CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Donald Stanley Cummer at The Brant Centre, Burlington, ON on Sunday 29 July 2012 at the age of 90 years.

John lived most of his life in the Hamilton and Burlington areas.  He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. After the war, he worked in the steel industry as a purchaser for many years.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be at Smith's Funeral Home in Burlington on Saturday 4 August from 9:30 AM until the time of the Service of Remembrance at 10:30 AM.  A reception will follow at the funeral home. In lieu of flower, donations to The Carpenter Hospice in Burlington or a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated. ^{{dcDec19WD} {zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Joseph Robert Brousseau, CD on 26 July 2012 at the age of 60.

Bob served 22 years with the Canadian Military as an Artilleryman and Firefighter.

Friends may pay their respects at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, BARRHAVEN CHAPEL on Wednesday, 1 August  2012 from 2-4:00 and 7-9:00 p.m. A Military service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on Friday, 3 August 2012 at 12:15 p.m. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made in Bob's memory to Kingston General Hospital - KIDD2 ICU.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal John "Blackie" Alexson on 26 July 2012 at Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon SK at the age of 91 years.

John was born in Hazel Dell SK and was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1941 and served in Italy and Northwest Europe. He was discharged in 1946. After returning to Canada, John farmed at Quill Lake and later with Canada Post and BC Packers until his retirement in 1980. He was active in sports and the Quill Lake Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion where he was first vice-president for four years and Sergeant-at-Arms for ten years. 

A Funeral Service will be held on 2 August 2012 at Hillcrest Funeral Home with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon. Condolences may be sent to the website www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. {khmay15dc}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert Bryce Lockhart at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre on 23 July 2012 at the age of 72 years.

Born in Ivanhoe Ontario, in 1956 at the age of 16 years he joined the 5^th Intake of the Apprentice Training Program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering. After completion of this training, he remained in the Army for his five-year engagement and then took his release to settle in Peterborough Ontario. Bob spent his working career at the General Motors plant in Oshawa and remained in Peterborough after his retirement.

A Celebration of Bryce's Life will be held on Friday, 27 July 2012 at the Highland Park Funeral Centre (251 Bensfort Rd., Peterborough) from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Highland Park Cemetery. In memory of Bryce, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Sergeant Roméo St-Arnaud (Ret'd) on 23 July 2012 at the age of 89 years. Roméo was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

There will be no visitation. A religious service, in the presence of ashes, will take place on 27 July 27 at 2:00 PM in Notre-Dame-de-L’Ile parish, 115 Sacred Heart Blvd in Gatineau (Hull sector), QC. The family will receive condolences at the church at 1:30 PM. A donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec would be appreciated. ^{{gdMay2019dc} [zsd, scc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant William G. “Bill” Costoff (Ret’d) on 21 July 2012 at his home in Midland, ON in his 88^th year.

Bill served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War.  He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #80 in Midland.

Visitation will be held at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home on 30 July from 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:30-9:00 PM. There will be a service in the Chapel on 31 July at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.  ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Raymond Louis Joseph “Ray” Fournier, CD (Ret’d) of Qualicum Beach, BC on 19 July 2012 at the age of 74 years.

Ray was born in Manichean, ON and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers for 27 years.  After he retired, he became a cabinet maker.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #76 in Qualicum Beach.

There will be a celebration of life for Ray on 23 September between 1:00 and 3:00 PM at the Parksville Legion. ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Train Gray, DSO, CD (Ret'd) at home in Calgary on 18 July 2012 at the age of 93 years after a short illness.

Charlie enrolled in the Royal Military College in 1937 and graduated in 1939.  Immediately following graduation, Lt Gray relocated to Calgary and joined 13^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers. Shortly thereafter he was transferred to Montreal to join 4^th Field Company which was being mobilized for overseas service with 1^st Canadian Infantry Division. Lt Gray arrived in England in late December 1939 and spent the next three and a half years in the British Isles. In June 1943 he took part in the Sicily Landings.  Over the next year and a half, Captain (and later Major) Gray commanded both 4^th Field Company and 3^rd Field Company. He took part in the Battles of the Moro River, Ortona, the Liri Valley, the Hitler Line, the Gothic Line and the Rivers of Savio, Lamone and Senio. 

The Italian Campaign was complete by early 1945 and 1^st Canadian Infantry Division reunited with the remainder of the First Canadian Army in the Netherlands for the final phase of the North-West Europe Campaign. Major Gray was awarded the DSO for his action on 11 April 1945 when 4^th Canadian Field Company constructed a 360-foot floating Bailey Bridge across the Ijssel River under enemy artillery fire. His personal courage and steady direction inspired his men to their maximum effort and, as a result of his outstanding leadership, the bridge across the Ijssel River was established in record time.  This, in turn, made it possible for the rapid advance of the 1^st Canadian Infantry Division on Apeldoorn.

