Dernière sonnerie

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal John Stephen Steeves (Ret’d) of Westville, Pictou County, NS on 4 March in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow at age 59.

John was born and raised in Crossroads Ohio Antigonish, one of fourteen children. He wanted to join the Army like his dad, a veteran of the Second World War, and he joined the Canadian Military Engineers at 18. John’s postings included Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack BC, CFB Gagetown NB, and Lahr, Germany as well as a deployment to Canadian Forces Station to Alert NU. A serious training accident in Germany resulted in his being medically released at age 31 years.

Visitation will be held Monday from 2- 4:00 and 7-9:00 pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Social distancing protocols must be followed, and masks are mandatory. A private funeral will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph, with a link to the service available Tuesday afternoon on the funeral home website. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in the Spring. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Charles Veilleux (Ret’d) of St Georges QC at the Centre d'hébergement Champlain-de-l'Assomption on 2 March 2021, at the age of 100 years. Charles was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.

Charles enlisted in June 1940 and served as a sapper with the 3^rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers. He was injured in an accident while on duty in England in June 1942 and lost his left arm. After returning home to Canada he worked as a Postmaster. Charles joined The War Amps Quebec Branch in 1967 and held the position of National Director, Quebec Branch for more than 20 years. He also served as President of the Quebec Branch.

Charles devoted many years of service to the War Amps Association. He applied the War Amps motto “amputees helping amputees” by sharing his story with the child amputees and their families who he met at Child Amputees (CHAMP) seminars. Charles received the Honorary CHAMP Membership for his tireless work with The War Amps.

The funeral service was celebrated on 20 March at 10:30 am in the church of Saint-François de Beauceville and from there to the parish cemetery. In Memorium donations to the Société Alzheimer Chaudière-Appalaches (440, boul. Vachon Sud C.P.1, Sainte-Marie, Beauce, G6E 3B4) would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Gregory T Leclair, CD (Ret'd), peacefully at Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital on 28 February  2021 in his 79^th year.

Born in Renfrew ON, Greg enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1960 and started his military career as a Photo Technician. He joined  Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) and the Canadian Military Engineers in 1973 from his posting at Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB.

Greg served most of his career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Map Reproduction Technician in the MCE Reproduction Division. He was posted to the Graphic Arts section in CFB Edmonton in 1986 and retired from the Canadian Forces the next year. Greg then went to work at the Canadian Forces Jump School and eventually settled near CFB Trenton in his retirement.

At Greg's request, cremation has taken place and there will be no further services.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Guy Adam Law, CD, unexpectedly in Kabul, Afghanistan on 25 February 2021 at age 48. Guy was a Construction Engineer Superintendent serving on assignment with Global Affairs Canada as the Operations and Facilities Maintenance Officer for the Canadian Embassy in Kabul.

Born in Saskatoon SK, Guy joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1991 as a Reservist in the North Saskatchewan Regiment. He transferred to the Regular Force in 1994 and served with the 2^nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in Winnipeg for five years, including a six month tour in Bosnia.

Guy remustered to the Canadian Military Engineers in 1999 as an Electrical Distribution Systems Technician. Upon the successful completion of his QL3 training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME), Guy was posted to Dundurn SK where he completed his apprenticeship, his QL5 training at CFSME, and a six-month deployment to the Golan Heights. Upon returning from this deployment, he was promoted to Master Corporal and posted to CFB Winnipeg.

In 2005, Guy deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert for a six month tour as ‘Hydro One.’ This was followed by his successful completion of his QL6A course at CFSME, promotion to the rank of Sergeant, and then being posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa. He completed a nine-month tour in Afghanistan during his 2 CER tour and was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer.

After completion of his QL6B course, Guy was posted to CFB North Bay (2011-2015), during which time he completed a five-month tour in Kuwait. After being promoted to MWO in 2015, Guy was posted to Real Property Operations (RP Ops) in Moose Jaw and took over as the OC In 2017. Guy was then posted to RP Ops Detachment at CFB Borden in 2018 as the Unit Sergeant Major. He was posted to the Canadian Embassy in Kabul in August 2020 as the facility Operations and Maintenance Officer.

During his career in the Infantry and the Canadian Military Engineers, Guy served on four operational deployments: Afghanistan, the Golan Heights and twice in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. He received a Commander-in-Chief Commendation for his performance.

Funeral Mass will occur at the Holy Spirit Parish in Barrie on Saturday, 13 March 2021 at 11 a.m.  Please visit this link for livestream of the service. Due to COVID restrictions, it is requested that family and friends who wish to attend the Church Service register to reserve a seat utilizing this link.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Military Engineer Association (CMEA) and/or Soldier On Fund would be greatly appreciated by the family. On line condolences and memories may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Michael Wayne Syms of Hamilton ON, unexpectedly at home on 25 February 2021 at age 77.

Wayne served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in his youth. For most of his career, he worked at Stelco/Canadian Drawn Steel. Wayne was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 in Dundas.

Friends will be received by the family on Tuesday afternoon, 2 March 2021, from 5-7:00 p.m., by signing up online on Wayne's obituary on the funeral home website. All Covid-19 regulations will apply. Wayne's family will be holding a private service following the visitation. If you so wish, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. by the family. Cremation has taken place and an interment will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Honorary Colonel Robert Gordon “Bob” Douglas, KStJ, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 26 February 2021 at age 90. Bob started his notable service in the Canadian Army with 2^nd Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto.

Bob grew up during the Depression Years in North Toronto. His interest in the military started early with the Army Cadets where he was the Cadet Commanding Officer of the Lawrence Park Collegiate Cadet Corps in Toronto. As a Master Cadet, Bob was chosen to attend the first Special Cadet Camp in Banff AB.

Bob joined the Militia as a Sapper in the 2^nd Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto and rose to the rank of Sergeant in the Regiment. He then joined The Royal Regiment of Canada where he was quickly promoted to Lieutenant. Bob then joined the British Army on a special two-year contract with The King's (Liverpool) in Hong Kong and joined the SAS Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya. At that time, the SAS was involved in deep jungle patrols against communist terrorists led by Chin Peng. Qualified as an SAS demolition specialist, he was involved in a night parachute drop on a mission to destroy a large enemy bridge.

On returning to Canada, Bob rejoined The Royal Regiment of Canada and, after a series of regimental postings, rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and commanded the Regiment. When his firm moved him to Montreal, Bob became G1 (Training) in the newly formed Militia headquarters of Sector de L'Est in Quebec.  Over the following years, Bob served as both the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel and Honorary Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Canada, as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of The Toronto Scottish Regiment, and as Honorary Colonel of The Grey and Simcoe Foresters. He was Aide de Camp to Lieutenant Governors Keiller MacKay and Earle Roe. Bob’s final assignment with the military was as Chairman of the Executive Committee of The Council of Honorary Colonels of the Canadian Army.

After 23 years with National Cash Register, Bob became an Investment Advisor, with a career spanning 30 years through many mergers, including Merrill Lynch. During this span, Bob attained the highest credential in the industry when he became a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI).

