CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Captain William "Bill" Czuboka, CD (cls) (Ret’d), peacefully, on 10 April 2017 in Ottawa, ON at age 82. Bill served a full career with the Canadian Military Engineers starting as a Sapper (Combat Engineer) and retiring from Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa as a Captain.

Bill was born in Winnipeg, MB and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1954 to start his military career as a Field Engineer.  After his basic training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering he was posted to 1 Field Squadron and he served with that unit in Chilliwack BC, Germany and Petawawa ON. He remustered into the Topographic Survey trade in 1958 and was posted to Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) in Ottawa. Field work with the unit included Exeter/Stratford survey in 1958 and Churchill, MB in 1959. Among Bills accomplishments is included that he received a commission as a Canada Lands Surveyor (cls) - a very hard commission to achieve.

Bill was selected for an exchange tour of duty with 42 Survey Engineer Regiment in the United Kingdom (1967-69) and was Commissioned from the Ranks from the rank of Master Warrant Officer to Captain in 1982.  He served in Mapping and Charting Establishment as a Captain until 1983 and then had a second exchange tour with 42 Survey Engineer Regiment (1983-1985 ). On return to Canada Bill was posted to National Defence Headquarters/Director of Cartography and then to Director Ceremonial and finally to the Director Automatic Data Processing Operations at Tunney’s Pasture from where he retired from the Canadian Forces. In his retirement Bill undertook a major project to compile and digitize the photographs of the personnel of ASE/MCE over the years.

Funeral service will be at St Maurice Parish in Ottawa on Friday 5 May at 11:00 am, followed by a reception in the hall, and interment at Hope Cemetery. In memoriam donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated. Condolences may be left with the Funeral Home. ^{khApr2017}

We regret to advise the death of Corporal Colin Francis Patrick Fleiger (Ret'd) of Miramichi NB on 6 April 2017 at the age of 91 years.

Colin was born in Chatham NB. At the age of 16, he enlisted with the 2^nd Battalion (Reserve), The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment. He was called up to Active Service in 1944 and completed basic training in Fredericton NB, advanced training at Camp Utopia, NB and Battle Indoctrination Training at Camp Debert NS. Colin was assigned home defence duties until the war ended and was assigned to the Royal Canadian Engineers in Fredericton until his discharge in 1946.

Colin was employed as a civil servant for most of his life. He was a strong union man and served as CUPE Local president for many years. Colin was a member of the Chatham Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Miramichi and a volunteer firefighter for over 40 years. He was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and collected an additional two bars.

Visitation was at Maher's Funeral Home in Miramichi on 8-9 April 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday 10 April from St Michael's Basilica. As an expression of sympathy, a donation made to the Branch #3 Legion Building Fund or the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home would be appreciated. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 was asked to meet for a Legion service.

See Cpl Flieiger's interview on The Memory Project website.

We regret to advise of the death of Ronald William "Ronnie" Gordon in Ottawa, ON on 6 April 2017 at the age of 81 years.

Ronnie was born and raised in Ottawa and, in later years, moved to Manotick, ON. He served a 35-year career Public Service career in Construction Engineering with the Department of National Defence. After retirement, he returned to live in Ottawa.

A visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd, Ottawa (at Bayshore Drive) on Sunday, 9 April from noon until the time of service in the chapel at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences tributes and donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family would be most grateful if donations were made to Jonathan Pitre "Butterfly Boy" at debracanada.org. ^{{Apr2017kh} [zcd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph Roger Royal "Roy" Whelan in Ottawa, ON on 4 April 2017 at the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus at the age of 97 years.
Roy was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 3^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers during the Italian Campaign. He was awarded the Military Medal for his actions during the Gothic Line Battle. On 19 September 1944, Roy was a member of an engineer reconnaissance party seeking a possible crossing of the Ausa River near Rimini. They came under mortar and machine-gun fire from the enemy in a nearby house overlooking the site and preventing the party from moving forward. With complete disregard for his own safety, Roy successfully cleared the house and captured five prisoners.
After the war, Roy was a civil servant with the External Affairs Department who had postings to Rome, Italy, Beirut, Lebanon, and London, England. He was an avid golfer and played into his 90s.
A funeral service will be held at the Kelly Funeral Home, Walkley Chapel in Ottawa on 13 April at 2:00 PM. In memoriam donations to a charity of choice appreciated.Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{(dcSep17kh}[zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Edward Charles MacDonald, CD (Ret’d) on 1 April 2017 at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, ON at the age of 86 years.

Edward was a Field Engineer who served in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in the mid-1970s.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Beechwood Cemetery and Funeral Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa from 4:30 to 7:30 PM on 5 April.  Funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 2571 Highway 174, Cumberland, ON 6 April at 1:00 PM with interment to follow at Beechwood Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Dementia Action Network or War Amps.  ^{{gdJun 2018dc} [zsd, zcc, zkjt]}

We regret to advise of the death of Frank P Manninger of Blenheim, and later Chatham ON, one day before his 95th birthday on 30 March 2017 at the Strathmere Lodge in Strathroy ON.

Frank was born in Zirc, Hungary. His family immigrated to  Wakaw Saskatchewan when he was still a young boy. During the Second World War, Frank served in the Royal Canadian Engineers, seeing action in Northwest Europe.  

After the war, Frank’s extended family settled in southern Ontario in and around London where Frank served in the Kent Regiment for a short time.  He was very active in community organizations - past President of the Blenheim Kiwanis Club, the Kent Regiment Association, the Royal Canadian Legion in both Blenheim and Chatham where he was vice-president. Frank was a charter member of the Chatham Builders Exchange and the chairman of the building committee on the board of management for Christ Church for many years. He was a member of the Bishops men’s diocese of Huron, and was a member of the accreditation team of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.  He was involved for over 20 years with the Orthopedic Study Team London Health Science Centre -University Campus London, and was inducted into the Canadian Orthopedic Foundation Hall of Fame in 1997.

Family and friends are invited to Christ Church, 80 Wellington St. West, Chatham, on 4 April with visiting from 12:00 to 1:45 PM.  A Legion Memorial Service will be conducted at 1:45 PM with the funeral service to follow at 2:00.  Private family interment will be in the Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider Christ Church. Online condolences may be left at www.alexanderfuneralhome.ca. 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Marvin Charles Henry Johnston, CD (Ret’d) on 25 Mar 2017 in Chilliwack,BC. Marvin was a Korean War veteran who served the Canadian Military Engineers for almost 29 years.

Marvin enlisted in the Canadian Army in Kingston, ON in 1949 and was posted to 23 Field Squadron after completing his basic Sapper training at Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) at Camp Chilliwack, BC. One year later Sapper Johnston was posted to 57^th Independent Field Squadron - the Field Engineer component of the 25^th Canadian Infantry Brigade Group (CIBG) of the Canadian Army Special Force that had been authorized for the Korean Conflict. Training for the Korean deployment was initially conducted at Camp Chilliwack but the unit soon moved to Ft Lewis, in Washington, USA to undertake their collective training.

25^th CIBG departed for Korea directly from Ft Lewis in April 1951 and Marvin served in Korea until May 1952. He returned to Chilliwack with 57^th Field Squadron and was transferred to the Apprentice Training Squadron at RCSME to instruct recruits of the newly-instituted Sapper Apprentice Training Program. Two years later he was posted to 1 Field Squadron that was then located in Camp Chilliwack and moved with the squadron to Germany. He returned to Canada in 1958 to the unit’s new location in Camp Petawawa.

