CME Family Last Post

Our Last Post feature aims to notify colleagues of the passing of a comrade and to publish a short summary of their career and accomplishments to honour those who have served our country who died after 1 January 2000. As we receive news of the death of a member of the CME Family, we post an obituary along with funeral details and family wishes. We have done our best to ensure their completeness, with a focus on each person's service records and notable accomplishments.

Last Posts by Year: You can do a quick scan of our entries listed by year of death by clicking here.

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Spr Harold M Heath (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Harold “Sam” Mahlon Heath (Ret'd) on 5 February 2019 in Tavistock ON, at the age of 92 years. 

Harold was born in Stratford ON. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. After the war, he worked as a Yard Foreman with the Canadian National Railway for 35 years. He was a member and Past President of the Senior Kiwanis Club and was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 518, Tavistock.

Visitation was at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, Stratford on February 8 and 9th, 2019. A family burial took place at Avondale Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice Foundation through the funeral home. 
 

LS Forrest Dale Brooks, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Leading Seaman Forrest Dale Brooks, CD (Ret’d), suddenly at home on 5 February 2019 at age 43. 

A native of the Eastern Townships, Forrest began his military career in the Reserves in Quebec with the Sherbrooke Hussars. He transferred to the Regular Force in 1993 with the Armoured Corps and then transferred to the Canadian Military Engineers as a Combat Engineer. Forrest served in both 1 and 2 Combat Engineer Regiments and deployed to the Former Yugoslavia. After serving ten years in the Engineers he was remustered into the Navy as a Boatswain (“Bos’n”) due to a back injury and served four more years before being released in 2006.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Chilliwack BC on 16 March 2019 at the former 1 CER/ASU building at 5535 Korea Road starting at 4:30 pm. 1.  A Celebration of Life is also being planned for the Eastern Townships in Johnville QC on 23 March 2019. More details will be provided when available. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

 

Cpl William A. “Bill” Duncan (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal William A. “Bill” Duncan (Ret’d), peacefully, in his 101st year on 4 February 2019 at Victoria Hospice in Victoria, BC.

Born in Tofield, AB, Bill’s family moved to Lethbridge and Blairmore, AB before settling in Victoria, BC in 1937. Bill enlisted for WW II In 1940 and joined the 5th British Columbia Coast Brigade, Royal Canadian Artillery. He served two years as a Gunner defending the Esquimalt naval base before going on to study Aircraft Engineering at the Brisbane Aviation School in Vancouver in 1942. Bill then enrolled in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in 1943. Later that year he was transferred to the Pioneer Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers and he completed his service in August 1945 as a Corporal at the Little Mountain base in Vancouver, BC.

After five years of army service, Bill joined Griffiths & Jones Trucking as a heavy-duty mechanic and driver at age 27. He worked for them for some 32 years and retired in 1977. Bill loved automobiles, loved to travel, built his own motorhome, was a carpenter and model car enthusiast.

At Bill’s request there will be no funeral service. His wish was to be cremated and flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be made to Victoria Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to the Legacy site.

MCpl William “Bill” Anthony Gordon , CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal William Anthony “Bill” Gordon (formerly Gobeille), CD (Ret’d) of Calgary, AB on 2 February 2019, at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary at the age of 87 years.

Born in Montreal, QC, Bill’s passion for adventure began at an early age. As a seaman with the Merchant Marine he travelled the world. Bill later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a firefighter where he was nicknamed “Dinger.” His military career took him to Canadian Forces bases at Fort Nelson BC, Borden ON, Bagotville QC, Saint Jean QC, Portage la Prairie MB and Cold Lake AB.  After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1974 as Master Corporal he moved to Fort McMurray, AB. 

Bill then went to work with Syncrude as a power engineer and from where he eventually retired in 1986. Retirement brought him to Calgary where he made his home for 32 years to be closer to the Canadian Rockies.

Bill was an outdoor enthusiast and kept in shape by downhill skiing at Sunshine Village in Banff. This passion for skiing translated to many hours of volunteering and working as a ski-guide. In warmer weather he enjoyed windsurfing, especially at Waterton Lake. You could also find him hiking and conquering his next mountain peak and leaving his name in many log books. When Bill gave up skiing and hiking he became an avid cyclist and logged more than 50,000 kms - his last ride being in May 2018 at 86 years young. His unquenched passion for reading Canadian history kept him occupied during his free time, along with woodworking.

Online Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

MCpl Daniel Corriveau, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal  Daniel Corriveau, CD  (Ret'd) in St-Hyacinthe, QC on 21 January 2019 at the age of 61 years. Daniel served his country in the Canadian Forces  for 23 years (1976 - 1999) as a  Firefighter in the Canadian Military Engineers. His postings included Edmonton AB, Nova Scotia,  Borden  Trenton and Ottawa ON. In his second career Dan was the civilian Fire Chief at the Charlottetown airport for a number of years and did volunteer firefighting teaching at the Prince Edward Island Firefighters Association Fire School..

The family will receive condolences at the Maska Funeral Home at 5325 boul. Laurier West, St-Hyacinthe, on 9 February from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. A tribute ceremony will be celebrated in the chapel of the residence at 4:00 pm. Daniel will be buried in Beechwood National Cemetery in Ottawa, ON.

Online Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. The family asks you to consider a donation to the Diabetes Society In memory of Daniel.

LCol Terry W. Kopan, OMM, MOM, CD, AdeC

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel T.W. Kopan, OMM, MOM, CD, AdeC on 20 January 2019 in Holmberg Home in Abbotsford BC at age 57 after a long battle with cancer. Terry served his country in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Forces Reserves and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.

Terry was born and educated in Yorkton, SK. His involvement with the Canadian Cadet Organization began in 1974 when he joined No. 114 Orkney Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. He participated in summer training at Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Quadra and spent two months aboard HMCS Terra Nova - graduating from the Sea Cadet program as a Chief Petty Officer First Class. Terry enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1980 as an officer with the Reserves and a member of the Cadet Instructors List. He served with Sea and Army Cadet Corps in Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

Prior to joining the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 1981 Terry was employed as a full-time fire fighter with the City of Yorkton, SK. While posted with the RCMP in a number of communities in British Columbia he continued his service with local cadet corps. Terry commanded No. 2276 Rocky Mountain Rangers in Fort St. John prior to his transfer to Langley. He then became a Training Officer, Deputy Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer with No.1922 The Royal Westminster Regiment Abbotsford and No. 1725 Canadian Military Engineers Chilliwack Cadet Corps. During this time, he was twice selected for international exchanges as the Officer in Charge of the Canadian Contingent to the United Kingdom Land Forces Cadet Leadership Course held in England.

Upon promotion to Major in 1996 Terry was appointed the army Area Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officer for the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. In addition to his duties as Area CIC Officer, Terry successively commanded No. 72 and No. 2812 Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in Vancouver and Surrey. He also served as Liaison Officer to the Army Cadet League of Canada (BC Branch) and as a member of the CIC Regional Advisory Council for Pacific Region.