As one of the 'originals' having served overseas since 1939, Maj Gray was one of the first Canadians to redeploy back to Canada for demobilization. Following the war he returned to Kingston and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mining Engineering from Queen’s university in 1948. Eventually his civilian career took him back to Alberta and, in 1955, Major Gray rejoined the Canadian Army with the Militia in 8^th Field Engineer Regiment where he commanded Edmonton’s 25^th Field Squadron until 1957, served as the Regiment's Deputy Commanding Officer from 1958 to 1961 and commanded the Regiment from 1962 to 1966 upon his promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel. LCol Gray later returned to service with in 1991 when he was appointed as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of Calgary’s 33^rd Field Engineer Squadron -  an appointment he held until 1995.

Charlie was active within the Military Engineer community right up to the last few years of his life. He was a proud member of the Sapper's Club and Veterans in Calgary and Edmonton, regularly attended military functions in both cities, was a member of the Military Engineers Association of Canada ,and he was in regular contact with both serving and retired sappers in Alberta.

A Funeral Service for LCol Gray will be held at Christ Church (3608 – 8 Street SW, Calgary) at 1400 hrs on Monday, 30 Jul 12.  Reception to follow.

We are pleased to be able to re-print the eulogy read by LCol Eppo van Weelderen at his funeral on July 30, 2012. Please click here.

We regret to advise of the death of Gerald Stephen Bobbitt on 17 July 2012 at the age of 70 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB.

Born in North Sydney, NS, Gerry served a full 31-year career as a Canadian Military Engineer and 11 years working for the City of Fredericton. In his retirement, members of the Retired Sappers Association were his second family and he was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 4.

A memorial service and reception will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home, 108 Winnebago St., at 11:00 am on 20 July. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 4 will hold a tribute service at 11:00 am. The final resting place will be Oromocto Pioneer Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Fund) or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

We regret to advise that Sergeant Michael Alexander Olgerd Brodsky MM, CD (Ret'd) died peacefully on 14 July 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in the Borough of Fulham in London, England in September 1919, he came to Canada with his parents and his infant sister. An second sister and brother were born in Canada. Following a brief sojourn in Lunenburg and Pictou, NS, he grew up in Brantford, ON.  After attending Brantford Collegiate Institute where he excelled in gymnastics and was Captain of Cadets, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1939.

Within six months Michael embarked for England and completed his sapper training. He served in England as a topographer and in 1940 his unit was sent to France to stop the German invasion. Once Paris fell, however, they were forced to evacuate back to England. On D-Day, as a Reconnaissance Sergeant in the 16^th Field Company, he landed in Normandy and fought its way through to Germany. A shrapnel wound in the leg did not slow him down and he received the Military Medal from King George VI in Buckingham Palace for his "coolness, leadership and skill under fire", and as a "source of inspiration to all ranks".

With the end of the war in Europe, Michael volunteered to serve in the Pacific Theatre. He returned to Canada and was to train in the southern USA but, while on leave in Canada, the war ended. Michael was discharged as a Sergeant and worked for the Federal Government for two years before re-enlisting in the Army in 1947. For the next 22 years he worked as a Topographer in the Army Survey Establishment until 1968, After his retirement in 1969, he worked at various jobs in London, ON, until his move to Victoria in 1971. He has been fully retired since 1984.

In 1973 Michael suffered a sudden catastrophic loss of sight. Undaunted, he rallied with extraordinary bravery and determination. Over the following three decades he achieved an outstanding record of dedicated community volunteer service, ranging from CNIB Advisory Board membership to assisting Vietnamese refugee immigrants, mentoring for literacy with the READ Society, serving as the Victoria Toastmasters' Club's grammarian, and volunteering as a Crisis Line counselor. In 2004 he was a recipient of the prestigious Valued Elder Recognition Award, presented by the University of Victoria Centre on Aging for his exceptional and selfless volunteer contributions to the well-being of others.

No memorial service by request. Donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Victoria, BC. ^{dcJul14kh}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Allan William Moir (Ret'd) at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital on 8 July 2012 at the age of 89 years.

Allan was born in Bethune, SK and was raised in Porcupine Plain, SK.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 13^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in Canada, England, Italy and Northwest Europe.  Allan was a carpenter and, after demobilisation, he returned to his trade and worked in Thunder Bay, ON and Marathon, ON for 25 years before moving to Ladysmith, BC in 1969.  In 2008, Allan moved to the Legion Manor in Saanichton, BC. ^{{gdMar17dc}[zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant William “Bill” Lawrence Roberts (Ret’d) on 7 July 2012 at the Cascade Hospice in Chilliwack BC.

Bill was born in Balgonie SK in 1921.  He joined the Canadian Army and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Korean War Veteran retiring from the Army in 1966.  Following his retirement, he undertook a career in Real Estate and owned and operated Bill’s Sharp Shop.  After his final retirement, Bill travelled extensively through Canada, Mexico and the Cooke Islands.  Bill was a member of the Chilliwack Kiwanis and served as President of Kiwanis Golden K.

There will be no service but private remembrance celebration will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cascade Hospice, Chilliwack. ^{{gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Kevin A.J.F. Fleming, CD (Retd) of Halifax, NS on 30 June 2012, suddenly at home.

