Nous avons le regret de vous faire part du décès du Sergent Jean Charles Joseph Maillet, CD survenu le 9 avril 2023 à l'âge de 63 ans. Jean servait à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes lorsqu'il est décédé.

Né à Moncton NB, Jean a commencé une carrière civile en tant que technicien du génie avant de rejoindre les Forces armées canadiennes en 1989 et a servi son pays pendant 34 ans. Jean a commencé sa formation à École de leadership et de recrues des Forces canadiennes à St-Jean QC. Après avoir terminé l'école de recrutement, il a suivi une formation linguistique à l'École de langues des Forces canadiennes à St-Jean, puis s'est dirigé vers l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes (ÉGMFC) pour la formation du génie de combat. À la fin de cette formation, Jean a été affecté au 5e Régiment du Génie de Combat à Valcartier QC. Alors qu'il était au 5 ^e RGC, il a rapidement servi pendant la Résistance de Kanesatake près de la ville d'Oka QC en 1990. Au cours de sa tournée avec le 5e RGC, il s'est également déployé en ex-Yougoslavie lors de l'Op CAVALIER en 1993, de l'Op HARMONY en 1995 et de l'Op PALLADIUM de l'OTAN en 1999/2000.

Jean a ensuite été affecté à l'ÉGMFC en 2000 où il a d'abord servi comme instructeur, puis avec les normes d'ingénierie de campagne. Il a ensuite déménagé au Centre d'instruction au combat pendant un an avant de commencer une tournée de six ans avec le 4^e Régiment d'appui du génie en 2008. Jean est retourné à l'ÉGMFC en 2014 où il a été commandant en second du Centre de ressources d'instruction et formateur pour culture et patrimoine. Pendant son séjour au musée du GMC, Jean a apporté des contributions importantes et durables à la mise à jour et à l'amélioration de l'éducation culturelle et patrimoniale des étudiants, au développement de programmes pour les jeunes et à l'amélioration des expositions de la galerie. Il était bien connu pour ses visites dynamiques, divertissantes et informatives du musée du CME.

Une visite aura lieu à la Maison Funéraire Oromocto le jeudi 13 avril 2023 de 14h00 à 16h00 et de 19h00 à 21h00. Une messe commémorative aura lieu à la chapelle St. Mary, BFC Gagetown, le vendredi 14 avril 2023 à 11 h. Au lieu de fleurs, des dons commémoratifs peuvent être faits à la Société canadienne du cancer ou à Hospice House Fredericton. Les condoléances en ligne peuvent être envoyées au salon funéraire.

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Henry Richard "Dick" Bohne, CD (Ret’d) 0n 4 April 2023, peacefully in his 94^th year.

Born in Bassano AB, his family lived in Gem, Hussar, Bassano, and finally Medicine Hat where he finished high school. Dick attended Royal Roads and graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston in 1953. Commissioned in the Royal Canadian Engineers, he soon deployed to Korea with 59^th Canadian Independent Field Squadron. After spending a year in the Korean War, he returned to the University of British Columbia and graduated in 1955 with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering.

For the next 35 years, Dick served primarily as a Construction Engineering Officer.  He served in Whitehorse, Edmonton, Kingston, and Halifax before being appointed as Commanding Officer of 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON (1966-68). After Petawawa, he went on to National Defence Headquarters with the Director General Works, followed by CFB Borden as the Base Technical Services Officer. Dick then served in Lahr Germany as the SSO Construction Engineer of Canadian Forces Europe and BCEO of Lahr. He returned to Canada to CFB TRenton with Canadian Forces Training Systems Headquarters as SSO Quartering and DCoS Technical Services. Dick then returned to National Defence Headquarters with Director General Works for his last posting. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1982 and then went on to serve for 10 years with NATO. After his second retirement, Dick and Carole spent the next 30 years between Arizona in the winter and Kingston in the summer, enjoying life to its fullest, including many rounds of golf and long morning walks.

A private funeral was held by the family. A Celebration of Life is planned at a future date. For those wishing to express sympathy in Dick's memory, please consider donations to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Chief Warrant Officer Clarence “Clare” Belliveau, CD (Ret’d), peacefully, at home in Victoria BC, on 2 April 2023 at the age of 91 years

Clare was born in St. Paul’s NB, fifth in a family of ten brothers and sisters. He left the family home in Minto NB in 1954 at a young age and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force for what became a 30-year military career as a Firefighter.

Clare’s career took him to Europe and across Canada. Throughout his career, he called “home” to Portage la Prairie MB, Germany, Chatham NB, North Bay ON, Toronto ON, Comox BC, and Winnipeg MB. Retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1983, he settled in Victoria BC with his family. One of the constant highlights of Clare’s retirement was his involvement with the Victoria Horseshoe Club, which became a passion he enjoyed for the rest of his life.

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held for Clare at the Victoria Horseshoe Club on Sunday, 7 May 2023, at 1:00 PM.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Howard Craig Howard, CD (Ret’d) of Burlington ON, peacefully on 30 March 2023, at the age of 61 years.

th birthday during basic training with the Infantry in 1979. He spent almost two decades as an Infantryman with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, travelling the world, serving his country with bravery and honour. 

Craig remustered to the Draughtsman trade and joined the Canadian Military Engineers. His service with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment  included an UNPROFOR [UN Protection Force (Yugoslavia)] tour in 1992-1993. Craig was extremely proud of his service and remembered his time in the military fondly.

Craig retired from the Canadian Forces in 1996. He then pursued a career in engineering technology working as a Certified Engineering Technologist. He had a successful career working for several companies over the years.

Visitation will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, 485 Brant Street in Burlington on Thursday, 6 April 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Donald House (Ret’d) of Sydney NS, suddenly at home on 28 March 2023 at the age of 59 years.

Donald was born in Sydney NS.  He joined the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in 1976 and enrolled in the Reserve Force with 45^th Field Squadron in Sydney in 1981. He then made a component transfer to the Regular Force in 1983 and joined 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack BC. Donald served next with 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Germany and returned to 1 CER  when he came back to Canada. At 1 CER he was awarded Sapper of the Year. On a historical note, during Exercise RENDEZVOUS 89 in Wainwright, Don was with the Giant Viper Section that fired the very last mine-clearing line charge in Canada.

Donald was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering with Mine Warfare and Demolitions cell in 1989. While with CFSME he received the CFSME Commandant's Commendation in 1990 for his brave actions tin protecting his students from a bear. Donald was medically released from the Canadian Forces in 1992 after a vehicle accident in Chilliwack in 1990. 

Funeral arrangement will be advised later. Online  condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Roy Edward Horner (Ret’d), peacefully on 21 March 2023, at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket ON.

Roy grew up in Toronto and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. He completed his basic training in Camp Petawawa ON and was assigned to 2^nd Field Park Company and served in Canada. 

Roy had a long and successful 44-year career with Moore Business Forms in Toronto starting as a pressman and working his way up to Director of Purchasing. For many years he served as the Service Club Chairman for the York Central Hospital Foundation. He also volunteered for many other community organizations including the Maple United Church and the Richmond Hill Horticultural Society.

Visitation will be held at Marshall Funeral Home {10366 Yonge St., Richmond Hill} on Thursday, 30 March 2023, from 11am-12pm. Service will be held at 12:00pm followed by a reception. Donations can be made to the Mackenzie Health Foundation or Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper J. Gordon Grant (Ret'd), peacefully on 20 March 2023 at the age of 91, at the Ottawa Hospital.

Born in Ottawa ON, Gordon was a member of his hometown Militia unit 3^rd Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers from 1949 -1952. He then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served as a Munitions and Weapons Technician from 1952 to 1957. During this time he was posted to Germany for two years and also served in Whitehorse NWT. 