Back in Canada, Marvin had a career ‘change of pace’ as he served the next five years with the Alberta Area “I Staff” in Lethbridge, AB - assisting with the training and support of the Militia. After this tour he returned to RCSME for an extended six-year instructional tour in Field Defences, Water Supply, and Mine Warfare and Demolitions. Marvin then returned to 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa, where he held the Squadron Sergeant Major appointment for two years. He served his final year in Petawawa with 3 Engineer Stores Depot before returning to training duties – first for two years with Canadian Forces School of Instructional Techniques at CFB Borden and then returning to the  Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) for the next three years in Training Standards.

Remaining in Vedder Crossing after his CFSME tour, Marvin was posted ‘across the road’ in 1976 to 3 Field Squadron as Squadron Sergeant Major and stayed with the unit as Regimental Sergeant Major as it transitioned into 1 Combat Engineer Regiment. Marvin retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1977 after 28 years 9 months service with the Canadian Military Engineers.

After retirement Marvin continued to be a contributing member of the Canadian Military Engineer Family through the Retired Sappers Association and he was also very active with Korea Veterans Association (KVA) Fraser Valley Unit 24 that he had joined some 28 years previous. With the KVA he has served as Pacific Region Membership Chairman, Unit Membership Chairman, Unit Sgt-at Arms and unit President 1992 and 2000.

In August 2012 CWO Marvin Johnston, CD (Ret’d) was presented the Queen’s Jubilee Anniversary Medal by Senator Y. Martin for his work with the Korean Vets Association. This was the fourth of the Queen’s Anniversary medals that Marvin had received – an honour that the Governor General’s Office describes as ‘quite rare.’ He was previously also honoured by the award of the Queen's 50th Anniversary medal for his work with the Korea Veterans Association. These two awards followed his being awarded the Queen's Coronation Medal June 1953 and the Queen's 25th Anniversary Medal 1977.

The Service for Marvin will be held at the Legion Vedder Branch 280  at 5661 Vedder Road, Chilliwack on Saturday 1 April at 1300 hours.On-line condolences can be sent to Henderson's Funeral Home. ^{khMar2017}

We regret to advise of the death of William Roscoe “Bill” Morrison on Tuesday, 21 March 2017 in South Dundas, ON in his 96^th year. He was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War.

Born in Lindsay, ON, Bill grew up in Wakefield, QC. Enlisting in the Canadian Army at the age of 21, he served overseas during the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Railway Operating Group of the Canadian Railway Troops and served primarily in England, Belgium and Holland.

Following the war, Bill continued his work as a heavy equipment operator - joining his father, John, and his brother, Jack, in the J.T. Morrison and Sons Excavating business. He married in 1949 and raised his family in Ottawa, ON, working many years as an equipment operator and for 15 years he operated large conventional and tower cranes. His work contributed to the construction of some of Ottawa's notable mid-century buildings, including the National Arts Centre.  

Upon his retirement, Bill became an accomplished carpenter with a particular aptness for designing and fashioning clocks. He was a long-time and enthusiastic member of the congregation of St. David & St. Martin Presbyterian Church, even after his move to Morrisburg in recent years. He will be remembered and missed by his fellow congregants there and by the residents at the Hartford Retirement Residence.

In celebration of Bill's life, a memorial service will be held Thursday, 30 March at 11:00 AM at St. David & St. Martin Presbyterian Church at 444 St. Laurent Blvd., with a reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to St. David & St. Martin, The Salvation Army, or the charity of your choosing.

Condolences/Tributes/Donations can be sent to Hulse, Playfair & McGarry ^{{khMar2017}[zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Lisa Anne Hampson, CD, P.Eng., on 19 March 2017 at age 51 following a brief illness. Lisa served her country as a Military Engineering Officer, Intelligence Officer and Public Servant for over thirty years.

Lisa was among the earlier women to attend Royal Roads Military College and graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering from the Royal Military College in 1988. She also earned her Master of Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1995 and Bachelor of Journalism degree from University of King’s College, Halifax in 1997.

Following her initial service as a Regular Force Military Engineer, Lisa served as an Intelligence Officer in the Reserve Force in the Chief of Defence intelligence (CDI). She left the CDI in late 2005 to join the Director General of Environment in the Infrastructure and Environment Group as a public servant. Here she managed the Federal Contaminated Site Action Program for DND and set up the cost-sharing agreement for the remediation of Mid-Canada Radar Line. Lisa was promoted into the Environmental Engineering group in Director General Military Engineering in 2008 where she managed and advanced many of the Department’s complex remediation and Unexploded Ordinance Disposal clearance files. She was attached to the US Army in Afghanistan in 2009/2010 working to defeat the enemy’s Improvised Explosive Devices.

Lisa took command of 7 Intelligence Company in Ottawa in June 2012 and her unit was given the Freedom of the City of Ottawa by Mayor Jim Watson in June 2016.

A visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean on Friday, 24 March 2017 from 17:00 – 19:00. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 25 March 2017 at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 70 James St. (at Kent) at 10:30, followed by a reception at the Army Officers Mess (149 Somerset St. W). Lisa was proudly the Commanding Officer 7 Intelligence Company at the time of her death, so Saturday's service will have a military aspect to include a bearer party consisting of soldiers of her unit and a piper. Per Lisa's wishes, her final interment will be in Wales at some later date.

At the request of Lisa's husband Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Hampson, an independent bank account is being established in favour of the 7 Intelligence Company Non-public Fund to receive donations in lieu of flowers. In lieu of flowers a donation to 7 Intelligence Company Association, would be appreciated. Condolences or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com 

We regret to advise of the death Major Richard Kenneth “Rick” Thomas, CD (Ret’d) on 17 March 2017 in Kelowna, BC in his 66^th year.

Rick served the Canadian Military Engineers for 39 years as a Construction Engineer. His career began in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Draftsman/Surveyor and he was Commissioned from the Ranks to achieve the rank of Major.  His postings included Chilliwack, Esquimalt  and Holberg, BC; Edmonton and Cold Lake, AB; Winnipeg, MB; Quebec City, QC;  Gander NL and Lahr, Germany. During his career, Rick also had overseas deployments with the United Nations and NATO in the Golan Heights and Croatia. In his last position, he inspected Naval Reserve Units across Canada until his retirement in 2009.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's name may be made to Kelowna General Hospital or L'Hôpital Enfant Jésus, Quebec City.^{{khApr2017, zsp}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Edward Beavington "Ted" James, peacefully, at Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie, BC on 15 March 2017 at the age of 96 years.

Ted was born in Lavoy, AB and grew up on a nearby farm. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1942 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. A heavy equipment operator, he worked on the reconstruction of roads and bridges in order to support the Allied advance through Europe.

Following the war, Ted settled in Edmonton, AB with his family where he took up carpentry and house building. He and his family moved to Surrey, BC in 1966 where he continued to practise carpentry and building houses. In 1976 he moved to Maple Ridge, BC where he was a supporting member of the Haney Old Time Fiddlers group for several years. In 2014 Ted moved to Rocky Mountain Village in Fernie BC. He was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Online condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{{khMar2017} [zsd]}

We regret to announce the death of Sapper Harry Dacre “Dacker” Thicke, MM (Ret’d) on 11 March 2017 in the Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver BC at the age of 93 years.

