CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Petty Officer 2 Dennis Shaw, CD (Ret’d) in Victoria on 3 July 2025.

Denny started his military career as a Combat Engineer but ended as a Navy Clearance Diver. He qualified as a Combat Diver on Course 7102 when he was in 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC. Posted to 4 Field Squadron in Lahr Germany in 1972, he was a member of the Unit Diving Section.

In 1973 Denny was the first Combat Diver to remuster to Clearance Diver with the Canadian Navy. He had a good career in his new trade and rose to the rank of CPO2. After retiring from the Regular Force, Denny joined the Naval Reserves and was employed with the Manta program, a trial involving a remotely operated underwater vehicle.  When that project was terminated, Denny established his own home security business, installing alarms. After that successful venture, he went into full retirement in Victoria.

Funeral details will be advised when known.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Daniel Roy Weatherbee, CD ( Ret'd), of Medicine Hat AB, quietly in his sleep on 1 July 2025, at the age of 69 years.

Dan was born and raised in Springhill, NS. He served in the Royal Canadian Air Force with the Canadian Military Engineers for 23 years as a Refrigeration and Mechanical Technician. Dan retired from the Canadian Forces in 1997 and subsequently worked as Contracts Inspector at Canadian Forces Base Suffield (1997- 2010).

A Celebration of Life was held on 8 July 2025, at the Medicine Hat Legion. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Gregory Purcell, CD (Ret'd) of Quinte West on 1 July 2025 at the age of 59 years. 

Greg started his military career as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers. He deployed many times during his Combat Engineer career, to locations that included Bosnia, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. Greg remustered to Mobile Support Equipment Operator for the final phase of his service and retired from 8 Wing, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, after 25 years of service.

A Celebration of Greg's Life will be held at a future date. If desired, donations to Wounded Warriors Canada or Vets Canada would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of  Sergeant Robert “Bob” Ladouceur, CD (Ret’d)  at the Kelowna Hospice on 30 June 2025 at age 67 years after a three-year fight with cancer.

Bob joined the Canadian Forces in 1977. Upon completing his recruit training, he took his Basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC. Bob’s first posting was to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa where he served in 2 Troop and in Regimental Headquarters.  After Petawawa, Bob was  posted to 4 CER in Lahr, Germany (1984-87). 

Bob returned to Canada with a posting to 5^e Régiment du Génie de Combat in Valcartier QC (1987-90).  After Valcartier, he was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, where he instructed in the Roads, Airfields, Water Supply and Accommodation Troop and in Mine Warfare and Demolitions. 

Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998 and worked with his brother Gilles for many years in the construction field in British Columbia.

Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer James Leighton Munro MMM, CD (Ret’d) after a short illness, on 23 June 2025, a day before his 81^st birthday.

Born in Vancouver BC, Jim was the eldest of ten children. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1962 and served as a military firefighter in the Canadian Armed Forces for over 35 years. Among his many postings were RCAF Station Zweibrücken in Germany, Canadian Forces Bases in Downsview ON, Portage La Prairie MB, and Greenwood, NS. Jim was also posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa as a Firefighting Equipment Manager and as a  Career Manager.

A longtime member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal parish and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 12401 in Russell ON, Jim gave his time freely in service to both his church and community. Jim was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 372, in Russell ON.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, 3 July 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Hall of Colours at Beechwood Cemetery {280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, Ontario }. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, 4 July at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, in Russell ON, with a reception taking place afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command Poppy Trust Fund. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Randy Dennis Gall, CD (Ret’d) of Fort Saskatchewan AB, unexpectedly on 22 June 2025, at the age of 58.

Randy was born in Golden BC and spent his early years there. After completing high school, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1987 and served as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers for 17 years. In addition to his Canadian postings, Randy deployed on the UN Iraq-Kuwait Observer Mission and the UN Protection Force-Yugoslavia.

Randy retired from the Canadian Forces with the rank of Sergeant and then worked with the Edmonton Police Service as an intake clerk for over 10 years.

Funeral arrangements were private

We regret to advise of the death of Major Jerry M. Schock, CD, PEng, MPI (Ret’d) at the Perley Veteran Health Care Centre in Ottawa on 18 June 2025 at the age of 69 years.

Born in Arvida QC, Jerry dedicated more than 32 years to the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as a Military Engineer, Airfield Engineer, and Construction Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers. Jerry also completed a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Queens University.

During his career, Jerry served the Air Force, Army and Navy. His postings included Canadian Forces Bases Rockcliffe,  Chilliwack, Kingston, and Ottawa, Canadian Forces Station Alsask SK, and in Germany for eight years. Among his assignments in Germany, Jerry was the Officer Commanding the Airfield Damage Repair Squadron in Lahr and the Detachment Commander for the closure of CFBs Lahr and Baden.

Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors on Monday, 7 July 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Beechwood {280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa}. Interment of ashes will follow at 3 p.m. at Beechwood Cemetery.

Online condolences can be sent to Beechwood. In recognition of the support Jerry received during his time at the Perley Veteran Health Care Centre and from other institutions that marked his life, donations in lieu of flowers to the Perley Health Foundation, the CHEO Foundation, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Coral Sylvester “Carl” Marsh, CD (Ret’d), suddenly on 16 June 2025 at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 85 years.

Carl was born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton NS, the third-oldest of 13 children. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces in Sydney NS in 1958 and proudly served over 25 years as a Combat Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers. During his career, he served at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown (1959-1960), CFB Chilliwack (1961-1963), CFB Werl, Germany (1964-1967), CFB Chilliwack (1967-1972), CFB Lahr, Germany (1973-1977), and CFB Chilliwack (1977-1982). Carl also deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions in Rafah Egypt (1960-1961), and Nicosia Cyprus (1972).

After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces, Carl worked for the Langley School District from 1982 to 1989. During this period, he received a Certificate of Registration as a Certified Technician with Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC. Carl was then recalled into the CF to serve with Range Control at CFB Chilliwack as “Class C” from 1989 to 1991. He next worked at the University College of the Fraser Valley in Chilliwack from 1991 to 2002 and fully retired in 2002. Carl was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295 in Chilliwack

Carl’s life was full and adventurous. He loved sports, coaching and participating in many, with hockey being his passion. He was an exceptional hockey player and played for the 1968 3 Field Squadron team, which won the first-ever Canadian Armed Forces Hockey Championship held in Ottawa. Scoring the winning goal in the final game was one of his proudest moments. Another highlight for him was when his team was inducted into the Chilliwack Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

There will be no funeral or memorial as per his wishes. A small family gathering was held on 25 June 2025.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain David Archibald Geddes, CD (Ret'd) of Kingston NS, on 14 June 2025  at age 83, peacefully at home after a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Born in Halifax, NS, David dedicated 30 years to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Military Engineers. He began his career as a military Firefighter. David's career included three tours in Germany, where he was instrumental in fostering friendships between Canadian and German firefighters. David was Commissioned from the ranks in 1980. and was the Canadian Forces Europe Fire Marshal 1984-87.