Gordon joined the RCMP in 1957 and served until 1985 when he retired as a Staff Sergeant in 1985. Upon retirement, he worked in the security services department at the Bank of Canada Ottawa for five years.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services {280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa } on Monday, 27 March 2023 from 7-9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, 28 March from 12 noon until the time of service in Beechwood's Sacred Space at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow in the RCMP National Memorial Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery. Donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Messages of condolence may be left at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Gordon Daniel "Dan" Schurman, CD (Ret’d) of Summerside PE at the Wedgewood Manor in Summerside on 10 March 2023 at age 81 years.

Born in Springhill NS, Dan was a Veteran who served as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force.  His postings included RCAF Station Zweibrucken GE, Canadian Forces Base Trenton ON, and CFB Summerside.

Dan is resting at Moase Funeral Home in Summerside, where the funeral service will be held on Monday, 20 March 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place later in Collingwood Wyvern Cemetery in Nova Scotia. Visiting hours are Monday, 20 March 2023 from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service.

Memorial donations to the Summerside Baptist Church or the Parkinson’s Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Laurie Sherwood Brown, CD (Ret’d) on 3 March 2023 at his home on Grand Manan NB at the age of 71 years.

Grand Manan was Laurie’s hometown and he completed Grand Manan High School there. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1969 and served with the Canadian Military Engineers as an Electrician for nearly 30 years. During his military career, his trade was re-named to Electrical Distribution Technician and he retired as a Master Warrant Officer in the Construction Engineering Superintendent master trade.

Laurie served in many places in Canada and around the world throughout his service career. Like many of our good leaders and tradesmen, Laurie was an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack.  He also served in 1 Construction Engineering Unit, Canadian Forces Detachment St Margarets NB, and in Germany. Laurie also deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert NU and on the United Nations Emergency Force II (UNEF II) in Egypt with the Camp el Gala Construction Engineering Section.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Laurie moved back to Grand Manan, where he established his own electrical contracting business.

Laurie was a member of the Grand Manan Rotary Club and served on the board for Grand Manan Housing for several years. As a proud member of the Grand Manan Legion, he spearheaded the banner project to honour veterans who loved their country as he did. Laurie also formed a special bond with members of the Community Life Church group.

Visitation will take place at the Community Life Church on 16 March from 2-4:00 PM and 7-9:00 PM. A celebration of life service will be held on 17 March at 12:30 PM at Community Life Church. A live-stream of the service will be available to those unable to attend in person, click the LINK and follow the instructions to access the live stream. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal George “Sonny” Moore (Ret’d), a resident of Meadowview Villa in Lambton ON on 28 February 2023 in his 90^th year. 

Sonny enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1956 at the age of 23 years. He undertook his training as a Field Engineer at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. During his career, Sonny had postings to Gagetown NB and served overseas in Germany as well as Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force. Sonny also served at Canadian Forces Station Alert in the Arctic in the Northwest Territories. 

Sonny retired from the Canadian Forces in 1966 at the rank of Corporal. He then worked as an Electrician and was hired by the Ministry of Transportation to work on the design of the “Golden Mile” and Highway 40.  Sonny was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 52 years. He was a recipient of a Quilt of Valour, as part of the Quilt of Valour Program which provides a quilt to selected Canadian Armed Forces members, past or present, for their bravery and commitment to Canada and its citizens.

Cremation has taken place with a private burial to be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery. A Celebration of Sonny’s Life will take place on Friday, 10 March 2023 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 216 Petrolia ON. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Lambton Meadowview Auxiliary.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Barry Young, CD (Ret’d), a resident of the Timberstone Mews senior's retirement community in Red Deer AB on 26 February 2023 at age 87.

Barry was born in Cape Breton NS and demonstrated a love for all sports at a very young age – particularly hockey. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1954 in Sydney, NS and had a 26-year military career as a Firefighter. Barry spent 11 of those years in France and Germany where he played hockey as a defenseman for the RCAF.

Among the highlights of his military career, Barry was the Fire Chief for Canadian Forces Base Kingston ON for three years. His last posting was to CFB Cold Lake AB where he retired in 1979 as a Warrant Officer after a 26-year career.

After retiring from an active military career, Barry joined the Reserves. He attained his Glider License and became an instructor. Barry was to eventually also receive his commercial and private power license and count over 6000 glider flights. Barry was the Commanding Officer of the Prince Albert Air Cadet Squadron and the Prince Albert Gliding Zone for 12 years and he shared his love of flying with young people through the RCAF Cadet Program. He spent his summers at Penhold Air Cadet Training Camp supporting young cadets to attain further flying skills. During his 46-year career, Barry achieved his highest rank of Acting Major. He was a member of the Petrolia Legion Branch Number 216.

Condolences can be sent online to the funeral home. Funeral details will be published when available. 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II George Fouchard, CD (Ret’d) in Ottawa on 10 February 2023 at age 101. George was a veteran of the Second World War.

George enlisted in Ottawa with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa in September 1939 and was recommended for transfer to the Royal Canadian Engineers in April 1943. After receiving specialist training and an initial assignment to 1^st Canadian Corps Field Company Survey Company, he was posted to the newly formed 3 Field (Reproduction) Survey Company, RCE in May 1943 as a Map Draftsman. Three similar companies were busy in England throughout 1943 learning how to support the ever-expanding Canadian Army. By Spring 1944, they were making the maps of France inland from the planned D-Day Normandy beaches.

George’s company arrived in Normandy at Bernières-sur-Mer in late July 1944 in a Landing Ship, Tank with their trucks, printing presses, portable darkrooms and other stores. They were immediately put to work preparing the maps for the recapture of Caen and closing the Falaise Gap. As a cartographer, George’s job was to annotate the topographic maps from the latest air photography and to prepare overprints with known enemy dispositions. They moved regularly and worked under canvas or outdoors unless they could locate in suitable buildings for short periods.

George was in northern Holland when the war ended. He returned to Ottawa in September 1945 where he was demobilized. George then joined the Permanent Force with No 1 Survey Section in Ottawa in October. He served a full career with the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa as a Lithographic Draftsman, Cartographer and Photogrammetrist. In 1960, George was the first secretary of the Army Survey Club, that later became the Mappers Club.  George rose through the ranks to the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class and retired in 1966. He  followed a second career with Geological Survey of Canada as a Cartographic Draftsman for seven years.

George received the French Legion of Honour in 2015 in recognition of his service during WW II during the Battle for France

The family will hold a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, Sat 27 May 2023 from 11:00  AM to noon at Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery {3700 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa}. Memorial Service will follow.

See: D-Day Digital Project Traces Canadian Regiments during Campaign - Video for a video interview with George in 2019 about mapping at the front during the Northwest Europe Campaign.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Bernard “Bernie/Scotty” Connelly, CD (Ret’d) on 8 Feb 2023, peacefully after a short illness, at age 89. Bernie served as a Mapper with the Canadian Military Engineers for 31 years.

Bernie was born in Glasgow, Scotland and grew up in a wartime era that built a formidable resilience in him. Beginning an apprenticeship as a textile engraver with the British Silk and Dye Company when he was 15, he completed this training at age 21. He then went to work with Manchester and Spondon in Derbyshire, England until 1957, when he emigrated to Canada. Bernie soon found employment in Montreal as a lithographic pressman with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and with Farrell Advertising before he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1958.

After he qualified as a Field Engineer at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Bernie was posted to the Army Survey Establishment (ASE) in Ottawa as a Pressman. Over the years he took on roles of increasing responsibility within ASE (that later became the Mapping and Charting Establishment). 

By 1964 Bernie was qualified as  Group 4 Lithographer and had been promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer. He had a five-month tour of duty with the Royal Australian Survey Corps in Bendigo in 1969 and, on his return to ASE,  became the supervisor of the presses and plate-making. Bernie became an instructor in the Training Section in 1971. After five years in this section, he next became the Warrant Officer in Charge of Photolithography. Bernie then returned to the Training Section as the Assistant Training Officer until 1980. Promoted to Chief Warrant Officer in that year, he became the Administration Officer. From 1981 to 1983, Bernie was the Officer in Charge of Photolithography. 