Bob was very involved in Community activities. He was Chairman of the Memorial Fund for Disaster Relief (Canada) and Toronto Commander of the The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem. Bob was also Vice Chair of the Veterans Advisory Committee of the Board of Sunnybrook Hospital; was a Governor of the Corps of Commissionaires (Great Lakes);,  Director of the World Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Canada; President of the  St. John Ambulance (Ontario); a member of the  International Counter-Terrorism Officers Association; and President of the Fort York Branch No. 165, Royal Canadian Legion. Bob was a member of Royal Canadian Military Institute, the Granite Club of Toronto and the Barrie Country Club.

Bob received numerous honours and awards during his career. He was appointed Knight, The Most Venerable Order of St. John as well as Knight Commander, Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus. Bob was also awarded the British Army General Service Medal (Malaya Bar); Canadian Forces Decoration (with  three clasps); the Canadian Centennial Medal, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal; the Canadian 125^th Commemorative Medal; the Queen's Golden Jubilee;  the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal; France’s Volunteer Combatant Cross and the Polish Gold Cross of Merit.

Bob had an interest in hiking and mountains. He hiked across the United Kingdom on the  "Sea to Sea" campaign and raised $20,000 for St. John Ambulance. Bob climbed Kilimanjaro, hiked with Tenzing Norgay in Sikkim, India, hiked to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal and climbed many times in the Matterhorn area in Switzerland.

Bob retired from his position as Vice President of RBC Domino Securities in 2015 at age 85. He retired to the family country estate "Grenadierwoods" in Horseshoe Valley. Here he enjoyed tinkering with old jeeps and chain sawing trails through the 80 acres of mature trees where he enjoyed walking through with his friends and family.

A funeral service will be held when the Covid-19 circumstances allow. It was Bob's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to St. John Ambulance (15 Toronto St. Suite 800, Toronto, ON M5C 2E3).  On line condolences can be sent to:  https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=robert-gordon-douglas&pid=197945911

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Corporal Rodney Dean MacDonald of 17 Wing Detachment in Dundurn SK on 20 February 2021 at age 44.

Rodney was born and raised in New Brunswick and joined the Canadian Forces in 1996. He started his military career in as an electrician in the Navy in CFB Esquimalt. He had been serving aboard HMCS Protecteur in 2014 when the engine caught fire requiring all hands to battle the fire for 11 hours, in the dark without power in rough seas. Rodney transferred from the Navy shortly afterwards and was posted to Canadian Forces Communications Establishment in Kingston ON. He later remustered to Plumbing and Heating Technician in 2016 and completed his initial trades training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in CFB Gagetown NB.  His first posting as a Canadian Military Engineer was to Detachment Dundurn in 2017 where he worked with the Regional Properties Detachment in Dundurn before moving to Range Control in Dundurn.

Cremation has taken place and Rodney’s remains have returned to his family home of New Brunswick. A memorial service, to celebrate the life of Corporal Rodney MacDonald is being considered for Summer 2021. Online condolences can sent to the family at the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of William Leslie “Les” King, peacefully at his home on 16 February 2021 in Peterborough ON in his 98^th year.

Les was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War who served overseas. After the war, he was a 43-year employee of Canadian General Electric.

A private family service will be held in the Chapel of Highland Park Funeral Centre. Interment to follow in Highland Park Cemetery. In his memory, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Edward Thomas “Ed” Galway, MC, GM, MBE, CD (Ret’d) of Burlington ON at the age of 102 on 14 February 2021.

Ed Galway was born and raised in Toronto ON and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mining engineering from the University of Toronto. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the Canadian Army on 28 April 1941. He was a decorated Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War, served in the Canadian High Commission in London and completed a UN tour on the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir.

Lt Galway started his Second World War service with the 3^rd Field Company. During his time in England, he was put in charge of a dock repair on the sea coast when during a storm, he rescued a sapper who had fallen into the dangerous surf under the pier. For this, he was awarded the George Medal. In August 1943, the 3^rd Field Company took part in Operation HUSKY, the invasion of Sicily. During the Battle of Agira, Lt Galway led a reconnaissance into the town centre, arriving hours before the infantry. He was able to withdraw and in an ensuing firefight, his party lost one man killed but in return killed five German soldiers. Lt Galway was later posted to the 11^th Field Company fighting in Northwest Europe. In the opening days of the Battle of the Schedlt, he was awarded a Military Cross for bravery putting a bridge across the Antwerp-Turnhout Canal under fire and observation.

Ed stayed in the Army after the war. In 1952, he was posted to Korea and took command of the 23^rd Field Squadron. For his very effective leadership of the squadron during the Korean War, and especially in preparing for the defence of ‘The Hook’, a key position on the Jamestown Line, he was made a Member of the British Empire. Ed completed his working career in the Department of Finance in Ottawa ON.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Private Family Service will be held. Donations if desired can be made to The War Amps, The Poppy Trust Fund, or The Red Cross.

We regret to advise of the death of Edward Kingsley “King” Donovan, a resident of the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa, peacefully on 12 February 2021 at the age of 97.  King served Canada in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a long time resident of Mink Lake, ON.

Due to COVID restrictions, a family graveside service will be held at a later date. In memoriam, donations to the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise the passing of Clifford Perrun on 29 January 2021 in Winnipeg, MB at the age of 86 years.

Clifford grew up during the Depression and the Second World War.  After the war, he served in the Royal Canadian Engineers, worked for the railway, in the grocery business, and for messenger companies in Winnipeg before spending his retirement in first in Rock Creek BC, and later Ste. Anne, MB.

Clifford was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 60 years. Clifford had a musical talent for playing the harmonica and could sing as well. He was a self-taught handyman and a cook, especially on the BBQ. He liked road trips and camping and fishing. He was a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Leafs, and though he would never really admit it, the Bombers and Jets. Most importantly, he loved his family beyond the words he had to express it.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Richard  H “Rick” Brown, CD (Ret’d) in Whitby, ON in the early morning of 21 January 2021, at the age of 69 years. Rick was a former member of 3  Field Engineer Regiment (3 FER) in Montreal QC and 2 Field Engineer Regiment (2 FER) in Toronto, ON.

Rick grew up in Montreal, joining 3 FER in 1967 and, for the next 17 years, was appointed to a number of different positions in the Regiment before moving to Whitby in 1984. He transferred to 2 FER for a short period and then retired from the Canadian Forces after 20 years of service. Rick’s interest in the military did not stop there, however, as he would often visit friends at 3 FER and was present at the Hillside Armoury closing Mess Dinner in April 2015.  He was a passionate contributor to the 3 FER Facebook group and an avid volunteer at the Ontario Regiment Museum in Oshawa, often leading military vehicle restoration projects for the museum.

A funeral service is scheduled for 24 September 2021 starting at 10:00am at Mount Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario. A reception at the  Ontario Regiment Museum to follow. If desired, memorial donations in Rick’s memory may be made to the Ontario Regiment Museum.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Ruth-Ann Schamuhn Beaudry, CD (Ret’d) in Comox BC on 18 January 2021 after her battle with cancer.