David retired from the Canadian Forces in 1989 at the rank of Captain. Following his retirement, he served 12 years as a civilian Fire Chief with the Department of National Defence Fire Service at Canadian Forces Base Halifax NS. David remained committed to his community and served as President of Legion Branch No. 98  for eight years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. Donations in David's memory may be made to the Lung Association of Nova Scotia or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 98 – Poppy Fund. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter FR Joseph Dennis Wayne Laverdure (Ret’d) on 10 June 2025 in Kingston ON, at the age of 80 years. 

Wayne served with the Department of National Defence Fire Service at Canadian Forces Base Kingston for many years.

Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in honour of Wayne’s life. Online condolences can be sent to the https://stkingston.simplertimes.com.

A memorial tree will be planted in his memory in Kingston and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel David Andrew Noble OMM, CD (Ret’d), who passed away peacefully at the General Hospital on 7 June 2025 in Ottawa ON at the age of 77 years.

Born in London, UK, Dave began his journey of service at age 17 when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Regular Officer Training Plan. Dave served for 27 years as a Military Engineer Officer. 

Dave earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia in 1969 and went on to build a distinguished military career. His postings took him across Canada and around the world - from Chilliwack to Brussels, from Rome to Petawawa. His career highlights included a tour in Cyprus in 1972 with  Lord Strathcona Horse as Pioneer Platoon Commander, Exchange Officer with the Royal School of Military Engineering in UK, Engineer Doctrine lead at Force Mobile Command Headquarters, attending NATO Defence College, Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Divisional Engineer at Land Forces Western Area.

Dave often said the most rewarding time of his career was serving as Commanding Officer of 2 CER in Petawawa. He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1991 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to the military.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Dave transitioned into public service. As Director of Disaster Services for the Government of Alberta, he led the province’s Y2K preparedness strategy, coordinating over 1,500 organizations and earning the Premier’s Award of Excellence. He later helped shape Canada’s Federal Emergency Response Plan and the National Emergency Response System. 

Dave had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a generous spirit for sharing it. This was matched by incredible athleticism. Sports were central to Dave’s life as he believed athletics built perseverance, resilience and teamwork. He spent countless hours in hockey arenas and on soccer pitches coaching children of all skill levels. 

Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in March 2019 and faced the illness with the same courage, focus, and perseverance that defined his life. In May 2025, he received a diagnosis of untreatable colon cancer, which he met with the same quiet strength.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA in his memory. 

A Celebration of the Life of David Andrew Noble was held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, 1300 – 1600 at Cole Funeral Home, Magee Sideroad in Carp ON.

Note: Dave will be buried alongside his parents in Victoria BC on 11 October 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1300 until 1600 hours at the Cedar Hill Golf Club, 1400 Derby Road, Victoria. The celebration will include an opportunity for Dave's family and friends to say a few words or tell a story or two they would like to share with guests.  Remarks can be brief or more detailed – everyone is encouraged to take part. Dress Code: Business casual. Maroon berets and medals are welcome.

Please RSVP to Christina by 9 October.  If you would like to say a few words, please mention that in your response.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Glen Simpkin, CD (Ret’d), on 4 June 2025 at the General Hospital in Ottawa ON, at age 60. Glen was a former Canadian Military Engineer Chief Warrant Officer (2017-20).
Glen joined the Canadian Forces as an Artilleryman in 1982. While posted to the Artillery School in Gagetown, NB, he applied for a remuster to Topographic Surveyor in January 1994. After completing his basic Geomatics Technician training at the Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa, Glen took part in several Arctic survey missions. He attended the Advanced Topographic Analysis Course at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 1999. During this MCE posting, Glen also deployed on three tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1996, 1998, and 2000).  Domestically, Glenn deployed to the Winnipeg floods in 1997 and was the first to use radar to depict floodwater movements. He also completed several Arctic gravity survey missions,
In 2002, Glen was posted to the Joint Headquarters in Kingston ON. During this two-year tour, he deployed twice to Afghanistan (2003 and 2004) and to Haiti. Glen was posted back to MCE as an instructor in the School of Military Mapping. In 2005, after a year-long French Language course, Glen held various positions at MCE before being posted to Naples, Italy with his family. While in Naples, he worked on multiple missions, deployed to Iraq for the NATO Training Mission and was heavily involved in Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR for Libya.
Glen returned to MCE in 2012, where he served as the Geomatics Support Squadron Sergeant Major, Operations Master Warrant Officer, and School Chief Warrant Officer before being appointed MCE Regimental Sergeant Major in 2016.
CWO Simpkin was appointed the sixteenth Canadian Military Engineering Branch Chief Warrant Officer in 2017 and served in that capacity until 2020. One of the highlights of that appointment was the opportunity to meet and have an audience with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 27 June 2018, along with Colonel Commandant.
Retiring from the Canadian Forces in 2021, Glen took on the Services Coordinator position with the Canadian Forces National Capital Region Transition Unit.

Condolences can be sent toBeechwood.  A Celebration of Life will take place on 26 July from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the NDHQ Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess {4 Queen Elizabeth Drive, Ottawa}.  Dress is Casual - no uniforms. Online condolences can be sent to Beechwood. 

We regret to advise of the death of Major Samantha Ann Burch, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at home on 25 May 2025 at age 37, after a courageous battle with cancer. Samantha most recently served as Deputy Commanding Officer of 38 Combat Engineer Regiment in Winnipeg MB.

As a child, Sam was very competitive in sports and excelled academically. She loved basketball and played throughout junior high and high school, continuing on to coach teams after she graduated. After graduating J.H. Bruns High School in 2006, Sam went on to complete her Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba.  Pursuing her passion for teaching, she earned her Bachelor of Education in 2013. Sam’s career as a high school math and science teacher took her to Pinawa Secondary School, St John’s Ravenscourt, and Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive School. A gifted athlete, as an adult, she enjoyed several years playing on the Saracens Rugby Team, and later joined a recreational hockey league.

Sam enrolled in 2004 into the Canadian Armed Forces as a Trooper with the Fort Garry Horse. She attended Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering for her Basic Combat Engineer training, completing that training over the following summers. After serving the unit as a Non-Commissioned Member for a number of years, Sam was Commissioned from the Ranks in 2010 and completed her Basic Engineer Officer Course in 2012.

Sam served in 38 Canadian Brigade Group for over 19 years, and visited almost every province in Canada. She was promoted to the rank of Major in 2016 and became the Regiment's Deputy Commanding Officer.  Balancing her career as a teacher alongside her service as a reservist, Sam was always actively involved with the Regiment. Sam was medically released in April 2024.

Any anecdotes for Sam's family may be sent to Major Meg Belyea. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, 14 June 2025 at 11:00 am at McGregor Armoury { 551 Machray Ave, Winnipeg}. In recognition of Sam’s approach to life, please wear your brightest colours and fanciest hats!  The service will be livestreamed. 