In 1983, Bernie was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of the Mapping and Charting Establishment. Two years later, he returned to the School of Survey as the Chief Instructor. Bernie was commissioned at the rank of Captain in October 1986 and became the Chief Instructor until his retirement in 1989.

Bernard was an avid alpine and cross-country skier, runner and golfer. He was invited to try out for the National Biathlon Team in 1969. Active in both alpine and cross-country skiing, he was Chief Instructor at Forces Ottawa Ski Club.

Friends and colleagues may pay respects on Monday, 20 February 2023. Visitation begins at 12:00 pm with a service at 1:00 pm and a reception to follow at Beechwood Cemetery [ 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa ]. Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Ottawa YMCA. Online condolences can be sent to the Beechwood Cemetery.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Herbert John ''Jack'' Hides (Ret'd) of Calgary at the South Health Campus on 3 February 2023 at the age of 92 with his loving wife of 66 years, Ruby, and family nearby.

Jack was a gifted hockey player who grew up in the minor and junior hockey leagues in Calgary, ultimately playing in the Chicago Blackhawks farm system. When his hockey career ended, he joined the Canadian Army and served three years in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After his military service, Jack began a long and successful career in the downstream oil and gas industry, with Royalite, Pacific 66 and Petro-Canada. He retired in 1986 spent thirty plus years wintering in Mesa AZ. and traveling.

As per Jack's wishes there will be no funeral. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200-325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403)205-3966, email:donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.calgarycrematorium.com. To plant a tree Jack's in memory, please visit the Tribute Store.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Allen "Al" Sheffer, CD (Ret’d) on 3 February 2023, peacefully at the Chilliwack General Hospital at age 87 Years. Many will remember Al as the Field Engineer Career Manager in the 1970s.

Al initially enrolled in the Canadian Army with the Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers but transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Field Engineer.

Al’s service included the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering as an instructor with Apprentice Training Squadron, 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa, 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack and 4 Field Squadron in Germany as well as his being the Career Manager for the  Field Engineers and Firefighters in the 1970s. Al deployed on the United Nations mission in the Golan Heights.as a Acting Chief Warrant Officer and to Vietnam on the International Commission of Control and Supervision in Vietnam in 1973.

Funeral arrangements are private.

Nous avons le regret de vous faire part du décès paisible du Sergent Yvon Bourassa le 31 janvier 2023 à l'âge de 82 ans.

Né à St-Severain-de-Proulxville QC, Yvon s'est enrôlé dans les Forces canadiennes en mars 1959 en tant que fantassin et a servi comme tel jusqu'à son changement de métier en mai 1969 en tant qu'ingénieur de campagne. Après son cours de qualification de métier à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes à Chilliwack CB, il a été affecté au 5e Escadron de génie du Canada à Valcartier QC. Sa carrière s'est déroulée principalement à Valcartier et au sein de la troupe d'équipement lourd comme opérateur et sergent de troupe. Il a également servi au sein de la Section du génie construction de la Base Valcartier en tant que superviseur de l'organisation "Routes et Terrains." En 1968-1969, avant son reclassement au génie de campagne, il a servi pendant six mois dans le cadre d'une mission des Nations Unies à Chypre.

Yvon a participé à divers projets de construction d'aérodrome du Nord dont Mittimatalik (Pond Inlet) NU en 1973 et Taloyoak (Spence Bay) NU en 1978. Il a également participé à plusieurs exercices dans le Nord du Canada mais plus remarquablement ceux de Churchill MB, Saglek Bay NL et Goose Bay NL . Il s'est déployé avec l'escadron à Montréal dans le cadre de la sécurité aux Jeux olympiques de 1976. Yvon a pris sa retraite des Forces canadiennes en janvier 1986 après 27 ans de loyaux et dévoués services.

Les visites auront lieu à la Maison funéraire St-Amand et Fils, Boulvard Saint-Louis, St-Severin-de-Prouxville, QC le 11 février de 11h00 à 15h00 suivies des funérailles. L'inhumation aura lieu ultérieurement au cimetière de St-Severain.

We regret to advise of the death of Flight Lieutenant James “Jimmy” Ganderton (Ret’d), peacefully on 28 January 2023  at home on Salt Spring Island BC at age 86.

James attended le College Militaire de St Jean in 1956 and graduated in Engineering from Royal Military College in Kingston in 1961. He served as Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force for a short period before retiring from the Canadian Forces. As a second career, Jim became a career diplomat as a Trade Commissioner for the Canadian Federal Government where he was stationed in Singapore, New Zealand and USA. 

Jim retired in Salt Spring BC. He was an enthusiastic boater for many years and served as commodore of the Salt Spring Sailing Club. 

A private family service is planned. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that a donation be made to the charity of your choice in his name. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.  
 

We regret to advise of the death of Terry Cameron of Comox BC on 28 February 2023 at the age of 71 years.

Terry served in the Canadian Military Engineers as an Electrical Generating Systems Technician. His civilian career covered many vocations including being a commercial fisherman, a steam engineer at the Campbell River pulp & paper mill, house construction and finally, farming.

A private Celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. For those wishing to do so, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Guy Piche, CD (Ret’d) in Cambridge ON in his 74^th year on 27 January 2023.

Guy was from Sturgeon Falls, ON and enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1970. He became a Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician and then a Mechanical Systems Technician as he advanced in rank. Guy was known for his expertise in the Aircraft Arrester Gear and in his skills at maintaining the engineering support for radar systems.

Guy’s postings over his 27-year career included Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Kapuskasing, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston, CFB North Bay, CFS Moisie, Area Support Unit London and CFB Trenton where he was the Utilities Officer and the Mobile Arrestor Gear Team Leader. Throughout his career, Guy worked at air bases across Canada supporting air shows with the Mobile Arrestor Gear. He retired in 1997.

In accordance with Guy's wishes, there will be no funeral arrangements.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Reginald P. McGrath (Ret’d), of Miramichi NB, peacefully at home on Monday, 23 January 2023, one month short of his 98^th birthday.

Born in Newcastle NB, Reg enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. He was assigned to the air base in Leeming Yorkshire, England with the 427 Lion Squadron and also served in Bomber Command, where he remained until the end of the Second World War. After the war, Reg worked as a firefighter at the Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot in Renous NB, and various other jobs.

Reg was a member of St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Newcastle Legion Branch No.10, The Wing in Chatham, and the Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will take place at Northumberland Funeral Home on Friday,  27 January 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, 28 January 2023, at 11:00 am, from St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Interment will take place in the church cemetery at a later date.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Extra Mural Program. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Maj Gerald Leroy "Jerry" Barr OMM, CD (Ret’d) in Stony Plain at Bradenton, Florida on 20 January 2023 at age 83 years. 

Jerry joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Fifth Intake of the Sapper Apprentices in 1956 and served a very full career of 38 years with the Canadian Military Engineers.  As a Sapper, Jerry served in 3 Field Squadron, 4 Field Squadron, the School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC and then back to Germany. He was Commissioned from the Ranks from the rank of Sergeant in 1969. 

As a Military Engineering Officer, served broadly in Canada and also deployed on three tours with the United Nations. His first posting as an officer was as an instructor at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. This was followed by a tour as a Regular Support Staff Officer with 8^th Field Engineer Regiment in Edmonton followed by a posting with the Base Construction Engineering Office at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton AB. Jerry was subsequently appointed the  Base Construction Engineering Officer at Petawawa ON, followed by a tour as the Base Technical Services Officer at Canadian Forces Base Moncton NB. Jerry then became the Senior Staff Officer Construction Engineering for Canadian Forces Communication Command Headquarters. Jerry’s last appointment was as Station Commander at Dundurn SK.

One of Jerry’s career highlights included his being the Project Commander in 1971 for the construction of the 360-foot Highway Ogilvie River Bridge on the Dempster Highway, 160 miles north of Dawson City YT. Jerry was also the Force Engineer for Operation MORNING LIGHT, the clean-up of the radioactive debris after the Russian Satellite Kosmos 954 reentered the Earth's atmosphere in the North West Territories in 1978. His contributions to the Canadian Forces were recognized by the award of the Order of Military Merit in 1987.