Terry also served at Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre as the Officer Commanding Foxtrot Company, Deputy Commanding Officer and as Commanding Officer for four years. On completion of his term as Commanding Officer he was appointed Region Advisor (Pacific), CIC National Branch Advisory Council and Chairman of the Pacific Region Advisory Council - positions he fulfilled until 2010. During this time he was also part of the planning and execution of the Branch’s Centennial celebrations nationally and within BC. This assignment was followed by his participation as a subject matter expert in the design and delivery for the Senior Officers’ Training Course and the Leadership and Command Program. In January 2013 he was appointed as the national Branch Advisor for the CIC.

Terry was commissioned in the RCMP as an Inspector in 2003 and was appointed Executive Officer to the Deputy Commissioner Pacific Region where he was responsible for the leadership of one third of the Force. Following commissioning, he completed the RCMP Officer Orientation and Development Course. In 2007, he was appointed Officer in Charge of “E” Division Crime Prevention & Program Support Services and, subsequently, for his last posting, was Officer in Charge of National Performance Programs at Pacific Region Training Centre in Chilliwack. Terry was the catalyst for influencing national policy changes within the RCMP and the Canadian Forces that resulted in RCMP members being permitted to serve concurrently as Canadian Forces Reserve Officers in the Cadet Instructors Cadre Branch.

Terry served as an Honorary Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. During his career he was highly decorated and was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration, the RCMP Long Service and Good Conduct Medal with silver clasp, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2007 the Governor General invested him as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit in 2009.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #280 Chilliwack.

A Funeral Service will be held at Abbotsford Pentecostal Church, 3145 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, BC at 2:00 pm on Friday, 1 February 2019. Interment will be in Regina RCMP Cemetery on Tuesday, 5 February 2019 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Abbotsford Hospice Society – Holmberg Home in Memory of Terry Kopan at https://www.abbotsfordhospice.org . Messages of Condolence can be sent online to the funeral home.

Cpl Jerome Harley Fitzherbert, CD (Ret'd )

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Jerome Harley Fitzherbert, CD (Ret'd) in his sleep on 18 January 2019 in Chilliwack, BC.

Born in 1959 in Bath NB, Jerome joined the Canadian Forces in 1977. After completing his Recruit Training at Canadian Forces Base Cornwallis, NS he qualified as a Field Engineer at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC. For his first posting he stayed in Chilliwack with 1 Combat Engineer Regiment. Jerome qualified in Basic Explosive Ordnance Disposal in 1983 and was posted to 4 Combat Engineer Regiment, Lahr in 1988. After this tour he returned to Canada to work with Chilliwack Base Operations.

During his career Jerome deployed to the Gulf War and the Former Yugoslavia. He received the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation for his outstanding service on Operation FRICTION during the Persian Gulf War (1990-91).

Jerome retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991 through the Forces Reduction Program. He followed a second career with a pipe manufacturing company in Abbotsford BC from 1994 - 2019.

Tony Fitzherbert will be holding a Celebration of  Life for his brother Jerome on 20 May 2019 at 2:00 pm at the Hazen Park Center (994 Onondaga Street) in Oromocto,NB.

WO Robert Perkin Smith, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Robert Perkin Smith, CD (Ret’d) of Waterford, NB, unexpectedly, on 17 January 2019 at the age of 72 years.

A veteran of 36 years of military service, Robert was born in Cape Tormentine, NB and enlisted in the Canadian Forces in Moncton NB in 1967. His early training and employment in the Canadian Army was with the Armoured Corps (Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lord Strathcona’s Horse and VIII Canadian Hussars). In 1971 he started training to become a Mapper and was posted to Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) in Ottawa in July 1972 as a Topographic Surveyor.

Robert served with the Canadian Military Engineers in MCE for almost 30 years – first as a Topographic Surveyor and then as a Geomatics Technician (1998). Robert traveled greatly domestically and internationally in service to his country. He had a variety of employments with MCE starting with the Manuscript Processing Section (1972-74) followed by three years with the Special Operations Centre (1976-79). He was engaged in Digital Mapping (1979-80) before being posted to Survey Squadron (1980) where he worked in Survey Stores (1981-82). Robert then served in the United Kingdom for two years on an Exchange Posting with 42 Survey Engineer Group, Royal Engineers in Hermitage, England (1985-87) during which time he participated in surveys in England and Norway.

After returning to Canada and MCE Robert, became the commander of the Revision Section.  He deployed to Sarajevo in the Former Yugoslavia on Operation PALLADIUM in 1997-98. Later in 1998, he became a Geomatics Technician as was assigned to Geomatics Support Squadron Operations (1998-00). In May 2001 he became Commander Reproduction Troop for a year before retiring from the Canadian Forces in Sep 2001. After retirement, Robert continued to provide leadership within his community by devoting his time in support of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, St. John Ambulance, and the Grand Orange Lodge of Canada.

A visitation will be held at Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex NB on Thursday, 24 January 2019 from 1:00-3:00 and 6:00-8:00 pm. The Beaconsfield Orange Lodge, Waterford #78 will hold a tribute Thursday evening at 5:45 PM. A Celebration of Robert's life will be held from Wallace Community Chapel on Friday, 25 January 2019 at 11:00 am.

Condolences and donations in Robert's memory can be made at www.wallacefuneralhome.com . For those considering making a memorial donation, the family has recommended the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the New Brunswick Regiment, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. 

Spr William Malcolm MacLure (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Malcolm MacLure (Ret’d), age 79, of Montague, PE  on 15 January 2019 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown, PE.

Bill joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the 5th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC in 1956. Upon completion of this training he was posted to 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB. During his career he deployed on a United Nations peacekeeping tour in the Middle East.

Bill took his release from the Canadian Forces in 1962, settled in Montague, PE and worked with CN Marine Atlantic. Starting as a 4th Class Engineer, he obtained his 3rd Class Engineer’s certificate and was studying for his 2nd Class when he retired from CN.  After retiring from CN he became Transportation Supervisor for the former Regional School District Unit Three in Prince Edward Island.  Upon retirement from that position he enjoyed his favourite hobby of stained glass and volunteering with different organizations.  Bill was a member of the volunteer fire department and was also an active member of his local Montague Legion Branch No. 8.

A private service and burial will take place at a later date. Memorial donations to The Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.fergusonlogan.com

CWO Donald Esau Bruce Hynes, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Donald Esau Bruce Hynes, CD (Ret’d) at James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander, NL on Friday 4 January 2019 at the age of 78.