Ruth-Ann graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston in 1999 and served as an Canadian Military Engineer officer in 5^e Régiment du Génie de Combat in Valcartier QC (1999-2002). During this tour she became qualified as the first female Combat Diver. After her posting to 5^e  RGC, Ruth-Ann made a career change to become a Medical Officer.

After becoming a CF Medical Officer, Ruth-Ann served as a physician at Canadian Forces Base Trenton ON. She completed a year of Post Graduate training in Internal Medicine at Queen's University (2012-13) and the following year in Family Medicine. Ruth-Ann's illness forced her to give up her practice in early 2018 and the family moved to Comox BC, where her husband Jeff continues to serve as a SAR Tech. Ruth-Ann was released from the Canadian Forces in April 2020.

Funeral details will be published when available.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Stephen Reid Maysfield, CD (Ret'd) on 16 January 2021 at the age of 66 at his home in Leitches Creek, Cape Breton NS after a brief battle with cancer. Steve served his country at home and abroad for 21 years with both The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Military Engineers.  

Steve was born in Pleasant Villa NB and joined the Canadian Forces in 1972 at the age of 17. After Basic Training, he joined the Royal Canadian Regiment as an Infanteer. His career in the infantry included postings to Camp Gagetown NB (1972-76) and Germany (1976-78) as well as a deployment on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Cyprus ( Apr - Sep 1973). During his career in the infantry, Steve earned qualifications as: Basic Parachutist, Basic Sniper, US Army Parachutist, and the French Commando Course.

In 1979 Steve sought a career change and remustered to the Plumber Gasfitter trade with the Canadian Military Engineers. In his new trade he was posted to CFB Calgary (1981-83), CFB Chilliwack (1983-87), and CFB Gagetown (1987-92) - including a period with 22 Field Squadron. With the Canadian Military Engineers, Steve deployed to: Israel (May-June 1981), Kuwait (June-November 1991), and twice to CFS Alert (1979 and 1981).

After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1992, Stephen became co-owner of Vision Heating and Ventilation in Bras d’Or NS.

Steve had his own small Military Engineer family. One daughter is a retired Water, Fuels and Environmental Technician master corporal while another daughter is a retired Combat Engineer sergeant. One son-in-law was a former RSM of 36 Combat Engineer Regiment and another is a former Combat Engineer warrant officer.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Queenstown NB in May 2021. Online words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Dermot O'Toole, CD (Ret’d) on 15 January 2021 in Renews NL after battling a long and complicated illness. Derm served in both the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Canadian Military Engineers.

Derm was a merchant seaman at age 17 and started his military with the Royal Canadian Artillery – following in the footsteps of his father. After his recruit training in Cornwallis, his career as a Gunner saw him posted to Canadian Forces Base Shilo MB and in Germany for several postings.

Derm remustered to the Refrigeration and Mechanical  Systems Technician trade with the Canadian Military Engineers in the early 1980s. After training in Chilliwack BC at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, he was posted to Canadian Forces Station Barrington NS. He later served at CFB Chatham NB. When Derm took his release from the Canadian Forces shortly after completing his Level 5 training, he moved back to Newfoundland and worked in Alberta.

A celebration of Derm's life will take place on Monday, 18 January from 6 to 9 pm at Fahey's Funeral Home in Fermeuse NL. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday at 11:30 am on Tuesday at Holy Apostles Church in Renews, followed by a burial. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Henry William Ficke (Retired) on 13 January 2021 in Kelowna BC at the age of 84 years. He was born on 20 December 1936. 

Henry served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Following his service, he worked on the family farm with his twin brother and father. He was active in the community as a church Deacon and a Scout Master as well. He was a long time member of the Westbank Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. His love of food, cooking and jogging also played a large part in his life.

Due to COVID restrictions there will be no funeral at this time.

Nous avons le regret de vous informer du décès du lieutenant-colonel Laurent R. Bergeron, CD (retraité) à Boucherville QC le 12 janvier 2021 à l'âge de 89 ans.

Laurent est entré au Collège militaire de Saint-Jean en 1969 et a obtenu son diplôme du Collège militaire royal de Kingston en 1974 avec son baccalauréat en génie électrique. Il a également obtenu son MBA plus tard à l'Université McGill. Laurent a servi avec le 3e Régiment du génie de campagne à Montréal où il est devenu commandant (1968-70) et a été membre du Sénat et de la Fondation du 3 FER au début des années 2000.

Laurent a débuté sa carrière de cadre chez Westinghouse et a pris sa retraite de Nexans. Il a été très impliqué dans divers organismes caritatifs et a fondé la ligue de hockey Les Sages de la Rive-Sud pour les 70 ans et plus.

En raison du COVID-19, une célébration de la vie de Laurent aura lieu ultérieurement. Les condoléances en ligne peuvent être envoyées au salon funéraire. Des dons commémoratifs au nom de Laurent peuvent être faits à une œuvre de bienfaisance de votre choix.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Kenneth James Perigo, CD (Ret’d) in Cold Lake AB on 12 January 2021 at age 47 after losing his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Ken had served the Canadian Forces for 27 years in the Reserves and the Regular Force as an Infantryman and as a Canadian Military Engineer. 

Ken was born and educated in Orillia ON. He began his military career in the Primary Reserve as a high school student when he joined the Primary Reserves with the Grey & Simcoe Foresters in April 1991. He completed his Basic and Battle School training at CFB Borden in July 1991 followed by the Infantry Section Commanders course in 1993 at Camp Ipperwash ON. That summer he also completed his recce patrolman’s course CFB Petawawa where he was the top candidate. He was promoted to Master Corporal later that year.

Ken had his first experience with full-time military service as a Regular Force augmentee when he joined the 1^st Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment as a recce patrolman for the UNPROFOR tour in the Former Yugoslavia in 1994.  After returning home, Ken worked for the Grey and Simcoe Foresters on a Class B call-out as the Company Storeman until he was offered a civilian apprenticeship in the sheet metal trade and he took his release from Reserves. But Ken missed the military lifestyle and he enlisted in the Regular Force in December 1997.

Ken joined the 1^st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). Having prior military experience, he was granted Direct Entry and became a rifleman in Alpha Company, 1 PPCLI in Edmonton. As soon as he hit the ground in Edmonton, he was deployed to help restore power and aid residents during the 1988 Ice Storm in Ontario and Quebec.

He was soon promoted to Corporal and completed his TOW (Tube launched, optically tracked, wire command link) guided missile gunners course in the Spring of 1998 and was transferred to Anti-Armour Platoon that summer. Ken then deployed to Kosovo in the Former Yugoslavia from September to December 1999 as part of the NATO force. He had a subsequent deployment to Bosnia as HQ Company Stores 2IC (Oct 2002-April 2003).

After six years as an infantryman with the PPCLI, in the Fall 2003 Ken decided to change his Military Occupation and applied for an occupational transfer to the Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician (RM Tech) trade. He was accepted in early 2004 and joined the Base Training Unit in Edmonton where he worked with the Construction Engineering Company for On-Job Training prior to attending his Level 3 training. Ken completed the first part of his Level 3 RM Tech training that Fall at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering where he was the top candidate. Ken then returned to CFB Edmonton.