Born in Windsor, ON, Kevin had a 25-year Canadian Forces career as a military firefighter and military photographer before he retired in 1995.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation or SPCA.

We regret to advise of the death of Superintendent Gordon Anderson MacLean, (Ret'd) in Edmonton, AB on 29 June 2012 at the age of 73.

Gordon was born and raised in Lethbridge, AB and at the age of 12 moved to Meeting Creek, AB where he lived on the family farm.  On his 16^th birthday, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in the soldier apprentice program with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After 10 years with the Engineers, he retired from the Army and, on his 26^th birthday, joined the City of Edmonton Police Department.  Following a 27-year police career, Gordon retired on his 53^rd birthday having achieved the rank of Superintendent.  Gordon was extremely proud of his military and police service.

A Memorial Service will be held on 5 July at 2:00 p.m. at Howard & McBride Westlawn Chapel, 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton.  Donations may be made to the Jasper Place Branch of the Edmonton Public Library.  ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Peter Kisil (Ret’d) at the Polson Extended Care Centre in Vernon, BC on 26 June 2012 at the age of 85.

Peter was born in Lachine QC. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers in World War II but did not deploy to Europe.  He spent a 30-plus year career with Walter Kidde Fire Suppression Systems in Montreal and Toronto, retiring in Vernon in 2001.  

A private memorial will be held at a later date in Montreal.  Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia and Yukon, 1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V2. ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Arthur Casebourne Wade, CD (Retd) on 23 June 2012 at the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre.

Born in Medicine Hat, AB in 1932, Art enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserve and commenced training under the University Navy Training Division at Royal Road Military College, Victoria in 1952. The next year he transferred to the Canadian Army (Regular) with the Royal Canadian Engineers and continued university training under the Regular Officer Training Plan at the Royal Military College, Kingston. He completed his academic training at the University of Toronto - obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1957.

Art’s first posting was to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering, Chilliwack, as a troop commander in Recruit Squadron but later that year he joined 1 Airborne Troop, RCE, in Calgary as a Troop Officer. The next year he was posted back to RCSME as Assistant Adjutant. 1959 saw Art Wade posted to 4 Field Squadron, Werl, Germany, as Troop Commander and, later as Battle Adjutant. Following his 4 Field Squadron tour, in 1962 Art became a student at Camberley Staff College in England. Upon completion of this training, he returned to Canada to Headquarters, Eastern Ontario Area, Kingston, as General Staff Officer, Operations and Training. He followed this assignment with an overseas duty as Engineer Training Adviser with the Canadian Armed Forces Advisory and Training Team in Tanzania.

In 1966 Art returned to 4 Field Squadron, Werl, Germany, for a two-year appointment as Commanding Officer. Completion of this tour saw him transferred to HQ, 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, Soest, Germany, as Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General and as Senior Staff Officer, Operations and Administration. In 1969 Art returned to Canada to the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College, Kingston, as a member of the Directing Staff. After this tour he was appointed Commandant, Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 1972. Subsequently, he returned, again, to Germany with HQ, Central Army Group, Seckenheim, Germany, as Chief Plans and Operating Branch. Returning to Canada in 1976, Art became the Director Continental Plans Coordination with the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff Branch in NDHQ. The next year he was a student at the National Defence College, Kingston.  Art then returned to NDHQ as Director Construction Engineering Control with Chief Construction and Properties. 

Art retired from the Canadian Forces in the early 1980s and then started a new career with his Management Consulting Certification. He worked first with Public Works Canada, followed by seven years as a consultant to the Government of Bermuda and a fundraising position back at RMC in Kingston. Art returned to Ottawa in 1999 where he continued to fundraise for RMC. He was also the proud Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 3 Field Squadron in Ottawa.

In the early 2000s Art was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) and continued his long courageous journey with this debilitating neurological disease. Art called the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre home for the past three years.

Donations can be made in Art’s memory to the Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre or the Ottawa Hospital Foundation Parkinson Research Consortium. A memorial service will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa at 11 a.m. Thursday, 28 June 2012, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m. There will also be a visitation on Wednesday, 27 June from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Beechwood.

We regret to advise of the death of Roderick P. “Roddie” Schaller at the An Cala unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on 22 June 2012 at the age of 72 years.

Roddie joined the Canadian Army at the age of 17 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers for three years. After leaving the army he returned to Sydney and worked for several years before moving to work in Halifax.  In 1974, Roddie returned to the Sydney area to do drywall installing and finishing and he took great pride in doing this work for more than 30 years.  Roddie was active in community activities serving as a Beaver and Cub leader and was Commodore and property chairman of the Mira Boat Club for a number of years.

A celebration of Roddie’s life will be held on 26 June at 10:00 AM at the S.W. Chant and Son Funeral Home in Sydney with a reception to follow.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to Palliative Care at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the Cape Breton Cancer Center, or a to charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Donald “Don” Lachlan McCann (Ret’d) peacefully in Saskatoon, SK on 12 June 2012 at the age of 94.