Bruce was born in Norris Arm, NL where he received his formal education.  Upon completion of high school he was employed on a survey crew with the Newfoundland Light & Power Company before moving to Toronto to work as a clerk in an aircraft components plant. Bruce enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 1958 where he initially trained as a radio operator with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. He spent almost three years in the field before taking a Radioman Special course with the Royal Canadian Navy and was then posted to the Vancouver Wireless Station in 1962. This tour was followed by a posting  the next year to the Royal Canadian Air Force Station in Whitehorse, YT. In 1965, Bruce was posted to Canadian Forces Station Alert, NU for a year-long tour and then moved to Canadian Forces Station Leitrim in Ottawa as the Whitehorse Station had closed down.

Dual-qualified by that time as a Group 3 Communications Research and Radio and Telegraph Operator, Bruce sought a career change and remustered to the Topographic Survey trade. Posted to the Army Survey Establishment in 1967, he became a specialist in photo-identification and aerial triangulation. Bruce was involved with the control planning of many large survey projects and his major field survey parties included Bella Coola II (1969), Arctic 71, Arctic Doppler (1974) [with Energy Mines and Resources] , Arctic 77, Nova Scotia Doppler (1980) [with Energy Mines and Resources ] and Op YUKON 80.

Bruce’s last posting was in the CME Branch Advisors Office in National Defence Headquarters where, among his duties, he was Editor of “CHIMO” the CME Periodical. Bruce had a long history of research and writing as far back as when he was involved with the local newspaper, the Whitehorse Star, on a part-time basis doing art-work and editorial cartoons. He contributed to many publications, including “The Sentinel” and “Canair Commentary” and was instrumental in the creation and production of “The Canadian Mapper Monthly” in 1970 and “The Canadian Military Mapper” in 1985.  Bruce was the self-appointed historian for Mapping and Charting Establishment, contributed to “Men and Meridians” and was the editor of ”One Hundred Years of Canadian Military Mapping.“  

Upon his retirement in 1995 with 37 years of service, Bruce returned to Newfoundland where he pursued his passion for writing. His books include “The Eastport Peninsula: A People of the Sea and Soil,”  “Here be Dragons,” and “The Noble Newfoundland Dog.” Work was well underway on two additional books. Bruce was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 41 and Freemasons Lodge No. 35.

Funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, 10 January at Good Shepherd United Church, Happy Adventure, NL. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

Spr George Gillespie Ruby

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper George Gillespie Ruby (Ret’d) on 2 January 2019 at Woodland Tower in Stratford, ON in his 97th year following a brief illness.

A long-time business owner in Stratford, George was born in Milbank, ON in 1922 and came to Stratford with his family in the early 1930s. During the Depression his father supported the family making eavestroughs and eventually expanded into plumbing and formed Ruby Plumbing and Heating, Inc. where George was the Master Plumber. George eventually became the owner of the business at the corner of North and Water Street in Stratford where many generations of Ruby’s lived at various times.

George spent a brief stint in the Canadian Army in 1944 with the Royal Canadian Engineers at A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Chilliwack, BC training as a Combat Engineer but World War II ended before he had to go overseas.

The family requests that donations be made to Spruce Lodge Foundation at: www.sprucelodge.on.ca or through the Rutherford Cremation & Funeral Services website at www.jarfh.com  in support of projects to benefit the entire community at Woodland Tower.

A private graveside service and interment has been held in Avondale Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.   

CWO Joseph “Joe” M. Nagy, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Joseph “Joe” M. Nagy, CD (Ret’d) on Wednesday 2 January 2019 at the age of 89 in his home in Fort Erie ON. Joe served Canada both as a Canadian Military Engineer and a Public Servant. 

Joe joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949 and took his recruit training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC. Throughout his careers, he worked with fellow military and civilian members in the Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence in Chilliwack BC, Halifax NS, Whitehorse YT, Victoria BC, Montreal QC, Toronto and Ottawa, ON. He also served two peacekeeping tours in the Middle East with the United Nations. Joe was a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Concordia University. 

Joe regarded that, wherever he was that was his home. But he always returned to his first home area in Saskatchewan for visits with near relatives.  

Sgt Joseph Clorice “Joe” Gautreau, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Joseph Clorice “Joe” Gautreau, CD (Ret'd) of the Veterans’ Health Center in Moncton, NB on Tuesday, 1 January 2019 at age 96 years.

Joe was born in Moncton and served in the Canadian Forces for 30 years.  Joe enlisted for WW II in 1942 and was a veteran of  1st Parachute Battalion and he was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Korean War.  During WW II he was initially stationed in Newfoundland but volunteered to be a parachutist. Joe was selected for parachute training, after successfully completing that training, he joined 1st Parachute Battalion in England. Joe parachuted into Normandy on D-Day and later participated in the Battle of the Ardennes.  For his contributions to the Battle for France, France recently awarded him the Croix de Guerre.

After the war, Joe enlisted in the Permanent Force with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He served in Korea and at locations in Canada that included Chilliwack BC, Whitehorse YT and Camp Gagetown NB. After Joe retired in 1972 he was active with Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 6, the Airborne Regiment Association of Canada and the Korea Veterans Association of Canada.

Visitation will be held from the Chartersville Funeral Home, 363 Amirault Street, Dieppe, NB on Friday 4 Jan 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Royal Canadian Legion service will be held at 1:45 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Sainte-Therese Roman Catholic Church, Dieppe, on Saturday, 5 January at 10:30 am. Interment in Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire Cemetery in Dieppe.

Donations to CHU Dumont Foundation “Veterans” to benefit patients of the Dr Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre would be appreciated by the family. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

More on Joe's wartime experience at The Memory Project.

Willem Frederik “Bill” Cornax

We regret to advise of the death of Willem Frederik “Bill” Cornax on 27 December 2018 at his home in Kirkland QC at the age of 93 years.

Bill was born and grew up in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. During his teenage years, he experienced the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands the last year of which he survived the hardships of forced labour in Germany. Following World War II Bill served in the Royal Netherlands Military Police and the Royal Netherlands Air Force.  In 1953, Bill moved his family to Montreal QC. Bill joined the Canadian Army (Militia) and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

In 1977, Bill moved to Florida where he took a job as Assistant Director of Purchasing in a medical centre. He retired in 1991 and returned to Montreal.

In spring 2019, a commemorative celebration of Bill's life took place with immediate family and friends.  Donations in memory of Bill to NOVA West Island and to the West Island Palliative Care Residence would be much appreciated. {dcMar20WD} [ zcc]

Lyman Matchett

We regret to advise of the death of Lyman Matchett at the Miramichi Regional Hospital, Miramichi, NB on 24 December 2018 at the age of 86 years.

Lyman served in the 59th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers. After retiring from the Canadian Forces he delivered oil for Irving Oil for 36 years. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

At Lyman’s request, there will be no visitation. The Funeral Service will be held at the Sterling Bell Memorial Chapel on 29 December at 2:00 pm. Burial will take place in St. Mark’s Anglican Cemetery, Chelmsford, NB later in the Spring.

Expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Lyman’s memory to Mount Saint Joseph Foundation or a charity of one’s choice. 

Sgt Brent Tennant, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Brent Tennant, CD (Ret’d) on 21 December 2018 at the Sudbury General Hospital in Sudbury ON in his 62nd year.

Brent gave more than 20 years of service to his Country as a skilled Carpenter with the Canadian Military Engineers. Among his tours he was the Regimental Carpenter in 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack, BC in the mid-1980s and he was a member of the Base Construction Engineering Section in Chilliwack in the mid-1990s. During his service, Brent also deployed on a United Nations peacekeeping tour to Cyprus in 1982/83 and he completed a peacekeeping tour in Yugoslavia in 1992.

In his retirement, Brent was the founding president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 640 in French River, ON.

MWO Kenneth William Lowther, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer  Kenneth William Lowther, CD (Ret’d) at Victoria General Hospital on 20 December 2018 at the age of 73 years, from a fall while visiting in Victoria, BC.

Ken was born and raised in Makinak, MB. He started to work on various farms at age 14 and then at a lumber mill in British Columbia. Ken joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1964 and served until 1992 as a Plumber and retired at the rank of Master Warrant Officer. He then worked as a commissionaire, building inspector, plumber and security guard while residing in Dundurn and then Saskatoon, SK. Fully retiring in 2012, Ken moved to Selkirk, MB in 2016. Throughout the years, Ken was involved with various Legions and Freemasonry and served in various capacities.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will take place at a later date.

Cpl Lawrence George Ross, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Lawrence George Ross. CD (Ret’d) in Grande Prairie, AB, on 8 December 2018, at the age of 89 years.

Lawrence was born in Camrose, AB. He grew up on a half section of land in Duhamel, AB and helped build the family house on their land. In 1945 the family moved to Port Coquitlam, BC.

Lawrence joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949 and was initially posted to Ladner, BC. He left the Army for a year in 1952, and re-joined in 1953.  Lawrence then served in Korea (1954-1955), Egypt (1960- 1961), Gagetown NB, and Wainwright AB. In 1965 he spent six months in Canadian Forces Station Alert, NU.

Lawrence retired as a Corporal in Chilliwack, BC in 1972 after 21 years of service. Upon retirement he moved his family to Hope, BC where he started Ross Propane and ran the company until 1976. Lawrence also started Ross Trucking with his son David in 1975. With a slowdown in the lumber industry, Lawrence relocated his business to Grande Prairie in 1980 and settled in Wembley, AB.

Lawrence retired in 1992 and traveled across Canada and Alaska. Lawrence and his wife Agnes moved to Wild Rose Manor in 2013.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. {dcJan19kh} 

CWO Reginald “Reg” Daws, MMM, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Chief Warrant Officer Reginald “Reg” Daws, MMM, CD (Ret’d) at home in Chilliwack, BC on 5 December 2018.

Reg was born in England in 1935 and spent his early years there until his family immigrated to Vancouver, BC when Reg was 13 years old. During his high school years he was an air cadet and, as a young man, chose a career in construction engineering with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Reg enlisted in 1955 and served a full career as a Mechanical Systems Technician across Canada and in Europe with the Canadian Military Engineers and the Royal Canadian Air Force for 36 years. He served in the rank of Chief Warrant Officer for 16 years with his final posting being Sergeant Major of Construction Engineering Training Squadron in the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.   His performance throughout his career was acknowledged by his receiving an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commander Air Defence Command and a Commander’s Letter of Commendation while serving with Maritime Command. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Military Merit in 1988.

After retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1991 Reg worked with Adsorption Ltd as Marketing Consultant, International Sales for 15 years. He was also very active in the leadership of the Canadian Air Force Association of Canada (AFAC) and the National Association of Federal Retirees. He started with National Association of Federal Retirees in 2006 and was President of the Chilliwack Branch.

Reg was awarded the AFAC Distinguished Service Award in 2013 for his leadership abilities, people skills, and his dedication to the aims and objectives of the AFAC. Joining in 1995, he served continuously in an elected or appointed capacity since 2000, when he became President of 879 (Earl MacLeod) Wing, AFAC. In 2005 he was elected Pacific Group Regional Vice-President and became Group VP in 2017 - all the while serving in various capacities at 879 Wing as a member of the Wing Executive, Membership Chairman, and Special Projects Officer. Reg led 879 Wing’s work on the “Blue Hydrangea” project that had been started during World War II by the local Women’s RCAF Auxiliary to perpetuate the memory of the local airmen lost during the war. This project brings together the members of the wing and the students and staff of the Chilliwack Middle School where blue hydrangeas are planted in memory of the lost.

A Memorial Service will be held for Reginald Daws in Chilliwack at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, 20 December 2018 at Branch # 4 of the Royal Canadian Legion on the corner of Mary Street and Princess Ave in Chilliwack, BC. Online condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.

William "Bill" Neville Duncan

We regret to advise of the death of William "Bill" Neville Duncan, B.A. Sc., P. Eng. of Peterborough ON at Canterbury Gardens on 29 November 2018 at the age of 98 years.

Bill was born at home on Pickering Street in the east end of Toronto. He attended Adam Beck Public School and Malvern Collegiate School. During the Second World War, he served with the 1st Canadian Division in Italy and Northwest Europe in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he graduated in Mining Engineering from the University of Toronto. His career in mining and construction spanned 35 years, culminating in his role as a Councillor Specialist with the Construction Safety Association of Ontario. A gifted athlete, he played football for the University of Toronto Varsity team. He also played hockey, and during his time in Italy, he played catcher for the Canadian Army baseball team. In retirement, he was a member of the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, where he shot his age 51 times.

Bill's family will receive friends and relatives at Canterbury Gardens, 1414 Sherbrooke St, Peterborough ON, on Monday, 10 December from 11:00AM to 2:00PM with eulogies at 11:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

 

MCpl Detlef "Danny" Kogelheide (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Detlef "Danny" Kogelheide (Ret'd) in Prince George, BC on 29 November 2018 at the age of 80 years. Detlef served his country as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Detlef served his entire career in 3 Field Squadron and 4 Field Squadron. Enlisting in Toronto, ON, upon completing his recruit training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwck BC, his first posting was to 3 Field Squadron for three years where he became a Field Section NCO. He followed this posting with a 4-year tour in 4 Field Squadron in Germany where he was employed as Armoured Personnel Carrier Driver, Radio NCO,  Field Section 2IC, in Squadron Headquarters as Headquarters Section Commander, and Wireless NCO. Returning to 3 Field Squadron, Detlef's employment included duties as the Commanding Officer’s Driver and he became a Field Section Commander before he retired in 1974.

