CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Leo Francis Burke (Ret'd) on 6 June 2024 at the Health Sciences Centre in St John's NL at age 70 years.

Leo was a full-time employee with the Public Works at Canadian Forces Station St John's. He joined 56 Field Squadron in St John's NL, in 1974. After completing his Sapper training at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Leo trained with his unit, including exercises at Petawawa ON, Gagetown NB and Aldershot NS. He took his release from the Canadian Forces in 1982. 

Leo's family thanks the Sappers of 56 Field Engineer Squadron for visiting Leo in the hospital. 

As per Leo's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life was held at his residence on 9 June 2024. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Vincent Aubrey Hunter, CD (Ret'd) of Fredericton NB on Thursday, 6 June 2024 at the Veteran's Health Unit in Fredericton at age 92. Vincent was a Korean Veteran.  

Born in Astle NB, Vincent served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Field Engineer with the Royal Canadian Engineers for 28 years. He served two tours in Germany, spent five years in Chilliwack BC and many years at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown  NB, with 2 Field Squadron and 22 Field Squadron.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Vincent worked for the Corps Commissionaires for several years at CFB Gagetown. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93 in  Oromocto NB.

A Graveside Service will be held in Astle Community Cemetery on Sunday, 9 June 2024, at 2:00  pm, followed by a reception at the Astle Community Centre. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Honorary Colonel James Robert Happer, CD (Ret’d) of Abbotsford BC, peacefully on 29 May 2024 at the age of 85 years. 

James was born in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, but his family returned to England before the outbreak of WWII, eventually making a permanent home in Ealing, London. James began a five-year apprenticeship at John Dickinsons paper mill at the age of 16. As he also attended technical college, he became a qualified mechanical engineer. James emigrated to Canada in 1970 and settled in Lynn Valley in North Vancouver BC where his Canadian work career started at Wire Rope Industries.

James joined the Canadian Army Reserves in 1973.as a Sapper with 6^th Field Engineer Squadron in North Vancouver.   The following year, he received an officer’s commission. James was promoted to Captain in 1976 and qualified for the rank of Major in 1980. James served in the unit until 1990, when he retired and transferred to the Supplementary Reserve. 

In 1980, James moved his family to Abbotsford to take up a position at Turner Building Products in Mission. Later, he was employed with CPI Equipment in Langley, Wexxar Packaging in Steveston and retired as Senior Project Engineer from Tree Island Industries, Richmond.

James transferred to the Cadet Instructor List in 1997 to take command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in Abbotsford BC and was promoted to the rank of Major in September of that year. Major Happer relinquished command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in 2000 and transferred back to the Supplementary Reserve. In 2004, James became the Liaison Officer for the affiliation between 6^th Field Engineer Squadron and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) in the United Kingdom. 

Major Happer was appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 6^th Field Engineer Squadron in 2005. In 2009, following the stand-up of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, he was appointed as the first Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the new regiment. James was subsequently promoted to Honorary Colonel of the Regiment in January 2012 and held that appointment until 2015. James was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

During his 44 years as an Abbotsford resident, James contributed countless hours to the community, especially the youth. In addition to his being the Commanding Officer of 861 Silverfox Air Cadet Squadron, he was committee chairman of the Abbotsford Scouts, and he coached youth and men’s soccer teams. James was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Managers, helped with the downtown homeless ministry, and organized the Men’s Fellowship for 27 years.

James was a proud and active member of the local Legion Branch 15, handling the master of ceremonies duty on multiple years for the City of Abbotsford’s Remembrance Parade, Battle of Britain Day Service and the Vimy Ridge Candlelight Service.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, 14 July 2024, at Calvin Presbyterian Church {33911 Hazelwood Avenue, Abbotsford}. Donations In memory of James can be made to VETS Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or Calvin Presbyterian Church.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Michael McInnis (Ret'd) suddenly at his home on 28 May 2024 at the age of 37 years.

Mike enlisted in the Canadian Forces in 2012 and, after completing his basic Sapper training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in 2013, he was posted to 4 Engineer Support Regiment in Canadian Forces Base Gagetown NB. Later in his career, Mike remustered to the Mobile Support Equipment Operator trade and was posted to the Technical Services Branch at Base Gagetown.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, 4 June 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Oromocto Funeral Home. A service will held to honour and say farewell to Michael at Saint Luke's Chapel, CFB Gagetown on Wednesday, 5 June 2024, at 2:00 pm. A reception will follow. Michael will be laid to rest within the days to come beside his little sister, Sammy, at Fernwood Memorial Park in Middle Sackville NS,

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's name to the Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Henry Leo Palindat, CD (Ret’d) on 26 May 2024 in Edmonton AB at the age of 93 years. 

Henry was born near the village of Parkman SK and grew up in  Virden MB. While living in Virden, he was a member of the Boy Scouts, the Air Cadets, and the Army militia. Henry quit school after Grade X  and went to work for a geophysical company and then a local garage. He next went to Calgary at age 17 to find work and ended up enlisting in the Royal Canadian Engineers at Currie Barracks AB.

Henry started his Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in December 1948 in Chilliwack and subsequently completed a Clerk’s course. His first posting was to the Chief Engineers Office at Army Headquarters in Ottawa followed by a  transfer to the Personnel, Royal Canadian Engineer office.