Don was born in Ottawa, ON and raised in Capreol, ON.  He attended Queen's University in Kingston, ON and graduated in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining and Metallurgy Engineering. He also attended King's College in Halifax, NS where he began his military service in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve as an Engineer Officer (1941-1945), achieving the rank of Lieutenant by the end of the war.  After demobilisation, Don followed a mining career throughout his entire working life, working in Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.  From 1955-1965, he served in the Militia with 15^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in Thetford Mines, QC.  During that time he was also a Civil Defence Officer.  After his retirement from the Potash Company of America in 1980, Don attended the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Archaeology and was published in 1997 at the age of 80 years old.  Don was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #362 in Saskatoon.

A celebration of life will be held on 21 July at 1:00 PM at the Saskatoon Funeral Home.  Interment and reception to follow.  Donations may be made to the St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon Renal Dialysis Unit or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #362. ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zpi, zsp]}

We regret to announce the death of Sapper Douglas Burpee “Doug” Rogers on 5 June 2012 in the Veterans’ wing of High-Crest Nursing Home in Springhill NS at 89 years of age. 
Doug was born in Great Village NS and grew up in a family of two sisters and five brothers. He went to school in Great Village, Bass River, and then Springville when his father’s sawmill business moved to Pictou County. 

On 9 September 1939, the day before Canada officially declared war, Doug and two brothers, Emerson and Sheldon boarded a train for Halifax to join the army.  All three were assigned to the 1^st Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and started their training at Wellington Barracks in Halifax.  They all ended up in the unit’s transport section assigned to the Headquarters Section as motorcyclists.

Shortly after Doug’s 19^th birthday, on 27 January 1940, the company embarked and sailed from Pier 21 in Halifax with a strength of over 270 officers and men for the United Kingdom.  They spent the first years of the war training in England.  With his brother Sheldon, Doug took part in the Allied attempt to establish a second British Expeditionary Force in France, landing in Brest in June 1940.  When Paris fell, the company withdrew from Brest and, within a week of landing in France, were back in England.   

On 10 July 1943, three years and with more training and hard work under their belts, the 1^st Field Company landed in Sicily as part of Operation HUSKY. Doug fought with the company through Italy until February 1945 when they were transferred to Holland, fighting to the very end. Doug was wounded during a bridging operation but recovered and remained in Germany with the Canadian Army Occupation Force. He returned home in February 1946. Shortly after arriving home, he was joined by his “War Bride” wife who he had married the previous November. They settled in Oxford, NS and Doug rejoined his father’s sawmill business. He later went on to work at the Folly Lake gravel quarry for 33 years.

Doug was a 65-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a past president of the Oxford branch. After retirement, he enjoyed growing his vegetable gardens, walking his Bouvier, Duke, and cutting and splitting his firewood until 2010. 

A service celebrating Doug’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 9, in MacDiarmid’s Funeral Home, 5075 Main Street, Oxford (447-2930) with Rev. Bill Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Private condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mmcfunerals.com. 

We regret to advise of the death of Francis "Frank" Edward Carragher of Kelly's Cross, PEI, at age 86 years. Frank was a veteran of the RCAF Fire Service, retiring in the mid 1970s. Visitation will be on Friday, 8 June at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. And 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Dawson Funeral Home, Crapaud, PEI, with funeral service from St. Joseph's Church, Kelly's Cross, on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Interment in St. Joseph's Cemetery. If so desired, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph's Cemetery or charity of choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Harry Campbell peacefully in hospital on 4 June 2012 in his 92nd year. Harry served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during WW II.

Visitation at Kelly Funeral Home, 1255 Walkley Road Ottawa on 5 June with funeral service to follow. In memoriam, donations to the Heart Institute or the Canadian Diabetes association would be appreciated.

We regret to advise the death of Corporal George Alexander Swift (Ret’d) at St Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, BC on 3 June 2012.

George was born in 1921 and grew up in Stonewall, MB. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in WW II and served in England and Continental Europe. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to Stonewall to take up farming. However, after six years he left farming and moved to British Columbia, settling in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island.

George became very successful in the heavy construction sector. In 1958 he was the General Foreman for Marwell Construction-- at the time a major construction company in British Columbia--building the Upper Levels Highway (Trans Canada Highway #1) out of Horseshoe Bay. His career took him throughout BC building roads and other large scale projects.

A memorial service will be held on 22 June at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 17, 367 Cliffe Avenue, Courtney, BC. ^{{gdJan2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Donald Evans Goddard (Ret’d) of Berwick NB at the Sussex Health Center on 3 June 2012 at the age of 88 years.

Don was born in and raised Berwick. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War who served from April 1942 until May 1947 in England, France and the Low Countries. 

Don was a retired foreman for Maritime Gardeners.  In retirement, he enjoyed making and refinishing furniture. He was quite involved in community activities, was an elder of the Wesley United Church, a member of Branch #76 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Norton NB and was a member of the Berwick Seniors.

