciences Centre in St John's NL at age 70 years.

Leo was a full-time employee with the Public Works at Canadian Forces Station St John's. He joined 56 Field Squadron in St John's NL, in 1974. After completing his Sapper training at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Leo trained with his unit, including exercises at Petawawa ON, Gagetown NB and Aldershot NS. He took his release from the Canadian Forces in 1982. 

Leo's family thanks the Sappers of 56 Field Engineer Squadron for visiting Leo in the hospital. 

As per Leo's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life was held at his residence on 9 June 2024. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Vincent Aubrey Hunter, CD (Ret'd) of Fredericton NB on Thursday, 6 June 2024 at the Veteran's Health Unit in Fredericton at age 92. Vincent was a Korean Veteran.  

Born in Astle NB, Vincent served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Field Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers for 28 years. He served two tours in Germany, spent five years in Chilliwack BC and many years at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown  NB, with 2 Field Squadron and 22 Field Squadron.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Vincent worked for the Corps Commissionaires for several years at CFB Gagetown. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93 in  Oromocto NB.

A Graveside Service will be held in Astle Community Cemetery on Sunday, 9 June 2024, at 2:00  pm, followed by a reception at the Astle Community Centre. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Honorary Colonel James Robert Happer, CD (Ret’d) of Abbotsford BC, peacefully on 29 May 2024 at the age of 85 years. 

James was born in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, but his family returned to England before the outbreak of WWII, eventually making a permanent home in Ealing, London. James began a five-year apprenticeship at John Dickinsons paper mill at the age of 16. As he also attended technical college, he became a qualified mechanical engineer. James emigrated to Canada in 1970 and settled in Lynn Valley in North Vancouver BC where his Canadian work career started at Wire Rope Industries.

James joined the Canadian Army Reserves in 1973.as a Sapper with 6^th Field Engineer Squadron in North Vancouver.   The following year, he received an officer’s commission. James was promoted to Captain in 1976 and qualified for the rank of Major in 1980. James served in the unit until 1990, when he retired and transferred to the Supplementary Reserve. 

In 1980, James moved his family to Abbotsford to take up a position at Turner Building Products in Mission. Later, he was employed with CPI Equipment in Langley, Wexxar Packaging in Steveston and retired as Senior Project Engineer from Tree Island Industries, Richmond.

James transferred to the Cadet Instructor List in 1997 to take command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in Abbotsford BC and was promoted to the rank of Major in September of that year. Major Happer relinquished command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in 2000 and transferred back to the Supplementary Reserve. In 2004, James became the Liaison Officer for the affiliation between 6^th Field Engineer Squadron and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) in the United Kingdom. 

Major Happer was appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 6^th Field Engineer Squadron in 2005. In 2009, following the stand-up of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, he was appointed as the first Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the new regiment. James was subsequently promoted to Honorary Colonel of the Regiment in January 2012 and held that appointment until 2015. James was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

During his 44 years as an Abbotsford resident, James contributed countless hours to the community, especially the youth. In addition to his being the Commanding Officer of 861 Silverfox Air Cadet Squadron, he was committee chairman of the Abbotsford Scouts, and he coached youth and men’s soccer teams. James was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Managers, helped with the downtown homeless ministry, and organized the Men’s Fellowship for 27 years.

James was a proud and active member of the local Legion Branch 15, handling the master of ceremonies duty on multiple years for the City of Abbotsford’s Remembrance Parade, Battle of Britain Day Service and the Vimy Ridge Candlelight Service.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, 14 July 2024, at Calvin Presbyterian Church {33911 Hazelwood Avenue, Abbotsford}. Donations In memory of James can be made to VETS Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or Calvin Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Michael McInnis (Ret'd) suddenly at his home on 28 May 2024 at the age of 37 years.

Mike enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2012 and, after completing his basic Sapper training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 2013, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB. Later in his career, Mike remustered to the Mobile Support Equipment Operator trade and was posted to the Technical Services Branch at Base Gagetown.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Oromocto Funeral Home. A service will held to honour and say farewell to Michael at Saint Luke's Chapel, CFB Gagetown on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow. Michael will be laid to rest within the days to come beside his little sister, Sammy, at Fernwood Memorial Park in Middle Sackville NS,

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's name to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Henry Leo Palindat, CD (Ret’d) on 26 May 2024 in Edmonton AB at the age of 93 years. 