Henry was then posted to the Army Survey Establishment (now Mapping and Charting Establishment) in 1950. Promoted to Corporal that year, he requested and received a transfer to the Topographical Surveyor trade the following year. Henry was to spend more than 18 years in this new trade. As a Topographical Surveyor, he participated in some 13 survey field parties at places such as Gimli MB, Great Bear Lake YK, Kenora ON, the Arctic Islands, and Hudson Bay. He was a survey instructor at the School of Military Mapping during 1967 - 70 and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970.

After retiring from the military, Henry continued his surveying and mapping career. He moved his family to Calgary, where he worked with J.C. Sproule and Associates for four years, performing photogrammetric work and making several maps. Henry then moved to Edmonton and worked for the Provincial Government where he performed surveying computations for six years. During this time, he obtained his commission as an Alberta Land Surveyor in 1979. 

Henry became an owner of Alpine Surveys Ltd, a legal survey company in Red Deer in 1981 but this adventure lasted  only 11 months due to the economic situation in 1981. He then took a position with the Provincial Government, performing control and legal surveys until his retirement in 1993. 

Henry was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Sappers Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Alberta Society of Surveying and Mapping Technologists (ASSMT), and St Theresa Parish Bowling League.

A Funeral Service took place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church {7508 29 Avenue NW, Edmonton} on Thursday, 30 May at 11:00 AM, with visitation before the service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Warrant Officer H.G. Keith Arnold CD (Ret'd) of North Battleford SK on 17 May 2024 at the age of 81 years.. 

Keith was born in Maple Creek SK, and received his education in Golden Prairie, Maple Creek and Medicine Hat. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1961 at age 18 and served a long career in our Fire Service. Over his career, Keith served on 11 military bases that included Royal Canadian Air Force Station Centralia ON, RCAF Station Goose Bay NL, Canadian Forces Base Summerside PE, CFB Lahr, Germany, CFB Moose Jaw SK, CFS Dana SK, the Fire School at CFB Borden ON and CFB Cold Lake AB.

Keith retired from the Canadian Forces in 1982.  He moved to Medicine Hat and Regina before eventually ending up in North Battleford in 1989. Keith then served with the Saskatchewan Fire Commissioner's Office and with the city of North Battleford Fire Department. 

At Keith's request, no memorial service will be held, and he will be interred at a later date. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Douglas Roussain (Ret’d) on 14 May 2024 in Sault Ste. Marie ON at age 67.

Doug was proud of his services as a former Royal Canadian Air Force Firefighter and was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Thursday, 23 May from 4:00-8:00pm in the Fogolore Room at the Marconi Multicultural Event Centre in  Sault Ste. Marie (450 Albert St. W).

In lieu of donations, contributions may be made payable to Carol Miners in support of a trust fund for Doug’s daughter Kyleigh. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Fred Albert Neveaux, CD (Ret'd), of Victoria BC on 10 May 2024, at the age of 86.

Fred enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1954 at the age of 16 with the Royal Canadian Engineers as a member of the 3^rd Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program. He served proudly across Canada as a Construction Engineer until his retirement in 1984.

Fred's military career started with his being a construction technician for some 15 years before he was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1971. He served his first tour as an officer with 5^e Régiment du genie de combat in Valcartier QC, after which he served in the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt BC and the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC.

Fred retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 at CFB Esquimalt. He then worked with the Public Service for the next decade in various positions until 1995, before segueing into leisure activities of travel, sailing, golf, and model railroading.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred's name may be made to Victoria Hospice.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home  A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, 31 May 2024, at First Memorial Funeral Services {4725 Falaise Drive in Royal Oak}. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Neil Evans Howk, CD (Ret'd), at home in Longview AB, on 5 May 2024 at the age of 64, after a lengthy illness.

Neil was born in Fernie  BC. His early years were full of adventure, travelling from post to post throughout British Columbia while his father served in the RCMP. Neil joined the Canadian Forces in 1985 to answer his country's call and became a Carpenter (Construction Technician). 

Neil's military career included postings in Canada in Chilliwack BC, Cold Lake AB, Gagetown NB, Calgary AB, Iqaluit NU and Masset, Haida Gwaii BC. His many overseas tours included Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, Italy, Haiti, and Golan Heights. In addition, Neil was also an accomplished member of the Canadian Rifle Team.

Neil retired from the Canadian Forces in 2005. After testing a few options, he became his own boss. Neil ran this company successfully until, due to health, he stopped in 2022 when his focus changed from running his business to spending more time with family. 

Neil's funeral service will be held at the Snodgrass Funeral Home {200 Woodgate Road, Okotoks AB} on 23 May 2024 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please support the Veterans Food Bank of Calgary or lend a helping hand to someone needing a pick-me-up. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Augustus Collins, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on  27 April 2024 at Topsail Beach NL at age 87 years. Augustus served a full career as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.

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

We regret to advise of the death of Major David William Price, CD (Ret'd)  on 27 April 2024 in  Kamloops BC at the age of 81 years.

David joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1959 with the 8^th Intake Sapper Apprentices and became a Painter. He started his military career with 1 Works Company in London ON, where he qualified as a Foreman of Works. While on On-Job Training as Foreman of Works, David deployed as the RCE Detachment Sergeant with the United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF) contingent at El Arish, Egypt. David was posted to the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Borden upon his return to Canada. Here, he had successive responsibilities with CE Inspections, was NCO In Charge of CE operations at 13X Royal Canadian Air Force Ammunition Depot Detachment, was NCO IC North Shop and, finally, was with the Engineering Contracts Section.