Ken returned to CFSME to complete Part 2 of his Level 3 training in the Spring of 2007and was posted to 8 Wing Trenton with 86 Airfield Support Utilities Flight to overhaul, maintain and deploy the Aircraft Arrestor Systems. He was promoted to Master Corporal in 2009 and deployed to Camp Mirage in 2010 where he served until the drawdown.  He also deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert NU during this posting.  

After five years in Trenton, Ken was posted to 4 Wing Cold Lake in 2011 with the Wing Construction Engineering Squadron. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2012. Ken’s experience with the airfield arrestor system meant several trips to Inuvik NT for Op NORTHERN DENIAL to operate and command the arrester gear on site. After four years Ken was posted to 42 Radar Squadron in Cold Lake . He retired from the Canadian Forces in March 2018 and started new career as a civilian Mechanical Technician with Regional Property Office (West) Detachment in Cold Lake.

A memorial service will be held for Ken at his home in Cold Lake on 23 January at 11:00 am at his residence (43002 Township Road 634, Cold Lake) on 23 January 2021. Due to COVID restrictions, participation is limited to 10 persons at a time and reservations should be made via FaceBook or Messenger. You are invited to leave messages and photographs on Ken’s FaceBook page ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009428322919 ).

A celebration of his life will take place in Orillia, Ontario in the spring. Ken requested that his ashes be spread in Lake St. George, north of Orillia. A plaque will be placed beside the graves of his deceased family members who are buried in the cemetery at Lake St George. Donations may be made to the Cold Lake Health Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Jim Andrews, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 7 January 2021. Jim served a full career in the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer in postings that included 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB, 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON, and as an instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.

Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer John Wayne MacQueen, CD (Ret’d) on 30 December 2020 in Petawawa ON at the age of 73 years. John served a full career of 37 years as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers

Born in Glace Bay NS, John enlisted in 1967 and completed his basic sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. His first posting was to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON (1968-69) but that was a short tour as he was soon off to Germany with 4 Field Squadron (1969-70) for another short tour before returning to Petawawa for a six-year posting to 1 Field Squadron (1970-76). Two training billets followed, first to the Recruit School in CFB Cornwallis (1976-78) followed by a four-year tour at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (1978-82). John then had a three-year tour with Range Control at CFB Bordon (1982-85) followed by a posting to 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown (1985-88).

John’s final posting was back to Petawawa where he was with the Base Construction Engineering Section. John retired in Petawawa and, in retirement, he worked with the 2642 Army Cadet Corps

Respecting John’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Spring interment of ashes will take place at Laurentian View Cemetery in Petawawa. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Lupus Canada or Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517 would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Martin “Marty” Edgington (Ret’d) in Victoria BC on 29 December 2020 at age 73 after a long hard battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Marty joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1964 as a member of the 13^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack BC.

A private family service, by invitation only, will be hosted in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens (4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC) on Sunday 3 January 2021 at 2:00 pm. Due to current BC Health restrictions, all others are invited to attend virtually via Zoom by clicking on this LINK. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations to Parkinson’s Research in Marty’s name would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major William Michael “Mike” Moore, CD (Ret’d) on 26 December 2020 in Nanaimo BC at the age of 71. Mike served a full 35-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Mike was born in Oakville ON and was involved in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets as a teen. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1967 and graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston in 1971 with a Chemical Engineering degree.

During his career, Mike served at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton ON, Canadian Forces Station Baldy Hughes BC, Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, CFB Borden ON and in CFB Winnipeg MB as Base Construction Engineering Officer, with Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies and 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters.

When Mike retired in 2002 at the rank of Major, the family moved to Nanaimo from Winnipeg to enjoy warmer weather, beautiful scenery and proximity to family. Mike played and followed sports throughout his life. He was a determined runner, venturing out daily even when confronted by the worst of Winnipeg winters. In retirement, he enjoyed playing baseball in the McGirr seniors’ league. He learned  to play the snare drum and was an active member of the Pacific Gael Pipes and Drums band. Mike was a member of the Holy Trinity Knights of Columbus Council #9990 where he helped serve his parish.

A private family funeral will be held on 8 January 2021 at Trinity Catholic Church in Nanaimo. Online condolences can be sent to the Nanaimo Bulletin.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Justin Mills of the Canadian Forces Fire Academy, on 24 December 2020 at age 31. Justin served with the Canadian Military Engineers  for 14 years.

Justin joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 2006 at the age of 15 in the Reserves with 45^th Field Engineer Squadron in Sydney NS. Four years later he transferred to the Regular Force as a Firefighter. His career as a Firefighter included a posting to Canadian Forces Base Greenwood NS and, later, as an instructor at the Fire Academy at CFB Borden. Justin also deployed to Romania and served at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU.

As a youth, Justin was a protector. Later in life he advocated for the vulnerable and frequently helped random strangers who looked like they needed a helping hand. He would often give items he’d be wearing, to the less fortunate that he would meet. Justin also had a soft spot for animals and was constantly feeding animals and taking in strays. In addition to all the animals he saved over the years, his good deeds included saving several human lives, both on and off duty.

Justin’s family asks that you honor his memory by lending a helping hand to someone who is struggling. A private service will be held by invitation only due to Covid restrictions. Once Covid restrictions are lifted, it is intended to hold an Irish wake. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to your local SPCA or Humane Society. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Mushrow, CD (Ret’d) at Langley Memorial hospital in Langley BC on 24 December 2020 at age 84 years. Peter served the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer for 35 years.

Peter was born and raised in Port aux Basques NL. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1956 in St John’s and completed his basic Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) in Vedder Crossing BC. Promoted to Corporal in 1958, he was posted to Demonstration Troop at RCSME for what was a short tour as he was posted to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC the next year.

A year later Peter was posted to 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany. When he returned to Canada in 1963, he became an instructor at RCSME for four years with Recruit Training Squadron.   After this RCSME tour, Peter returned to Germany with 4 Field Squadron during which time he was promoted to Sergeant.

In 1970, Peter returned to his home province when he was posted to the Regular Support Staff with 56^th Field Engineer Squadron in St John’s NL. Promoted to Warrant Officer in 1973, he was transferred to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON for a three-year tour. On completion of this tour, Peter was posted to a Technical Staff position in National Defence Headquarters with responsibility for Field Engineer equipment

Peter was promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 1979 and returned to Germany with 4 Combat Engineer Regiment for his third tour. Promotion to Chief Warrant Officer saw his return to Canada and his appointment as Regimental Sergeant Major of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

After completion of his tour as 1 CER RSM in 1987, Peter was appointed the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering Chief Warrant Officer. Upon completion of that tour, he became the Base Chilliwack Chief Warrant Officer in 1990. Peter retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991 and settled in the Chilliwack area.