Harry Dacre Thicke was born in New Liskeard ON, on the edge of Canada’s silver belt at the height of the 1920s silver rush. His family owned and operated a bakeshop and he moved to Kirkland Lake At an early age when gold was the new quarry. He grew up among miners and prospectors with an adventurous and wild spirit. He was known as ‘the bad boy of Kirkland Lake’ in his youth and did a short time in reform school, but was generally known as an honest and dependable boy. Harry left Kirkland Lake after reform school and ‘rode the rails’ for a while before coming home and taking a job as a labourer. 

Harry enlisted in the Canadian Army in March 1940. He was not yet 16 years old and, a week later with the rest of the boys recruited in Kirkland Lake, he was in Camp Borden ON as a member of No. 2 Employment Platoon. The sergeant read the roll call book and declared there were already too many Harrys in the platoon and he would henceforth be called Dacker - a misspelling of his middle name.

Within weeks, Dacker and the rest of the Kirkland Lake platoon, through a series of missteps and mischief, found themselves on a train heading east.  Most were still underage and none had had any training. They arrived in Halifax , were put on a ship headed for Bournemouth in England, and then arrived at the Canadian camp at Aldershot, southwest of London.  None of the boys had travel papers nor any unit affiliation. They lived for almost a month scrounging and savaging through the camp until their situation has finally discovered in the chaos and resolved.  Dacker was assigned to the 20^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and started his training.

The Company arrived in France in July 1944 and worked on route clearance and bridging through the Battle of Normandy, the closing of the Falaise Gap, crossing the Seine and onward into Belgium and Holland.  In late September, they were assigned to Operation BERLIN (along with the 23^rd Field Company, RCE and two Royal Engineer field companies) to evacuate the encircled British airborne from Arnhem under the noses of defending German Forces.  For his role in the fight, Spr Thicke was awarded the Military Medal.  Dacker was withdrawn from action in April 1945 and sent to the UK on his way home to Canada.  He was 21 years old and had been in Europe for nearly five years.

After the war, like so many combat veterans, Dacker had a difficult time adjusting to civilian life.  He worked hard but not always successfully.  There were a series of failed business ventures and bankruptcies over his life. He was a single father of two and, despite his misfortunes, he kept his small family together. He left Ontario in the early 70s and settled in Victoria BC where his children grew up and were educated. In his 60s, Dacker settled in a small fishing village south of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico where he stayed until his 87^th year when he returned to Vancouver. He had written a number of books and short story collections. 

    * An article, “Dacker Thicke: A Life”, by Dacker's daughter’ Lori Thicke, provides an entertaining and detailed account of Dacker’s life. 

We regret to advise of the death of Walter Leon Morasiewicz on 10 March 2017 at Wentworth Lodge, Dundas ON in his 96^th year.

Walter was born in Buczacz, Ternopil, Ukraine, arriving in Canada in July 1929, he grew up in Thorold South. He was trained as a machinist and electrician and was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War, serving from 1942 until 1944. Walter and his wife family lived for 60 years in Merritton and raised a family of three. He was an employee at the Beaver Wood Fibre Company for 42 years, retiring in 1986.

Walter is resting at the Bocchinfuso Funeral Home in Thorold. Visitation will be held Wednesday, 15 March from 12 until 1 PM followed by a Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass in the funeral home chapel at 1 PM. Following the service, burial will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery in St. Catharines. Instead flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Lawrence “Larry” Joseph Jollineau (Ret’d) on 10 March 2017 at the Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste Marie, ON at the age of 85 years.

Larry was born and raised in Sault Ste Marie and attended Holy Angels Separate School.  He showed interest in military life at an early age joining the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet movement. In 1951 he joined the Canadian Army Active Force as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Korea with the 59^th Independent Field Squadron.  He was Honourably Discharged In 1957.  Larry spent 27 years working for the Public Utilities Commission of Sault Ste Marie retiring in 1993.

Larry was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #25 in Sault St Marie for over 60 years as well as a member of the Korea Veterans Association.   He served both these organizations in various functions including as their President.  Larry spent many years mentoring the youth of the Soo as a scout leader in the 60s and 70s.

Visitation with take place at the Arthur Funeral Home on 15 March from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass to be celebrated from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church on 16 March at 11:00 AM. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25, the Sault Area Hospital Foundation or a Charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdDec2017dc}} 

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Corporal Austin Richard “Nick” Baker (Ret'd) on 3 March 2017, peacefully, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC at age 99 years.

A WW II veteran, Nick was born in Epworth, England but grew up spending much of his time in Canada on Lake Ontario. After attending Ryerson Technical School he began working in the mines in Northern Quebec. Nick joined the Canadian Army in 1941 at age 24 and trained at Camp Borden ON, and Toronto. He was soon sent to England and continued to train at Aldershot. Nick served in the 1^st Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers and was part of the Italian Campaign. He worked on the construction of crucial bridges and roads throughout Italy in support of the advance on Rome of the 5^th Canadian Armoured Division. While in Italy, Nick was wounded and later transferred to England where he convalesced.

Returning to civilian life after demobilization, the family moved from Dundas, ON to Ardmore, BC in 1967 and Nick became the Post Master in Brentwood Bay. He spent his retirement in North Saanich. He was a member of the Saanich Peninsula Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A memorial service with be held Monday, 20 March at 2 pm, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 37, 1660 Mills Rd., North Saanich BC.^{khMar2017}

We regret to advise the death of Sergeant Allan L Kaukanen, CD (Ret'd) of Cobden ON at the Pembroke Regional Hospital on 28 February 2017 in his 74^th year.

Allan served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a member of the Cobden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A celebration of life was held in the Cobden Legion on Saturday 3 June. ^{{dcJan20wrd} [zcc, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of John Anderson Frederick James “Trapper John” Boyd of Chester NS on 27 February 2017 in the Halifax Infirmary, Queen Elizabeth II Wing at the age of 95 years. John was born in Upper Falmouth NS. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Merchant Marine. After the war, he had a full career in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Hants County Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Windsor, NS. As requested by John, there will be no funeral service. A private interment will be held at a later date.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer André Roland Faguy, CD (Ret’d) at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Sunday, 26 February 2017 at the age of 71.

André was a Marine Engineer before he joined the Canadian Forces and served with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Stationary Engineer. His last posting before he retired from the Canadian Forces was in Ottawa.

Visitation will be held at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road on Friday, 3 March from 2 to 5 pm and 6 to 9 pm.  For those wishing, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion. Online condolences may be made at www.colefuneralservices.com  ^{{khFeb2017} [zsd]}

 
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We regret to advise of the death of Joseph Alphonse Basque at the Tracadie Hospital in Tracadie NB on  17 February  2017 at the age of 94 years.

Alphonse was the first born of what would become a large family in Tracadie.  He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #45 in Tracadie.

The family will receive visitors at the Robichaud et Fils Funeral Home in Tracadie on 21 February from 7:00 until 9:00 PM and 22 February from 12:00 PM until at the start for the funeral at 2:00 PM in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Saint-Joseph Church in Tracadie.   Donations in his memory to The Friends of Tracadie Hospital Inc. or to the New Brunswick Lung Association would be appreciated. ^{{dcJan20gd} [zsd, zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Jacques Gregoire, MMM, CD (Ret'd), peacefully, on 16 February 2017 in Ottawa, ON in his 81^st year.