Henry was born near the village of Parkman SK and grew up in  Virden MB. While living in Virden, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, the Air Cadets, and the Army militia. Henry quit school after Grade X  and went to work for a geophysical company and then a local garage. He next went to Calgary at age 17 to find work and ended up enlisting in the Royal Canadian Engineers at Currie Barracks AB.

Henry started his Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in December 1948 in Chilliwack and subsequently completed a Clerk’s course. His first posting was to the Chief Engineers Office at Army Headquarters in Ottawa followed by a  transfer to the Personnel, Royal Canadian Engineer office.

Henry was then posted to the Army Survey Establishment (now Mapping and Charting Establishment) in 1950. Promoted to Corporal that year, he requested and received a transfer to the Topographical Surveyor trade the following year. Henry was to spend more than 18 years in this new trade. As a Topographical Surveyor, he participated in some 13 survey field parties at places such as Gimli MB, Great Bear Lake YK, Kenora ON, the Arctic Islands, and Hudson Bay. He was a survey instructor at the School of Military Mapping during 1967 - 70 and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970.

After retiring from the military, Henry continued his surveying and mapping career. He moved his family to Calgary, where he worked with J.C. Sproule and Associates for four years, performing photogrammetric work and making several maps. Henry then moved to Edmonton and worked for the Provincial Government where he performed surveying computations for six years. During this time, he obtained his commission as an Alberta Land Surveyor in 1979. 

Henry became an owner of Alpine Surveys Ltd, a legal survey company in Red Deer in 1981 but this adventure lasted  only 11 months due to the economic situation in 1981. He then took a position with the Provincial Government, performing control and legal surveys until his retirement in 1993. 

Henry was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Sappers Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologists (ASSMT), and St Theresa Parish Bowling League.

A Funeral Service took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church {7508 29 Avenue NW, Edmonton} on Thursday, 30 May at 11:00 AM, with visitation before the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Warrant Officer H.G. Keith Arnold CD (Ret'd) of North Battleford SK on 17 May 2024 at the age of 81 years.. 

Keith was born in Maple Creek SK, and received his education in Golden Prairie, Maple Creek and Medicine Hat. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1961 at age 18 and served a long career in our Fire Service. Over his career, Keith served on 11 military bases that included Royal Canadian Air Force Station Centralia ON, RCAF Station Goose Bay NL, Canadian Forces Base Summerside PE, CFB Lahr, Germany, CFB Moose Jaw SK, CFS Dana SK, the Fire School at CFB Borden ON and CFB Cold Lake AB.

Keith retired from the Canadian Forces in 1982.  He moved to Medicine Hat and Regina before eventually ending up in North Battleford in 1989. Keith then served with the Saskatchewan Fire Commissioner's Office and with the city of North Battleford Fire Department. 

At Keith's request, no memorial service will be held, and he will be interred at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Douglas Roussain (Ret’d) on 14 May 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie ON at age 67.

Doug was proud of his services as a former Royal Canadian Air Force Firefighter and was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, 23 May from 4:00-8:00pm in the Fogolore Room at the Marconi Multicultural Event Centre in  Sault Ste. Marie (450 Albert St. W).

In lieu of donations, contributions may be made payable to Carol Miners in support of a trust fund for Doug’s daughter Kyleigh. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Fred Albert Neveaux, CD (Ret'd), of Victoria BC on 10 May 2024, at the age of 86.

Fred enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1954 at the age of 16 with the Royal Canadian Engineers as a member of the 3^rd Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program. He served proudly across Canada as a Construction Engineer until his retirement in 1984.

Fred's military career started with his being a construction technician for some 15 years before he was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1971. He served his first tour as an officer with 5^e Régiment du genie de combat in Valcartier QC, after which he served in the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt BC and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC.

Fred retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 at CFB Esquimalt. He then worked with the Public Service for the next decade in various positions until 1995, before segueing into leisure activities of travel, sailing, golf, and model railroading.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name may be made to Victoria Hospice.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, 31 May 2024, at First Memorial Funeral Services {4725 Falaise Drive in Royal Oak}. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Neil Evans Howk, CD (Ret'd), at home in Longview AB, on 5 May 2024 at the age of 64, after a lengthy illness.

Neil was born in Fernie  BC. His early years were full of adventure, travelling from post to post throughout British Columbia while his father served in the RCMP. Neil joined the Canadian Forces in 1985 to answer his country's call and became a Carpenter (Construction Technician). 