Peter enjoyed a long retirement of nearly 30 years. He and Else travelled many times to Germany, spent time at “The Glen,” and maintained a welcoming home.  Peter was especially devoted to the annual commemoration of the 1944 Canadian liberation of Belgium and all his dear friends in Knokke-Heist. Peter enjoyed his fishing in the Fraser River, extended walks wherever he was, playing guitar, singing and sharing his memories of growing up in Port aux Basques Newfoundland.

As per Peter’s wish, there will be no service or funeral.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant William Gordon “Willy” Jack,CD (Ret'd) of Carleton, Yarmouth Co., NS in the Yarmouth Regional Hospital on 20 December 2020 at age 77.

Willy was born in Kirkland Lake ON and spent most of his childhood in British Columbia. He  was a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. Willy started his military career with the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in locations such as 4 Field Squadron in Germany and 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before remustering to Pay Clerk and then served at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis NS prior to his retirement. Willy moved to Carleton NS after his retirement.

In accordance with Willy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family burial will take place at a later date in Carleton Cemetery. Donations in Willy’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Spr David Anthony William Ovans (Ret'd), suddenly on 13 December 2020 in Chilliwack BC at age 80.

David was born in Calgary AB and was raised in Sangudo AB. He left home in 1956 at the age of 16 to join the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the 5^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentices at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Camp Chilliwack BC. His seven years of service with the Royal Canadian Engineers included tours with 4 Field Squadron in Germany and 4 Field Squadron in Chilliwack.

After taking his release from the Canadian Forces, David thrived at several different occupations in Chilliwack including stints at the Safeway on Main Street, the Rosedale Machine Shop, and the Chilliwack Progress.  He left Chilliwack in 1979 to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions - first on Salt Spring Island, and then Vancouver Island. David was a real estate agent in Victoria for 15 years. The family returned to Chilliwack to retire.

No funeral service is planned; however, a celebration of life will follow when appropriate. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Child Find BC, a charity that was special to David. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Leo Arseneau, CD (Ret’d) in St-Hubert QC on 13 December 2020 at age 85. Leo served a full career as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Military Engineers.

Leo started his career as an Aircraftman and was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant from Sergeant in 1977. He served as Fire Chief as a sergeant at Canadian Forces Station Mont Apica and was Fire Chief at Canadian Forces Bases Trenton ON, Bagotville QC, Greenwood NS and St Hubert QC. Leo retired from the Canadian Forces in 1988.

Funeral Arrangements will be provided when available. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sylvio “Syl” Gauvreau on 12 December 2020 in Wetaskiwin AB at age 90

Sylvio was born in Sudbury ON and served as a fire fighter in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After his service in the Canadian Forces, he spent a lengthy and varied career in the oil and gas industry. In retirement, he and his wife moved to Fort St. John BC in 1963 and called it home until 2004. After a couple years in Cranbrook BC they retired to Wetaskiwin AB.

As an active community volunteer, Syl was very involved in Army Cadets, the Royal Canadian Legion, museums, the Red Cross, genealogy groups and other organizations his kids were participating in.

In lieu of flowers, you may choose to make a donation in memory of Syl to the Royal Canadian National Poppy Trust Fund . Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared with Syl's family through the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant William “Bill” Ludlow (Ret’d), peacefully at Ste. Anne's Hospital on 8 December 2020 at the age of 100. Bill was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of WW II.

Bill was born in Glasgow Scotland in 1920 and emigrated with his parents to Montreal at the age of 9. Bill enlisted for WW II in the Black Watch [The Royal Highland Regiment of Canada] along with some 800 men on first day the regiment started recruiting. He was two days short of 19. After a year of training in Canada, Bill sailed for the United Kingdom on 3 September 1940.

Bill’s father had enlisted with 16^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and arrived in England in 1941.  Bill transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers that year to be with his father. That situation was unusual later in the war but 16^th Field Company had three father-and-son combinations and seven brother combinations, including a pair of identical twins.

16^th Field Company was part of the Third Division D-Day assault force that landed on the beaches of Normandy. His company was in support of the Queens Own Rifles and had the task of clearing the beach of obstacles and breaching the sea wall fortifications. After D-Day, the company joined the advance through France, Belgium , Holland and eventually into Germany. Bill was a recipient of France’s Legion of Merit for his participation in the Battle for France.

After the war, Bill provided leadership of the 16^th Field Company Association and for or many years he organized reunions of his 16^th  Field Company Association. He was also a member of the Black Watch Veteran's Association.  He was also an accomplished artist, heraldry buff and avid gardener. Bill maintained a strong connection with 3 Field Regiment/34 Combat Engineer Regiment in Montreal. In recognition of his distinguished and dedicated service, the Regiment established the Ludlow Trophy in 1983 to honour his memory. This trophy is awarded annually for excellence to the unit’s most distinguished Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.

Interment of ashes will be held in the Spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Bill can be made to the Black Watch Veteran's Association or the Ste Anne's Veterans Resident Committee. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Leading Aircraftman George Arnold (Ret'd) of Yorkton SK on 7 December 2020 at the age of 96 years. George was a WW II veteran Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

George was born in Stalwart SK, the oldest child with four siblings. Finishing high school in 1942, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and received basic training in Toronto ON. He next underwent War Emergency Training in Moose Jaw SK where he trained as a fireman on the crash truck to deal with airport emergencies. George and was then posted to Davidson SK and, when that base was closed in 1945, he was shipped to Yorkton SK. He was posted briefly to Winnipeg and then to Portage La Prairie MB as the war was ending. George was discharged from the Canadian Forces in 1946.

After the war George tried farming seed potatoes while his wife Loraine taught school in High Bluff MB. The market was depressed so he moved back to Saskatchewan and, subsequently, to Bellevue AB where he could earn a living working in the coal mines. Initially a timber packer, he  became a miner. When the mines began to peter-out, George and family moved back to the prairies. He ended up in Imperial SK where he worked as a mechanic in a garage.

George sold the family home in Imperial in 1955 and moved to the Emil Arnold family farm at Stalwart AB. He settled on the farm, quite positive it would be home for many years to come and drove a school bus to supplement the farm income. He became a grain buyer and went to work in the grain elevator in Stalwart. Unfortunately, the elevator closed in 1969 and necessitated another move for the Arnold family. George found work with Saskatchewan Government Insurance in Yorkton and the family moved once again. Later, George was successful as a salesman for Pioneer Life.  He next became a school bus driver for the Yorkdale Unit and eventually moved up to be responsible for the scheduling of the buses and supervision of the drivers.

Upon retirement, George and his wife Loraine moved to The Bentley, a retirement home in Yorkton. Several years later they moved to the Crossings Retirement Home.

George was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Yorkton since 1997. He was Legionnaire of the Year in 1999, received the 75th Anniversary Medal in 2001 and received his 60-Year Membership pin in 2018. George often represented the Legion in Yorkton schools at Remembrance Day Ceremonies and participated in the Remembrance Day Legion Color Party.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, 11 December at 1:00 pm from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Regretfully, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the service will be for family only plus the Legion Color Guard. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends wishing to support the family may attend the service virtually by clicking the link below beginning at 12:45 pm: https://www.facebook.com/pg/yourfamilylikeapartofours/videos

Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion (387 B Parkview Rd, Yorkton, SK S3N 2L4) or The Health Foundation (41 Betts Ave, Yorkton, SK S3N 1M1). Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Donald James “Jim” Doyle, CD (Ret’d) of Calgary AB on 6 December 2020 at the age of 90 years. Jim served a 30-year as a firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Jim was born in Eleth, New Jersey, USA and moved to Sherbrooke QC as a child. The family moved around eastern Canada for most of his childhood before finally settling in Field ON.