David was Commissioned from the Ranks in 1972 and served his first tour as an officer in the Base Construction Engineering Section in Chilliwack. Following this was a tour as Station Construction Engineering Officer at Station Baldy Hughes BC and then in CFB Greenwood NS with the BCEO. David next joined Canadian Forces Training System Headquarters in Trenton ON, with responsibility for Military Engineering Training. He subsequently served in National Defence Headquarters with the Director Base Maintenance before being posted to Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering as Officer Commanding Construction Engineering Training Squadron.. David retired from the Regular Forces in 1995 and joined the Air Reserves as a Captain to start up the Airfield Engineer Squadron in Abbotsford. 

A celebration of life for David will be held Friday, 10 May 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Henderson's Funeral Home & Crematorium {45901 Victoria Ave, Chilliwack, BC} followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer First Class Sylvio “Bert” Berthelette, CD, MiD (Ret’d), peacefully on 21 April 2024 in the Pine Falls MB Hospital at the age of 94 years. Bert was a naval veteran of the Second World War and a Sapper with the Reserve Force.

Bert was born and raised on the family farm in the small Manitoba communities of Aubigny and Broadlands. During the Second World War, starting at age 17, Bert served eight months in the Cameron Highlanders of Canada before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve. He served in the newly commissioned HMCS Meon from 1944 until 1945. Meon was a River Class frigate primarily assigned to convoy escort duty. She also took part Operation NEPTUNE, the sea component of the invasion of Normandy and was present on D-day. The ship was decommissioned and returned to the Royal Navy at the end of the war Bert was demobilized in 1946 with a Mentioned in Dispatches award on his War Medal.

After the war, Bert worked in the mines in British Columbia until he entered a trade school for his welding certificate. He then worked on the hydro dam project in Powerview MB, but he was scooped up by the Abitibi Paper Company in Pine Falls, where he worked for 36 years.

Bert joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1951. He served in 46^th Field Squadron in Pine Falls and held the appointment of Squadron Sergeant Major. In 1961 he was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class I and appointed Regimental Sergent Major of the 6^th Field Engineer Regiment based in Winnipeg.

Bert was very active in his communities. He served as President of his Union for several years and worked his way onto Abitibi’s management team. He and his wife operated B n I Grocery Store. Bert served on the local school board, the Chamber of Commerce and as a volunteer firefighter. He was instrumental in developing Pineview Lodge, the town's seniors residence. He was an active member of the Pine Falls Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Some of Bert’s proudest achievements were as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served three 4-year terms as Grand Knight in Pine Falls and was District Deputy in Manitoba. His appointment to State Deputy followed which took him traveling throughout North America.

Bert and his wife enjoyed their retirement years as snowbirds in Arizona and living at their summer home at Albert Beach. After his wife’s passing in 2007, Bert returned to Pine Falls to be among friends and family.

Cremation has taken place, and a private celebration and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Mike O’Connor, CD (Ret’d)  a resident of Valley Haven in Chilliwack on 20 April 2024 at the age of 77 years.

Mike proudly followed in the footsteps of his father's career with the Canadian Military Engineers. He served the Canadian Military Engineers in both the Regular force and the Reserves. Mike's postings included 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON, 1 Combat Enginer Regiment in Chilliwack BC (late late 70s), 4 Combat Enginer Regiment in Lahr, Germany, Canadian Forces School of Military Enginering in Chilliwack and Range Control with Base Operations Chilliwack. Mike also served a tour in Egypt with UNEF II.

Mike joined the Air Reserves after his release from the Regular  Force in 1998. He served with 192 Airfield Engineer Flight in Abbotsford BC as a driver/equipment operator until he retired from the Canadian Forces in 2006.

Online condolences can be sent HERE.  

Use this site to also check for detailsMike O'Connor's Poppy Service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 295, { 5661 Vedder Rd, Chilliwack, BC} commencing at 12:30, Monday, 6 May 2024. Following the Legion Poppy Service, there will be a Celebration of Life. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Frederick "Rick" Hayes CD (Ret'd) on 17 April 2024 at age 74  at Comox Valley Hospital.

Rick was born in Ottawa and started his military career in 1967 when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a young boy, seeking the thrill of the unknown. He wore several hats throughout his military career - from an Air Bos'n and Ships Diver in the Royal Canadian Navy to a Firefighter in the Royal Canadian Air Force. His career postings included Her Majesty's Canadian Ships Annapolis and Bonaventure, RCAF Station Val-d'Or QC, Canadian Forces Bases Summerside PE, Lahr Germany, Toronto ON  and Moose Jaw SK.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11 May 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50 – Fred Gies {524 Belmont Avenue W, Kitchener, ON} from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Micheal Lawrance (Ret'd) at home in  Ottawa ON  on 16 April 2024 at age 79 after a long fight against cancer.

Born in British Columbia, Mike joined the Canadian Forces in 1964 at Royal Roads Military College in Esquimalt BC and graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston in the Class of 1969. Mike's first posting was with the Base Construction Engineering Section in Bagotville QC after which he moved to National Defence Headquarters with the Director General Materiel Administration and Programs. He was seconded to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in 1975 and soon took his release from the Canadian Forces to follow a second career with CIDA.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, 25 May 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery {3700 Prince of Wales Dr, Ottawa}. A celebration of life will follow from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM at the same location, followed by a reception.