Samantha was an advocate for infertility awareness and also hoped that eligible blood donors might give in her memory. In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider donating to the Major Samantha Burch Memorial Scholarship fund which will generate an annual post-secondary education scholarship for members 38 Combat Engineer Regiment. Donations can be made online.  

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Garrett Charles Joseph Powers, CD (Ret’d) on 16 May 2025 at Dartmouth General Hospital at age 42 after a long battle with cancer,

Born in Oakville ON, Garrett attended Queen Elizabeth Park High School. Pursuing further education at Humber College gave him the essential skills for a firefighting career.

Garrett enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2002. He had a long and distinguished career of  almost 23 years with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Firefighter in the Air Force and the Navy. His postings included Canadian Forces Bases Greenwood NS, Winnipeg MB, Cold Lake AB and 8 Wing Trenton ON. His last posting to Shearwater was to bring his family home to Nova Scotia.  

A notable career highlight was his Garrett's contribution to the rescue of three people during Operation NANOOK in Resolute Bay NU in 2011. After a cancer diagnosis and subsequent arm amputation, Garrett used athletics as a positive focus during his rehabilitation.  Garrett competed in both the Invictus and Warrior Games and earned several medals throughout his events. He was co-captain of the Warrior Games team.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sea King Club in Shearwater on Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Valour Place Society - a military family and veteran support house in Edmonton AB that housed Garrett and his family through multiple surgeries and treatments. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Wayne Sarson, CD (Ret'd), on 3 May 2025 at Bluewater Health in Sarnia ON, at the age of 77.

Born in New Liskeard ON, Wayne served with the Army Cadets and Militia before enrolling in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps (RCASC) Apprentice Training Program in 1964. He qualified as a Transportation Operator and Mobile Support Equipment Operator and served in Germany (1966-71) for his first posting, where he qualified as a Parachutist.

Wayne remustered to the Topographical Surveyor trade and joined Mapping and Charting Establishment in 1972. He served the remainder of his military career with the unit, including a deployment on Operation Arctic in 1984. Wayne retired from the Canadian Forces in 1985  and moved to Sarnia, where he became a salesman for Molson Brewery.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, friends may wish to send memorial donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 { 286 N. Front St., Sarnia, N7T 5S7}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Eric Chester Cantfell, CD (Ret'd)  of Lantz NS, on 26 April 2025 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro NS, at age 76.

Eric was born in Dutch Settlement NS and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force with the Canadian Military Engineers for 36 years. Enlisting in 1968, after completing his basic training as a Structures Technician, his posting to Canadian Forces Station Holberg BC was the first of many in support across the Army, Navy and Air Force bases. The succession was CFS Holberg (1969-72), CFB Winnipeg (1972-74), CFS Alert (1974-75), CFB Winnipeg (1975-76), CFB Toronto 1976-79), CFB Edmonton 1979-83), CFB Esquimalt (1983-88), and CFB Gagetown (1988-96). 

Eric's last posting was CFB Halifax, from which he retired in 2004 as a Construction Engineering Superintendent at the rank of Master Warrant Officer. His career contributions were recognized by his receiving the Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee Medal (2002). Eric enjoyed his career and travels and was particularly fond of his participation on many sports teams within the Canadian Forces and his fishing trips while exploring remote areas of the country.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, 14 May 2025, in St. George's Anglican Cemetery, Dutch Settlement NS { 1089 Highway 277}. Donations can be made to Easter Seals NS in Eric's memory. Online tributes, words of comfort and memories of Eric can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Rex Jeffrey Glacer, CD (Ret’d), suddenly on 19 April  2025 at Wasaga Beach ON at the age of 69 years. 

Rex started his military career with the Naval Reserve, then transferred to the Army Regular Force as a Field Engineer, and finally as a Photographic Technician with the Air Force.

Rex was born in Vancouver BC in 1956, shortly after his parents immigrated to Canada from West Germany. At seventeen, Rex enlisted in the Canadian Naval Reserve with HMCS Discovery in Vancouver.  During his enlistment, he completed basic and trades training, followed by a Pacific Rim naval tour. 

Rex transferred to the Regular Force in 1974, completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering at Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack. Upon completion of this training, he marched across the street to the then 3 Field Squadron. Rex participated in all facets of Squadron training, including winter warfare training at Chilcotin, Wainwright and those long hauls to WainCon and back. In addition, he was a participant when the Squadron was called to Aid to the Civil Power in 1976 and 1977 at the B.C Penitentiaries during the prison guard strikes. In 1976, he volunteered for the Basic Parachutist Course and was subsequently posted to 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton. After a short stint, Rex was posted back to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack.  

When his enlistment commitment was up, Rex took his release from the Canadian Forces and did a short tour of civvie street before re-enlisting. He was then posted to 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown, where he participated in RV 81 as OPI for the division's water point.  

Rex remustered to Photographic Technician with the Air Force in 1985. After completing six months of trades training at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace and Ordnance Engineering at CFB Borden, his first posting in his new trade was to the Canadian Forces Photographic Section, where he worked in Camera Operations and the Printing Section. He was next posted to Canadian Forces Base Downsview ON, in 1990 as Second-in-Command of the Photographic Section of the Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine.  After two years, he was slated for a move to CFB Cold Lake, but declined the move and took his release from the Canadian Forces. 

Upon release, Rex used his photographic skills to open a successful photography business in Barrie, ON, specializing in portraiture. He was also a member of the Canadian Military Photographers Association.  Always open to new challenges, Rex became a landscaper and a trucker.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rex’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation  or Beagle Rescue Ontario - two causes close to his heart. A celebration of Rex's life took place on 16 July 2025 at the Royal Legion in Wasaga Beach.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Donald Currie (Ret'd) of Maple Ridge BC on 4 April 2025 at the age of 79 years.

Don was originally from North Vancouver and was a member of the 6^th Field Squadron Cadet Corps when he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 10^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program in 1961. As an apprentice, he won the best athlete award and trained as a field engineer and carpenter.

On graduating in 1963, he was posted to Camp Gagetown. He took a voluntary release in 1964 to pursue a career as a carpenter. After a four-year apprenticeship, he joined Hashman Construction and soon became a foreman and then superintendent. When the company moved to California, Don stayed in BC and started his own construction company. With all his experience under his belt, he turned to teaching and started a carpentry program at Kwantlen College. It was the first self-paced apprenticeship training program in the province. He loved teaching and he developed many lifelong friendships with his students. He retired from Kwantlen in 2005. He and his wife, Bev, travelled and met many friends along the way. They had three children; Michelle, Shauna and Russell. Don was an active member of the Chilliwack Retired Sappers.

A Celebration of Life for Don was held on Thursday, 18 April at 1 PM at Maple Ridge Alliance Church.

We regret to advise of the death of Major John Munro Ross,, CD (Ret’d) at the Mountain Lakes Seniors Community in Nelson BC on 31 March 2025 at age 85.