Visitation will be at the Wallace Funeral Home in Sussex on Tuesday 5 June from 2 – 4:00 PM and from 7- 9:00 PM. The Royal Canadian Legion Norton Branch #76 will hold a tribute on Tuesday evening at 6:45 PM. A Celebration of Don's life will be held at Wesley United Church on Wednesday, 6 June at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial Donations to the Wesley United Church, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one's choice would be appreciated by the family. 

We regret to advise of the death of William Roy “Bill” Brydges of Rothesay NB at Bobby’s Hospice on 28 May 2012 at the age of 85 years after a period of declining health.

Bill was born in Saint John and graduated from Saint John High School. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers until 1946. After the war, he attended George Williams University in Montreal QC and received a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He worked as Product Sales Manager for Stelco Inc. in Montreal and Ottawa from 1948 until 1974 and as Atlantic District Sales Manager in Saint John from 1974 until 1986. After retiring from Stelco, Bill joined York Structural Steel Co. in Fredericton NB and a subsidiary, York Tek, in Saint John as General Manager of Administration. 

Bill’s leadership qualities were appreciated by many, both professionally and by the many service clubs with which he was associated.He was active in his community, including Probus and Rotary Club. He served as President in his Rotary Club 1976-1977 and was honoured with two Paul Harris awards for his outstanding level of service to Rotary.

A Memorial Service was held at the funeral home chapel on Saturday 2 June 2012. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to Bobby’s Hospice or to the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue. ^{{dcDec19wd} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Ellard Davies Allen on 23 May 2012 after a lengthy illness.

Ellard joined the Army Survey Estblishment in 1954. A leader of many production teams, he was one of the several civilian technicians that built the great reputation of the Army Survey Establishment and Mapping and Charting Establishment in leading Canada in the field of air photo mapping. In the writing of the history of the Army Survey Establishment and Mapping and Charting Establishment Ellard provided much essential detail in telling the story.

Visitation at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry McLeod St Ottawa. A Memorial Service to celebrate Ellard's life will be held on 29 May 2012 at the Glebe-St. James United Church 650 Lyon St. at First Ave, Ottawa. Memorial donations to the Hospice at May Court or Carefor would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise the death of Paul Gilbert Cardinal on 14 May 2012 in Ottawa, ON.

Paul worked most of his career in hydrography with the Maritime Section of the Directorate of Cartography. After various National Defence Headquarters re-structures, this Hydrography Unit was transferred to the Mapping and Charting Establishment where Paul worked in the Geospatial Information and Services Squadron.

He retired in 2002. In accordance with Paul’s wishes he will be cremated with internment at a later date. ^{{gdSep2015kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of  Sapper Howard John Glenn (Ret’d) of Maslasgash NS in High Crest Nursing Home in Springhill NS on Tuesday 15 May 2012 at the age of 91 years. Howard was a veteran of the Second World War.

Howard was born and grew up in Minudie NS . He worked at the Joggins coalmine during the first years of the Second World War before he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers. During the war he served in Nova Scotia. After the war, Howard worked for the Department of National Defense in the Halifax Shipyards for 37 years as a diesel engineer, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the Malagash Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Visitation will be on Thursday, 17 May from 2- 4:00 PM and from 7 -9:00 PM in Coulter’s Funeral Home in Tatamagouche NS. There will be a veteran’s tribute service at 6:45 PM.  Howard’s funeral will be at 10:00 AM on Friday in the Sunrise Baptist Church with interment in Brookside Cemetery, Bedford NS at 3:00 PM. Donations in Howard’s memory can be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, the Sunrise Baptist Church or the Colchester SPCA. ^{{dcAug2020kh} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Richard William Weed, peacefully, at the North Okanagan Hospice House in Vernon, BC on 11 May 2012 at the age of 89.

Richard was a WW II veteran who joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1942 and was employed as a dispatch rider.  He saw action in France, Belgium, and the liberation of Holland before coming home in 1946.  During the war years, Richard, being an amateur boxer, helped entertain the troops with his pugilist skills.  In the fifties, Richard moved from Regina to the Vancouver area and worked in construction doing stucco and plaster work.  In 1969 he moved to Vernon and started his own stucco business. For a time he lived in Armstrong on a hobby farm before returning to Vernon in 1975.

There will be no service by his wishes.  Donations may be made to the North Okanagan Hospice Society.  ^{{gdDec2016kh} [ xsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Charles Michael Thomas “Charley” King at the Monfort Hospital in Ottawa ON on 6 May 2012 at the age of 74.

Charley was born in Ottawa.  He served with the Mapping and Charting Establishment for 16 years as a civilian draftsman.  He was also a Quartermaster Sergeant reservist with the Armoured Corps.  After leaving MCE he held a variety of jobs; as a proof-reader with the Ottawa Journal; with Canada Post; and with the Department of Agriculture.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #372 in Russell ON.

Visitation will be at the Kelly Funeral Home, 1255 Walkley Road, Ottawa on 10 May from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. with a Legion service in the evening.   A memorial service will be held on 11 May in the Chapel at 1 p.m. ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Gilles Daoust (Ret’d), resident of Cap-Rouge QC, at the Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Quebec City, QC on 4 May 2012 at the age of 68.