Born in Sherbrooke, QC and raised in Montreal, Jack grew up to serve his country proudly as a member of the Canadian Military Engineers. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces at 18 years old, Jack served for 34 years. Originally a Stationary Engineer, he became a Mechanical Systems Technician whose career involved many postings. Highlights of his career include being the Career Manager for the Mechanical Trades and  his accomplishments culminated in his selection as the Canadian Military Engineers Chief Warrant Officer (1985-88). After retiring from this appointment Jack took on many roles including serving with Senate security, ice cream shop owner, school bus driver and, most fitting, 'Jack of all trades' at a family-owned produce market.

Memorial Mass will be held at Divine Infant Parish, 6658 Bilberry Dr., Orleans ON, on Thursday, 23 February at 11 am. Visitation from 10 to 11 am at Divine Infant prior to mass. Interment at the National Military Cemetery, located at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, on Monday, 27 February at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Campaign Life Coalition. Condolences can be left at Beechwood Funeral Services. ^{{khFeb2017} [zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer John Mitges, MMM, CD (Ret’d) of South Surrey, BC on 14 February 2017 at age 95. John was a WW II Royal Canadian Engineer veteran who also served a full post-war career with the Royal Canadian Engineers (RCE).

During WW II, as a young Troop Reconnaissance Sergeant in 18^th Field Company, John landed with the Nova Scotia Highlanders at Bernieres sur Mer before noon on D-Day, 6 June. Once the 9^th Brigade started pushing out of the beachhead, John’s platoon destroyed obstacles and clear mines along the route of advance. 18^th Field Company advanced across the Rhine and all the way up to the Baltic Coast where the unit became primarily involved in mine clearance. Wounded for the second time on the last day of the war, John was evacuated to hospital and later re-joined his unit before it returned to England.

John Mitges returned to Canada in December 1945. He was transferred to the small Permanent Force and posted to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack. In 1947, he was one of three RCE personnel seconded to the United Kingdom where he qualified as a Glider Pilot. With this new qualification under his belt, John was posted to the Canadian Joint Airborne Training Centre at Rivers, MB where he did a considerable amount of glider training and indoctrination flights for parachute training students.

John had a full post-war career with the Royal Canadian Engineers. During the Korean War, he was seconded to the British Army and had two trips to Korea to erect Nissan Huts. His career was marked by appointment as Sergeant Major of 1 Airborne Troop RCE and as Squadron Sergeant Major of 4 Field Squadron. He was selected for a two-year attachment with Plant Roads and Airfields at the Royal School of Military Engineering, UK. John's last appointment was as the senior RCE Chief Warrant Officer at Mobile Command Headquarters before taking his release in 1976.

In 2015, the Government of France awarded John Mitges the Rank of Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour for his contributions to the Battle of the Liberation of France.

There will be no service by John’s request.^{khFeb2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Fernand Charles Maurice “Fern” Barre in North Vancouver, BC on 8 February 2017 just short of his 101^st birthday.

Fern was born in 1916 on the family farm between Duck Lake and Rosthern, SK. Moving with his parents and siblings to Chilliwack, BC in 1936, he worked there on farms, in North Vancouver as a finishing carpenter at Burrard Shipyards, then as an industrial arts instructor on the west coast of Vancouver Island. He volunteered for service in WWII as a Royal Canadian Engineer and served overseas in England before seeing action in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands.

Upon his discharge from the army in 1945, Fern started his own business as a building contractor. He moved his family to Courtenay, then Ladysmith, later settling in Nanaimo where he lived for over 40 years before his final move back to North Vancouver in 2007.  

Interment with his recently-deceased wife, Mary, will be held on 19 May 2017, at 3:00 pm, at First Memorial Garden, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC. Condolences may be left on-line. ^{{khMay2017}[zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of John "Binky" Rose, suddenly but peacefully, on 8 February 2017 in Westmount, NS.

John began serving his country in 1968. He soon joined the Canadian Airborne Regiment and made over 300 jumps as a paratrooper. After his 14-year Airborne career, John remustered to Construction Engineering with the Canadian Military Engineers and later served with 1 Construction Engineering Unit. After this posting, John retired from the Canadian Forces and moved back "home". 

For his second career, John was a Park Supervisor at Two Rivers Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia. He was also heavily involved with the Westmount Volunteer Fire department for 20 years and served as their Training Officer. An active Legion Member, John was Vice President and Bar Chairman at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 126 in Westmount.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chantfuneralhome.ca.  John will be waked on Tuesday, 14 February from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at the SW Chant & Son Funeral Home, 564 Alexandra St., Sydney, NS. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 15 February at 11 a.m. in the Chants Funeral Home Chapel. Reception to follow at Westside Legion, Branch 126^{.{khFeb2017dc} [zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of William Raymond Alexander "Bill" Maitland, suddenly and peacefully on Tuesday, 7 February 2017 at the age of 84 in Ottawa, ON.

Born in Rossland BC, Bill joined Army Survey Establishment (ASE) in 1953 to start what was to be a 41-year career as a Draftsman at the Army Survey Establishment (later re-named the Mapping and Charting Establishment). He was a competitive square dancer and played hockey up to his retirement in 1994.

A celebration of life will be held at Rothwell United Church, 42 Sumac Street, Friday, February 10 at 4 p.m. For those wishing, donations may be made to Rothwell United Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences/Tributes/Donations may be sent to Hulse, Playfair & McGarry  ^{{khFeb2017dc}}

We regret to advise of the death of Ralph Munro Clowater on 2 February 2017. 

Ralph was born in 1927 in McNamee, NB and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Royal Canadian Air Force. His service included a tour with the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt. Ralph worked for many years as a Plumbing Supervisor with the Base Construction and Engineering Section in Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.  He was known as 'Box Car the Clown' with the Victoria Gizeh Temple Shriners.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ralph on Saturday, 11 February at 11:00 am at Sands Funeral Chapel, Colwood, BC.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. ^{{khFeb2017dc} [zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal John Lester Barrett, CD (Ret’d) on 31 January 2017 in Victoria, BC at age 80. John was a native of St John's, NL and served 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces - first as a Combat Engineer and later he transferred into the Cook occupation. He was extremely proud of his service with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Stanley Arthur Charles “Stan” Franklin, CD (Ret'd) peacefully at Kincardine Hospital on 31 January 2017.

Stan was born in Picton, ON in 1936. He left home at the age of 16 and, in a strong effort to earn enough to finish high school and attend university, he worked as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Cooper, ON. Stan entered Royal Roads Military College in ­­­1956 and graduated from the Royal Military College with a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1960. 

During his service with the Royal Canadian Engineers, Stan was seconded to the US Army Corps of Engineers where he worked as Project Manager for the design and construction of the Apollo Launch Pads 39A and 39B  (from whence all moon shots and shuttle shots have since launched) as well as the arming tower and crawler way at the Moonport at Cape Canaveral. For his work, Stan was nominated for the US Army Commendation Medal.