Jim joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1947 and became a Crash Rescue Firefighter. Over his career, he served on many stations in Canada and in Europe. Jim’s first posting was as a Leading Aircraftman in the Yukon Territories at Watson Lake Junction at Milepost 635 of the Alaska Highway. In the late fifties, Jim was part of the Crash Crew that was involved with the arrival and departure of the Avro Arrow during test flights from Downsview ON. Other postings included Europe and Canadian Forces Station Alsask. Jim’s last posting was at Camp Wainwright AB from where he retired from the Canadian Forces in 1977.

Jim was a volunteer driver for the Cancer Society when he was stationed in Toronto, all the while holding down his military career and working part-time for Richardson’s Moving Company in Toronto from 1967-72.

A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. In living memory of Jim, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on the funeral home web page.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Gerald J. “Gerry” Gaudet (Ret'd), peacefully in Surrey BC on 1 December 2020 at the age 98 years.  Gerry was a Second World War Royal Canadian Engineer veteran and was believed to be the last surviving veteran of Operation BERLIN - the rescue of 1 Airborne Division at Arnhem.

Born in Rogersville, NB in 1922, Gerry enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and trained in Canada with 23^rd Field Company, RCE. Shortly before D-Day Gerry was injured in a motorcycle accident and was assigned to 20^th Field Company after his recovery. On D-Day, Gerry supported the assault landing of the Regina Rifles at the Village of Bernières Sur-Mer on Juno Beach. Shortly after D-Day, Gerry became aware of the landing of his former unit and he was able to re-join the 23^rd Field Company. The route of  the 23^rd in France took them through Caen, Rouen, Abbleville, Omer, Bethune and Lens then on to Belgium Holland. In Holland, his company played the major role in Operation BERLIN - the evacuation of the British 1^st Airborne across the Neder Rijn River after the failure of Operation MARKET GARDEN. Gerry’s was formally presented France’s Legion of Honour in 2015 for his participation in the Battle of the Liberation of France. *

After the war Gerry returned to New Brunswick for a couple of years then moved to Western Canada where he was employed by Dominion Glass for 34 years and became the Supervisor of Process and Equipment.

Cremation and Interment at Valley View Cemetery in Surrey BC. Online condolences can be sent here.

     * See HERE for the story of the awarding of France’s Legion of Honour.

Nous avons le regret de vous informer du décès de l'adjudant Peter Nikkel, CD (retraité) le 27^er november 2020 à l'âge de 76 ans à son domicile de Sardis CB. Peter a servi avec le Génie royal canadien et le Génie militaire canadien pendant plus de 34 ans.

Né à Wingham MB, Peter était l'aîné de sept frères et sœurs. Il s'est joint au Génie royal canadien en 1961 et a suivi sa formation de base d'ingénieur de campagne à l'École royale canadienne du génie militaire à Chilliwack CB.  La première affectation de Peter a été au 2^e Escadron de campagne à la Base des Forces canadiennes Gagetown NB mais il fut bientôt affecté en Allemagne pour servir avec le 4^e Escadron de campagne. Peter est retourné au 2^e Escadron de campagne à Gagetown après cette tournée, mais seulement pendant un an avant d'être réaffecté en Allemagne avec le 4e Escadron de campagne pour sa deuxième affectation là-bas.

Peter est revenu au Canada en 1970 et s'est joint au 5e Escadron de génie du Canada à la BFC Valcartier QC où il a passé la majeure partie de sa carrière militaire. Une exception a été pendant trois ans (1981-1984) lorsqu'il a été affecté à la BFC Dundurn SK. Après Dundurn, Peter est retourné à la BFC Valcartier et a ensuite été affecté à la BFC Chilliwack où il est resté jusqu'à sa retraite des Forces canadiennes en 1999 avec le grade d'adjudant.

À sa retraite de l'armée, Peter a commencé une deuxième carrière au volant d'un autobus scolaire pour le district 33 de Chilliwack où il aimait transporter les enfants et leur expliquer les faits de la vie. Ses passions dans la vie étaient le baseball dans les premières années de sa carrière militaire, et plus tard dans le golf - dans les deux cas où il était très bon. L’autre plaisir de Peter était de lire et il lisait tous les livres sur lesquels il mettait la main.

Une célébration de la vie aura lieu pour Peter au cours de la nouvelle année.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Frank Sobkowich, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 23 November 2020 at age 75. Frank served with the Canadian Military Engineers for twenty three years.

Frank was born in Winnipeg MB and grew up on a farm near Fisher Branch MB. He left home at age 16 and joined the Canadian Army in 1962 with the 11^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice program. After completing his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack, BC he proceeded onto a twenty-three year career with the Royal Canadian Engineers. Frank served mostly in Chilliwack with 3 Field Squadron and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering but also served with 4 Field Squadron in Lahr Germany (1970-73).  

Upon retirement, Frank owned and operated a landscape company with his son Frank for many years. He became involved in the community and was elected and served on the board of the Fraser Valley Regional District as a director for the Cultus and Chilliwack Lake area for three terms. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Joseph David “Joe” Burke, CD in Kingston ON in his 81st year on 21 November 2020.

Joe was serving in the Royal Canadian Air force when he was selected for university training. He graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1970 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After commissioning, Joe served in Europe and at Air Command HQ in Winnipeg. He later entered a graduate studies programme at the Royal Military College, retiring soon after.

A private family service was held with burial at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations, for those wishing, may be made to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation - Providence Manor or to the Alzheimer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.reidfuneralhome.com

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Mike Kobayashi, CD (Ret'd) on 13 November 2020 in Abbotsford BC.

Mike was from Victoria BC and joined the Canadian Forces in 1974. After completing his basic sapper training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Mike served at 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. He was both a qualified Combat Diver and Paratrooper when he remustered to Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) in 1980.

Mike served in various postings during his career as a SAR Tech. His first posting was to Trenton ON followed by postings that included CFB Summerside PE, CFB Edmonton AB, and the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School at 17 Wing Winnipeg MB. His final posting was to 19 Wing Comox BC where he retired in April 1999.

As a Master Corporal SAR Tech with 440 Squadron, Mike participated in the rescue of the crew and passengers after crash of the C130 Hercules aircraft at CFS Alert on 30 October 1991 during the annual resupply Operation BOX TOP. Mike was awarded the Chief of Defence Staff  Commendation for his actions during the rescue and later portrayed himself in the film 'Ordeal in the Arctic'  about the rescue operation. 

Funeral details will be advised when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Howard “Howie” William Meeker, OC (Ret’d) on 8 November 2020 in Nanaimo General Hospital in British Columbia at age 97. Howie was a Canadian hockey legend as a player, coach, and iconic broadcaster. Sapper Meeker was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. 