Gilles joined the Canadian Army and attended the Collège Militaire Royal de St. Jean in 1961, followed by the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON where he graduated in 1966. Gilles was one of the original officers assigned to 5^eme Escadron du Génie du Canada when that French Language Unit was formed in 1968. After leaving the Forces, Gilles went to work for the Quebec Government.

Visitation will take place on 13 and 14 May at the Complexe de la Cité Services Commémoratifs, 1600 Le Gendre avenue, Quebec QC. Funeral services will follow in St-Félix de Cap-Rouge church, 1460 Provencher Street on 14 May. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1040 Belvédère Avenue, Quebec City. Messages of condolence may be addressed to the Complexe de la Cité Services Commémoratifs at info@complexedelacite.com ^{{gdJan2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer David Thomas Wooley, CD, (Ret'd) on 30 April 2012 in the Chilliwack General Hospital.

Born and raised in Edmonton, David joined the CF in 1969 as an Electrical Generating Systems Technician. He served in a number of postings including: CFS Penhold (70-71), CFS Dana (71-74), CFS Alsask (75-78), CFB Chatham (78-79), CFS St Margarets (79-81), CFB Baden-Soellingen (81-85), CFB Shearwater (85-88), CFS Sydney (89-90), and CFB Chilliwack (90-92), retiring as a Master Warrant Officer Mechanical Systems Technician in the Utilities Officer position at CFB Chilliwack.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial service is scheduled for 1230 hrs 20 May at Vedder Golden Branch 280, Royal Canadian Legion.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Roger Gagnon (Ret'd) in St. Mary's Hospital on 30 April 2012 in Sechelt BC.

Roger was born in the family home in St. Fabien QC. Roger started working as a logger before he joined the Army and spent a full career 27 years in the Royal Canadian Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers. Roger worked as a building inspector after he retired from the Canadian Forces. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 40 years.

Roger requested that his ashes be spread at Home Island next to Keats Island in Gibsons Harbour. Instead of flowers, please donate to the BC Cancer Association.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Joseph Augustine Benoît “Ben” Brien (Ret’d) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborogh ON on 30 April 2012 in his 97^th year.

Ben was a veteran of the Second World War. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers for five years and served with the 5^th Canadian Armoured Division in Italy and Holland. After the war, Ben studied law at McGill University but chose a career in business. He was recognized with a citizenship award for his ground-breaking work with the federal halfway house in Peterborough. He was instrumental in introducing Scott's Plains Recycling to the city which was one of the first cities in Ontario to use the famous blue box. He taught a number of business courses at Sir Sandford Fleming College until his retirement in 1980.

Ben will be cremated this week. Relatives and friends will gather Saturday 3 - 5 PM at the Women's Institute Hall in Mount Pleasant.

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Corporal Jonathan (John) Allison, 29 years old, of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, Edmonton on 28 April 2012.

John joined the Canadian Forces in 2005 and was posted to his first unit, 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in 2006 after completing his Basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.

A public Memorial Visitation will be held on Sunday, 6 May 2012 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm; with a Funeral Service on Monday, 7 May 2012 at 11:00 am. Visitation and Service will occur at Fellowship Baptist Church (1078 Klondike Rd., Kanata, ON., 613-591-3246). Interment at Auld Kirk Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jonathan's memory to Harvest House Ministries ( www.harvesthouse.org/) or New Tribes Mission of Canada ( canada.ntm.org/give/ ).

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Donald Graham "Dusty" Gull on 15 April 2012 at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto while on Medical Leave.

Age 49, Dusty was a Plumbing and Heating Technician with more than 20 years of service at locations that included North Bay, Halifax and Dundurn.

Friends and family will be received at the J.S. Jones and Son Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road (north of Maple Avenue), Georgetown (905) 877-3631 on Thursday, 19 April 2012 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Friday, 20 April at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Trafalgar Room. Interment Creemore Union Cemetery on Saturday, 21 April at 10:00 a.m. In memory contributions to the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre or Kidney Cancer Canada would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Maj John George Densmore (Ret'd) in Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital on 15 April 2012.

Born in Maitland, NS, in 1921, he graduated with Honours RMC (class of 1942), Kings-Dalhousie University, Harvard University, and M.I.T. A WW II veteran, John served with the Royal Canadian Engineers overseas and retired with rank of Major.

Visitations at The Boyce Funeral Home, 138 Daniel Street N. Arnprior, ON, where family will receive friends on Thursday 2:00- 4:00 p.m. only. A service to celebrate John's life will be held on Friday 20 April at 11:00 a.m. in Emmanuel Anglican Church, 287 Harrington Street, Arnprior. Interment in Nova Scotia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to "Partners in Caring" of Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital, 350 John St. N. Arnprior, Ontario K7S 2P6 would be appreciated by his family.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Brian Gordon Charron, CD (Ret’d) suddenly at home on 14 April 2012.