After leaving the Army in 1970, Stan and his family moved to Kincardine, ON where he worked for Ontario Hydro, retiring in 1993 having served in several operational roles ending as the Director of the Bruce Nuclear Power Development.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Kincardine Baptist Church on 4 February at 2:00 p.m. Stan’s final resting place will be Kincardine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice or Kincardine Baptist Church. ^{{dcFeb2017kh} [zri, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel John Fitzgerald Preston, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC on 31 January 2017.

Born in Winnipeg, MB in 1928, John enrolled in the Officer Training Corps in 1947.  He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers while in his final year at the University of British Columbia (1950) from which he graduated with a BSc in Civil Engineering.  John attended Army Staff College in Kingston, ON in 1958 and attended the Royal Military College of Science staff course in the United Kingdom (1961 - 1962).  Upon completion of this course he joined 4 Field Squadron in Germany. 
John next served in Gaza and Palestine as Force Engineer, United Nations Emergency Force  (1965 -1966). He was then assigned  to Mobile Command Headquarters in St Hubert - first as the Senior Staff Officer (SSO) Force Requirements until 1969 followed by SSO Equipment and Standardization. He was then posted as Assistant Military Attaché to the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff in Washington, DC. John returned to Canada in 1972 and was appointed Director of Land Requirements (Armour and Mobility) until 1974 when he became Director of Cartographic Operations - a position he held until his retirement in 1979.

John devoted his life to military service as an officer in the Royal Canadian Engineers with frequent postings across Canada, the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. He was a staunch supporter of the Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Military Engineer Family and made many professional contributions to their success and to the Canadian Forces.

At John’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Condolences and remembrances may be sent by visiting www.earthsoption.com. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Robert William Charles Webber, MiD, CD (Ret'd) on 22 January 2017 at the Lions Gate Hospital in Vancouver, BC.  Robert served honourably for 27 years with Royal Canadian Engineers and the Canadian Military Engineers.

As a member of the 23^rd Field Squadron in Korea, Lance-Corporal Webber was awarded a Mention in Despatches in March 1953 for his actions during the Korean War. He was later a member of 1 Airborne Troop, Royal Canadian Engineers in Calgary, AB in the late-1950s. For his second career, Ralph joined Public Works Canada and retired from Health and Welfare Canada.

No service by request. Interment at Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC. Donations may be made to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, North Vancouver, BC. Condolences can be sent to the Funeral Home. ^{{khFeb2017dc}[zsp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Alexander Norman Purvis on 15 January 2017 at the Niagara Health Service in Welland ON at the age of 90 years.

Alex was born in Meldrum, ON.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers after enlisting in March 1945. Alex was discharged in November 1945.  He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion for over 40 years.

In accordance with Alex's wishes, cremation has taken place.  Memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be made atwww.pleasantviewcemetery.ca ^{{dcNov2017gd} [zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Warrant Officer Collin Suchan, CD (Ret'd) on Sunday, 15 January 2017 in Ottawa, ON in his 47th year.

Born in Wilkie, SK, Collin joined the Canadian Forces in 1994, serving as an infantryman in the 1^st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). While with the 1^st Battalion, he deployed to Kosovo on Op KINETIC in 1999. After serving almost six years with The RCR, Collin transferred to Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE) in 2001 as a Geomatics Technician. Collin’s technical abilities were renowned and it was these abilities that led to his deployment to Afghanistan with the Special Operations Intelligence Centre in 2006 as part of Op ATHENA.

Upon return to Canada Collin was posted to Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) Headquarters (2007-2012). He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 2012 and posted back to MCE with a deployment to Palestine in 2013 with Op PROTEUS.  Collin retired from the Canadian Forces in 2014 and began a career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as a Geospatial Analyst.

Visitation will be on Friday 20 January 2017 at 1400-1600 hrs and 1900-2100 hrs at Kelley Funeral Home in Barrhaven, 3000 Woodroffe Ave, Ottawa. Funeral will be at the funeral home on Saturday 21 January 2017 at 1100 hrs. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Collin, please consider PTSD Association of Canada. Condolences may be sent to the funeral home. ^{khJan2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Albert Joseph Harold “Hal” Jones-Delcorde (Ret’d) on 9 January 2017 in Ottawa, ON at age 93 years.

A native of Ottawa, ON, Harold worked at Ottawa Car & Aircraft as an aircraft assembler for 1½ years after high school. While working days, he attended night school to take a three-year course in architectural and mechanical draughting. In April 1942 he was working at the National Drug & Chemical Company in Ottawa when he joined the Governor General's Foot Guard. Within a week he enlisted and was enrolled in the Royal Canadian Engineers for active wartime duty as a Draughtsman.

Harold completed his basic training at A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre (CETC) in Dundurn, SK followed by training as a Fitter at A5 CETC in Petawawa, ON.  He embarked for the United Kingdom In February 1943 and was with the 86^th Bridge Company of the 2^nd Division when they landed at Cannes, France. The Company supported the Allied advance through France to Nijmegen, Holland and from there into Germany itself. Harold received France's Chevalier dans l'Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur in November 2015 in recognition of his participation in the Battle of France.

Returning to Ottawa after the war he returned to civil life in January 1946 and started a lengthy career in the Government of Canada, working with Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans for approximately 27 years. 

Visitation will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd (at Bayshore Drive), in Ottawa on Friday, 13 January 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Saturday, 14 January 2017 at 1 p.m. A private interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences, donations and tributes may be made through the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Ivor Davies on Saturday, 7 January 2017 in Cold Lake, AB at the age of 51 years after a battle with cancer. Ivor was a Plumbing and Heating Technician with 4 Wing Cold Lake.

Viewing will be at Memento Funeral Chapel (5106 55 Street, Cold Lake) on 12 January 2017 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. for friends and family. Funeral Service will be on Friday, 13 January 2017 at 10:00 a.m., at St. Mark's Protestant Chapel, 4 Wing Cold Lake. A reception will follow at the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. Memorial tributes in memory of Ivor may be sent to Valour Place, 11109-111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 0C6. ^{khJan2017}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Albert Joseph Arcand, CD (Ret’d) peacefully at age 98 on Thursday, 5 January 2017 at his home in Aurora ON.

Albert was born on the family farm south of the village of Dollard, SK. He was a veteran of the Second World War, who, after a short career in mining at Perron, QC and Kimberley BC, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1942. Initially serving as a Corporal in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, he transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1943. In the RCAF Albert trained as a navigator and as a pilot officer and then trained others for the duration of the war.

Albert completed his secondary education in Regina, SK in 1945 and entered the University of Saskatchewan that Fall - graduating in 1949 with a BSc in Agricultural Engineering. He then re-enlisted as a lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Chilliwack, BC and Montréal, QC before deploying for the Korean War. Captain Arcand served overseas in Korea with the 59^th Independent Field Squadron (1953 -1954) where he participated in the last four months of the war and the first eight months of the truce.

After returning to Canada Albert was posted to Central Area Headquarters at Oakville, ON, where he was initially occupied with the emergency efforts following Hurricane Hazel in 1954. Promoted to Major, he then commanded No. 5 Works Company at Camp Valcartier, QC (1957- 1961) followed by a posting to Regina, SK (1961 -1963). Returning to Oakville, he deployed overseas for service with the International Control  Commission in Laos (1964 -1965).

After his retirement in 1967, Albert worked for six years as a project manager during the first phase of the construction of York University. Afterward, he worked for Royal LePage Commercial Development Division in project management, supervising the construction of several office towers in Toronto before he fully retired in 1990.