Jerry's colleagues will remember his love of curling and participation in the Pigspeils.  Veterans will have benefitted from his many years of dedication to the work of the Last Post Fund.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry Barr will be held on 6 May 2023, 1:00 pm at the St. Albert Legion Branch 271 { 6 Tache St, St. Albert, AB}. A Legion Honour Guard will be present and military veterans attending may wear their blazer with medals if they so desire. Those who cannot personally attend are encouraged to write a few words about their military and/or personal time with Jerry, serious or humorous anecdotes, etc and submit them by the end of April at the latest to Ralph Gienow who will read the comments at the ceremony.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Deane James Gorsline, CD  on 18 January 2023 in Ottawa ON at the age of 33. 

Born in Prince George BC, Deane grew up on small farms in Burns Lake and Quesnel. He was introduced at an early age to family outdoor adventures including horse-packing, fishing, and skiing, and continued to extend his love of sports in school through hockey, soccer, and lacrosse.

Deane attended the Royal Military College of Canada and graduated with a Civil Engineering degree in 2011. Commissioned in the Canadian Armed Forces and serving with the Canadian Military Engineers as a combat engineer officer, his first posting was to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton AB. Between 2012 and 2015, he held the positions of Field Troop Commander, Construction Troop Commander, Operations Officer of 12 Squadron, and Dive Officer. Deane served in Afghanistan on Op ATTENTION in 2013. He subsequently served with the Special Operations Forces Command from 2015 onwards.

Deane was intensely passionate about his pursuits. Focused, disciplined, and determined, his never-give-up attitude saw him meet many challenges, including his battle with ALS that was diagnosed in December 2018. Not only did Deane pursue treatment options for himself, he felt compelled to contribute to creating an organization whose goal was to facilitate treatment options for all Canadians living with ALS. Deane joined with several others to be a founding member of ALS Action Canada and served as its first Chairman. His generous spirit and focus on creating opportunities and positive outcomes for all was one of his greatest strengths.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, 3 February 2023 from St. Paul’s Anglican Church [20 Young Rd, Kanata]. Reception to follow at Kelly Funeral Home-Kanata Chapel [580 Eagleson Road, Kanata]. The family requests that donations can be made in honour of Deane Gorsline to: The Healey Centre for ALS ) should you wish,  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home . 

There will be a celebration of life at the family farm in Quesnel BC in August 2023 with the burial of Deane’s urn and a bonfire in accordance with Deane’s request. All are welcome. 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Bernard Paul “Bernie” Gallant, CD (Ret’d), quietly at Bastion Place in Salmon Arm BC after a brief illness, on 13 January 2023 at age 96. Bernie served with the Army Surveying Establishment and Mapping and Charting Establishment as a Topographic Surveyor for 26 years.

Bernie was born in Moncton NB and completed his education in that city. He enlisted in the Carleton and York Regiment during WW II in February 1945 but soon transferred to the Canadian Army Pay Corps and was stationed  in Ottawa the same year. Bernie then transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1947 and joined the Army Survey Establishment.

Bernie had extensive surveying experience throughout Canada as a Topographic Surveyor.  He surveyed and mapped areas of the Canadian North during the postwar years when the defence of the North was a priority for the Canadian Military. He travelled extensively throughout the northern wilderness by dogsled and packhorse train.

Bernie was noted in the unit for providing sage advice and providing mentorship to all in the former Field Engineer. Bernie was awarded the Centennial Medal in 1967. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion  Branch for 45 years

Bernie retired from the Canadian Forces in 1973at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and settled in Sorrento BC. He was a proud Acadian, which showed in his joie de vivre, good times shared with friends and his deep connection with his family’s history. In retirement, Bernie became actively involved in the Sorrento community. He worked as a contractor building houses, participated on the Sorrento Water Board and was an active member of the Shuswap Volunteer Fire Department. Bernie was honoured as Citizen of the Year in 1989.

In his retirement, Bernie learned to ride a motorcycle, fly an ultralight aircraft, and he travelled across Canada in a converted school bus with his restored 1928 Model A Ford truck in the back. He drove his model A Ford across Canada for the 2003 Centennial Celebrations of the Canadian Military Engineers  and participated actively in events in the National Capital Region.

Many an orphaned cat found love, comfort and safety in Bernie’s home. If you would like to honour Bernie’s memory, donations may be made to the Shuswap Branch of the BCSPCA.Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. A celebration of Bernie’s life will take place at the Notch Hill Hall [1639 Notch Hill Rd, Sorrento] at 11:00 a.m. on 27 May 2023. Everyone is welcome. More details will be published as the date approaches.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer James "Jim" Gerald William Wight CD, peacefully at home in Cold Lake AB on 6 January 2023 at age 51, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jim was a former Combat Engineer who remustered to Aviation Systems Technician.

Jim was born in St. Johns, NL and grew up making many friends in Mount Pearl through school and sports. When it came to choosing his career, joining the Canadian Armed Forces was a clear choice. Jim joined the Canadian Reserve Force in 1991 as a Combat Engineer with 56^th Engineer Squadron. He soon deployed in 1993 as a member of the United Nations Protection Force where he served in Sector South/Medak with 2^nd  Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry. Jim transferred to the Regular Force as a Combat Engineer in 1996 and joined 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB. While stationed there, he deployed to Bosnia in 1999 on Operation PALLADIUM and to Eritrea , Africa in 2000 on Op ECLIPSE. He also served as an instructor in the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. 

Jim then made a transition to the Royal Canadian Air Force as an Aviation Systems Technician. After completing his trades training at CFB Borden ON, Jim was posted to CFB Shearwater NS in 2004. He spent four years working on the Sea King helicopters before being posted to Cold Lake AB in 2008 where he spent the rest of his career. Jim’s first assignment in Cold Lake was working on the CF-18 Hornet as a Junior Crew Supervisor within 409 Squadron. Jim went on one more tour to Europe..He became an instructor at 10 Field Technical Training Squadron responsible for training future technicians. Another among Jim’s long military career was his participation in the annual 120 kilometre Nijmegen Marches in The Netherlands.  Jim finished his career as a Warrant Officer in the position of Senior Air Maintenance Superintendent at 410 Squadron.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held for Jim at 1:00 PM on Monday, 16 January 2023, at Club 41 [ 41 Beaverlodge Road, on 4 Wing. Cold Lake]. Jim’s family hopes that all who have been honoured to know, make the acquaintance of, and befriend Jim will attend. 

Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. Donations can be made in memory of Jim to The Terry Fox Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer James “Jim” V. Hill, CD (Ret’d), peacefully in Kingston ON at Arbour Heights Long-Term Care on 4 January 2023 in his 86^th year. 

Jim enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1957 and became an Electrical Generating Systems Technician. During his career, he served on many radar sites, including: St Margaret's, Beausejour, Chibougamou, Foymount, Sioux Lookout, Holberg, Lac St Denis, and Mont Apica. He also served at Canadian Forces Bases Lahr, Kingston and Winnipeg. During his career, Jim served in Ismailia Egypt on the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF II) and at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU. Jim retired as a Mechanical Systems Technician Chief Warrant Officer in Winnipeg in 1989.

In keeping with Jim’s wishes, there will be no visitation nor service. The family will honour his memory privately. Donations in Jim’s memory to Soldier On or the Last Post Fund would be welcomed by his family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Robert Smith, CD (Ret’d) on 15 December 2022 in Salmon Arm BC at age 75 years.

Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Systems Technician and later became a Construction Engineering Superintendent. He was the Canadian Forces expert on Aircraft Arresting Systems for years and passed on his knowledge and extensive experiences to many RCAF Refrigeration and Mechanical Systems Technicians at our Forward Operating Bases. Bob's early career included a posting to RCAF Station Foymont ON and subsequent postings included Air Command Headquarters A4 Engineers and Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB. Bob also served in Cyprus on United Nations peacekeeping duties. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 2002 as the 4 Airfield Engineering Squadron Chief Warrant Officer in Cold Lake.  He then followed a second career with the Public Service for ten years at Cold Lake with 4 Wing Construction Engineers. He served as a Contract Inspector and then as the Planning Officer before he retired in 2012. While at Cold Lake, Bob had obtained his pilot’s license. After he retired, he moved to Salmon Arm BC and flew his private float plane for a number of years out of Salmon Arm.

Funeral arrangements are private.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Douglas “Smokey” Grosart (Ret’d) of Chilliwack on 12 December 2022 in his 100^th year.

Born in Winnipeg, Smokey served in 3 Field Squadron as a Field Engineer, mostly with Heavy Equipment. He played hockey on the 3 Field Squadron hockey team that won the first ever Canadian Armed Forces Hockey Championship in 1968.  Years later, in 2014, Smokey and members of this team were inducted into the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame.

A farewell send off will be held Thursday, 6 April 2023 at 1 pm at the Chilliwack-Vedder Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 295.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Warrant Officer Jean-Marie Bellefleur, CD (Ret’d) on 10 December 2022 in Mississauga ON at the age of 93 years. Jean-Marie was a former Fire Chief of Canadian Forces Base St Hubert QC.

Born in Lac-Megantic QC, Jean-Marie was the eldest of seven siblings and half-siblings. Having lost his father at an early age, Jean-Marie stepped in to provide financial support for the family and was looked up to as a mentor by his closest siblings. Jean-Marie began his military career in 1948 when he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Jean-Marie served a full 25-year career as a military Firefighter before retiring with the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He had a long and distinguished career with postings across Canada and NATO postings in the United Kingdom, France and Germany. On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Jean-Marie joined the Public Service and became the Fire Chief at Canadian Forces Base St Hubert QC. He retired from this position as a FR5 in 1984 and moved to the Toronto area to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

A private funeral service and interment ceremony will be held in Mississauga where Jean-Marie will be laid to rest alongside his wife. Online condolences may be made to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Glenn Russell Ford of Carleton Place ON on 3 Dec 2022 at the age of 75 years. Glenn had served with the Public Service at the Base Construction Engineers Section at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa ON.

Glenn grew up in Carleton Place, attended Carleton Place high school and was a proud member of the 1965 Golden Bears. He had a full career in the Public Service starting with the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Glen then worked at the Vineland Research Station near St. Catharines ON for several years and, finally, with National Defence at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa with the Base Construction Engineering Section. Glen was a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and retired from Petawawa after a 37-year career of Public Service. 

There will be a public visitation on Thursday, 8  December 2022 at 12:00  at the Alan R. Barker Funeral Home & Chapel [19 McArthur Avenue, Carleton Place ON] followed by a Celebration of Life in the chapel at 1- 4:00 p.m. Glen’s ashes will be scattered later at the Henderson family homestead. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain William “Bill” David Hewson, CD (Ret’d) on 2 December 2022 in Surrey BC at age 73 after a long battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Winnipeg, MB where he lived his first 23 years. He started his military experience as a Reservist with the Fort Garry Horse in 1968 and joined the Regular Force in 1973 as a Direct Entry Officer. After completing his Basic Officer Training at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School, Bill began his training as a Canadian Military Engineering Officer. Completing this training in 1974, Bill was posted to Canadian Forces Base Greenwood NS. This first tour was followed by a posting to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack, after which was a succession of postings as a Construction Engineering Officer.

Bill served next with Canadian Forces Training System Headquarters in Trenton ON, and was then appointed Station Construction Engineering Officer at Canadian Forces Station Dana SK. A posting to Canadian Forces Base London with the Construction Engineering Section followed, after which he attended the University of British Columbia for his Masters Degree. Bill then moved to Winnipeg, where he served the remainder of his career with Air Command Headquarters and Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg.

Bill retired from the Canadian Forces in 2000 after a military career that spanned 32 years as a member of both the Reserves and the Regular Force. Bill’s career also included a peacekeeping deployment to Egypt.

Bill pursued a second career as Senior Facilities Manager at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. That career took him across Canada, the US and abroad to Europe and the Middle East in a wide variety of roles and industries.

A private remembrance event took place on 5 May 2023 on what would have been Bill and Cathy’s 50^th wedding anniversary.  He rests in a peaceful river near home.

We regret to advise of the death of Donald Leo Sudden on 22 November 2022 in Kitchener ON, a few days before reaching his 90^th birthday. Don was the last national president of the former Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

Donald joined the Canadian Army in June 1951 to serve in Korea and went overseas with the 81^st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in January 1953. During the war in Korea, his battery fought in the epic Battle of Hill 187(2-3 May) when a huge raid by hundreds of enemy troops fought 'C' Company of the 3^rd  Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. This was the final major battle fought by the Canadian Army in the Korean War, although all units stayed in action and fought with the enemy on other positions right through until the armistice that ended the war was signed on 27 July 1953. Don’s unit fought until the very deadline of 11 pm on that final night of 27 July 1953. After the armistice, Don’s regiment remained on the line in defensive positions along what was designated as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). 

Don returned to Canada in March 1954 after 15 months of service in Korea. He continued to serve in the Canadian Army for 21 years of service and retired in 1972. During his military career, Don served in Vietnam in the International Control Commission (1965-66) and in Cyprus on a UN peacekeeping mission (1966-67).

Don was very active in the Korean Veterans Association of Canada and was the last President of the National Heritage Unit of KVA. He was a member of the South Woolwich Optimist Club for many years.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, 17 December 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home [507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467]. Reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Preston RC Legion, Church of the Good Shepherd or House of Friendship would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). For those unable to attend, Don's service may be viewed via livestream. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Robert “Bob” Vatcher, CD (Ret’d) in Lethbridge AB on 12 November 2022, at the age of 74, after a period of illness. 

Bob was born in Montreal QC, the eldest of seven children and son of Sapper Gordon Archibald Vatcher. As a young man, Bob joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He became a Field Engineer and served across Canada and twice to Germany in the mid-60s and the early-70s before he remustered to become a Water Supply Technician. In this new occupation, Bob served at Canadian Forces Base Shilo MB, Edmonton AB and his final posting was to Wainwright AB where he retired from the Canadian Forces in 1986.

On Bob’s retirement, the family settled in Lethbridge AB where he pursued a second career. Bob worked for many years at the Lethbridge water plant as a Water Treatment Operator. He was also a private Water Consultant for a while and worked throughout the province at locations that included many indigenous communities. Later, he joined Alberta Environment as a Water and Wastewater Technician where he oversaw the well-being of many water treatment plants across Southern Alberta.

As was Bob's request, no formal funeral service will take place. In memory of Bob, please consider donating to Water for People to help provide clean drinking water to others. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the accidental death of Constable Drew Donald Nadeau of Perth ON on 18 November 2022 at the age of 31 years. A member of the Ottawa Police Services, Drew was a former Canadian Forces Firefighter.

Drew enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2014 and served with the Canadian Military Engineers at Canadian Forces Base Trenton. He took his release as a Corporal and joined the Ottawa Police Service in 2020. 

Family and close Friends are invited to the Madoc Kiwanis Club, 139 Saint Lawrence Street East, Madoc, on Wednesday, 23 November from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  A Celebration Service will be held at the Kiwanis Club on Thursday, 24 November 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, or the Ottawa Humane Society would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Major George Russell Tarasuk, CD (Ret’d) on 15 November 2022 in Toronto ON at age 96 years.

George started his military career as a Sapper when he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Halifax NS in 1949. After his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME), he stayed in Vedder Crossing for four years before being posted to Fredericton NB. A promotion there to Sergeant saw him moving to Camp Utopia NB in 1957. Promoted to Staff Sergeant the next year, he was soon off to Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF). George returned to Canada for a short posting to Vancouver and then he was off to Hemer, Germany for a three-year tour. He returned to Canada for a short stay in Camp Borden ON before he headed west to Camp Dundurn SK where he was priomoted to Warrant Officer Second Class.