Brian was born in Ottawa, ON in 1949. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces in September 1969, starting his military career as an Aero Engine Technician but remustering to the Mapping trade in 1973. Brian spent most of his career with the Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa with his last tour being with the NATO Stabilization Force Headquarters in Sarajevo, Former Republic of Yugoslavia. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998 but remained with the Mapping and Charting Establishment with the Public Service as a mapper draftsman.

Funeral Service will be held on 21 April 2012 at Byer's Funeral Home, 2990 Church St., South Mountain, ON. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Ottawa Heart Institute. ^{{gdDec2015kh}}

We regret to advise that Donald Rodney (Rod) Sheets of Logan Lake, B.C. passed away peacefully at Kamloops on 1 April at the age of 73 years.

Rod was born in Cornwall, ON. He joined the Army as a young man with the Sapper Apprentice 4^th Intake in June 1955. He was with the Royal Canadian Engineers for only five years but in that short time completed a 6-month tour with the United Nations Emergency Force in the Middle East as well as deploying to Nevada, USA, and Australia. After retirement in September 1960 he maintained his lifelong Sapper friendships by regularly attending the Retired Sapper Reunions.

After retirement he studied to be a United Church Minister and moved all over the country before settling in Merritt, BC, as a Social Worker. After that career he started working at Highland Valley Copper. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, 10 April 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Logan Lake Christian Fellowship Church.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Francis Thomas Peter “Frank” Cain (Ret’d) of Salmo, BC on 27 March 2012 at the age of 98.

Frank was born in Cobalt, ON.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Britain and Europe.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #217 in Salmo for 31 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Salmo on 31 March at 3:00 PM. ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zcc, zsp}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Arthur “Art” Freer (Ret’d) of Waterloo, ON  in his 90^th year at Grand River Hospital.

Art was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War. He landed in Normandy on D-day and continued serving through Northwest Europe. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #530, Waterloo.  Art was self-employed as an eavestrougher for most of his working life

Art’s family will receive relatives and friends on 27 March from 2:00 until 4:00 and 7:00 until 9:00 PM at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home in Waterloo.  A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held in the funeral home chapel on 28 March 11:00 AM with a reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund.  ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd]}

We regret to advise the death of Lieutenant Edgar Wilfred “Ted” Cheeseman (Ret’d) on 25 March 2012 at the Marianhill Nursing Home in Pembroke ON in his 96^th year.

Ted was born in Port au Bras in Newfoundland and graduated from Nova Scotia Technical College in 1938 with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining. During the Second World War he served in Europe as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He commanded the 2^nd Equipment & Mechanical Platoon, attached to the 8^th Field Park Company as part of II Canadian Corps Engineers.

Ted met his future wife before they were posted overseas and was married in London, England near the war’s end. Lieutenant Jean Cheeseman was a Nursing Sister in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and served in England and Northwest Europe.

After the war, Ted began his professional career in gold mining in the Kirkland Lake area and in 1957 joined Rio Algoma Mines Ltd. mining uranium in Elliot Lake. He worked at Milliken, Nordic and Quirke Mines before moving to the head office in Toronto where he became Vice President, North American Mining Operations. He retired in 1980. Following retirement, Ted and Jean lived in North Bay and Brantford ON.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Deep River ON followed by a celebration of Ted's life. Donations may be made to St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Deep River to the disabled access fund, or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. ^{{dcDec19wd} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Howard William McFarlane (Ret'd) on 23 March 2012 at Thomas Hall in Fredericton at the age of 90 years.

Howard was born in St John, NB and graduated from the University of New Brunswick with the Class of '43. He was a veteran of the Second World War, serving as a lieutenant with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he returned to UNB in 1946 and had a distinguished career teaching civil engineering for the next 35 years. He was also active as a consultant and was a founding member of Associated Designers and Inspectors.

Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York St., on Tuesday, 27 March 2012 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. The funeral service will be at St. Paul’s United Church on 28 March at 2:00 pm. For those who wish, donations can be made to the Professor Howard McFarlane Bursary in Civil Engineering at UNB, the Beaverbrook Scholars Fund or the charity of your choice. ^{{khApr14dc} [zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Kenneth “Ken” Allan (Ret’d) peacefully on 22 March 2012 at his residence in London, ON in his 80^th year.

Ken served with the Construction Engineering Section of Canadian Forces Base London, ON as a civilian employee and served with the Militia in 7^th Field Company, RCE in Wolseley Barracks, London from 1954 to 1965.  He created and was curator of the private Royal Canadian Engineers Museum in Wolseley Barracks for 15 years.  The museum he created is a reflection of the lives and heritage of London's Engineers.

A private memorial service will be held on 28 March at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 150-633 Colborne Street, London ON. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Donat Lamarre (Retd) on 18 March 2012 at the age of 87.

Donat was born in Chicoutimi and joined the Chaudière Regiment in 1945. He soon remustered to the Topographical Surveyor trade with the Royal Canadian Engineers where he served the remainder of his military career.