Born in Vancouver, BC, John attended St George’s School, where he was head boy for both Grade 12 and 13 (1957 and 1958). Immediately after high school, John attended Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating in 1962). Upon completing his Military Engineering Officer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, John was posted to Fort Churchill MB for three years.His next posting was to Canadian Forces Base Suffield AB. During that tour, John was awarded an Athlone Fellowship in 1965 and moved to Birmingham, England, where he completed his PhD.

Returning to Canada in 1969, John was seconded to Defence Research Establishment Atlantic (DREA) in Dartmouth NS as an Underwater Acoustician. In 1984, John retired from the Canadian Forces and Joined the Public Service in National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, where he served until his retirement in 1995. For the next 15 years, John worked as a consultant in Underwater Acoustics for various organizations and served on the Defence Science Advisory Board.  

John was an enthusiastic cross-country skier and served as President of the Canadian Ski Marathon (1997 – 2000).  In later years, he was an avid cyclist, swimmer, hiker, cross-country skier, vegetable gardener, and duplicate-bridge player.  

A celebration of John’s life was held at the Prestige Lakeside Resort, in Nelson BC, on 6 April 2025. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation to the charity of your choice or, in the spirit of John’s love of country, the Trans Canada Trail / le Sentier Transcanadien. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Alan Bennett, CD (Ret'd) on 28 March, 2025 at the South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver BC, at age 67.

Al was born into into a military family in Montreal QC. His father was the late Sapper CWO “Cliff” Bennett: who passed in 2005 . The family settled in Chilliwack BC and Alan followed his father’s footsteps, joining the cadets in high school and then going on to having a successful career as a Combat Engineer  with the Canadian Military Engineers. During his career, Alan served frequently at 3 field Squadron/1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack BC and Ecmonton AB. He was with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment when they deployed to Kuwait on the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) in 1991 and was Squadron Sergeant Major of 12 Field Squadron (1CER) deployed on Op PALLADIUM 1996-97).. 

Alan retired as a Master Warrant Officer in 1998 and pursued a second career.in Ottawa with Med Eng, that specialized in designing and manufacturing personal protective equipment and tools for military use. He retired in 2023 as the International Sales representative for Asia Pacific.

A memorial service will be held in Chilliwack in May. Details will be pushed as available.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Richard Peter “Rick” Miller, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on 26 March 2025 in his 77^th year.

Rick was an Airborne Sapper who spent the majority of his military career in airborne roles. He served in 1 Airborne Field Squadron with the Canadian Airborn Regiment (1973-78) when it was in Edmonton AB and was a Section Commander with 2 Airborne Troop  in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa ON. Rick became the Squadron Sergeant Major of 25 Support and Para Squadron and SSM 28 Administration Squadron in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment  before retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1992.

Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Canadian Cancer Society or Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Online Condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Stanley Wayne "Willie" Williston, CD (Ret’d)  at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on 25 March 2025 in his 76th year.

Willie served a 30-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers (1967 – 1997) as Combat Engineer, Heavy Equipment Operator, Airborne and Combat Diver.  May will remember him from his several tours in 1 Field Squadron ( 2 Combat Engineer Regiment) in Petawawa ON and with 4 Field Squadron (4 Combat Engineer Regiment) in Lahr Germany.

ACelebration of Life will be held at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home {141 Renfrew St., Pembroke} on Saturday, 5 April 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are invited to gather for a Legion Service at 2:00 p.m. Interment in All Saint’s Anglican Cemetery, Petawawa at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Branning, CD (Ret’d), of Castlegar BC on 22 March 2025.

Robert was an Electrical Generating Systems Technician who served with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Among his career postings, he served in Canada at Canadian Forces Bases Cold Lake AB and Winnipeg MB as well as Canadian Forces Stations Mont Apica QC, Yorkton SK, and Alert NU. Robert also served in Europe with RCAF 1 Air Division in Metz, France and CFB Lahr in Germany.

Robert retired from the Canadian Forces in 1971. After going back to school in Winnipeg, he  pursued a second career as an Operator/Area Dispatcher with  British Columbia Hydro until 2001.

Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Roger Victor J. Lemay, CD (Ret’d) of Greely ON at age 91 on 10 March 2025.

Born in Sudbury ON, Roger started his military career as an Aircraftsman with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was Commissioned from the Ranks as a Canadian Military Engineer Officer in the late 1960s and completed his officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. One of his first postings was as Station Construction Engineering Officer of Canadian Forces Station Falconbridge ON. Promoted to Major, Roger was posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa where he was a Career Manager for several years before moving on to the Directorate of Construction Engineering Management and Policy in the Chief of Construction and Properties group. Roger was next appointed the Base Construction Engineering Officer at Cold Lake AB (1980-84). He returned to Ottawa after this posting and served in NDHQ with the Directorate of Base Maintenance for his last posting.

After Roger retired from the Canadian Forces, he became the Facilities Manager at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital and worked there for three years before fully retiring and settling in Greely ON.

Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of  Master Corporal Thomas O'Gorman, CD (Ret'd) of Penhold AB, on 3 March 2025 at the age of 80 years.

Tom joined the Canadian Forces in 1962. He started his military career as a Field Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers and ended as a Firefighter with the Canadian Military Engineers. As a Field Engineer, Tom served with 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown NB, 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany and 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON. During his Petawawa posting, Tom served a tour at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU and undertook heavy equipment training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Tom remustered to the FireFighter trade in 1978. After becoming qualified as a Firefighter, he served from 1978 to 1982 at Canadian Forces Base Toronto as a Crew Member and Fire Inspector. This was followed by a three-year tour as an instructor at the Canadian Forces Fire Academy in CFB Borden ON. 

Tom retired from Canadian Forces in 1985 and then worked for the Alberta Fire Commissioner's Office for 25 years as a Fire Prevention Officer. He took his final retirement in 2010, first living in Lacombe AB, then moving to small acreage in Bentley AB until 2022. When health issues started, he moved to Penhold.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Second Class John William "Jack" Byrne, CD, (Ret'd) on 25 February 2025 in London ON, just short of his 100^th birthday.

Born in Sydney NS, Jack enlisted for the Second World War with the Cape Breton Highlanders in June 1940 at the age of 15 and shipped out to England with them in 1941. While in England, he became an instructor and rose to the rank of Acting Sergeant. In the Spring of 1944, he gave up his rank and instructing duties and transferred to the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and landed at Juno Beach on D-Day. They made their way inland and were tasked with taking the Carpiquet airfield near Caen. Jack was wounded while on patrol but made it through the Battle of Normandy. He was severely wounded during the battle to take Boulogne and was eventually hospitalized and spent the next two years in hospitals. Jack was invested as a Knight of the French Legion of Honour in 2015 in recognition of his actions on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy.