George was then selected for Commissioning from the Ranks and, after his officer training at RCSME, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in 1967. Early in his commissioned career, he was posted to Canadian Forces Bases in Soest in Germany and Shelburne NS. George was then Deputy Construction Engineering Officer on the Canadian Forces Europe Construction Engineering staff (1974/76) before being posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. In Ottawa, George served with Compensation and Benefits as well as with Director General Quartering. George retired from the Canadian Forces in 1981.

George joined the Public Service in 1981 with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) for a second career. He soon took a posting to New Delhi, India and then returned to Ottawa in 1987 to the Physical Resources Bureau where he was assigned the Asia Pacific desk.

There will be no formal service or funeral for George. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be interred in the Last Post Columbarium in Halifax with a brief ceremony for the family. Online condolences can be left with the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Ronald Friedman, CD (Ret'd) on 5 November 2022 in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he had been living for several decades.

Ron was born in Montreal QC and attended high school there. He was a veteran of the Second World War initially enlistung in the Royal Canadian Engineers and, while in England, transferring to the Glider Pilot Regiment. Ron landed a heavy glider in Europe shortly after D-Day.

After the war, Ron joined the Regular Force as a Field Engineer. He then served much of his 20-year career as an instructor at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in the 1950s and 1960s. Recognized as a talented instructor, he was posted to the Forces School of Instructional Technique in Montreal in 1954. Returning to  Chilliwack, he regularly gave outstanding lectures to other instructors.

Ron was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1963 and then worked during 1964-65 in what was the office of the Chief Instructor of the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (that was located in Camp Chilliwack Headquarters). He was posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa in 1966, but he soon took his release from the Canadian Forces. 

After his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Ron initially worked as the chief of staff for Campeau Construction, a large developer of homes responsible for building several neighbourhoods in Ottawa in the 1960s and 1970s. Following this work, he joined retired Colonel Al Loveridge (RCE), who was heading an experimental instructional program in Saskatchewan called New Start. This program had been established to assist persons with disabilities and newcomers to Canada to make a meaningful labour force connection. 

Ron soon succumbed to a long-held desire to go sailing, so he and his family went to England, bought a sailboat, and sailed mainly around the Mediterranean for the next five years, Returning to Canada, Ron worked again with Al Loveridge, during which time he often would represent New Start at international conferences. After this period with New Start, the family moved to California, where he occupied himself with creating sculptures and paintings. After ten years, Ron moved back to BC, where he designed and built a beautiful home on the ocean in Sidney. Often on the move, Ron relocated to Costa Rica upon the death of his wife and he enjoyed retirement in San Jose until he died on 5 November 2022.
 

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Captain Eric Ho Chuen Cheung, CD in Baghdad, Iraq on 5 November 2022 at the age of 38 years.

Born in Hong Kong, Eric immigrated to Canada with his family and grew up in Coquitlam BC. Graduating from Pinetree Secondary School, he went on to the University of British Columbia where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics.

Eric enlisted in the Canadian Army Primary Reserve in 2009 as a Direct Entry Officer with the Canadian Military Engineers. During his military career, Eric had a wide variety of employments. He served with 39 Combat Engineer Regiment in Vancouver and in Land Forces Atlantic Area Training Centre in Aldershot NS in 2009. After Eric undertook his Basic Engineering Officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 2010 and 2011, he became 2IC of 44 Squadron in Trail BC in 2011. He subsequently served with 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Gagetown NB in 2012 as a Troop Commander.

Eric served with Canadian Joint Operations Command Headquarters in Ottawa (2015-17) and then joined 1 Combat Engineer Regiment as Squadron 2IC and Operations Officer (2017/8). He graduated with a Bachelor of Business Management degree in Project Management from UBC in 2020 and, later that year, had a 6-month deployment on Operation IMPACT in Beruit Lebanon. Eric returned to Canada to work with 38 Canadian Brigade Headquarters in Winnipeg MB. While with 38 CBHQ, Eric deployed to Baghdad, Iraq on Op IMPACT in June 2022.

Eric was repatriated on 10 November 2022. Funeral details will be announced when available.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Aaron Christopher David O'Neill (Ret’d) on 5 November at age 40. Aaron was a former member of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON.

Aaron enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2001 and after completing his basic training as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown NB, he was posted to  2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. Aaron served for six years in the Area Construction Troop of 2 CER including a deployment to Afghanistan. Aaron retired from the Canadian Forces in 2007 as a Journeyman and had recently secured a position with Lead Mechanical in Niagara Falls ON.

Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Pleasantview Funeral Home [2000 Merrittville Highway, Thorold ON] on Saturday, 19 November 2022  from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. A Celebration of life will be held in the funeral home chapel from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health or Canadian Veterans Services. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrrant Officer Michael Sinclair MacAulay, CD (Ret’d) of East­ern Pas­sage NS on 5 No­vem­ber 2022 in Dart­mouth Gen­eral Hos­pi­tal at age 80. 

Mike started his military career in the Canadian Forces as a Field Engineer but he remustered to Structures Technician in the early 1970s. He proudly served in the Canadian Military Engineers for 35 years on nu­mer­ous post­ings across Canada as well as in Ger­many. Mike rose in rank to become a Construction and Maintenance Technician and retired in 1995 at the rank of Chief War­rant Of­fi­cer.

A cel­e­bra­tion of Life will be held on Sat­ur­day, 12 No­vem­ber 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Please con­tact his im­me­di­ate fam­ily for the ad­dress. Do­na­tions may be made to The Sal­va­tion Army, a char­ity close to his heart. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.  

We regret to advise of the death of Bruce Allen McCarty of Thunder Bay ON, peacefully on 4 November 2022, at home at age 85.
Bruce was born just outside Chilliwack BC and grew up on a farm with a single mother. After serving his country with the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Alberta. Bruce then went on to have a long career in Project Management where he led projects all over Canada and internationally, notably in Indonesia. 
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a scholarship fund for future engineers: Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education. 40 Sheppard Ave W, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M2N 6K9.
 

Nous avons le regret de vous informer du décès de l'adjudant-chef Christopher Bradley "Chris" LaSalle, CD (retraité) à Ottawa le 3 novembre. Chris était l'ancien sergent-major régimentaire du 33e Régiment du génie de combat.

Né et élevé à Burlington ON, Chris a été grandement influencé par ses chefs scouts avec leur service militaire passé, ce qui l'a conduit à s'enrôler dans les Forces canadiennes en 1986 à Hamilton. Après sa formation de recrue à la Base des Forces canadiennes Cornwallis, Chris a complété sa formation de base en génie de combat à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes à Chilliwack en Colombie-Britannique en 1987.

La première affectation de Chris a été au 2^e Régiment du génie de combat à Petawawa, en Ontario, mais elle a été courte puisqu'il a été affecté l'année suivante au 4^e Régiment du génie de combat à Lahr, en Allemagne. Au cours de sa tournée en Allemagne, Chris s'est déployé avec le régiment dans le cadre du contingent canadien de la Force de protection des Nations Unies (CCUNPROFOR) de mars à octobre 1992. Il est retourné au 2 RGC à Petawawa et, au cours de cette tournée, Chris a été renvoyé en Bosnie en janvier 1996 dans le cadre de la première mission de la Force multinationale de mise en œuvre (IFOR) de l'OTAN.

Chris a ensuite effectué une tournée de quatre ans avec EGMFC à partir de 1997 et un poste d'échange à Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Sa dernière affectation était au 4 ^e Régiment d'appui du génie à Gagetown. En 2001. Alors qu'il était au 4 RAG, Chris s'est déployé dans la Force des Nations Unies chargée d'observer le dégagement (FNUOD) à Qunaytirah en Syrie (juillet - mars 2006).