Neil's military career included postings in Canada in Chilliwack BC, Cold Lake AB, Gagetown NB, Calgary AB, Iqaluit NU and Masset, Haida Gwaii BC. His many overseas tours included Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, Italy, Haiti, and Golan Heights. In addition, Neil was also an accomplished member of the Canadian Rifle Team.

Neil retired from the Canadian Forces in 2005. After testing a few options, he became his own boss. Neil ran this company successfully until, due to health, he stopped in 2022 when his focus changed from running his business to spending more time with family. 

Neil's funeral service will be held at the Snodgrass Funeral Home {200 Woodgate Road, Okotoks AB} on 23 May 2024 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please support the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary or lend a helping hand to someone needing a pick-me-up. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Augustus Collins, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on  27 April 2024 at Topsail Beach NL at age 87 years. Augustus served a full career as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Major David William Price, CD (Ret'd)  on 27 April 2024 in  Kamloops BC at the age of 81 years.

David joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1959 with the 8^th Intake Sapper Apprentices and became a Painter. He started his military career with 1 Works Company in London ON, where he qualified as a Foreman of Works. While on On-Job Training as Foreman of Works, David deployed as the RCE Detachment Sergeant with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) contingent at El Arish, Egypt. David was posted to the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Borden upon his return to Canada. Here, he had successive responsibilities with CE Inspections, was NCO In Charge of CE operations at 13X Royal Canadian Air Force Ammunition Depot Detachment, was NCO IC North Shop and, finally, was with the Engineering Contracts Section.

David was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1972 and served his first tour as an officer in the Base Construction Engineering Section in Chilliwack. Following this was a tour as Station Construction Engineering Officer at Station Baldy Hughes BC and then in CFB Greenwood NS with the BCEO. David next joined Canadian Forces Training System Headquarters in Trenton ON, with responsibility for Military Engineering Training. He subsequently served in National Defence Headquarters with the Director Base Maintenance before being posted to Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering as Officer Commanding Construction Engineering Training Squadron.. David retired from the Regular Forces in 1995 and joined the Air Reserves as a Captain to start up the Airfield Engineer Squadron in Abbotsford. 

A celebration of life for David will be held Friday, 10 May 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Henderson's Funeral Home & Crematorium {45901 Victoria Ave, Chilliwack, BC} followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer First Class Sylvio “Bert” Berthelette, CD, MiD (Ret’d), peacefully on 21 April 2024 in the Pine Falls MB Hospital at the age of 94 years. Bert was a naval veteran of the Second World War and a Sapper with the Reserve Force.

Bert was born and raised on the family farm in the small Manitoba communities of Aubigny and Broadlands. During the Second World War, starting at age 17, Bert served eight months in the Cameron Highlanders of Canada before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. He served in the newly commissioned HMCS Meon from 1944 until 1945. Meon was a River Class frigate primarily assigned to convoy escort duty. She also took part Operation NEPTUNE, the sea component of the invasion of Normandy and was present on D-day. The ship was decommissioned and returned to the Royal Navy at the end of the war Bert was demobilized in 1946 with a Mentioned in Dispatches award on his War Medal.

After the war, Bert worked in the mines in British Columbia until he entered a trade school for his welding certificate. He then worked on the hydro dam project in Powerview MB, but he was scooped up by the Abitibi Paper Company in Pine Falls, where he worked for 36 years.

Bert joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1951. He served in 46^th Field Squadron in Pine Falls and held the appointment of Squadron Sergeant Major. In 1961 he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class I and appointed Regimental Sergent Major of the 6^th Field Engineer Regiment based in Winnipeg.

Bert was very active in his communities. He served as President of his Union for several years and worked his way onto Abitibi’s management team. He and his wife operated B n I Grocery Store. Bert served on the local school board, the Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer firefighter. He was instrumental in developing Pineview Lodge, the town's seniors residence. He was an active member of the Pine Falls Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Some of Bert’s proudest achievements were as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served three 4-year terms as Grand Knight in Pine Falls and was District Deputy in Manitoba. His appointment to State Deputy followed which took him traveling throughout North America.

Bert and his wife enjoyed their retirement years as snowbirds in Arizona and living at their summer home at Albert Beach. After his wife’s passing in 2007, Bert returned to Pine Falls to be among friends and family.

Cremation has taken place, and a private celebration and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Mike O’Connor, CD (Ret’d)  a resident of Valley Haven in Chilliwack on 20 April 2024 at the age of 77 years.