Online condolences can be sent to the Prince George Citizen . In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Sgt George Wayne Durling, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant George Wayne Durling, CD (Ret’d) of Round Hill, NS, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville on 27 November 2018 at age 74. Born in Bridgetown, NS, George undertook his Recruit Training 1962 and had a full career as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.

There will be no visitation by request. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Round Hill Hall on Saturday, 1 December 2018 from 1-3:00 p.m. Donations in George’s memory may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society, Nova Scotia Lung Association, Canadian Diabetes Association or to the local Humane Society. On line condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home.

Spr Digby Harry Smith

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Digby Harry Smith (Ret’d) of Smith's Parish Bermuda on 24 November 2018 at the age of 85 years.

Digby was born in Bermuda. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in October 1957.  He was trained as a carpenter and served in 4 Field Squadron in Germany from 1960 until 1962 when he was released.

Harry returned to Bermuda after his time in the army.   A graveside service will be held at St Mark's Church Cemetery on 2 November 2018 at 3.30 PM.
 

Maj Arthur Aubrey Brown, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Arthur Aubrey Brown, CD (Ret’d), tragically at his winter home in Mexico on 18 November 2018 at age 82.

Aubrey was born in Holstein ON and attended Holstein Continuation School and Mount Forest High School. Joining the Regular Officer Training Plan, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto. He later earned a Masters degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. In his second career he earned another Masters degree in Municipal Planning from the University of Victoria.

Aubrey’s career in the Army took him to many places in Canada and with 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany. A highlight of his career was his appointment as Commanding Officer of 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack 1971-73. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1974 and and took up residence in Victoria where he began a second career with the government of British Columbia.  Aubrey retired in 1997 after a 23-year career with the Ministry of the Environment.

Maj Jason Edward Zelward, CD

We regret to advise of the death of Major Jason Edward Zelward, CD, peacefully, at Bobby’s Hospice in Saint John on 18 November 2018 at the age of 35 after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. 

Born in Saint John NB, Jason joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001 and earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 2007.  He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers for 17 years as a Combat Engineering Officer. His first posting was to 4 Engineer Support Regiment at Base Gagetown from 2008 to 2011, followed by a tour with the Combat Training Center (2011-2012) and then the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering ( 2012- 2016). Jason then deployed to Jerusalem with OP PROTEUS for a year and he was subsequently posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Edmonton Alberta, AB as a Squadron Officer Commanding.  

Visitation in Saint John will be held at Fundy Funeral Home on Tuesday, 20 November 2018 at 11:00 AM -1:00 PM and 4:00-8:00 PM. Visitation in Oromocto will be held on Wednesday, 21 November, 2018 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Oromocto Funeral Home.  The funeral will be at the St. Luke’s Chapel at Base Gagetown in Oromocto, with overflow seating at St. Mary’s Chapel at 2:00 AM on Thursday, 22 November. A Celebration of Life and reception will follow at the Officers’ Mess.   Interment will occur at 11:00 AM on Friday, 23  November at Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John.

Donations can be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) Alberta, The Oromocto SPCA or Bobby’s Hospice. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

Thomas Albert “Al” Collins

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas Albert “Al” Collins of Calgary AB on 14 November 2018 at the age of 92 years.

Al was born in Lockwood SK. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers for 29 years including a peacekeeping tour in Korea.  After retiring, he had a second career for 17 years with the Simcoe County Roman Catholic Separate School Board.

In living memory of Thomas Collins, a tree was planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. {dcDec19wd} [zsd, zsp]

Sgt Harvey Maurice Desjardine, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Harvey Maurice Desjardine, CD (Ret’d)  of Dashwood  ON, suddenly, on 10 November 2018  at South Huron Hospital, Exeter ON at the age of 62.   Harvey proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Harvey joined the Canadian Forces in 1973 and joined the Canadian Airborne Regiment directly after completing his Basic Carpenter training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. While serving with the Airborne Regiment he completed a United Nations peacekeeping tour in Cyprus. Harvey’s career also saw him serving in Germany and at our Canadian Forces bases in Edmonton AB, Moose Jaw SK Trenton ON, and Toronto ON. He also deployed on more  United Nations peacekeeping tours to the Golan Heights and Ismalia. His last posting was with 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB.

Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of Harvey’s life will take place at the Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, Zurich, ON on Saturday, 15 December 2018 from 1 - 4:00 PM. Words of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 PM.      

Donations to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

Maj Keith Harold Ennis, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Keith Harold Ennis, CD (Ret’d) on Sunday, 28 October 2018 in Ottawa, ON at age 87.

Keith served with the Canadian Military Engineers on postings that included units at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa ON, Camp Dundurn SK, Canadian Forces Station Gimli MB and as a Liaison Officer with the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in London, England. After his retirement from the Canadian Forces at the rank of Major Keith continued working at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa for another 13 years as a civilian engineer with the Public Service until his second retirement in 1991.

Keith was an avid runner until the age of 80 and was particularly proud of having run 18 marathons, including 2 Boston Marathons. In his spare time Keith enjoyed officiating at Ontario Track and Field Association track and field events as a starter for many years, including the World Indoor Championships and the Canadian Senior Championships.

Honouring Keith’s wishes, a private cremation was held on Sunday, 4 November 2018 and there will be no funeral or memorial event. Condolences can be left at the Funeral Co-operative of Ottawa. In remembrance, please consider making a donation to Parkinson Canada.

CWO William “Bill” Montague, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Chief Warrant Officer William “Bill” Montague, CD (Ret’d) on 26 October 2018 at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, ON at age 74.

Bill started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1961 when he joined the 10th Intake of the Sapper Apprentices at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC.  During his 35-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers he rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer as a Construction Maintenance Technician. His appointments included his being the Career Manager for his trade.

After his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces, Bill enjoyed his summers at Otter Lake Ontario. He was always willing to give a helping hand to all and he could fix and repair anything. Bill was active in Old Timers Hockey and was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Orleans Branch No. 632. 

Family and friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home-Orleans, 2370 St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans, ON on Thursday, 1 November 2018 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday, 2 November after 10 a.m.  followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel at 11 a.m. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to the Hopes Rising Campaign for mental health at the Queensway Carleton Hospital www.qchfoundation.ca .  Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home

George Bernard Eldridge

We regret to advise of the death of George Bernard Eldridge on 23 October 2018 in Cobourg, ON at the age of 76 years.

George served in the Canadian Military Engineers. After retirement he worked as a Steam Engineer with Proctor & Gamble/Weyerhaeuser for many years. He was a member of the ANAVETS Branch in Grande Prairie, as well as the Royal Canadian Legion.

A private family service will be held for George. Donations in his memory may be made to Grande Prairie Branch #54 of the Royal Canadian Legion or to the ANAVETS Unit 389 in Grande Prairie. 