Donations are invited to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Friends of Charleston Lake, or The Friends of Algonquin Park. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Stanley Edward Duda, CD (Ret’d), peacefully after a battle with cancer, on 11 April 2024 at Hospice Barrie in his 91st year.  Stan was a Canadian Provost Corps veteran of the Korean War.

Stan served a full career as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers in our field units in Canada and Germany and with Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.  He was in 1 Field Squadron in the 50s and 60s and in 4 Field Squadron in the mid 70s. Upon returning to Canada from Germany, Stan was posted to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal School in CFB Borden. He next became the Regular Support Officer for 2^nd Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto in 1978. Stan was posted back to the EOD School, after completing his tour with RSS. He retired from the Regular Force after that posting . Stan then transferred to the Reserve Force when he re-joined 2 FER and held the appointment of Regimental Sergeant Major from 1984 to 1988.

A celebration of life for Stanley will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Alvin Milton “Scotty” Scott of Saint John NB, on 9 April 2024, at the Saint John Regional Hospital at age 79. 

Born in London, England, Alvin devoted 37 years in Public Service, spending ten years in the Canadian Armed Forces and 27 years as a firefighter at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. Scotty worked a second job between his firefighter shift work by driving his own taxicab in Oromocto. In his semi-retirement he worked part-time as a Commissionaire on the Saint John Harbour Bridge.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, 20 April 2024, from 1:00 pm to 2 pm, with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm in the Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel {111 Paradise Row, Saint John}. Burial will take place at a later date. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #22, Grand Bay-Westfield. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Ronald John Gilchrist, CD (Ret’d) of Pembroke ON, peacefully on 31 March 2024 at the age of 81 years. Ronald served his country as a Field Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Westmeath and District Recreation Hall on Sunday, 21 April  2024 from 1:00 until 4:00 pm. As expressions of sympathy,  donations to the SPCA of Renfrew County or Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Robert Morris Louis "Bob" Weisman, CD (Ret'd) on 26 March 2024 in Ottawa at the age 69 years.

Bob was born in Montreal QC where he grew up as an active and curious child who enjoyed scouting, cadets, and soccer. He was a lifelong student with a passion for military history, the arts, culture, and languages. Bob spoke three fluently (English, French and Dutch) alongside studies in German and Latin. 

Bob aspired to be a history student and teacher, but life's circumstances conspired otherwise and led him to pursue Civil Engineering studies. He joined the Canadian Forces as a Regular Officer Training Plan member in 1971 at the Collège Militaire Royale de St Jean. He finished his studies at the Royal Military College in Kingston ON with the Class of 1976. 

During his military career, Bob moved throughout Eastern Canada. His first posting after receiving his Commision was as a Troop Commander in 5e Régiment Génie de Combat (5 RGC) in Valcartier QC. Bob fell in love with the Canadian North during this posting when he was working on our Northern Airfields project in Spence Bay (Taloyoak, NU). 

Following his 5 RGC tour, Bob was posted to the Base Construction Engineering Section at Canadian Forces Base Chatham NB before moving to Force Mobile Command Headquarters in St Hubert QC. After FMC HQ, Bob returned to 5 RGC, where he served as the Regimental Operations Officer.

Bob completed a Master's degree in computer science at RMC in 1992. He found his passion for teaching when he next taught at RMC. He was then posted to National Defence Headquarters and worked in several directorates where he was a decision support researcher and a command and control portfolio manager responsible for the development of strategic direction and management of information technology and resources.

Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 1999 with the rank of Major after 27 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Bob was a leader and innovator in the fields of planning, enterprise architecture, and knowledge management, with significant contributions to the TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework ) standard, an open methodology for enterprise architecture. After he retired from the military, Bob continued to work as a consultant, enterprise architecture lead, and chief information architect, and he launched his own company, "Build The Vision."

While in Ottawa, Bob continued his love of education, obtaining his PhD in digital transformation and innovation from the University of Ottawa in 2019. He subsequently taught at U of O as a part-time professor and an engineer-in-residence until his passing.

The family is making a memory book. If you would like to share, please send some of your memorable times with Bob in an email .
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, 19 May, 2024, at 3:00pm at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa [30 Cleary Avenue}. Please RSVP by 5 May  2024 with this LINK
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Thomas Kenneth "Ken" O'Connell, CD (Ret'd), peacefully in his sleep in Halifax NS on 20 March 2024 at the age of 74 years.

Ken was born in New Waterford NS. He left Cape Breton as a young man to join the Canadian Forces and soon found himself travelling by train to Calgary AB for his recruit training as an Infantryman with 1^st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). 

Ken deployed with the battalion on his first peacekeeping tour to Cyprus in 1968. The following year, he was posted to 3 Mech Commando in Souest, Germany and was with them until the base closed. He then moved to Canadian Forces Base Baden with the 3^rd battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR). Ken left Germany in 1972 to join 2 RCR at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown and had his second peacekeeping tour in Cyprus with the unit (Nov 1973 - Apr 1974). In 1978, Ken was posted back to Baden, Germany with 3 RCR.

Ken joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1981 when he re-mustered to the Structures  Technician trade. He was posted to CFB Kingston with the Base Construction Engineering Section after completing his Trade Qualification Level 3 training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.