After the war, and recovering from his wounds, Jack returned to his hometown of Sydney. He continued to serve and became a Field Engineer in the Militia with 45^th Field Engineer Squadron in Sydney. There, he rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class and became the unit's Sergeant Major (1962-64). 

Jack was involved with several Royal Canadian Legions. He held the position of Legion Service Officer for many years, working with the  Legion and Veterans Affairs to ensure his fellow veterans received the support and benefits they had earned. When Jack moved his family to Ontario, he continued to be involved with the Legion. In his later years, Jack was the last surviving World War II Veteran in the Grand Bend Legion.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held at a later date. Donations in Jack's memory to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent here.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Hugh Stewart “Stew” Gibson, CD (Ret’d), on 25 February 2025, peacefully at age 70 at the Miller Centre in St. John’s  NL, after a short battle with cancer.

Born in Dundee, Scotland, Stew joined the Canadian Forces in 1976 and was stationed with 2 Service Battalion in Petawawa ON, as a Supply Technician when he remustered to Topographic Surveyor in 1979 and joined the Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa, ON. He served with MCE for 17 years before retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1996 and following a second career in Newfoundland with Nautical Data International (NDI)

At Stewart’s request, there will be no commemoration service. His ashes will be scattered by his loved ones in Keels, Newfoundland this summer. Stewart asked that we make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in memoriam, wanting to leave behind something positive after his courageous battle.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer David Gerald Gingras, CD (Ret’d) of Kelowna BC, on 16 February 2025 at age 80 years
David served with 8 Field Engineer Regiment (now 41 Combat Engineer Regiment ) in Edmonton AB. While with the unit, he participated in the usual training and exercises at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack  BC and at Camp Wainwright  AB. David rose through the ranks in the regiment to become the Regimental Sergeant Major. (1974-75).

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

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Cameron Owen Hayward, CD (Ret'd), at home in Comox BC on 11 February 2025 at the age of 86 years.

Cam was born in Toronto ON, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1956 when he was 17 years old. He served in the Navy for five years, three years of which (1958-1961) he served in Scotland and England, working on submarines with the British Royal Navy.

Cam transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and served 19 more years as an Electrical Generating Systems Technician in the RCAF and the Canadian Military Engineers. His postings included  Canadian Forces Station Moosonee, CFB North Bay and CFB Toronto in Ontario, and work trips to CFS Holberg on  Vancouver Island. Cam's career also included two six-month postings at CFS Alert, NU  (1968 and 1975) and a six-month United Nations Emergency Force peace-keeping mission in Cairo, Egypt in 1979.

Cam's last posting was to CFB Comox in 1976. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1980 in Comox and then had an 18-year second career with the Public Service (1980-1998). He was active with Comox Legion.

Funeral arrangements were private. A small gathering will take place at a future date.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Alvin Lawrence “Art” Kolhsmith, CD (Ret’d), a Korean War veteran, in Leduc AB on 6 February 2025 on his 92^nd birthday.

Born in Cobden ON, Art enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1948 at age 17 and completed his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) in Chilliwack BC. In 1950, Art trained as a Heavy Equipment Operator and started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers with a posting to Fort Churchill MB for one year followed by Shilo MB.

Art deployed to the Korean War with 59^th Field Squadron In March 1953. On his return from Korea, he served with 1 Airborne Troop, RCE in Calgary from 1954 to 1958  before returning to RCSME for training as a Mechanic Royal Canadian Engineers (Mech RCE). Art subsequently served in Dundurn  SK, 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON, Maritime Command Headquarters in Halifax NS, CFB Lahr, Germany, and National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa ON.

Art retired from the Canadian Forces in 1994 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer after almost 36 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers. After his release, he worked with the Department of External Affairs as an Embassy and Consulate maintenance officer in the United States, Mexico City, and four embassies in South America. After  working with  the British High Commission in Ottawa, Art returned to DND where he worked on energy management in the Directorate of Environmental Stewardship,  

Art moved to Leduc AB in 1989 in his retirement to be closer to his family and worked for the local school board as a maintenance specialist.  He was a very active member of the Canadian Military Engineers Association and the Sappers Club. Art was also an active member of the Leduc branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Every November, before Remembrance Day, he was invited to talk to students in the various Black Gold School District schools. Art was a great storyteller; the students often found his military experiences riveting.

A celebration of life for Art was held on 21 February 2025, at 11:00 am at St. David’s United Church { 4614 48 Street in Leduc, AB}. If you would like to honour Alvin’s memory,  the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Leduc Royal Canadian Legion in lieu of flowers. E-transfers can be sent to rcl.leducoffice@gmail.com. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home..

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Captain William B. Benn, CD (Ret’d) of Duncan BC on 4 Feb 2025 at the age of 83 years.

Bill was born in Viceroy SK.  He joined the Royal Canadian Airforce as a Firefighter and had a full career, leading to his being commissioned as an officer. Bill's career postings included Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw SK, CFB Downsview ON, CFB Edmonton AB, the Canadian Forces Fire Academy at CFB Borden, CFB Chilliwack BC, Germany, as Fire Chief at CFB North Bay ON, at National Defence Headquarters, and at CFB Comox BC. Bill retired from the Canadian Forces in 1996.

Funeral Arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Walter “Wally” Arthur Zillman, CD (Ret’d), on 26 January 2025 at age 95 at East Gate Lodge Personal Care Home in Beausejour MB.

Wally grew up with his siblings in Waterloo ON, where his work ethic was established at a young age, starting as a paperboy, doing errands, and working in a furniture factory in Waterloo. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1948 as a Firefighter, and his  23-year career took him to bases in Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba, plus four years in France. Wally retired from the Canadian Forces in 1971.

Wally chose Beausejour as the permanent residence to raise his family. He lived an active, busy life with this work and volunteering but also found the time for travelling, curling, darts, cribbage, woodworking, gardening, and camping. Many happy years were spent with family and friends at the cottage at Pinawa Bay.

Wally was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132, Beausejour since 1984. His roles included Branch President, member of the Branch Executive serving in various positions - including Branch Chairman, Poppy Chairman, Remembrance Day Services, selling and supervising ticket sales at the Friday night suppers, handyman in the clubhouse, and clean-up after Thursday night Bingo. He also volunteered as a Dorm Dean at the Royal Canadian Legion Athletic Camp from 1997 to 2007. In 2010, he was honoured to receive his Lifetime Membership from Branch 132.

Wally took great pride in his skill as a dart player and cribbage player. Over the years he and his wife won several trophies playing in the Legion Cribbage Tournaments. In 2023, Branch 132 honoured Wally by naming the spring tournament “The Wally Zillman Spring Cribbage Tournament.”

In addition to the Legion, Wally was very active with volunteering in the community with numerous organizations: Beausejour Consumers Co-op Board of Directors, Sunrise School Board, Beausejour Curling Club, Director of the Beausejour Crime Stoppers and Instructor for the Manitoba Hunter Safety Course, driving patients to Winnipeg for treatment at CancerCare Manitoba. Many hours were also spent with friends at Beau-Head Senior Center in Beausejour, participating in bus tours, socializing, and playing cribbage.