LCol Douglas Mackenzie “Digger” Youngson, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Douglas Mackenzie “Digger” Youngson on 18 October 2018 in Kingston, ON at age 87. Digger served his country with the  Canadian Miltiary Engineers.

Doug was born in Toronto and was a graduate of Leaside High School and Oakyvood Collegiate. He joined the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON where he pursued his studies in Civil Engineering. At RMC Digger represented the College in swimming and football. Following graduation he began his army career with 4 Field Squadron in Germany. A year later he returned to Canada and the University of Toronto where he earned his B.Sc in Civil Engineering in 1957.

For the next twelve years Digger served in a variety of operational and administrative appointments, including UN peacekeeping tours in the Middle East and the Congo. In 1970 he returned to RMC where he served as Director of Administration and Director of Cadets. Following this tour Digger joined the Operations Centre at National Defence Headquarters as Deputy Director. This was followed by an assignment with the Directorate of Construction Engineering Requirements in 1977 and, two years, later he began his third United Nations mission as the Senior Operations Officer of the United Nations emergency Force, Egypt. His UN tours totaled 2½ years.  Digger's last uniformed posting was in 1981 as Director Liaison, Conference of Defence Associations. Over the next ten years he worked for a number of Canadian government agencies in both Ottawa and Germany.

There will be a visitation held at The James Reid Funeral Home on Saturday 20 October 2018 from 2-2:50 pm with the service starting at 3:00 pm in the James Reid Chapel (1900 John Counter Blvd.) The family invites everyone for a celebration of Douglas’ life in the James Reid Reception Centre directly following the service. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

 

Maj Rinaldo “Reno” Robert Cyr, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Rinaldo “Reno” Robert Cyr, CD (Ret'd) at home in Ottawa on Wednesday, 17 October 2018 at age 77 after a long battle.

Born and raised in New Brunswick, after attending the University of New Brunswick, Reno left the Maritimes to begin his military career with the Canadian Military Engineers.  Many postings, good friends and incredible memories later, Reno retired from the Canadian Armed Forces. A highlight of his military career was Reno's appointment as Commanding Officer of 22 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown (1973-75). After his retirement, Reno attended the University of Western Ontario (1979-81) to begin his second career and then spent many years working for the Office of the Auditor General of Canada.

Visitation will be from 12:00 until 2:00 pm at Beechwood Funeral at Cemetery Services on Friday, 26 October 2018. Funeral service will also be at Beechwood at 2:00 pm and Reno will be laid to rest at Beechwood immediately following the service. Condolences can be sent to Beechwood. Memorial donations may be made to the Ottawa Humane Society, 245 West Hunt Club Road or at ottawahumane.ca. 

Maj Richard George Ratcliffe, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Richard George Ratcliffe, CD (Ret’d), peacefully, in Victoria, BC on 16 October 2018 at the age of 78.

A native of British Columbia, Richard completed his high school education in Kamloops where he excelled in athletics. He joined the Canadian Forces at Royal Roads Military College, Esquimalt BC, and graduated from Royal Military College, Kingston ON in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering. Richard then served a full 35-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers across Canada at many bases and units and retired at the rank of major from the Base Engineer Section at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, BC. 

Highlights of Richard’s career included his appointment as Base Construction Engineering Officer at Shilo, MB (1971-74). Early in his career he served as the first Army Combat Diving Officer. Richard also deployed as a Peace Keeper in Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force. While in the army he obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration and, following his military service, Richard worked in HMC Dockyard in Esquimalt as the Industrial Engineer in the Ship Repair Unit. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on 5 November at 2:00 PM at First Memorial Funeral Services and Garden of Memories, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. 

Cpl Gregory Owen Caissie, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Gregory Owen Caissie, CD (Ret'd) on Wednesday, 10 October 2018 near Welland, ON at the age of 45 due to a vehicle accident.  Greg was a Canadian Military Engineers Combat Engineer veteran . He retired from 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in 2016 after a 16-year career that included a deployment to Bosnia and two deployments to Afghanistan. Greg was a dedicated leader in the local Scouting community. 

The family invites friends to Pleasantview Funeral Home, 2000 Merrittville Highway, on Thursday, 18 October from 6:00 - 9 :00 pm. A funeral service will take place in the funeral home chapel on Friday, 19 October at 11:00 am. As an expression of sympathy, donations to Alzheimer’s Society in memory of his mom and Toronto General Heart Institute would be greatly appreciated by his family. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

Sgt Vern Schneider, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Vern Schneider on 7 October 2018 in Trail, BC in his 80th year.

Vern was born in Rossland, BC and attended Rossland Secondary School where he graduated in 1955. He then worked for Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited – Teck Cominco in Trail, BC for two years before joining the Canadian Army and the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). Vern undertook his basic Armoured Corps training in Camp Borden, ON and then was posted to Calgary, AB where he served most of his Regular Force career. Vern served overseas with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) patrolling the in the Sinai Desert and Gaza Strip in Egypt (1961-62). He was also posted with his regiment in Iserlohn, Germany in 1965 and served there until his release from the Regular Force in 1967. 

Vern returned to British Columbia and worked with Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada Limited – Teck Cominco for many years until he retired in 1993. During that time, he served as Chief Clerk with 44th Field Engineer Squadron in Trail for many years. He took a lead role in the unit's fiftieth anniversary activity and researched the unit's history, presenting a book containing a comprehensive collection of news articles In retirement he continued to lead group tours through the smelter complex in Trail. He also researched and created a history of the 54th Kootenay Battalion; 1915 - 1918 largely displayed on website. HIs research did not stop there, however. Recalling his Strathcona roots, he also compiled a volume covering the history of the Kootenay Contingent, Strathcona’s Horse in the Boer War (1899 - 1903). Vern remained an active civilian member of 44 FES as well as both Rossland and Trail Royal Canadian Legion Branches where he served terms as President and Vice President over the years.

A Legion Service will be held on Friday, 2 October 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion in Trail. As an expression of sympathy please make memorial donations in Vern’s name to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

Cpl William "Bill" Gary Steel, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal William "Bill" Gary Steel, CD (Ret’d) of Shellbrook, SK on Tuesday, 2 October 2018 at the age of 75 years.

Bill was born in Moose Jaw, SK. He served with the Toronto Highlanders Regiment for a year before joining the Royal Canadian Engineers in February of 1962. He served until August 1976 as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  After leaving the Army, he settled in Shellbrook, SK. 

Bill was a Life Member of the Shellbrook Branch of The Royal Canadian Legion and had served as President. In 2005, during the Year of The Veteran, Bill was presented a commendation by the Minister of Veterans Affairs in Ottawa. In that same year, he received the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal that was awarded for contributions to the community and to the province through leadership, voluntarism, community involvement and outstanding personal achievements.

In accordance with Bill’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit the Funeral Home website. {khOct18dc}

Sgt Roy Malcolm Hogben, CD (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Roy Malcolm Hogben, CD (Ret’d) of  Elizabethtown ON, on 1 October 2018 at the age of 78.