The following summer, Ken was attach-posted to 1  Construction  Engineering Unit (CEU)  in Canadian Forces Station Alert for Phase 1 of the Headquarters, Administration and Personal Services (HAPS) building. This was a great experience where he learned what it meant to be a Struct Tech. There was not much carpentry work but a lot of steel .. and much of the work involved jackhammering the permafrost for the building's footings. 

In 1987, Ken was posted to the Wing Construction Engineering Section at CFB Winnipeg. The following year, he moved to 1 CEU on CFB in Winnipeg. In 1991, he was posted to the Naval Construction Troop at CFB Halifax. 

Ken retired from the Canadian Forces after a lengthy illness in 1997 and remained in the Halifax area.   During his retirement, Ken loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises and trips south in the winter with friends and family. He loved to golf in the summer and spent time in the winter watching his grandkids play hockey. Ken was also a season ticket holder for the Halifax Mooseheads and would never miss a game. 

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, 27 March 2024, at J.A. Snow Funeral Home {339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home . In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the  Last Post Fund.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Petty Officer 2^nd Class William Ross “Rosco” Beebe, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack  BC, on 17 March 2024 at age 72 years.

Rosco served 28 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. Starting with the Royal Canadian Navy, he spent ten years at sea, including five years on a submarine. He joined the Canadian Military Engineers when he remustered to Construction Procedures Technician and, eventually, became an Administrative Clerk. During his military career, Rosco served in Canada’s Arctic at Canadian Forces Station Alert on four different occasions, and he also served with NATO forces in Geilenkirchen, Germany. Rosco retired from the Canadian Forces in 1996 from Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack.

In his retirement, Rosco was the first Educational Advisor in the British Columbia Hockey League. He was an industry pioneer in developing the BCHL Educational Programs that saw so many of their players continue their educations while seeking success on the ice. He oversaw all educational activities the players participated in, whether applying for post-secondary schools or aligning the high school-aged players with the local secondary school. Ross was also an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Policy Advisor to all college-bound Student Athletes searching for an NCAA Scholarship. When not at the rink, Rosco was passionate about golf. He could regularly be found on the course or in his garage building clubs. He owned a custom club company, Chimo Golf.

The Chilliwack Chiefs hockey team will celebrate Rosco during the game at the Chilliwack Coliseum on 6 April.

At Ross’s request, there will be no funeral services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St Paul's Cardiac Services or the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation in his memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Office Paul Frank Van Altena, CD (Ret’d) on 16 March 2024 at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie ON in his 81^st year.

Paul served a full career as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers in postings that included 1 Field Squadron/2 CER, 3 Field Squadron/1 CER, 4 Field Squadron/4 CER and 2 Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto.

Friends paid their respects at the Steven R. Brldge Funeral Home { 207 Mill Street in Angus} on 22 March. Funeral service took take place in the chapel on 23 March 2024. 

Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Wilbert Gary Armstrong (Ret'd) of Ladysmith BC on 14 March 2024 at age 84.

Gary was born in Peterborough ON, and lived there until the age of 16, when he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Fifth Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program in 1956. After his two-year training program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack BC, Gary started a  20-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers, first as a Field Engineer and then as an Electrician.

Gary’s postings were far and wide across Canada and on international peacekeeping duties. In addition to serving at Canadian Forces Bases Chilliwack, Borden, and Calgary, Gary served at Canadian Forces Station in Alert. Gary was also deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Egypt and Cyprus.

After serving as an Electrician, Gary branched out into Occupational Health and Safety for a second career and worked for another 20 years with Canada Post. This career started in Calgary and, after several years, he was promoted and moved to Edmonton with responsibilities for the province of Alberta.

Gary enjoyed many interests and loved to travel and see new places. While in Germany, there were trips to explore the surrounding countries; this love of travel took him and his wife on many vacations in the following decades. Vacations included camping trips, road trips, cruises, an exploration of Australia, and many places in between. His collections of stamps and coins were extensive. He was a dedicated birdwatcher and also enjoyed his aquariums of fish he had bred. Sketching and painted folk art exhibited his artistic bent and he enjoyed decorating his home with pictures and art collected from around the world.

A memorial Service was held on Wednesday 10 April 2024 at the United Church in Chemainus BC. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel David Williamson, OMM, CD (Ret’d) of Kingston ON  on 3 August 2024  at the age of 85 years. 

Early in his Canadian Military Engineer career, Dave was stationed at Royal Canadian Air Force Station London ON,  After completing the Technical Construction Engineering Officer course at RCAF Station Centralia in 1961, Dave was posted to RCAF Station  Barrington NS as the Station Constrution Engineering Officer. Dave had a full and varied career with the Canadian Military Engineers. He earned his Parachutist wings at Rivers MB and he was one of the early RCAF instructors at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. 

On promotion to Major, Dave was posted to National Defence Headquarters with the operations element in the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff branch. His next promotion saw him in the Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Engineering at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg MB as SSO Works for some five years. Following his AIRCOM HQ tour, Dave was assigned to the Supreme Headquarters Allied Command Headquarters ( SHAPE) in Belgium in 1982 as Staff Officer AIR/NAV. Returning to Canada, Dave became  Director Construction Engineering Requirements 2 within Directorate General Quartering. Upon promotion to Colonel,, he became the Director of Military Engineer Operations. Dave's final posting was to Halifax NS in 1990 as Deputy Chief of Staff of Military Engineering at Maritime Command Headquarters. 