A ‘Celebration of his Life’ will be held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 132, 300 Veterans Lane, Beausejour. Wally will be laid to rest in the spring in Veteran’s Section Town Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 132, Beausejour, Diabetic Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Arie Van Den Berg on 21 January 2025 at the Kindersley & District Health Centre in Kindersley SK at the age of 83 years. 

Born in the Netherlands, Arie moved to Canada at a young age with his older sister and younger brother and settled in Canning ON. Once he was of age, he enlisted in the Canadian Forces and became a Royal Canadian Engineer. Following his career in the RCE and retirement from the Canadian Forces, Arie became a heavy-duty welder and worked for various companies in the Brantford, Hamilton and Cambridge areas. He retired from his welding career in 2000 after a serious industrial accident. In 2024, Arie relocated to Kindersley to live with his son.

A private family interment service took place in the Paris Cemetery. In Arie’s memory, the family would appreciate donations to the Ontario Humane Society or charity of your choice.  Online condolences and donations can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Mark Anthony Pollard, CD (Ret'd) on 21 January 2025 in Mississauga ON at the age of 61 years.

Mark was born in Toronto, ON and was raised and educated in Mississauga. He worked many jobs, including the Town of Milton, the City of Mississauga, St Lawrence Starch Company, Hydro Mississauga, and as a Commissionaire at Toronto Pearson Airport Security.

Mark enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989. After completing his Recruit Training at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis NS, he undertook his basic training as a Combat Engineer at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in CFB Chilliwack BC. Mark's first posting was to 5^e Régiment de génie de combat at CFB Valcartier QC. His first assignment was to help construct a suspension bridge in Aiguebelle National Park in Rouyn-Noranda QC followed by a deployment with 2^e R22^eR to Oka (Kanesatake) QC.

Mark was posted to 22 Field Squadron in CFB Gagetown in 1991. The following year he participated in RV92 with the Armoured Engineering Section and moved to 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) when it formed late in 1992. In May 1993, Mark deployed on Operation CAVALIER as part of the  United Nations mission to the former Republic of Yugoslavia. After this deployment, he returned to 4 ESR and was promoted to Corporal in September 1993. 

Mark retired from the Canadian Forces in January 1994 and worked as a municipal employee with the City of Mississauga until his passing. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 82, where he volunteered his time painting, doing odd jobs, and marching in Remembrance Day Parades.

Mark's strong passion for the War of 1812 led him to re-enacting with the Crown Forces Artillery Gun Crew as Gunner with the HMS NANCY for the past 13 years and was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Apart from assisting other gun crews, he also volunteered for Heritage Mississauga's 2nd York Militia.

Mark's passing was acknowledged with a resolution by the Mayor and Council of Mississauga and his colleagues. Flags were lowered at half mast in his honour. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations may be sent to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 82 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Mark's family asks for support by attending any of the Crown Forces War of 1812 re-enactments.

We regret to advise of the death of Military Firefighter Ronald Robert Boyd Pinsent, CD on 14 January 2025 at the age of 85 years.

Born in Dildo NL, Ron served as a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons for 15 years before remustering to Firefighter and serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force for five years. After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Ron transitioned to a new chapter in life as a firefighter in Churchill Falls, Labrador. He dedicated 21 years to protecting and serving the community, building strong bonds with his fellow firefighters, and earning the respect of all who knew him. Ron was also a dedicated leader in the Newfoundland and Labrador Minor Hockey community and a devoted member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Ron returned home to Dildo in 2000, where he enjoyed a quiet but active retirement that included learning how to play golf and electric guitar, painting landscapes and images of the many places he visited and lived, playing senior hockey and spending time with family and friends.

Cremation has taken place. A visitation to honour Ron’s life and legacy was held on 19 January 2025, at Warrens Funeral Home in Dildo, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Flowers and donations to the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre Palliative Care Unit are gratefully accepted in Ron’s memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Second World War veteran Sapper Joseph Leopold Thibeault of Montreal QC on 10 January 2025, at the age of 105 years. Léopold Thibeault was 21 when he enlisted in 1941 in Rimouski QC 1941. He was not the only member in his family to serve: his brothers were members of Canada's military, and his uncle fought in the First World War. 

After training in Canada, Léopold left for England in April 1942 as part of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers. The next two years of training and employment in the United Kingdom saw his unit heavily involved in constructing infrastructure for the Canadian Army in England and building roads and airfields for the defence of the United Kingdom.  

The 3rd Battalion disembarked in France after D-Day as part of the Canadian Commander Royal Canadian Engineer Works group. In France, Léopold repaired roads, constructed bridges, cleared mines, and moved masses of engineer stores forward to support the Allied advance. His battalion then moved into Belgium, where it worked on building the Ostend-Ghent 50-mile pipeline until January 1945 before moving into Holland. Léopold recalled working with many Canadian and British engineers on the "Foulkes" and "Simonds" 1400-feet long Bailey Bridges over the Neder Rijn at Arnhem. After VE Day, Léopold returned to Canada and was demobilized. He became a railway engineer for the Canadian National Railway and worked until he retired in 1983.

Léopold's contributions to the Battle of France were recognized on 11 November 2022 when the Consul General of France in Montreal, Sophie Lagoutte, presented him the French Légion d'honneur for his service.
Léopold was an active member of his Royal Canadian Legion Branch. He attended the pilgrimage events in Europe for the 40th anniversary of D-Day and revisited Juno Beach with fellow allied soldiers. He also made it to Normandy for the pilgrimage on the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing, where he met Prime Minister Trudeau and Prince Phillip and saw Juno Beach again. Léopold was hoping to return to Europe in 2025 to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.

Visitation will be held at the Côte-des-Neiges Funeral Centre {4525 Chemin de Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal}. Visitation hours are 1 February 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and 2 February from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A service will be held at the chapel on 2 February 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral Home.
 

funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Giorgio "George" Carmelo Pignataro (Ret'd) 10janof Toronto on 10 January 2025 at the age of 68 years.  George served with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer and a Combat Diver.

After a short military career, Giorgio pursued a career in electronics engineering in the battery design and digital measuring Industry. In retirement, George started his own company, Bay Ridges Handy Man Services Co. 

Details of a planned Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Toronto, will be provided when they are known. Online condolences can be sent HERE. 
 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Henning Jacobs von Kaufmann, CD, CMA (Ret’d) of St Catharines ON, peacefully, on 9 January 2025 at the age of 92 years. 

Henning was born in Germany and later travelled in Italy and lived and worked in Spain. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 the age of 24 years. While working in Toronto, he served in the with 2^nd Field Engineer Regiment from 1958-1963 achieving the rank of Sergeant, and and agaiin from 1969-1977 retiring as a Captain.