Roy was born in southern Ontario.  He took his initial Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, and became a career sapper who served for 30-plus years. During his military career, Roy was posted to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa, 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, 4 Field Squadron in Germany, and finally, 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa.     

Roy qualified on the Shallow Water Dive Course  6603 in 1966 at the  Fleet Diving Unit (Pacific). Combat diving then became the focus of his career. He was the backbone and technical expert of unit dive teams wherever he served.   Roy was the go-to river man in Petawawa for many years and was an important part of the unit fabric. He was awarded Combat Diver Coin 0001 in 1991 in recognition of his being the most senior continuously current combat diver in the Canadian Forces. Roy retired from the Canadian Forces in 1993 and pursued a career as an alarms specialist.

Cremation took place in Elizabethtown ON.

Spr Clayton Joseph "Sonny" Kocher (Ret'd)

We regret to advise the death of Sapper Clayton Joseph "Sonny" Kocher (Ret'd) on Monday 1 October 2018 at Health Sciences North, Sudbury ON at the age of 86 years.

Sonny served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After returning to civilian life, he operated several businesses over the years including Sonny's Crane Rental, Sonny's Sharpening, and Presquile Camp, on the French River. He was a member of the Waterloo Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Visitation was held on Wednesday 10 October 2018 at the Dreisinger Funeral Home in Elmira ON. A memorial service was held in the chapel on Thursday 11 October followed by a reception. Interment followed at St. Teresa Cemetery, Elmira. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Poppy Fund Royal Canadian Legion Elmira Branch 469 would be appreciated. {dcJan20wrd} [zsd]

Richard John Hagerman

We regret to advise of the death of Richard John Hagerman of Fredericton at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on 1 October 2018.  Born in Keswick, NB, Rick served Canada with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Visitation will be held Thursday, 4  October 2018 at Bishop’s Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton from 2-4:00 PM  and 6 -8:00 PM.  A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, 5 October 2018 at 2:00 PM at Bishop’s Funeral Home Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may sent to the Funeral Home.

Spr Clifford Keith Taylor (Ret’d)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Clifford Keith Taylor (Ret’d) in the Northumberland Veterans Unit, Pictou, NS on 26 September 2018 at the age of 90 years.

Keith was born in Wittenburg, NS. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1948 until 1956 including a tour in Korea with 23rd Field Squadron. 

After retiring from the Army, Keith settled with his family in Brookvale NS and started his lifelong work in the dairy industry as a milk truck driver. He retired in 1987 after having worked for the Scotsburn Dairy for 20 years.  He was a member of the Korea War Veterans Association.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 PM on 1 October with service to follow at the Pictou United Church.  Donations in Keith’s memory may be made to The Northumberland Veterans Unit Comfort Fund or the Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation.  

Spr Austin William McClure (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Austin WIlliam McClure of Edmonton AB on 22 September 2018 at the age of 91 years. 

Austin was born in Edmonton. He joined the Canadian Army near the end of the Second World War and served in the 59th Independent Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in Korea from March 1953 until March 1954. He left the army shortly after that and returned to Edmonton, where he later married and raised a family.

Spr McClure is buried in Westlawn Memorial Gardens in Edmonton.

Sgt David James Taylor, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant David James Taylor, CD (Ret’d) suddenly, at home, on 18 September 2018 at age 65. David served Canada as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.

The family will receive friends at the “Thorpe Brothers’ Funeral Home & Chapel” 96 West St., on Friday, 21 September 2018 from 5-7:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel at 7:00pm. Cremation to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the SPCA, or Vets Canada would be appreciated by the family. Memories and condolences may be shared online at the Funeral Home web site.

Donald Gordon Enok McPhadyen

We regret to advise of the sudden and unexpected death of Donald Gordon Enok McPhadyen on 18 September 2018 at his home in Ladner, BC.

Born in Vancouver, BC in 1935, Don was a lifelong Ladner resident.  In his youth he served in the Militia with the 7th  Field Engineer Regiment, Royal Canadian Engineers and the Delta Police Department (Reserve) but soon realized that his love was driving. So he became, and was until the day he passed, a Professional Driver. He worked for years for Ladner Transfer, then Gull Transport and eventually at the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. His later years were with Felix Farms where he looked forward to every harvest.

Don's favorite pastimes were his service work, camping, hunting, and talking with friends. As a community volunteer he worked tirelessly and was respected among his peers. He served in various capacities within the community and outlying districts including the Royal Canadian Legion Delta Branch #61, Peach Arch Zone, New Chelsea Society, Amos Gordon Ferguson Memorial (Housing) Society, Kinsmen Rehabilitation Fund, Kinsmen Club of Ladner/Tsawwassen, K-40 Club of Ladner/ Tsawwassen, Pacific Open Heart Society, McKee Senior's Society and the United Way.

A Celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, 20 October 2018 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Ladner Community Centre, 4734 51st Street in Ladner, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Delta Hospital, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at Delta Funeral Home .

Spr Ernest Fred "Ernie" Hubbard (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Ernest Fred “Ernie” Hubbard (Ret’d) of Kamloops BC on September 18, 2018 at 95 years of age.

Ernie was born in Revelstoke BC and raised in Clanwilliam BC, a hamlet seven miles east of Revelstoke on the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) line.  He started work with the CPR in July 1941 but enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in November 1942 and served as a Sapper in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany until he was honourably discharged in February 1946.  

Ernie went back to work with the CPR after the war and relocated to Kamloops to raise a family after he married.He retired as a locomotive engineer in June 1983 after completing his last trip from Boston Bar to Kamloops.  Ernie was a member of the Kamloops Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A Funeral Mass will be held in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Tranquille Road, Kamloops, at 1:00 PM on 1 October.  Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Should friends desire, donations to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation would be appreciated in his memory. 

Maj Norman Douglas "Pat" Honeyman, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Major Norman Douglas "Pat" Honeyman, CD  (Ret’d) of Quispamsis NB on Wednesday 12 September 2018 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John NB at the age of 93 years.

Pat was born in Fairfax MB. He was a veteran of the Second World War who enlisted in the Fort Garry Horse in October 1943 and trained as a radio operator. He was sent to Europe as reinforcement and joined his unit in Holland. Pat was in Ostend, Belgium when the war ended. After the war, he joined the Canadian Army (Militia) and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers for 20 years. He commanded 46th Field Squadron in Pine Falls MB from 1962 until 1963 and was later promoted to the rank of Major.