Howie was born in Kitchener ON and played on junior hockey teams such as the Kitchener Greenshirts and Stratford Kroehlers. He was recruited to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs but enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1943 before his junior eligibility was up. Howie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Combat Engineer.  After training in Canada, he embarked for England where his training continued.  Howie was badly wounded in England in1944 when a live grenade exploded beneath his legs during training exercises but he made a full recovery and went on to fight on the Continent.

After the war, Howie returned to Canada and was demobilized. He returned to the Ontario Hockey Association where he played one season with the Stratford Indians before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1946. Howie won the Calder Trophy as the National Hockey League’s top rookie in the following year and went on to win four Stanley Cups in his first five years with the Maple Leafs.  

Howie was recruited to run in a federal by-election in his hometown riding of Waterloo South in 1951. Elected at 27, he was the youngest Member of Parliament at the time and held this office for two years while still playing for the Maple Leafs. He decided not to seek re-election in August 1953 and retired from the NHL in 1954.

Plagued by injuries, after playing parts of eight NHL seasons, Howie embarked on a new career as a hockey coach. A year after guiding the Pittsburgh Hornets to the Calder Cup in the American Hockey League in 1955, he returned to Toronto as coach of the Maple Leafs. Howie joined the Maple Leafs’ front office in 1957 as General Manager but left the organization before the year was over due to disputes with ownership.

Howie then accepted an invitation from Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood  to work with that city’s youth hockey program. He moved to St. John’s in 1958 and, during his 18-year tenure in Newfoundland, he helped unite a hockey system that had been previously divided along religious lines.

Howie was perhaps best known for his 30-year career as a broadcaster of enthusiastic and influential commentary on CBC TV’s “Hockey Night in Canada” and as the host of "Howie Meeker's Hockey School." He also founded hockey summer camps in Canada and the United States that helped countless young players develop their hockey skills.

After 30 years in coaching, Howie retired to Parksville BC where, for more than 40 years, he and his wife Leah were strong supporters of Special Olympics and served as patrons of the British Columbia Guide Dog Services.

Howie received many prestigious honours for his work. He received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award from the NHL Broadcasters Association in 1998 and was made a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame (1998) and the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame (2003). He was also inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. Howie was made a Member of the Order of Canada in May 2011, received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, and was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 2016.

Funeral details will be advised when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Donald Edward Apt, CD (Ret'd) of Annapolis Royal NS on 7 November 2020 in the Annapolis Community Health Centre at the age of 72. Don served with the Canadian Military Engineers for 26 years and was a faithful member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21 for 27 years.

Don was born in Annapolis Royal and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1964 with the 13^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice program. After completing his basic Combat Engineering  training and qualifying as a Welder at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Don proceeded on a full career with the Canadian Military Engineers. He was employed primarily as a welder on postings that included 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB, 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack and 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany. Don deployed to Camp Shams Cairo, Egypt with the Canadian Contingent, United Nations Emergency Force Middle East (CCUNEFME), on UNEF II (1973-74).

A Legion service in Donald’s memory will be held at a later date. Donations in memory may be made to Canada Cancer Society or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Ronald James Silk, CD (Ret'd) peacefully at Bluewater Hospital in Sarnia ON at the age of 86 on 4 November 2020 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Ron was born in Hamilton, ON to parents who had emigrated from Northumberland, England in 1912. His family had moved to Vancouver BC in 1943 and he attended and graduated from high school there and apprenticed as a carpenter. The family moved back to England in 1952 but Ron preferred life in Canada and sailed back alone later that year. He worked as a carpenter in Hamilton Kitchener, and Galt. 

Ron joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and served as a Carpenter and Construction Technician. His postings included Clinton ON, Winnipeg MB, Moose Jaw SK, Gander NL, and London ON. Ron deployed as a peace keeper with the United Nations peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1974. Ron also served at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU and worked on the Canadian Embassy in Moscow USSR. 

After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1980, Ron worked as a Commissionaire at Camp Ipperwash ON for several years. Over the years, Ron kept very busy completely refurbishing their cottage until they sold it and moved into the town of Forest.  Ron was a Royal Canadian Legion lifetime member.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home . 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph Sylvio Gagne (Ret'd) on 27 October 2020 in Toronto ON at the age of 96 years.

Silvio was born in Cartier, Ontario and raised during the depression. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers on 7 July 1943 during the Second World War. He completed his basic training at No. 20 Canadian Army (Basic) Training Centre – Brantford and his sapper training at A5 Canadian Engineer Training Centre – Camp Petawawa.  He was posted first to Italy and later to Normandy where he served as a driver mechanic in Number No 1 Road Construction Company. When the war ended, Sylvio served in the Army of Occupation in Oldenburg, Germany until his discharge on February 27, 1946. He returned to Canada in 1946 and started working with the Canadian Pacific Railway in North Bay, ON. He met and married Margaret Lepage in 1948 and they were married for 72 years. 

After working in Cartier and Chapleau, the family moved to Scarborough ON in 1966.  Silvio retired in 1985 after 46 years with the Canadian Pacific Railway.  He and Margaret travelled extensively to Europe, Greece, United Kingdom and spent many years in Florida’s Tampa Bay area with their motor home during the winter months. He also enjoyed the outdoor life, doing a lot of fishing and hunting at the family camp at Geneva Lake near Cartier. Sylvio was a member of the East Toronto Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Join the family on Wednesday, 4 November 2020 as the funeral service will be streamed from the McEachnie Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Fernand “Fern” Brulotte, CD (Ret’d) on Sunday, 24 October 2020 at the Hull, QC  Hospital.

Fern grew up in a small Quebec Eastern Township village in a family with seven siblings. Joining the Army in 1960, he had a full and successful military career as an Electrician and a Construction Maintenance Technician. Fern’s service included deployment on United Nations Peacekeeping.  Fern retired from the Canadian Forces in 1987 as a Chief Warrant Officer after 27 years of service. 

Fern was a leader, soldier, peace-keeper, family man, athlete, hunter, fisher, news-junkie, handy-man, and ham radio operator under the call letters VE2 ZV. He faced health challenges with courage.

Fern’s funeral will be held with military honours on 7 November 2020 at 10:30 AM at the Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa ON. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, participation is by invitation only. A Celebration of Life will be held as soon as restrictions on gatherings are lifted. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Legion Poppy Fund would be appreciated. Online Condolences can be sent to the Ottawa Citizen.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Herbert Patrick Grant Fraser, CD, RN (Ret’d) at home in Saskatoon SK on 23 October 2020 at age 51 after a period of illness.

Grant grew up in Vancouver BC and attended Shawnigan Lake High School on Vancouver Island. He started his military career with the Primary Reserves in 1986 as an Infanteer and joined 6^th Field Engineer Squadron as Combat Engineer in 1988. During his time with 6^th Field he deployed on the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in the former Yugoslavia in 1992-93 as a Corporal attached to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment.