Mike proudly followed in the footsteps of his father's career with the Canadian Military Engineers. He served the Canadian Military Engineers in both the Regular force and the Reserves. Mike's postings included 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON, 1 Combat Enginer Regiment in Chilliwack BC (late late 70s), 4 Combat Enginer Regiment in Lahr, Germany, Canadian Forces School of Military Enginering in Chilliwack and Range Control with Base Operations Chilliwack. Mike also served a tour in Egypt with UNEF II.

Mike joined the Air Reserves after his release from the Regular  Force in 1998. He served with 192 Airfield Engineer Flight in Abbotsford BC as a driver/equipment operator until he retired from the Canadian Forces in 2006.

Online condolences can be sent HERE.  

Use this site to also check for detailsMike O'Connor's Poppy Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295, { 5661 Vedder Rd, Chilliwack, BC} commencing at 12:30, Monday, 6 May 2024. Following the Legion Poppy Service, there will be a Celebration of Life. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Frederick "Rick" Hayes CD (Ret'd) on 17 April 2024 at age 74  at Comox Valley Hospital.

Rick was born in Ottawa and started his military career in 1967 when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a young boy, seeking the thrill of the unknown. He wore several hats throughout his military career - from an Air Bos'n and Ships Diver in the Royal Canadian Navy to a Firefighter in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His career postings included Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Annapolis and Bonaventure, RCAF Station Val-d'Or QC, Canadian Forces Bases Summerside PE, Lahr Germany, Toronto ON  and Moose Jaw SK.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 May 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 – Fred Gies {524 Belmont Avenue W, Kitchener, ON} from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Micheal Lawrance (Ret'd) at home in  Ottawa ON  on 16 April 2024 at age 79 after a long fight against cancer.

Born in British Columbia, Mike joined the Canadian Forces in 1964 at Royal Roads Military College in Esquimalt BC and graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston in the Class of 1969. Mike's first posting was with the Base Construction Engineering Section in Bagotville QC after which he moved to National Defence Headquarters with the Director General Materiel Administration and Programs. He was seconded to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1975 and soon took his release from the Canadian Forces to follow a second career with CIDA.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, 25 May 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery {3700 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa}. A celebration of life will follow from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at the same location, followed by a reception.

Donations are invited to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Friends of Charleston Lake, or The Friends of Algonquin Park. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Stanley Edward Duda, CD (Ret’d), peacefully after a battle with cancer, on 11 April 2024 at Hospice Barrie in his 91st year.  Stan was a Canadian Provost Corps veteran of the Korean War.

Stan served a full career as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers in our field units in Canada and Germany and with Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.  He was in 1 Field Squadron in the 50s and 60s and in 4 Field Squadron in the mid 70s. Upon returning to Canada from Germany, Stan was posted to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in CFB Borden. He next became the Regular Support Officer for 2^nd Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto in 1978. Stan was posted back to the EOD School, after completing his tour with RSS. He retired from the Regular Force after that posting . Stan then transferred to the Reserve Force when he re-joined 2 FER and held the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major from 1984 to 1988.

A celebration of life for Stanley will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Alvin Milton “Scotty” Scott of Saint John NB, on 9 April 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital at age 79. 

Born in London, England, Alvin devoted 37 years in Public Service, spending ten years in the Canadian Armed Forces and 27 years as a firefighter at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Scotty worked a second job between his firefighter shift work by driving his own taxicab in Oromocto. In his semi-retirement he worked part-time as a Commissionaire on the Saint John Harbour Bridge.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, 20 April 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2 pm, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm in the Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel {111 Paradise Row, Saint John}. Burial will take place at a later date. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #22, Grand Bay-Westfield. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Ronald John Gilchrist, CD (Ret’d) of Pembroke ON, peacefully on 31 March 2024 at the age of 81 years. Ronald served his country as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Westmeath and District Recreation Hall on Sunday, 21 April  2024 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm. As expressions of sympathy,  donations to the SPCA of Renfrew County or Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Robert Morris Louis "Bob" Weisman, CD (Ret'd) on 26 March 2024 in Ottawa at the age 69 years.

Bob was born in Montreal QC where he grew up as an active and curious child who enjoyed scouting, cadets, and soccer. He was a lifelong student with a passion for military history, the arts, culture, and languages. Bob spoke three fluently (English, French and Dutch) alongside studies in German and Latin. 

Bob aspired to be a history student and teacher, but life's circumstances conspired otherwise and led him to pursue Civil Engineering studies. He joined the Canadian Forces as a Regular Officer Training Plan member in 1971 at the Collège Militaire Royale de St Jean. He finished his studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston ON with the Class of 1976. 