La carrière de Chris dans la Force régulière comprenait également des déploiements nationaux tels que l'inondation de Winnipeg en 1997 et la tempête de verglas de 1998. Il a pris sa retraite des Forces canadiennes en 2006 après 20 ans de service dans la Force régulière et s'est établi à Val-Des Monts QC. Il s'est joint au 33^e RGC en 2007 et a également accepté un poste de classe B au sein de la branche interarmées du génie au quartier général du Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada plus tard cette année-là, où il dirigeait des travaux d'information sur le pays et de renseignement IED-EOD. Chris est resté au COMFEC pendant sa transition au quartier général du Commandement des opérations interarmées du Canada. Lorsqu'il a été promu adjudant, Chris est revenu au statut de classe A en 2013 avec le 33^e RGC au poste de sergent-major d'escadron. En 2015, lors de sa promotion au grade d'adjudant-maître, il est passé à un poste de classe B avec Concurrence et avantages sociaux (DGCB) pour travailler sur le nouveau système d'évaluation des emplois aux fins de rémunération. Il a servi avec eux jusqu'à sa retraite en 2021.

Chris s'est déployé avec le 33^e RGC en 2017 lors de l'Op LENTUS pour la construction d'un pont à Laval QC. Il a également été un membre actif de l'Association du Génie militaire canadien où il a agi à titre de représentant des unités de réserve au sein du comité national. Il a été promu adjudant-chef en octobre 2020 et a assumé les fonctions de sergent-major régimentaire du 33 ^e RGC en 2020. Malheureusement, Chris est tombé malade peu de temps après et a obtenu une libération médicale au début de 2021.

Les arrangements funéraires sont privés car Chris ne voulait aucune cérémonie. Sa veuve suggère que vous puissiez vous souvenir de Chris en lisant la prière du Génie qu'il gardait toujours avec lui :

Dieu Tout-Puissant. Nous te prions de bénir le Génie militaire canadien. Que nos ponts tiennent toujours et que nos charges n'échouent jamais. Nos hommes soient toujours loyaux, et nos officiers dignes de leur loyauté. Puissions-nous travailler avec diligence dans tous nos buts et être habiles dans nos métiers ; bons soldats pour le roi et le pays partout. Amen .

Si vous souhaitez faire un geste en sa mémoire, vous pouvez faire un don à la SPCA de l'Outaouais comme Chris l'aurait souhaité.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Warrant Officer William Harold “Bill” Patey, CD (Ret’d) on Thursday, 3 November 2022, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, at age 75 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in North Sydney NS, Bill was a Firefighter with the Canadian Armed Forces for almost 30 years. He served across Canada and on two tours in Germany. Bill’s postings included locations like Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB, CFB Ottawa and 4 Wing Baden-Soellingen. Bill also served two tours at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU.

Bill retired from the Armed Forces in 1992 at CFB Cold Lake at the rank of Warrant Officer and moved to Thunder Bay where he worked for airport security.

There will be no visitation.  A private family service will take place at W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.  Memorial donations may be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, the SPCA or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences can be left for the family by sending condolences to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Timothy “Tim” Grant Whiting, CD (Ret’d) on 1 November 2022, in Calgary AB at the Peter Lougheed Centre, at age 63 after a battle with lymphoma. 

A native of Calgary, Tim enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in the Navy as a Maritime Surface Officer (MARS) but, after a summer of phase training in Victoria, he quickly discovered that it would be impossible to use a Civil Engineering degree as a Deck Officer. Tim was able to reclassify to the Military Engineering occupation and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Tim was to serve 35 years as a Military Engineer Officer. 

Tim's postings over more than 28 years of service in the Regular Force started with being the Requirements Officer at Canadian Forces Base Portage la Prairie. This was followed by a tour with the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School in Chilliwack BC as Platoon and Standards staff. He then joined the Directorate of Construction Engineer Requirements in Ottawa at National Defence Headquarters as a Statement of Requirements writer. Following this NDHQ tour, Tim moved to 17 Wing Winnipeg as the Engineering Officer after which he had a tour with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the  Golan Heights as the Force Construction Engineering Officer. Returning to Canada, Tim became the Wing Construction Engineering Officer at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.

Following Moose Jaw, Tim returned to NDHQ with the J3 Engineer section as an Engineer Operations Desk Officer, Project Director for Force Protection Engineering, and with the Canadian Forces Transformation Team. Tim then transferred to the Primary Reserve and worked with the Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices Task Force in Ottawa, principally as the doctrine writer for EOD and C-IED, and as the Coordinator for the Task Force. He worked remotely from Calgary for the last three years of this Class B contract and finally retired from the Canadian Forces in 2013. 

Cremation has occurred and his ashes were interred alongside his mother in Calgary. At Tim’s request, there will not be any memorial service. He asked that others should consider contributing in his memory to a charity of their choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Odd Ivar Bjerke, CD (Ret’d) on 31 October 2022 at age 97 years. Ivar was a Second World War Royal Canadian Engineer veteran.

Born Lillehammer Norway, Ivar came to Canada as a child with his family in 1927. He enlisted in 1942 and served in Northwest Europe with the 4^th Field Park Company as a Dispatch Rider. At the war’s end, he joined the Permanent Force after he was demobilized and served a full career with the Royal Canadian Engineers that included service with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) in Egypt

Ivar retired from the Canadian Forces after serving with the Northwest Highway System in the early 1960s and joined the Public Service with the federal Department of Public Works. His responsibilities there included the military camps in British Columbia and the Yukon Territories.  

Upon retirement from Public Works, Ivar followed his love for the open sea and the Fraser River and enjoyed more than 20 years as a commercial salmon fisherman. Ivar was a proud member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No.295. 

Ivar has been cremated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

Nous avons le regret d'annoncer le décès de l'adjudant Joseph Laurent Joel Darcy St-Laurent, SC, MB, CD (Retraité) le dimanche 30 octobre 2022 à l'âge de 53 ans. Darcy était un ancien technicien en recherche et sauvetage des Forces canadiennes qui avait commencé sa carrière militaire comme ingénieur de combat.

Darcy s'est enrôlé dans les Forces canadiennes en 1987 et, après avoir terminé sa formation de base en génie de combat à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes à la base de Gagetown (N.-B.), il a servi dans le 5e Régiment du génie de combat de 1989 à 1995. Au cours de sa carrière de sapeur, il a été plongeur de combat, parachutiste de l'armée, technicien en neutralisation des explosifs et munitions et gardien de la paix de l'ONU au Cambodge et en Bosnie.

Darcy a été reclassé comme technicien en recherche et sauvetage en 1995 et a été affecté à Greenwood et à Winnipeg. Il a effectué une deuxième carrière exceptionnelle au cours de laquelle il a reçu l'Étoile du courage en 1998 pour un sauvetage effectué dans les monts Torngat au Labrador et la Médaille de la bravoure en 2008 pour une mission de sauvetage à 200 milles à l'ouest de Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut.

Darcy était un passionné de plein air, heureux lorsqu'il faisait de la randonnée, du canotage ou de la chasse dans les bois. En plus de son impressionnante carrière militaire, les réalisations de Darcy comprennent une expédition au pôle Nord à partir de la terre ferme - un exploit que peu ont accompli. Il a été le premier Manitobain à marcher jusqu'au pôle Nord, complétant la randonnée de 775 kilomètres au sein d'une équipe qui a marché pendant 51 jours à partir de l'île d'Ellesmere.

Après avoir pris sa retraite des Forces canadiennes, Darcy a été employé par Cougar Helicopters en tant que spécialiste du sauvetage. Il travaillait à l'obtention d'un diplôme en gestion des catastrophes et des situations d'urgence à l'Université Royal Roads, où il était censé être le premier de sa classe.

Les visites auront lieu le vendredi 4 novembre 2022 de 14 h à 15 h au salon funéraire McEvoy-Shields [1411, chemin Hunt Club, Ottawa, ON] et seront suivies d'un service dans la chapelle, ouvert à tous ceux qui souhaitent y assister. Les condoléances en ligne peuvent être envoyées au salon funéraire. Au lieu de fleurs, des dons peuvent être faits au Wounded Warrior Fund.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Korin Kathy Ford, CD (Retd) in New Brunswick on 29 October at age 43 years. Korin was a former member of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON.