Dave returned to London upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces. He later moved to Kingston, living on Howe Island before moving to downtown Kingston. Funeral services were private. Donations in memory of David made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated by his family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Pierre Peter Allain (Ret’d) of Dieppe NB, peacefully at the Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton on 2 March 2024 at age 77 years.

Born in Arichat NS, Peter had a combined firefighting career of 37 years in the Canadian Forces and as a civilian firefighter. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1965 and served for five years as a Firefighter and as a crew member in Aircraft Crash Rescue before joining the Gloucester Fire Department. He rose through the ranks with them from Firefighter to Lieutenant Inspector, Chief Inspector, Deputy Fire Chief, and eventually to Fire Chief before joining the City of Ottawa Fire Services in 2001. Peter was the Deputy Fire Chief Prevention and Education and retired in 2002.

There will be no visitation or funeral service. The family invites you to sign the online book of condolences at the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain James “Jamie” Betts, CD (Ret’d) of Petawawa ON at age 64 on 26 February 2024. Jamie served for nearly 32 years with the Canadian Forces. 

Jamie enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1978 as an Infantryman and joined the Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) in London ON, for his first posting. His company was transferred overseas the next year to Germany to join 3 RCR in Baden-Solingen. 

After four years in the Infantry, Jamie joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1982 when he remustered to the Draftsman-Surveyor trade. This was a high school dream. After completing his trades training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) in Chilliwack BC, he was posted to the Base Construction Engineering (BCE) Section in Kingston ON.

Jamie was next posted to Calgary AB in 1989, where he was employed as the PMQ Service Centre Supervisor. Three years later, he was posted to CFSME as an Instructor, Standards Representative, D&S cell Warrant Officer and a Doctrine Technical Writer. Promotion to Warrant Officer in 1999 led to a posting to 1 Construction Engineer Unit in Moncton NB. At that time he had become a Construction Technician as the Draftsman-Surveyor trade was eliminated in 1999.

Jamie deployed with 1 CEU in 2002 on a tasking to the Middle East as part of a Force Protection Study. The short study became a year-long deployment to Israeli-occupied Syria, and he was promoted to Master Warrant Officer that summer. Jamie became the first Task Force Engineer Sergeant Major on Operation DANACA. On his return to Canada in 2003, he was posted to BCE in Petawawa. 

Jamie returned to Afghanistan in 2006 as the Task Force Engineer/Engineer Support Unit Sergeant Major. He considered this assignment to be the pinnacle of his career. Jamie was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in 2007 upon his return from Afghanistan and was posted to Edmonton as the Engineering Services Company CWO. Jamie was commissioned in 2008 at the rank of Captain and became the Facility Manager at BCE in Petawawa.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, 30 March 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Murphy Funeral Home {296 Isabella St, Pembroke, ON}. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, 30 March 2024 at 11:00 AM at the same location. In memory of Jamie, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain William Allan Stinson, CD (Ret’d) on 25 February 2024 at the Veterans Care Program at Parkwood Institute in London ON, at the age of 82 years. 

Bill was born in Woodstock ON. He had a long career in uniform as a Cadet, in the Reserves, and in the Regular Force with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer. Bill had postings across Canada and in Germany. Bill also deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert NU and to Cyprus on two peacekeeping tours. Bill was the Commanding Officer of No. 7 and No. 2884 Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps.

Bill was a Regular Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41 in St. Thomas and was Sergeant at Arms for the Legion Branch #41 Colour Guard.

Visitation will be held at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home {31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas} 28 February  2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held in the chapel on 29 February 2024 at 1:00 p.m., with a Legion Service to follow immediately afterward. Interment in South Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #41 Building Fund, or the Parkwood Veterans Care Program would be appreciated. Online condolences to the family can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal James "Marty" Squires (Ret'd) of St John's NL on 24 February  2024 at the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre at the age of 66 years.

Marty was born and lived in St John's NL. He served as a Field Engineer in the Primary Reserve, with 56 Fd Engr Sqn, during the period 1973-1977.  In civilian life, he was a Corrections Officer and worked at several correctional facilities in Newfoundland including His Majesty's Penitentiary in St. John's, from where he retired. After retiring from his career as a Correctional Officer, Marty enjoyed working with the Association of New Canadians, where he met, helped out and made many special friends. 

Visitation took take place at Carnell's Funeral Home { 329 Freshwater Road } from 12-4:00 p.m. and 5-9:00 p.m. Sunday, 3 March. Donations may be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal James Kent Sutherland, CD (Ret’d) at Chilliwack General Hospital on 22 February 2024 at the age of 87 years.

Kent was born in Truro NS and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1952 with the 1^st Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program. He served a full career as a Field Engineer and worked with Federal Corrections Canada for his second career after retiring from the Canadian Forces.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the Chilliwack Progress.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Dave Boudreault, CD (Ret’d) at his home in Shannon QC on 22 February 2024, at the age of 44 years.

Dave was born in Baie-Comeau in the Côte-Nord region of Quebec and joined the Canadian Forces in 2000 as a Combat Engineer. A large part of his career has been spent with 5 Combat Engineer Regiment. 
In addition to his training in Combat Engineering, Dave completed various courses including: the Advanced Mountain Course, the Helicopter Insertion Master Course, the Elementary Parachuting Course and the Arctic Advisor Course.  With these qualifications, he was posted to the Canadian Army Advanced Training Centre where he was able to pass on his knowledge by teaching military parachuting, mountain operations, and advanced courses in winter warfare. 