During his military career, Bob moved throughout Eastern Canada. His first posting after receiving his Commision was as a Troop Commander in 5e Régiment Génie de Combat (5 RGC) in Valcartier QC. Bob fell in love with the Canadian North during this posting when he was working on our Northern Airfields project in Spence Bay (Taloyoak, NU). 

Following his 5 RGC tour, Bob was posted to the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Chatham NB before moving to Force Mobile Command Headquarters in St Hubert QC. After FMC HQ, Bob returned to 5 RGC, where he served as the Regimental Operations Officer.

Bob completed a Master's degree in computer science at RMC in 1992. He found his passion for teaching when he next taught at RMC. He was then posted to National Defence Headquarters and worked in several directorates where he was a decision support researcher and a command and control portfolio manager responsible for the development of strategic direction and management of information technology and resources.

Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 1999 with the rank of Major after 27 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Bob was a leader and innovator in the fields of planning, enterprise architecture, and knowledge management, with significant contributions to the TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework ) standard, an open methodology for enterprise architecture. After he retired from the military, Bob continued to work as a consultant, enterprise architecture lead, and chief information architect, and he launched his own company, "Build The Vision."

While in Ottawa, Bob continued his love of education, obtaining his PhD in digital transformation and innovation from the University of Ottawa in 2019. He subsequently taught at U of O as a part-time professor and an engineer-in-residence until his passing.

The family is making a memory book. If you would like to share, please send some of your memorable times with Bob in an email .
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 19 May, 2024, at 3:00pm at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa [30 Cleary Avenue}. Please RSVP by 5 May  2024 with this LINK
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Thomas Kenneth "Ken" O'Connell, CD (Ret'd), peacefully in his sleep in Halifax NS on 20 March 2024 at the age of 74 years.

Ken was born in New Waterford NS. He left Cape Breton as a young man to join the Canadian Forces and soon found himself travelling by train to Calgary AB for his recruit training as an Infantryman with 1^st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). 

Ken deployed with the battalion on his first peacekeeping tour to Cyprus in 1968. The following year, he was posted to 3 Mech Commando in Souest, Germany and was with them until the base closed. He then moved to Canadian Forces Base Baden with the 3^rd battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Ken left Germany in 1972 to join 2 RCR at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown and had his second peacekeeping tour in Cyprus with the unit (Nov 1973 - Apr 1974). In 1978, Ken was posted back to Baden, Germany with 3 RCR.

Ken joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1981 when he re-mustered to the Structures  Technician trade. He was posted to CFB Kingston with the Base Construction Engineering Section after completing his Trade Qualification Level 3 training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.

The following summer, Ken was attach-posted to 1  Construction  Engineering Unit (CEU)  in Canadian Forces Station Alert for Phase 1 of the Headquarters, Administration and Personal Services (HAPS) building. This was a great experience where he learned what it meant to be a Struct Tech. There was not much carpentry work but a lot of steel .. and much of the work involved jackhammering the permafrost for the building's footings. 

In 1987, Ken was posted to the Wing Construction Engineering Section at CFB Winnipeg. The following year, he moved to 1 CEU on CFB in Winnipeg. In 1991, he was posted to the Naval Construction Troop at CFB Halifax. 

Ken retired from the Canadian Forces after a lengthy illness in 1997 and remained in the Halifax area.   During his retirement, Ken loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises and trips south in the winter with friends and family. He loved to golf in the summer and spent time in the winter watching his grandkids play hockey. Ken was also a season ticket holder for the Halifax Mooseheads and would never miss a game. 

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, at J.A. Snow Funeral Home {339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home . In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the  Last Post Fund.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Petty Officer 2^nd Class William Ross “Rosco” Beebe, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack  BC, on 17 March 2024 at age 72 years.

Rosco served 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Starting with the Royal Canadian Navy, he spent ten years at sea, including five years on a submarine. He joined the Canadian Military Engineers when he remustered to Construction Procedures Technician and, eventually, became an Administrative Clerk. During his military career, Rosco served in Canada’s Arctic at Canadian Forces Station Alert on four different occasions, and he also served with NATO forces in Geilenkirchen, Germany. Rosco retired from the Canadian Forces in 1996 from Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack.