Albert was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385 in Aurora and faithfully participated in the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day ceremonies for many years. Proud of his service with the Royal Canadian Engineers, he was a member of the Military Engineers Association of Canada and the Retired Sappers.

Albert was very active with his church and was a member of Our Lady of Grace Parish in Aurora since 1968 as well as a member of Mission catholique Saint-Frère-André in Aurora since 2004. He was a Sir Knight of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Faithful Scribe of the Father James J. Hayes Assembly 2460 in Newmarket and as Financial Secretary and worthy Trustee of Aurora Council 6519 between 2006 and 2015. Albert was also a member of the Colonel Fred Tilston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Aurora.

Visitation will be on Sunday, 8 January 2017 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora. Funeral Mass will be on Monday, 9 January 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church, 15347 Yonge Street, Aurora. Reception in the Parish Hall following the Funeral Mass.

In Memory of Albert, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 385, Raise the Roof Campaign OR Knights of Columbus Council 6519  or Mission Catholique Saint-Frère-André. Online Condolences can be left with the funeral home. ^{{khJan 2017}}

We regret to advise of the death of William Emerson “Bill” Tindall on 30 December 2016 of North York ON at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre in Toronto ON at the age of 93 years.

Bill was born and raised in Toronto and was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. Initially a member of the Governor General’s Horse Guards and having lied about his age, and because he had studied machine drawing in high school, he was he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1940. He started with the 8^th Field Company in Camp Borden and was later transferred to Camp Petawawa for training. The 8^th Field Company was re-designated the 4^th Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers and sent to England in 1941. They were largely employed on large camp and airfield construction tasks and based around Basingstoke, west of London.  Bill was employed as a truck driver.  Later, after the Normandy Landings, Bill was sent to Canadian Chief Engineering Works, 21^st Army Group based in Brussels in Belgium where he spent the rest of the war. 

Bill was active in many community activities including the Shiners and the Masons. He received the Légion d'Honneur from the Government of France for his participation in the Battle of France.

A Masonic service and Celebration of Life will be held together at a later date. Donations to Sunnybrook's Veteran's Comfort Fund or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Harry A. Warren (Ret’d) on 30 December 2016, at the Extendicare Centre in Sudbury, ON at the age of 92 years.

Harry was born in Westport, ON and was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted in the Army in May 1941 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium and Holland. In December 1944 he received a citation from Field Marshal B.L. Montgomery for outstanding service and great devotion to duty.  Harry was later wounded and returned to hospital in England but lived his entire life with shrapnel in his back.  Harry demobilized in 1946.

After the war Harry spent his entire working life with Falconbridge Nickel Mines in Sudbury on the Mine Rescue Team and the First Aid Team. He retired from Falconbridge in 1989.  Harry was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion and was a forming and Life Member member of Branch #503 in Onaping Falls, ON in 1949 where he served as that branch’s chartered president. He was involved at various times in his life with the St. John’s Ambulance, Cubs & Scouts, his church, the Cancer Society and the Lions Club. He was also a volunteer palliative care worker and donated his blood until the age of 70 years. Harry received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in 2013 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to his community and to Canada.

Visitation will take place at the Lougheed Funeral Home in Sudbury on 2 January 2017 from 2:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM with a Legion memorial service at 7:30 PM.  A funeral service will be held on 3 January at 11:00 AM at the Larchwood Memorial United Church in Dowling, ON.  Interment will be at the Maplecrest Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, the Canadian Red Cross Society or to the Larchwood United Church Fund.  ^{{dcNov2017gd} [zsp]}

We regret to advise of the passing of Sapper Maurice Paul Dandurand (Ret'd) of Saskatoon SK on 29 December 2016 at the age of 93 years. Maurice served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Maurice was a lifetime member of the Boomtown Volunteers Association, a group of volunteers supporting the Saskatoon Branch of the Western Development Museum. He was also a member of the Nutana Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Saskatoon.

At Maurice's request there will be no funeral service. ^{{dcDec19WD} [ zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Charles William Harris MacLean, CD (Ret’d), peacefully, on 28 December 2016 in Ottawa, ON.

Charles was born in 1924 and entered the Canadian Army with the Royal Canadian Engineers near the end of the Second World War. His postings during his career included a tour in Germany and he traveled the world. He was deployed to Vietnam on the Canadian Peace Keeping Mission in 1973.  After retiring from the Canadian Forces as a Foreman of Works, Charles had a decade-long second career with the Public Service in National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and retired in 1992.

Friends are invited to visit at the Pinecrest Visitation Centre, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Monday, January 2, 2017 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. A private family funeral will be held. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made to the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre Foundation. Online condolences can be made at: www.colefuneralservices.com.  ^{{khDec2016} [zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Raymond Cordell at the age of 96 years on 19 December 2016 in St. Albert, AB. Raymand was a Royal Canadian Air Force Construction Engineer veteran of WW II.

Raymond grew up in the small French farming community of Apremont, north of Halkirk, AB. During World War II he served in No. 4 Construction Maintenance Unit with the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1943 to 1946 where he was responsible for the generation and supply of electrical power to the remote aerodromes and landing strips of the Northwest Staging Route. Stretching between Edmonton AB and Fairbanks Alaska, that remote air corridor preceded the Alaskan Highway a primary method to deliver American war supplies to Russia.

After demobilization Raymond had a rewarding 42-year career working for the same company under different names: Dominion Electric, Northland Utilities, Canadian Utilities, Alberta Power and ATCO Electric. He lived in the communities of Fairview, Athabasca, Peace River, and St. Albert. In retirement, Raymond enjoyed restoring his 1917 Model T Ford and creating numerous working models of farm gasoline tractors and engines. He also enjoyed camping trips across Canada and the U.S. and overseas vacations.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, 6 January 2017, at St. Albert Catholic Parish, 7 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. To send condolences, please visit: www.connelly-mckinley.com. ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Honorary Colonel Jean Trepanier, OMM, CD, (Ret’d) at the Laval University, Enfant-Jésus Hospital in Quebec City, QC on 19 December 2016 at the age of 69.

Jean was born in Quebec City.  Joining the Royal Canadian Engineers at the age of 17, he served a 31-year long career in the Reserves.  Jean started his career as a Sapper with 10^e Escadron du génie de campagne (10^th Field Engineer Squadron) in 1964.  He undertook his training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC; Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Gagetown, NB; CFB Valcartier, QC and CFB Montreal (Farnham Garrison), QC. 

In 1974, Jean was promoted to the rank of Master Warrant Officer and appointed Squadron Sergeant-Major - a post he held for seven years.  He was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1981 to the rank of Captain and appointed Squadron Deputy Commanding Officer.  In 1984 Jean was promoted Major and became the Squadron’s 13^th Commanding Officer and held this position until the summer of 1987.

Upon leaving this command, Jean was appointed Senior Staff Officer Engineers at Headquarters Secteur de l’Est (Reserve Force) in Quebec City and simultaneously held the position of Commanding Officer of the Reserve Force Training Centre for Quebec from 1988 to 1989.  He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in December 1988 after completing the Army Staff Course at the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kinston, ON.  Jean retired from the Canadian Forces in October 1995. In 2008, he was given the honour of being appointed Honorary Colonel of his former unit, now renamed 35^e Régiment du génie de combat (35 CER).