While raising his family in Unionville (1967-1983) Henning studied to become an accountant and was employed by the Ontario Science Centre (1966-1979) where he served as Financial Officer and Chief Accountant. He then moved to the private sector with Deloitte Haskins & Sells, as Comptroller. The family moved to St Catharines when Henning was the Deputy Treasurer for the Regional Municipality of Niagara (1982-1986). He later started his own financial consulting business.

Henning was was a Rotarian. He was also a very active member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto and later, the Dalhousie Yacht Club in St Catharines. At the age of 65, he crewed on a tall ship sailing adventure from New York to Bermuda. In retirement, Henning spent many years with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program providing tax-preparation assistance for those in need. In 1990 he was granted an Honourary Life Membership to the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario. 

Funeral arrangements are private. Donations can be made in Henning's name to the Heidehof Long Term Care Home in St. Catharines by cheque or etransfer . Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Gary Frederick Marshall, CD (Ret'd)  at the Blomidon Court Nursing Home in Greenwich NS, on 9 January 2025 at the age of 77 years. 

Gary was born in Halifax NS. His dad served in the Canadian Forces, so the family moved a lot, including to France. Gay started high school in Sudbury ON, and finished in Victoria BC where he worked at the Hudson's Bay Company. He and his brother Dave enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1967. He started training as a Physical Education and Recreation Instructor but transferred to the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician trade with the Royal Canadian Engineers and trained at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC.

The early years of Gary's career were spent crisscrossing the country from east to west to north among the Construction Engineering Sections at many of the former Pinetree Line radar sites. His first posting was to Canadian Forces Station Gypsumville MB followed by CFS Falconbridge. He was then posted to CFS Moisie QC followed by CFS Kamloops BC. From there, he moved to CFS Barrington NS, on the East Coast. His next posting was to Canada's North for four years at CFS Inuvik NT. Gary was next posted to CFB Uplands in Ottawa. After Ottawa, Gary moved to Winnipeg to 1 Construction Engineering Unit. While at 1 CEU, Gary was part of the engineering team sent to the Middle East during the First  Gulf War in 1990-91 to prepare and maintain the CF Base facilities.

Gary then returned to Ottawa for a stint at National Defense Headquarters. Here, he oversaw construction projects, such as fuel storage tank decommissions across the country, and he worked on special projects in partnership with External Affairs Canada. He managed the installation of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems and the commissioning of new Canadian embassies in Washington, D.C., and Beijing, China. He also worked on the embassies in Riyad, Saudi Arabia and Damascus, Syria.  After Ottawa, Gary was posted to the Construction Engineering Squadron at 14 Wing, CFB Greenwood, for about a year. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998 after proudly serving Canada for 31 years.

Gary was involved in the base communities at each posting and was instrumental in organizing many base winter carnivals over the years. He participated on many sports teams—from softball and fastball to basketball, broomball, and hockey. Gary was also a fan of Nordic and alpine skiing. Gary loved the outdoors. He participated in many Search and Rescue operations and training exercises over the years. At CFS Kamloops, he was heavily involved in raft racing.

Gary stayed in Nova Scotia after he retired from the Regular Forces and lived for a time in Aylesford. However, he found his way back to CFB Greenwood, where he worked as a civilian for Defense Construction Canada and taught a Building Commissioning course with  Dalhousie University. Gary also worked for Bird Construction, commissioning key local builds for Kings County Academy, Orchard Court Shannex, the RCMP detachment, and other projects around Atlantic Canada. Eventually, he fully retired to spend more time on the golf course, doing wood carving and enjoying life.

Gary's health started to decline in 2015, and he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. After being cared for at home, he entered long-term care, first in Middleton and, for the past two years, at Blomidon Court Nursing Home. Gary developed COVID-19 in December 2024 and did not recover.

Cremation has occurred, and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 24 May 2025,  in the White Family Family Funeral Home, 100 Bridge St., Kentville NS.  A private casting ceremony will follow to ensure Gary arrives safely to where he wanted to be, at his favourite mooring spot in Indian Point Cove.

Instead of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Gary's name to some of the organizations and causes that stand for things he loved throughout his life and also that affected him in his later years: The Alzheimer's Society of Canada, The Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, The Nova Scotia SPCA, or KidsSport Canada.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Korean War veteran Edwin B. Rafuse of Advocate Harbour NS, peacefully at the South Cumberland Community Care Centre, in Parrsboro NS, on 6 January 2025 at Age 92. 

Born in Advocate Harbour, Edwin served 23 years with the Canadian Armed Forces with the Royal Canadian Engineers, including his deployment to the Korean War in 1952-53 as a sapper with 23^rd  Field Squadron. After Edwin retired from the Canadian Forces, he worked at Rafe’s Construction for many years. 

A Celebration of Life was held on 12 January 2025 at the Advocate Fire Hall. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Benoit Labonté, CD (Ret'd)  of Gatineau QC, on 28 December 2024, at the age of 66 years. 

Benoit joined the Canadian Military Engineers as a Plumber Gas Fitter in 1975 and served for 33 years. He rose to Chief Warrant Officer rank as a Construction Engineer Superintendent before being commissioned to the rank of Captain. His career postings included Canadian Forces Base Bagotville QC, CFB St Jean QC, 5^e Régiment du Génie de Combat and National Defence Headquarters. Benoit completed a tour with UNDOF in the the Golan Heights and deployed to Yugoslavia as Warrant Officer of 5 Construction Troop on Roto 5 with the Stabilization Force (1999-2000).

After retiring, Benoit started a second career with the Corps of Commissionaires he retired from the Canadian Forces and rose to the rank of Captain. He also worked a couple of years as a civil servant at the Supreme Court before fully retiring.

A celebration of Benoit’s life will take place on Saturday, 1 February 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the Coopérative Funéraire de l'outaouais {750, boulevard Maloney Est, Gatineau}. The family will receive condolences at 1:15 p.m. You can watch the ceremony live or as a replay via the link: https://fweb.tv/163353.

In Benoit's memory, the family invites those who wish to do so to make a donation to the Centre de cancérologie de l'Hôpital de Gatineau  or to the Poppy Fund.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Michel Joseph Roger Gerhard “Mike” Courteau, CD (Ret'd) on 26 December 2024 at  Perley Health in Ottawa at the age of 79 years.

Mike was born in Hull QC and started his military career as a Field Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Military Engineers in 1968. He was serving with 5^e Genie in Valcartier in 1971 when he remustered and was posted to Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa. Mike became  a  Map Reproduction Technician and served with MCE until 1984 when he was posted to Petawawa as a Graphic Artist. Promoted to Warrant Officer, he returned to MCE for a short period but retired from the Canadian Forces in order to return to Petawawa.

Information on funeral arrangements will be provided when available.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Brian Lekas, CD (Ret’d) peacefully at home, on 26 December 2024 at age 67 after a brief illness.