In his retirement, Rosco was the first Educational Advisor in the British Columbia Hockey League. He was an industry pioneer in developing the BCHL Educational Programs that saw so many of their players continue their educations while seeking success on the ice. He oversaw all educational activities the players participated in, whether applying for post-secondary schools or aligning the high school-aged players with the local secondary school. Ross was also an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Policy Advisor to all college-bound Student Athletes searching for an NCAA Scholarship. When not at the rink, Rosco was passionate about golf. He could regularly be found on the course or in his garage building clubs. He owned a custom club company, Chimo Golf.

The Chilliwack Chiefs hockey team will celebrate Rosco during the game at the Chilliwack Coliseum on 6 April.

At Ross’s request, there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St Paul's Cardiac Services or the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation in his memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Office Paul Frank Van Altena, CD (Ret’d) on 16 March 2024 at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie ON in his 81^st year.

Paul served a full career as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers in postings that included 1 Field Squadron/2 CER, 3 Field Squadron/1 CER, 4 Field Squadron/4 CER and 2 Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto.

Friends paid their respects at the Steven R. Brldge Funeral Home { 207 Mill Street in Angus} on 22 March. Funeral service took take place in the chapel on 23 March 2024. 

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Wilbert Gary Armstrong (Ret'd) of Ladysmith BC on 14 March 2024 at age 84.

Gary was born in Peterborough ON, and lived there until the age of 16, when he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Fifth Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program in 1956. After his two-year training program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack BC, Gary started a  20-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers, first as a Field Engineer and then as an Electrician.

Gary’s postings were far and wide across Canada and on international peacekeeping duties. In addition to serving at Canadian Forces Bases Chilliwack, Borden, and Calgary, Gary served at Canadian Forces Station in Alert. Gary was also deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Egypt and Cyprus.

After serving as an Electrician, Gary branched out into Occupational Health and Safety for a second career and worked for another 20 years with Canada Post. This career started in Calgary and, after several years, he was promoted and moved to Edmonton with responsibilities for the province of Alberta.

Gary enjoyed many interests and loved to travel and see new places. While in Germany, there were trips to explore the surrounding countries; this love of travel took him and his wife on many vacations in the following decades. Vacations included camping trips, road trips, cruises, an exploration of Australia, and many places in between. His collections of stamps and coins were extensive. He was a dedicated birdwatcher and also enjoyed his aquariums of fish he had bred. Sketching and painted folk art exhibited his artistic bent and he enjoyed decorating his home with pictures and art collected from around the world.

A memorial Service was held on Wednesday 10 April 2024 at the United Church in Chemainus BC. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel David Williamson, OMM, CD (Ret’d) of Kingston ON  on 3 August 2024  at the age of 85 years. 

Early in his Canadian Military Engineer career, Dave was stationed at Royal Canadian Air Force Station London ON,  After completing the Technical Construction Engineering Officer course at RCAF Station Centralia in 1961, Dave was posted to RCAF Station  Barrington NS as the Station Constrution Engineering Officer. Dave had a full and varied career with the Canadian Military Engineers. He earned his Parachutist wings at Rivers MB and he was one of the early RCAF instructors at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. 

On promotion to Major, Dave was posted to National Defence Headquarters with the operations element in the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff branch. His next promotion saw him in the Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Engineering at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg MB as SSO Works for some five years. Following his AIRCOM HQ tour, Dave was assigned to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Command Headquarters ( SHAPE) in Belgium in 1982 as Staff Officer AIR/NAV. Returning to Canada, Dave became  Director Construction Engineering Requirements 2 within Directorate General Quartering. Upon promotion to Colonel,, he became the Director of Military Engineer Operations. Dave's final posting was to Halifax NS in 1990 as Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Engineering at Maritime Command Headquarters. 

Dave returned to London upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces. He later moved to Kingston, living on Howe Island before moving to downtown Kingston. Funeral services were private. Donations in memory of David made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated by his family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Pierre Peter Allain (Ret’d) of Dieppe NB, peacefully at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton on 2 March 2024 at age 77 years.

Born in Arichat NS, Peter had a combined firefighting career of 37 years in the Canadian Forces and as a civilian firefighter. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1965 and served for five years as a Firefighter and as a crew member in Aircraft Crash Rescue before joining the Gloucester Fire Department. He rose through the ranks with them from Firefighter to Lieutenant Inspector, Chief Inspector, Deputy Fire Chief, and eventually to Fire Chief before joining the City of Ottawa Fire Services in 2001. Peter was the Deputy Fire Chief Prevention and Education and retired in 2002.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. The family invites you to sign the online book of condolences at the funeral home.