Dave participated in Operation ATHENA in Afghanistan In 2007-2008 and returned as a Section Commander during the 2010-2011 Rotation.  Dave also participated in Operation UNIFY in 2016 as a Troop Warrant Officer.. Dave retired from the Canadian Forces in 2021 after more than twenty years of service.

Those who have shared a good time with Dave are welcome to share his memory with the family on  6 March 2024 at Saint-Charles Funeral Center {1420 Bd Wilfrid-Hamel, Quebec, QC}  Condolences: 1:00-4:00 PM Ceremony: 4:00-4:45 PM and Reception: 4:45-6:45 PM.   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Centre de prévention du suicide de Québec and/or Deuil-Jeunesse. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Alfred Lawrence Sterling (Ret’d) on 17 February 2024  in Vernon BC, at age 84 years.

Al was born in Saskatoon SK and lived with his Uncle Burt and Aunt Pat until he was 16 when he enlisted in 1956 in the Canadian Army under the Apprentice Program. Al joined the Sappers Apprentice 5^th Intake at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC. Upon graduating, he was posted to 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, but he was soon posted to 4 Field Squadron in Germany for four years. Upon returning to Canada, Al left the Canadian Forces in 1963.

Al lived in the Vernon area for 55 years. He was a volunteer Fireman as well as part of Kinsmen Club. Al enjoyed serving his community as an Alderman in the Coldstream and Regional District.

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

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Larry Ramore, CD (Ret’d) on 15 February 2024 in The Philippines at the age 60 years. Larry had served with the Canadian Military Engineers for more than 24 years.

Larry joined the Canadian Forces in 1985 as a Field Engineer and served in this occupation for 14 years before he remustered to Construction Technician in 1999. During his career, Larry’s postings included Canadian Forces Base Shilo (1989), 4 Engineer Support Regiment (1993), CFB Winnipeg (2003) and his final posting back to 4 Engineer Support Regiment in 2005.  Larry also deployed twice to Bosnia (1994 and 2000) and Kosovo in 1999.

Larry retired from the Canadian Forces in 2009 and eventually moved to the Philippines where the temperate climate helped ease some medical conditions.

Larry’s family is hosting a  Celebration of Life for Larry at the Geary Lions Club in Geary, NB on 6 July 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All those who Larry touched are welcome to come and celebrate with the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer John Laurence Rebbitt, CD (Ret’d)  of Calgary AB, on 12 February 2024, at the age of 87 years. John was born in Stretford, England. The youngest of three children, his childhood was greatly impacted by the outbreak of the Second World War, particularly during the Blitz when his family was forced to relocate several times when bombs destroyed successive homes.

John finished school at fourteen and then completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter, a skill that would provide him with enjoyment throughout his life.  John was a boxer, soccer player, and lifelong athlete, coach, and sports enthusiast. He moved to Canada in 1957 as a young married man' Unable to find steady employment in Calgary as a carpenter, however, John joined the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada infantry regiment in 1958. Years and several postings later with the Queen’s Own in Canada and in Germany. John remustered to Carpenter and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers. He rose to become a Foreman of Works  before retiring from the Canadian Forces  and working for the British Columbia Government as a foreman in Vancouver. A few years later, he became an Architectural Design Technician with the Department of National Defense in the Esquimalt dockyards and served in that capacity until he retired from Public Service.

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

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal  William Thomas “Bill” Sigsworth, CD (Ret’d) on 5 February 2024 in Williams Lake BC at age 64 after his battle with cancer.

Bill was born in Gander NL and his father’s work moved the family many places including Halifax NS, Puntzi Lake BC, Wembley AB, Beaverlodge AB, and Prince George BC.  The family made their final move to Williams Lake in 1970 where Bill attended school prior to joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1978. He served a 28-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Plumbing and Heating Technician during which time he raised a family of 10 children.

After retiring from the Armed Forces in 2007 in Cold Lake AB, Bill and his family settled in Williams Lake BC where they welcomed their 11^th child. For his second career, Bill spent 16 years serving the community as a renowned plumber at Burgess Plumbing Heating and Electrical. In his spare time, Bill enjoyed being outdoors either fishing, quadding, camping, or spending weekends at the cabin with his family.

In accordance with Bill's wishes there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Royal Canadian Legion-Branch 139.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Master Corporal Don Goodman, CD (Ret’d) of St. Albert AB on 29 January 2024 at the age of 88 years.

During his career as a Firefighter, Don served at locations that included Canadian Forces Base Comox BC, CFB Goose Bay NL  and CFB Ottawa ON. During his Ottawa posting, he deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert NU.

Don’s final move brought the family to Alberta in 1976. After several more moves within Alberta, the family made St. Albert their home. He worked for the federal government in a second career. Don was an avid sportsman throughout his life and continued to play baseball and hockey as a senior. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on 16 February 2024, from 12 noon to 3:00 pm in the St. Albert Legion {6 Tache St, St. Albert AB}. Please dress casually and bring some stories to share.

Instead of flowers, please consider giving to: University Hospital Foundation - Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute – University Hospital Foundation or No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation .
Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 

We regret to advise of the death of Frances Bailie, peacefully,  on 29 January 2024. Mrs Bailie, 
Was the daughter of the Late Colonel Coulson Norman Mitchell, VC, MC. 