Brian joined the Canadian Forces as a Sapper in 1974 and served with the Canadian Military Engineers for 20 years. His postings included 22 Field Squadron in Gagetown, 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Germany, Roads and Grounds at CFB Penhold AB, and at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC as a Bridging Instructor.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Brian moved back home to Moncton NB, where he was a successful realtor for over 30 years.

Brian’s life will be celebrated privately by his family.  Instead of sending flowers, the family asks that you send flowers to someone you love and, in lieu of donations, please perform a random act of kindness in Brian’s memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Paul Jonathan Chellew CD (Ret'd), peacefully at North Bay ON on 19 December 2024 at the age of 89 years.

Paul was born in Sturgeon Falls ON and was one of seventeen children. He served the Canadian Military Engineers and the Royal Canadian Air Force for 35 years with career postings that included  RCAF Station Gimli MB, 4 (Fighter) Wing at Canadian Forces Base Baden in Germany, and CFB Downsview ON.

Paul was well known in his community through years of having played and coached hockey. He was a competitive fastball. 

There will be no funeral services following Paul's wishes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to North Bay Regional Hospital. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Al Dawson, CD (Ret’d)  on 12 December 2024 in Summerland BC at age 75 after a lengthy illness.

Al was from Calgary AB.  He joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1970 and took his basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC.   Al had a full career combining Combat Engineer and Construction Technician trades.  Most of his career was as a Combat Engineer with service in 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC, 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON,  22 Field Squadron in Gagetown NB, 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Canadian Forces Station Penhold, 1 Construction Engineering Unit in Winnipeg,  and other locations.  Al remustered to the Construction Technician trade in 1988 and served for some ten years in his new trade. A highlight of this part of Al's career was the 1 CEU project to raise and restore the enormous Klondike Dredge No. 4 that is now a National Historic Site.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 14205 Rosedale Ave, Summerland, BC on Easter Saturday, 19 April 2025 from 12 noon - 5:00 pm Attendees are encouraged to bring their best adult jokes and favourite memories.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter FR Samuel Bullock on 10 December 2024 at age 74 after a battle with cancer. 

Born in Portage La Prairie MB, Sam grew up on the farm in Old High Bluff. His career in the Canadian Armed Forces started as an Infantryman, where he proudly served in the 1^st Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and 3 Mechanized Commando for seven years. This military service was marked by deployments to Cypress with the UN peacekeeping force in 1971 and to Germany with 3 Mechanized Commando for four years. Sam then remustered to the Firefighter trade in 1977 and was posted in Cold Lake AB upon completing his training. 

Sam retired from the Canadian Forces and joined the Public Service as a civilian firefighter with the Department of National Defence. He served at Canadian Forces Bases Penhold and Suffield in Alberta. When Sam retired in Suffield, he had dedicated over thirty-five years to protecting his community. Outside of his professional life, Sam loved hockey, where he served as League Governor for the Central Alberta Minor Hockey League and coached his kid’s baseball and curling. He remained a proud veteran, supporting the Canadian Legion in Innisfail, Redcliff and Cochrane AB.

A Celebration of Life was held on 19 December 2024 at the Olds Legion at 1:00-4:00 PM. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Didsbury Bethany or the Canadian Legion instead of flowers. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Clair Wayne "Beaver" Atchison, MMM, CD (Ret'd) peacefully on 9 December 2024 at age of 81 years.

Born in Peterborough ON, Beaver served a full career as a Combat Engineer with postings that included 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (formerly 3 Field Squadron) in Chilliwack BC, 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton AB, 2 CER in Petawawa ON, and Training Sysyems Headquarters in Trenton ON. Wayne was one of the airborne Sappers from 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa who formed  Airborne Field Squadron in 1968 in Edmonton AB as part of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. A career highlight was his appointment as 2 CER Regimental Sergeant Major (1986-87). Wayne was awarded the Member of Military Merit in 1987.

Visitation will be held at Weaver-Campbellford on Saturday, 14 December 2024, from 12:00 - 1:00 PM, followed by a Golden Rule #126 Lodge Service and a memorial service at 1:00 PM. Interment will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. If desired, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Bridge Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Josephine Joanna Jacoba Ogaick (Ret’d), suddenly in London ON on 8 December 2024 at the age of 71 years. 

Josephine enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1976 and became a Firefighter; one of the very few female Firefighters at the time. Her postings included Canadian Forces Base North Bay.

Josephine will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Forest Lawn Cemetery in London ON. A Celebration of Life  will he held on Sunday ,5 January 2025 at 1-3:00 PM at the Mount Brydges  Legion Br 251 {2500 Veterans Drive, Mount Brydges, ON}.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Mario Fournier, CD (Ret'd), peacefully at home in Shannon QC on 29 November 2024 at the age of 56 years.

Mario joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1994 and served for 22 years before retiring. He served most of his career with 5^e Régiment du Génie de combat in Valcartier QC. During his career he deployed on operations with the United Nations Support Mission in Haiti (1996-97) and on NATO missions to the Former Yugoslavia and the Balkans.

The family will welcome family and friends at the Complexe du Parc Commémoratif La Souvenance { 301, rang Ste-Anne, Québec} on Sunday, 22 December 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Liturgy of the Word will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel. For those who cannot be there, the family invites you to join them virtually, live or on-demand, by clicking on the "Ceremony" icon located on the obituary on the funeral home website . Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society {1040, avenue Belvédère, bureau 214, Québec}. www.cancer.ca . Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Kent A. Miller, CD, PMP, on 25 November 2024. Kent was deployed with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium, on Operation UNIFIER.

Kent was born in Strathroy ON, and enrolled in the Canadian Forces in June 2000 as an Infantry private with the 4^th Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment. He subsequently transferred to the Regular Force as an Officer with the Canadian Military Engineers. Kent graduated from the Royal Military College in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.  

Upon completing his engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, Kent joined 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER) in Edmonton AB in April 2008 as a Field Troop Commander. He soon deployed on Roto 8, Op ATHENA, with the 1 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group. In June 2010, upon his return from theatre, Kent was posted to 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Headquarters as the Personal Assistant to the Commander of 1 CMBG. He deployed on Op LUSTRE, the domestic operation for the flood response in southern Manitoba in Spring 2011. 

Kent was then posted to 41 Combat Engineer Regiment (41 CER) as the Regular Support Staff Officer later in 2011. He returned to 1 CER in May 2013 as the Regimental Operations Officer, where he promptly deployed on Op LENTUS in response to the Southern Alberta floods. Kent was posted to 3 Canadian Division Support Group Engineering Services in 2014.  Kent then transferred from the Regular to Reserve Force In 2015 and became the Officer Commanding 25 Engineer Squadron, 41 CER. He took command of the regiment from 2020-2023. LCol Miller was serving with the Security Assistance Group – Ukraine in Brussels when he passed away due to non-operational medical complications.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on December 8, 2024, at JW Marriott {10344 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB}. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a fund or charity that was close to Kent, such as the Jasper Fire Caring Community Fund, Wounded Warriors, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.