In civilian life, Jean was a licensed Insurance Broker.  From 1977 to 1978 he held the post of Director and Secretary of the Quebec Association of Insurance Brokers.  In 1978 he created his own brokerage firm with an associate.  From 1988 to 1993 he was member of the administrative council for the Louis-Hebert Centre, an organisation that provides motor, hearing, vision and language-impaired persons of all ages with adaptation, rehabilitation and social integration services.  From 1986 to 1987 Jean was President of the Quebec Chapter of the Military Engineers Association of Canada and, from 2005 to 2010 he was vice-president of the Quebec International Military Music Festival.   Jean was a recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 in recognition of his service to his community, as well as being inducted into the Order of Military Merit in 1988.

Visitation will take place at the Lépine Cloutier Funeral Complex, 1500 boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Québec on 23 December at 1 PM followed by the funeral service at 4 PM in the Complex Chapel. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Quebec, 1040 Avenue Belvédère, Quebec City. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. ^{{gdDec2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Peter Vincent “Sully” Sullivan, CD (Ret’d) on 14 December 2016 at the Chilliwack General Hospital in Chilliwack, BC at age 63 years.

Born in Peterborough ON, Sully joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968 and took his basic training at the Canadian Forces Recruit School in Cornwallis, NS. After completing his Basic Field Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC he embarked on a career that included locations like Camp Gagetown NB, Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, a peacekeeping tour in Cyprus, an assignment to Canadian Forces Station Alert NU and back to Chilliwack for his final posting. Qualified as a Heavy Equipment Operator, Sully retired from the military in 1994 and turned his talents to be a Salesman, Bartender, then a Commissionaire for Range Control in the Base Operations Section. He retired in 2000.  He was a member of the Vedder Golden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Vedder Crossing, BC.

Mass will be at St. Mary Catholic Church, 8909 Mary St, Chilliwack, BC on Thursday, 29 December 2016 at 12 noon.. Service at Legion Vedder Golden Branch No. 280, 5661 Vedder Rd, Vedder Crossing at 2:00 PM.  Burial will be at the Military Cemetery, Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers, please choose a charity of your choice. Online Condolences can be sent to: YourLifeMoments.ca.  ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Robert John “Bob” Arnold (Ret’d) of Nipawin, SK on 12 December 2016 at the age of 96 years.

Bob was born in Turtleford, SK and moved to Ridgedale, SK as a small boy with his family.  After completing Grade 12, he worked in the Ridgedale store.  Bob joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and first served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Camp Chilliwack, BC.  Bob transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 and went overseas where he flew with No. 6 Bomber Group in 420 (Snowy Owl) Squadron and 424 (Tiger) Squadron.  During his time in action, Bob once had to bail out of an aircraft and as a result, became a member of the Caterpillar Club made up of members who survived a parachute escape from an aircraft - their motto, "Life depends on a silken thread"

On returning from the war, Bob married and took a job travelling across Canada selling magazines.  After a winter in Flin Flon, MB working in the mines, the family moved to Nipawin, SK in 1948 where Bob began working in the electrical trade and bought some land to begin farming.  With a partner, he founded Ace Electric in 1952 in Nipawin that he ran until his retirement. Bob continued to farm with his son for many years.  Bob was active in his community. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #120, the United Church, the Masonic Lodge #183 and the Seniors Club, all in Nipawin.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to the Nipawin United Church or the Salvation Army.   ^{[dcSep19gd} [zbd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Murray Alvin William Howarth (Ret’d) suddenly at his residence on Monday, 12 December 2016 at age 54.  Murray served in the Canadian Military Engineers family both in the Air Reserve and as a civilian employee in the Wing Construction Engineer Unit at 4 Wing Cold Lake, AB

Murray was born in Cumberland, BC and enrolled in the 4 Wing Air Reserve Flight at Cold Lake as a Construction Technician in 1993.  He was promoted to Corporal in 1995 and transferred to the Supplementary Reserve in 2001.  During his service he participated in Exercise READINESS CHALLENGE in 1995 at Tyndal Air Force Base in Florida, USA and Operation ASSIST ( the Winnipeg floods) in 1997.  Murray also served for 21 years in the Public Service as a certified Mason and performed his military duties concurrently with this civilian service.  Murray's legacy lives on in the numerous monuments he designed and constructed at 4 Wing Cold Lake and in the Cold Lake area.

Resting at Dingwell Funeral Home, 8 Church Avenue in Souris, PE for visiting hours on Monday, 19 December 2016 from 7 - 9 pm.  Funeral to be held at Dingwell Funeral Home on Tuesday, 20 December for funeral service at 2:00 pm.  Interment at a later date.  Online Condolences can be sent to the Dingwell Funeral Home. Memorials to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Prince Edward Island would be appreciated.   ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of William Harold Moore, CD, peacefully, in Ottawa ON at the Embassy West Hospice on 11 December 2016 in his 85^th year.

Born in a Port Elmsley, ON farmhouse, he grew up there before moving to nearby Richmond. Bill served with the Royal Canadian Engineers (1954-1967) in Chilliwack, BC and, Werl, Germany.  

After his release from the Canadian Army Harold worked as a property manager for Effort Trust, a company out of Hamilton.  Bill is best known for his volunteer work in Ottawa as a champion for the cause of cystic fibrosis.  He got involved with the 65 Roses Sports Club in 1985 and became 65 Roses president in 1992. He served in that capacity until recent years and was often introduced as “President for Life.”

Among his other community charities Harold worked with the Ottawa Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs, holding monthly luncheons for mentally challenged individuals. He also worked with the Kingston, ON and Ottawa branches of the United Nations Association in Canada.

A Celebration of Harold's life and shared memories will be held Saturday 17 December 2016 from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm with eulogies at 7:30 pm, at The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 638, 70 Hines Rd. Kanata, ON. As expressions of sympathy, donations to 65 Roses Sports Club/Cystic Fibrosis or a charity close to your heart would be appreciated. On-line Condolences may be sent to the Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Funeral Home.  ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer William Norman, CD (Ret'd) of Old Shop, NL (formerly of Red Island), peacefully, at the Placentia Health Care Centre in St Johns, NF on Saturday, 10 December 2016 at age 66 years.

Bill was a Construction Engineer in the Canadian Military Engineers. His entry trade was Plumber/Gasfitter and he advanced to the Construction Engineer Superintendent occupation upon promotion to Warrant Officer. During his career Bill served in 1 Construction Engineering Unit, Canadian Forces Station Alert NU, Canadian Forces Station Goose Bay NL, and Canadian Forces Station St John NL

At Bill's request cremation has taken place. Visitation will be at Maher's Funeral Home, Placentia on Monday, 12 December from 2:00-9:00 pm. Inurnment at a later date.  ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Donald Calvin Duplisea, OMM, MB, CD (Ret’d) in Fredericton, NB on 9 December 2016 at age 68.  Born in St. Stephen NB, Don joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1964 under the Soldier Apprentice Training Program in the 13^th Intake and served a full and varied 44-year Military Engineering career.

Following his two years of Sapper Apprentice training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Don was posted to 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown NB. He was subsequently posted to 5ieme Escadron de Genie du Canada in Valcartier, QC where he worked as a field section member and later as a heavy equipment operator. He was then posted to 4 Field Squadron in Lahr Germany as a Master Corporal where he was in charge of the Heavy Equipment Section, Field Section Commander, Brigade Training Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and, finally, as a Reconnaissance Sergeant in 4 Combat Engineer Regiment.