Following his long-standing interest in Nursing, Grant worked in Romania in 1994-95 with the Service of Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation where he was responsible for pre-hospital supervision of personnel and ensuring the proper maintenance and serviceability of equipment. As a Master Corporal, Grant made a career shift to nursing in 1998 when he was accepted into the nursing program at the University of Saskatchewan. He graduated with a BSc in Nursing (with Great Distinction) in 2001 and joined the Saskatoon Health Region. Throughout his training and career as a Registered Nurse Grant was very active in supporting his profession. In 2000-02 he assisted in organizing a student nursing exchange to an acute care hospital in Romania.

Grant was commissioned into the Canadian Forces Medical Service in 2001 and served for 11 years as a Critical Care Nursing Officer with 16 Field Ambulance in Saskatoon He served in positions from Platoon Commander, Operations and Training Officer, Clinical Training and Standards Officer, and was appointed Officer Commanding of the 16 Field Ambulance Detachment in Saskatoon. Grant also deployed for a tour in Operation ATHENA (International Stabilization Force Afghanistan) in 2006 where he worked at the Multinational Medical Unit (Trauma Hospital) as a Critical Care Nursing Officer. In 2009 he qualified in Intensive Care Unit Nursing at the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology 

Grant retired as a Captain in Saskatoon in 2013 and continued to work as a Critical Care Registered Nurse for the Saskatoon Health Region.

Funeral arrangements will be advised when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Gene Madden, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 18 October 2020 at age 77.

Gene was a native of Newfoundland and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1963. On completion of his Basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack BC he was posted to 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB in 1964. While with 2 Field Squadron, Gene qualified as a Combat Diver. Subsequent tours of our field squadrons followed with his next posting being to 4 Field Squadron in Werle, Germany. Returning to Canada after this posting, Gene next joined 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON for a short tour in the mid-70s. This was followed by a return posting to Germany with 4 Field Squadron. His next posting was back to Camp Gagetown where he was employed as the Roads and Grounds Supervisor in the Base Construction Engineering Section. Gene’s final posting was to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 1985 as a Field Engineering instructor in Bridging Troop and Mine Warfare and Demolitions Troop.

Gene retired from the Canadian Forces in 1987 and settled in the Chilliwack area where he worked for Maritime Life Investments for his second career.  Gene loved the sea and had his own sailboat. He was an active member of the Retired Sappers and attended many reunions.

The family is planning to have a funeral service at a later date.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer John L. Collier, CD (Ret'd) of Petawawa ON on Saturday, 17 October 2020 at age 77.

John was a Combat Engineer who joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1963. He served a full career with the Military Engineers where he spent much of his career in 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Germany and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa. His last posting was with the Base Construction Engineeering Office in Canadian Forces Base Petawawa. John faced a number of medical challenges with strength and determination. He fought several battles but a cancer was one he couldn’t win.

As per John’s wishes, he has been cremated. Due to COVID-19 there will be no wake or gathering but a family burial will take place at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Theodore Joseph Antaya (Ret’d) of St. Belle River ON at the age of 87 years on 17 October 2020.

Ted was born in Tecumseh ON. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1951. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the Canadian Korean Veteran's Association, a long-standing Red Cross Donor and was on numerous committees for St. Simon and St. Jude Church. He was a member of the Belle River Legion Branch 399 since 2001.

Visitation will be held at Melady Funeral Home (572 Notre Dame St. Belle River) on Thursday, 22 October 2020 from 2-5:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. Due to COVID-19 measures, reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend the visitation. The funeral mass will be held at St. Simon and St. Jude Church on Friday, 23 October 2020 at 11:30 a.m. Due to capacity restrictions, please contact the funeral home (519-728-1500) to register to attend. Masks or face coverings are required. Cremation to follow with the interment of cremated remains at St. Simon and St. Jude Cemetery at a later date.

In kindness memorial donations to Hospice of Windsor or the Windsor Downtown Mission would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of  Lance-Corporal Arthur A. Treloar (Ret'd) on 14 October 2020 in Toronto at the age of 97 years.

Art served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. He retired from the Toronto Transit Commission after 30 years. He was a member of the Todmorden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Toronto East Stamp Club.

A visitation will be at Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 2570 Danforth Avenue on Tuesday, 30 October. There will be a private funeral service with interment following. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lung Association of Canada. Online condolences can be placed at www.giffenmackdanforth.com.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Raymond “Ray” Belanger, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 12 October 2020 at Pinantan Lake BC at age 71. Ray served a 27 year career with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Raymond joined the Canadian Forces in 1967 and, after his basic training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Greenwood NS. Other postings that followed thoughout his career included CFB Lahr, Germany, CFB Bagotville QC, CFB Calgary AB and, finally, to CFB Comox in 1989. Ray retired from the Canadian Forces in 1994 as a Master Warrant Officer and remained in the Comox Valley. He was a long-term resident of Courtenay BC but had lived in Ashcroft BC in the BC Interior since 2019. In his retirement, Ray loved traditional archery, woodworking, fishing, animals as well as fine food and drink.

At Ray’s request no funeral or service was held. A memorial is planned for Spring 2021 in the Comox Valley. Anyone wishing to be informed of the date/time/place, please e-mail Katie Britton. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Kenneth "Kenny" Charles Large, CD (Ret’d) on 9 October 2020 at the age of 63 years.

Kenny was born in Cochrane, ON and lived in St. Catherines, ON until he joined the Canadian Forces.  He started his career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer and developed into a Heavy Equipment Operator specialist. His postings included 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, Canadian Forces Base Shilo MB,  and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment. He worked as a Heavy Machinery Operator after retirement.

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

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter FR03 John William "Jack" Bonnah (Ret’d) of Petawawa ON at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on 7 October 2020 at the age of 88 years. Jack was a former Platoon Chief at the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa Fire Department.

A Private Family Service will be held. Friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service for Jack on Friday,16 October at 2:15 p.m. in Laurentian View Cemetery, St. Luke’s Section. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, face masks are required to attend at the cemetery and a limited number is permitted at the cemetery at any given time. Please call the funeral home (613-735-5711) if you wish to attend this Cemetery Service.

In memory of Jack, donations to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. ^{khOct2020}

We regret to advise of the death of firefighter Petty Officer First Class Robert "John" Emrick, CD (Ret’d) on Wednesday, 7 October 2020 at age 74 at his home in Englehart ON.

John served with the Royal Canadian Navy for 26 years at sea and on land from coast. He was an Air Boatswain until Integration of the Canadian Forces when he became Firefighter under the new trades structure. John’s postings included HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Fraser, Canadian Forces Station Beausejour MB and Canadian Forces Base North Bay ON.

John retired from the Canadian Forces in North Bay and began working as a bus driver with North Bay Transit. He always maintained contact with friends from his military career and attended the yearly reunions in Halifax NS. John created the  website: http://www.underthecat.com dedicated to his fellow sailors and the life he lived aboard the HMCS Bonaventure.

Cremation has taken place. Donations in John's memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9) or to the Lung Association (18 Wynford Drive, Suite 401, Toronto, ON M3C 0K8). Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. ^{{khOct 2020}}