Pat worked as a Beater Engineer in the paper making industry, first in Pine Falls MB and later moving to Quispamsis in 1964 to help start up the Rothesay Paper Corporation. He remained at this facility (now Irving Paper) until retiring in 1986. Pat continued consulting in Saint John and Alberta, finally retiring in 1996. Throughout and after his working career, he was involved with the Rothesay Collegiate School Cadet Corps, Kennebecasis Valley High School Bursary, Quispamsis Food Basket, Quispamsis Ambulance, St. John Ambulance, Literacy New Brunswick, and MENSA Canada. Pat was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Pat is resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home with visitation on Sunday from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and again from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. The funeral Service will be held at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home on Monday 17 September at 2:00 PM with interment at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Upham MB. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Diabetes Canada or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick.

MWO Robert J McLeod, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Robert J McLeod (Ret’d) on 5 September 2018 at the age of 93 years.

Robert served a full career in the Royal Canadian Engineers including service with 23rd Field Squadron in Korea. After his retirement, he was active with the Retired Sappers Association. He was living in Westbank BC at the time of his death. 

Wilbert John Lautamus

We regret to advise the death of Wilbert John Lautamus of Flin Flon MB on 24 August 2018 at the age of 87 years.

Wilbert was born in the New Finland area of southern Saskatchewan on his grandmother's farm. His completed high school at Hapnot Collegiate Institute in Flin Flon and then began a career with Hudson Bay Mining. Wilfred served in the Militia with 21st Field Engineer Squadron from the early 50s until 1971 when he retired from the Canadian Forces. He retired from Hudson Bay Mining in 1987. Wilbert was a member of the Flin Flon Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A celebration of Life Tea for Wilbert was held Saturday 24 November 2018 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall Branch 73 in Flin Flon. {dcJan20wrd} [zsp]

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Sgt Harold Murray Lang (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Harold Murray Lang (Ret’d) on Wednesday, 22 August 2018 at ninety-six years in Toronto, ON

Murray was born in Hamilton, ON and graduated from McMaster University in 1943 as a biology specialist. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers during World War II and started his training with them but later transferred to the Canadian Intelligence Corps. He served as an Acting-Sergeant in Europe with No. 17 Field Security Section (Counter-Intelligence) and No. 2 Field Security Reserve Detachment (Counter-Sabotage).*

Murray completed his degree in Honours Science after the war at McMaster and became a Science Specialist teacher - teaching at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto (1947- 956), and at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke (1956-1960). Murray was promoted to Vice-Principal at Kipling Collegiate Institute when it opened in 1960. Then, when Althouse College of Education opened at the University of Western Ontario in 1965, Murray was appointed Professor of Methods of Teaching Biology. Four years later he became Professor of Science Education at the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto.

Murray retired in 1988 after 41 years of teaching - 18 in secondary schools and 23 in teacher-education.  He co-authored 26 textbooks for high school science over thirty years. After he retired, McMaster University chose Murray for the Distinguished Alumni Scholar Award in 1991. He had served as President of the Science Teachers Association of Ontario (1962), and became a Life Member. After retirement he returned to U of T and completed a PhD in Education at the age of 71.

In his retirement, Murray was honoured by Etobicoke as The Citizen of the Year for 1998 for his volunteer work as chair of the Kiwanis Club of Islington "Service to Young Children" committee. He was later the President of the Kiwanis Club of Islington (2009 - 2011).  Murray volunteered for 21 years at the Greenholme Community Breakfast Club helping to make and serve breakfasts to children at Greenholme Junior-Middle School. In 1996, he became Treasurer and chief fundraiser for a group of volunteers who maintained the breakfast club.

Family will receive visitors at Turner & Porter Funeral Home, Neweduk Chapel, 1981 Dundas Street W, Mississauga, on 1 September 2018 at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations could be to The Daily Bread Food Bank or to The Lang Family Bursary Fund at McMaster University. Online condolences may be made through the Funeral Home.  

*See  part of his WW II story: https://cmea-agmc.ca/sapper-stories-historica-canada-memory-project-update

WO Kenneth Albert Bruce Markell, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Kenneth Albert Bruce Markell, CD (Ret’d) on 21 August 2018 in Pembroke, ON at age 64 after a lengthy illness.

Ken joined the Canadian Military Engineers when he enrolled in the Regular Force in 1978 but he joined us with earlier military experience with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets that he had joined in 1967 and with the Reserves starting in 1971.

After completing his basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 1978 Ken was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack, BC. His next posting was to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Comox, BC after which he had his first posting to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, ON,  After his next to Germany at CFB Baden-Solligen with the Airfield Damage Repair Unit (1989 - 1993), he returned to  Canada to re-join 2 Combat Engineer Regiment. Ken served his final posting in CFB Trenton, ON where he retired in 2000. During his career, Ken deployed on United Nations peace keeping duties in the Middle East in 1974, to Cyprus (1988 -1989), the Golan Heights, Croatia (1992), Bosnia (1994) and Kosovo (1998).

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517, Petawawa on Thursday, 30 August 2018 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Interment to take place in the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces (Beechwood Cemetery), Ottawa on Friday, 31 August at 1:00 p.m. In Lieu of flowers donations to ALS Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home.      

Pukka Sapper Randolph Ernest “Fazooli” Fasan

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Pukka Sapper Randolph Ernest “Fazooli” Fasan at home in North Vancouver on 19 August 2018.  Randy was a former Master Planner at Canada Lands Company and was responsible for planning much of the re-development of the former Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack property after its closure in 1997.

Born in 1953, Randy followed a career as an architect with Aitken Wreglesworth Associates before joining Canada Lands Company as a Master Planner. After moving to British Columbia in 1982 from Kitchener, ON, Randy fell in love with everything about the West Coast.  He contributed greatly to the built environment of the province with projects that told the story of his love for the community, its peoples, and his deep respect for the history of the place that he called home.

Upon the closure of CFB Chilliwack, Randy was the architect of “Legacy Trail” that was created throughout the former Married Quarters area (that became the new housing community of Garrison Crossing *) to illustrate the Military Engineering heritage of the area. He led the uphill battle to restore the All Sappers Memorial Park where he championed the cause of the Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack Historical Society to return the Memorial to her former glory. His work ensures the All Sappers Memorial will continue to respect the proud Sappers who have given their lives in the Service of their Country around the world.

Randy was a great friend of the Sappers who gave strong support to veterans and especially ‘all things Sapper’ at Vedder Crossing. He listened to the veterans, he listened to the families and he collected our history and displayed it on the 26 plinths and plaques on “Legacy Trail” throughout Garrison Crossing.  Randy worked with the Community to make Garrison Crossing a rich Sapper memorial, steeped in history and memories and he was made a Pukka Sapper in November 2009 in recognition of this outstanding work.

The family has set up the web site: fazoolismemory@gmail.com  for more details and photos. Condolences can be emailed to fazoolismemory@gmail.com . 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 9 September (1:30 - 4:00 pm) at the Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek Road, West Vancouver, BC.

* Randy explained his approach to the Garrison Crossing planning process during a CHEK TV interview in May 2011 on the program 'North of 49'.