Donat's career as a Military Engineer Surveyor started in the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa. As a ‘field man’ he worked with Army Survey on mapping projects such as Seven Islands QC, Yorkton SK and Toronto. A highlight of his career was an Exchange Position with 42 Survey Engineer Regiment.in England with the Royal Engineers (1973-1975). He worked as a Photogrammetrist for a few years before being commissioned. After commissioning Donat served as the Administration Officer for Mapping and Charting Establishment before being posted to the Royal Military College as a Survey Instructor. Upon his retirement from the CF in 1979 he joined CIDA, where he enjoyed a second career.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road) on Friday, 23 March from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Prayer Service at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Parish, 44 Rothesay Drive, Kanata on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing may make a donation to a charity of choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Joe Reichert, CD on 16 March 2012 in the presence of his family at his home.

Joe was born in 1934 in Macklin, SK and was home-schooled by his mother. He finished his education at Castor, SK and Red Deer, AB and then attended the University of Alberta, through ROTP. He was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Engineers and, early in his career, he was posted to England on the British Army’s Long Survey program. Joe was posted to the Army Survey Establishment upon completion of this training and remained with ASE for five years. Joe was an accomplished Arctic mapper and surveyor. He was 2IC of the 1961 Arctic Operation and lead the 1962 Arctic operation. During this ASE tour he was also assigned to the UNTSO Palestine operation in 1962/1963 to survey and mark the Syria-Israel border - respectfully regarded as the "Reichert Line" by his surveyor colleagues.

Joe attended Queen’s University to complete an MBA and became a Professor at the Royal Military College, then moved to British Columbia to teach at Simon Fraser University. He finally migrated to Calgary, AB in 1968 and worked as a Senior Programmer for many years with Petro-Canada. In later years he was a businessman experiencing a number of avenues and finished with a 16-year journey in the dry cleaning business retiring at 75.

At Joe’s request there will be no funeral, however, he encourages all to visit him at the Sacred Heart Columbarium, located at 1307 - 14 Street SW Calgary, AB. In lieu of flowers, please direct your generosity to a charity of your choosing. In living memory of Joe Reichert, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.

We regret to advise of the sudden death of John (Jack) O’Neil in his 71st year at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on 16 March 2012.

Originally from ‘The Miramichi,’ John started his military career as an Infantryman with the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment of Canada). In the early 1960s he served in 2^nd Battalion RHC in Camp Gagetown and Germany, and deployed Cyprus in 1966. After this he was posted to the Airborne Regiment with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry when it was formed in Edmonton. He subsequently remustered to the Canadian Military Engineers and served the remainder of his career in the Construction Trades.

John was active in The Royal Canadian Legion and the Black Watch Association. He was a regular at Atlantic Branch gatherings every September, and he was the co-ordinator for the Upper Canada Branch BBQs held every June in the Orleans Legion.

Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Thursday, 22 March from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m., Legion Service to take place at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Basilica, 220 Kent St. (at Nepean) on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Those wishing may make donations to Lakeridge Health Oshawa, The Black Watch or The Legion Branch 632-Maintenance Fund.

We regret to advise of the death of Quartermaster Sergeant Les Thacker peacefully at the Parkwood Mennonite Home in Waterloo ON on 15 March 2012.

Les was born in 1914 in the Lewisham district of London, England. He was a veteran of WW II having served prior to and during the war as a Quartermaster Sergeant in the 8^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in England, North Africa and Holland. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Order (Scarborough ON Lodge) and the Royal Canadian Legion.

A memorial service will be held in the Parkwood Mennonite Home Chapel on 26 May. Donations may be made to Parkwood Mennonite Home, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice and may be arranged by contacting the Westmount Funeral Chapel, Kitchener ON. On line condolences may be made at www.westmountfuenralchapel.com ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of David Allen Cocks, a retired military firefighter, on 14 March 2012 in Edmonton at the age of 89.

A Celebration of his life will be held on 24 May at 1:30 p.m. in the Ebenezer United Church 16302-106 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Lionel J. Arseneault (Ret’d) in the Dalhousie Palliative Care Centre in Dalhousie, NB on 10 March 2012 at the age of 93 years.

Lionel was born in Darlington, NB.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #17 in Dalhousie for many years and served on its executive.

Visitation will take place at the Maher Funeral Home, 517 Avenue des Pionniers, Balmoral, NB on 14 March from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM with a Royal Canadian Legion service at 7:30 PM.  Funeral service will be held at the Saint-Francois-Xavier Church in Charlo, NB on 15 March at 7:30 PM.  Donations may be made to the Heart Institute, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcNov17gd} [zsd, zcc, ztr]}

We regret to advise of the death of James Randall Cornwall of Burk’s Falls, ON on 7 March 2012 at the Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville, ON in his 89^th year.

James was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Vic Fell Memorial Branch #405 in Burk's Falls.

A service to celebrate James’ life will be held in the Opatovsky Funeral Home’s Dempster chapel, 210 Ontario Street in Burk’s Falls on 10 March at 11:00 AM.  Interment will take place in the spring at the Sprucedale United Cemetery.   Donations may be made to Faith Chapel in Sprucedale, ON or the Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville.  ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zsp]}