Korin joined the Canadian Forces in 2000. After completing basic Combat Engineering training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB, she was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. Korin served her entire military career with 2 CER and deployed twice to Afghanistan: on Operation ATHENA (Aug 03 to Feb O4) and on Roto 4 of Operation ATHENA (Aug 07 to Feb 08).   Korin retired from the Canadian Forces in 2016 at the rank of Sergeant. Continuing her desire to help and serve those in need, Korin became a Licensed Practical Nurse for her second career. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, 7 November 2022, from 2-4:00 pm and 6-8:00 pm at the Oromocto Funeral Home [108 Winnebago Street, Oromocto NB.  A private graveside service will take place at a later date.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. For those who wish, donations can be made in Korin’s memory to the Oromocto SPCA  [111 D' Amours St, Oromocto, NB E2V 0G5] or to a charity of one’s choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Walter Robert Edmonds, CD (Ret’d) of Edmonton AB, peacefully on 5 October 2022 at the age of 96 years. Walter enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1944 during the Second World War in 1944 and served a 30-year career in the Army.

Born in Pine Grove NS, Walter was working in the St. John NB shipyards dredging the harbour when he enlisted in December 1944. After completing his Basic Training in Fredericton and more training in Utopia NB, he returned to St. John on his way for embarkation to England when he saw the people dancing all over the streets. Germany had surrendered and the war in Europe was over. Walter then volunteered for the war in the Pacific and was in Vernon BC preparing for that deployment when the Japanese surrendered.  

Walter was demobilized and enlisted in the Permanent Force. He was transferred to Aldershot NS and then joined No.6 Engineer Services and Works Company in Halifax NS where he worked in Stores. After completing a clerks course at Camp Borden ON, he joined the Orderly Room staff. Walter next took vehicle and heavy equipment training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in 1946 followed by a mechanical course in Winnipeg MB. After completing his Junior NCO course in Victoria BC, he then worked on boat and pontoon repair.

Walter took his Senior NCO course at Camp Chilliwack and then instructed on heavy equipment at RCSME before being posted to the Works Company in Edmonton (Namao) in 1960 as the Transportation NCO. While in Edmnton, he deployed to Canadian Forces Station in Alert NU for six months to take care of the power and heating plant. Returning to Edmonton, Walter was then posted to the Airborne Regiment.

Walter retired from the Canadian Forces in 1974 and joined the Public Service at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton at Namao as the Base Maintenance Shop Foreman in the Vehicle and Fire Trucks Section.  He worked for the Public Service for 15 years and took his final retirement in 1990.  

The funeral service is at 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM on Saturday, 15  October 2022 at St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church [5003 -146 Ave]. Donations in Walter's memory are welcomed at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be sent here.  

Nous avons le regret d'annoncer le décès du major-général Keith Gregory. Penney, CMM, CD (Retraité) à Ottawa ON le 5 octobre 2022 à l'âge de 75 ans après une longue maladie. Le major-général Penney était l'ingénieur militaire canadien le plus haut gradé pour la décennie 1993-2003.

Né en 1947 à Montréal (Québec), le major-général Penney s'est joint à l'Aviation royale du Canada en 1967, pendant ses études universitaires. Diplômé de l'Université McGill en 1968 avec un diplôme en sciences, il est commissionné comme lieutenant dans l'ARC. Le major-général Penney commence sa formation de pilote en 1969, mais il change rapidement d'occupation pour devenir TECH-CE. Après avoir terminé sa formation à l'École du génie militaire des Forces canadiennes, il est affecté à la section du génie de la construction à Summerside (Î.-P.-É.). C'est le début de sa longue carrière en génie de la construction en tant qu'officier du génie militaire canadien. Ses affectations comprennent, entre autres, les postes d'officier du génie de la construction à la Station des Forces canadiennes Dana, en Saskatchewan, d'officier du génie de la construction à la base de Gagetown, au Nouveau-Brunswick, d'officier des services techniques à la Base des Forces canadiennes Shearwater, en Nouvelle-Écosse, d'officier supérieur d'état-major au Quartier général du Commandement maritime et d'ingénieur du Commandement aérien.

Le major-général Penney a servi au Quartier général de la Défense nationale en tant que directeur des opérations du génie militaire et directeur général de l'infrastructure. Il possède une vaste expérience de la direction d'initiatives de renouvellement dans le domaine de l'entretien et de la construction d'infrastructures de défense. Avant sa dernière nomination au poste de Chef - Service d'examen en 1996, le Major-général Penney était en affectation spéciale auprès du Vice-chef d'état-major de la Défense dans le rôle de Chef - Service du renouvellement de la gestion.

Le major-général Penney a pris sa retraite des Forces canadiennes en 2003. Il est devenu le colonel honoraire du 4e Escadron du génie de l'air [4e Escadron du génie de la construction] à Cold Lake AB. Le major-général Penney a également trouvé le temps de mettre à profit ses talents musicaux et a joué de la grosse caisse pour le Ottawa Police Pipe Band, puis pour le RCMP Pipes & Drums.

Les arrangements funéraires seront communiqués dès qu'ils seront disponibles.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Jean-Marie Joseph Adrien Lussier, CD (Ret’d) peacefully on Saturday, 1 October  2022 at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in British Columbia at age 68 years.

Born in St-Barnabé-Sud QC, Jean-Marie was raised on a dairy farm with his two sisters. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1975 and joined the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer. During his career, he travelled the world including many points in Canada and overseas. His postings moved him between Valcartier QC, Petawawa ON, where he was part of the Airborne Regiment, to Trail BC, Chilliwack BC, Lahr, West Germany, back to Canada to Valcartier and with his final posting being in Chilliwack. Jean Marie deployed to Cambodia as a UN Peacekeeper for six months In the mid-90s. 

Jean Marie retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998 and promptly joined 44^th Field Squadron in Trail. Not one to stay idle, he started working at Red Mountain as a ski instructor, sharing his passion for skiing with the majority of Rossland’s children for over 20 years. In addition to his time at the mountain, Jean Marie was also a security guard for Safety Net, Membership Chair for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 14 and did maintenance for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rossland. After retirement, Jean Marie and his wife enjoyed travelling around the globe, especially driving all over North America countless times with their dogs in tow. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to spend his time hiking the mountains around his home and huckleberry picking in the summers.

A Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Saturday, 8 October 2022, at 10:30 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 14 in Rossland. As an expression of sympathy, please donate to the BC Cancer Society or consider becoming a member of your local Legion. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel James B. “Jay” Lucas, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 6 September 2022 at the age of 94 in his Victoria, BC home.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Jay was an excellent student athlete who excelled at basketball at both high school and university. He graduated in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba in 1951. Having greatly enjoyed his cadet experience in his youth, Jay then made the decision to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. 

After 30 years of distinguished service with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Construction Engineer officer with many postings across Canada and at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Jay retired in Ottawa where he subsequently enjoyed a second career in property management with the Public Service. After this second career, he retired to Victoria BC.

Jay provided for many charities during his life and after. In lieu of flowers, he would encourage you to do the same. The family will gather to celebrate Jay's life at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer B.A. “Bernie” Grant, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC, peacefully, on 29 September 2022 at age 91 years.

Born in Reserve Mines in Cape Breton NS, the youngest of 11 siblings, Bernie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949. He then served a full career as an Administrative Clerk for 24 years. Bernie's military career included a deployment to Egypt in 1959-60 on the United Nations Emergency Force. 

After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Bernie was employed by the British Columbia Provincial Parks at Cultus Lake for 13 years.

A small family burial and memorial will be planned at the Fraser Family plot in Glenmont NS. Donations may be made in Bernie’s name to: Ann Davis Tradition Society [46230 Yale Rd. Chilliwack BC, V2P 4R6  RLeach@anndavis.org]. Online condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.