Don had specialties both as a Heavy Equipment Operator and a Combat Diver. As a combat diver he completed the Basic Course in 1971 and the Supervisor Course in 1975. Upon commissioning he became a Combat Diving Officer. Don was always a leader in diving while in the field units. He attended Exercise Roguish Buoy from the beginning and remained active with combat diving through to his retirement. He recently made significant contributions to the 50 Years Anniversary Celebrations in Gagetown and the diver history publication. During his tour in Germany, Master Corporal Duplisea was awarded the Medal of Bravery for his efforts in saving the lives of two service members who had become trapped in an Armoured Personnel Carrier when it sank during Amphibious Training in Lahr.

Upon his return to Canada in July of 1978, he attended his Senior Leaders Course and Field Engineer 6B course and was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer. During his second tour at 5 Regiment de Genie du Combat Don was employed as Troop Recce Warrant Officer, Troop Warrant Officer, Regimental Training NCO and Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) of 51 Escadron de Campagne. In 1982 he was posted to National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa to work on the Occupational Analysis of the Field Engineer Trade. In 1984 he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) in Petawawa, ON where he was employed as Regimental Training NCO and SSM 25 Support and Para Squadron. In 1985 he was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 CER.

Don was Commissioned from the Ranks as a Captain in 1986 and was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack where he completed his classification training as a Military Engineer Officer. Following his classification training he remained at CFSME as the General Military Training Troop Commander, Field Engineer Standards Officer and the School Adjutant. In 1990 he attended a year-long German Language course and was subsequently posted to the German Army Engineer School in Munich Germany as the Canadian Liaison Officer and Instructor at the Euro-NATO Training Engineer Center.

Upon his return to Canada in 1994, Don was posted to the Construction Engineer Section at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, NB and was employed as Project Officer, Planning Officer, Quartering Officer and Requirements Officer. During this time he attended the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff Collage in Kingston Ontario and was promoted to Major. In July 1998 he was posted to the Combat Training Center Headquarters as the G1 Personnel, a position he filled until his transferred from the Regular Force to the Reserve Force in 2000. After transfer to the Reserve Force, Don was employed at CFSME as Officer Commanding Reserve Engineer Training Squadron. In 2006 Major Duplisea was inducted into the Order of Military Merit as an Officer for his outstanding and dedicated service to the Canadian Military Engineers and the Canadian Forces.

Don retired on his birthday in 2008 and became very active in the community. He was a member of Sunbury Lodge #42 Free & Accepted Masons of New Brunswick, Chief of the Fredericton Junction  Volunteer Fire Department, Sunbury West Historical Society, Church Choir and Atlantic Retired  Sappers Association.

Visitation will be held at Sunbury Funeral Home, Central Blissville, on Sunday, 11 December 2016 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral Service will be at Tracy United Baptist Church on Monday,12 December at 2pm. Interment will be at a later date in the Tracy United Baptist Cemetery. Donations may be made in Don’s memory to Fredericton Junction Fire Dept., Tracy United Baptist Church or a charity of Donor’s choice. Condolences can be sent to Sunbury Funeral Home, Blissville, NB. ^{khDec2016}                                                                      

We  regret to advise of the death of Robert Donald Christie, unexpectedly but peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Friday, 9 December in his 80th year. Bob was a long-time civilian member of Mapping and Charting Establishment and the Union of National Defence Employees representative for many years.  He was a strong supporter of the unit throughout his life. 

Bob was a photogrammetrist trained on most such equipment at Mapping and Charting Establishment and specializing in the Wild OR-1 Orthophoto Mapping system.  In 1965 he received a Departmental Suggestion Award for the simultaneous plotting of a full manuscript and colour separated scribe sheets on the Wild B-8 plotter. He was a longtime photographer and member of the Mappers Club.

Friends may pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, Barrhaven Chapel (3000 Woodroffe Avenue, Nepean, ON) on Tuesday, 13 December 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will take place Wednesday, 14 December at the Knox United Church (25 Gibbard Avenue, Nepean) at 1:00 p.m. In Memoriam donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. Condolences and Sharing Memories available at  the Kelly Funeral Home. ^{khDec2016}                                                                      

We  regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Anthony “Tony” Green, CD, PhD (Ret’d), peacefully, on 30 November 2016 at the age of 70, in Toronto, ON.

Tony was a former member of 32 Combat Engineer Regiment (CER) in Toronto. He had a varied career with the Reserve Force having served with 32 Combat Engineer Regiment (CER), the Queen’s York Rangers, and the Governor General's Horseguards. In his civilian life, Tony had achieved his Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering and worked as a special analyst with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Tony joined 32 CER in 1984 and stayed with the Regiment until reaching Compulsory Retirement age in the late 1990s. He was very much involved with the unit and held positions that included Troop Commander, Course Officer and Transport Officer. He was a 7 Dan Black Belt and spearheaded the unarmed combat training for members of 32 CER.

Visitation will be at Turner and Porter Funeral Home (4933 Dundas St West, Toronto) 1900 to 2100 on Monday. 12 December 2016. Requiem Mass at  St Gregory's Church (122 Rathburn Rd) on Tuesday, 13 December at 1300 hrs. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery (7300 Highway #27, Woodbridge, ON). 

Online Condolences can be sent to the Turner & Porter Funeral Directors - Butler Chapel. Donations may be made to Princess Margaret's Cancer Hospital in the name of Dr Anthony Green. ^{khDec2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Harold Russell Blackmon, (Ret’d) of Merritt, BC on 30 November 2016 at the age of 87 years.

Russell served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a Life Member of the Merritt Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A funeral was held at the Merritt Funeral Chapel on 5 December 2016.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Erik Bronson Bernard as the result of a motor vehicle accident  in Lincoln, NB on 27 November 2016 at the age of 23. Sapper Bernard was member of 4 Engineer Support Regiment.

Sapper Bernard was born in 1993 in Charlottetown, PE and enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces in Charlottetown in 2013. He completed his Basic Military Qualification at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruitment School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC  in May 2013 and subsequently completed his Basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, NB. Completing this course in December 2013, Erik spent the rest of his career with 4 Engineer Support Regiment (4 ESR) in Gagetown, NB.  Initially joining 42 Horizontal Construction Squadron as a section member, Erik spent most of his time at 4 ESR in 21 Field Troop as a section member and LAV III driver. He was heavily involved in Regimental activities. *

Resting at the Abeqweit First Nation Chapel, Scotchfort, PE, for visitation on Sunday, 4 December from 2:00 p.m. until Monday, 5 December at 10:30 a.m. The funeral will be held on Monday, 5 December with funeral at 11:00 a.m. held in St. Bonaventure’s Roman Catholic Church, 1289 Donaldston Road, Tracadie Cross PE. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. The family asks that donations be made to the Aboriginal Youth Environmental Services in lieu of sending flowers.  Condolences can be sent through the funeral home.  ^{khDec2016}

* In 2018 4 Engineer Support Regiment honoured the memory of Sapper Erik Bernard by naming their Main Operating Base for Exercise NIHILOSAPPER18 and the refurbished Abegweit Mikmaw trail system for him.