Mrs. Bailie and her sister Marjorie Urquhart dedicated the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering building at Gagetown in their father’s name in April 1998. She supported the CME Museum in researching and teaching Lt.-Col. Mitchell’s story and was a source of entertaining and vivid tales of her father’s time in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Frances was born in Crows Nest Pass AB  but was brought up in Montreal QC from the age of two in the Town of Mont Royal. Here, many of her creative skills were formed - pottery, wax candles and her greatest skill in oil painting.  After High School and one year at McGill University, she and her mother moved to British Columbia where her father was commanding Camp Chilliwack and the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering. She spent that first winter at the Chilliwack Business College which stood her in good stead for work at the Roval Victoria Hospital in Montreal on their return after the war. Later she worked at Mount Royal United Church and, upon moving to Toronto in 1980, at Bloor Street United Church.

Funeral arrangements are private. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Richard Ernest “Richard” McMullen, CD (Ret’d),  a resident of Broadmead Veteran’s Memorial Lodge in Victoria BC, rather unexpectedly, on 27 January 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Richard began his career in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1958 at the age of 16 as a Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps boy soldier with the Apprentice Training Plan. He later remustered to become a Construction Engineering Procedures Technician with the Canadian Military Engineers (CME). Richard completed his 38-year career with the CME, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before retiring in 1991.

Richard served at locations across Canada and overseas in Belgium and deployed to Cambodia/Vietnam. His postings included: Montreal QC (1958 - 1960), Petawawa, ON (1960 - 1963), Antwerp, Belgium (1963 - 1966), Ottawa, ON (1966 - 1969), Phnom Penh, Cambodia (1969), Saigon, Vietnam (1970), Quebec City, QC (1970 - 1973), Masset, BC (1973 - 1975),  Camp Borden, ON (1975 - 1979), Greenwood, NS (1979 - 1981), Cold Lake, AB (1981 - 1991) and  Trenton, ON (1991). 

Following his retirement, Richard and his wife settled in Victoria BC. He was quite the athlete and enjoyed playing many sports, including baseball, hockey and football. Table tennis was a favourite in his later years, and he competed and won many medals in several BC Senior Games.

If you wish to donate in Richard’s memory, please consider Broadmead Care’s Veterans Memorial Lodge or the Alzheimer’s Society. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Vincent Anthony Hohn, CD (Ret’d) of Chilliwack BC on 27 January 2024 at age 83 while in hospital in Abbotsford BC.

Vince was born in Alva, St. Ann’s Parish, Jamaica and h He and emigrated to Toronto with his father when he was 11 years old. Vince joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1957 at age 16 as a member of Intake 6 of the  Sapper’s Apprentice program. His 34-year military career with the Royal Canadian Engineers  included postings to Werl, Germany; Valcartier QC, Petawawa ON and Chilliwack BC.

Vince earned a Criminology diploma from Fraser Valley College in his early 40s and then co-owned and operated Jackson-Murray Consultants, an addiction counselling and rehabilitation centre in Surrey BC. After Vince retired, he turned his attention to what would become his two great passions: casual ballroom dancing and genealogy.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the months to come. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honour to either the BC Cancer Foundation or to Diabetes Canada. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Nelson Paquette (Ret’d), of North Bay ON, suddenly on 26 January 2024 at age 39. Nelson served with the Canadian Military Engineers from 2008 to 2016.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The PADDLE Program , The Northern Cancer Foundation, the Ottawa Cancer Foundation, or Serenity Renewal for Families would be appreciated by the family.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Charles Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Goodwin, CD (Ret’d) on 22 January 2024, peacefully at Marianhill Residence in Pembroke ON at the age of 86 years.

Born in Nova Scotia,  he enlisted as an Infantryman with the 2^nd Battalion, Canadian Guards at age 18 but was eventually to remuster and join the Canadian Military Engineers. During his military career he served in various posts in Canada, including Gagetown, NB and Petawawa, ON. He also deployed to Canadian Forces Station Alert, to Germany and on a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.

Jerry was an active member of The Royal Canadian Legion, serving in various offices for many years.

There will be no formal visitation.  A private family interment will take place at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Pubnico, NS at a later date.A Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Service will be held for family and friends at a later date and will be announced. Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Br. 72 Pembroke in memory of Jerry would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of William Hepburn "Bill" Ellis, formerly of San Francisco, California and Fanny Bay BC, peacefully at the Ocean Front Village Care Centre in Courtenay BC on 19 January 2024.

Bill was born in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia, but returned to Canada in 1938 with his mother and sister after the untimely death of his father in Bulawayo. His early years were spent in Hamilton and Mount Forest ON. After graduating from high school, he joined the Canadian Army with the Regular Officer Training Plan and studied civil engineering at McGill University. Following graduation with a B. Eng. (1958), Bill served as an officer with the Royal Canadian Engineers for a short period before retiring from the Canadian Forces and pursuing graduate studies in agricultural engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.

Following graduation from U. Sask. (1964), Bill took his first posting with a British engineering firm on a project in Pakistan. This set him on the road to a long and successful career in the engineering and agricultural fields, working primarily on international development projects that brought clean water to impoverished regions of the world - including in Pakistan, Bangladesh, throughout Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

After living more than 40 years in San Francisco and employment with American engineering firms, Bill's identity remained Canadian. He returned to Canada (Fanny Bay, BC) in 2006, where he lived in retirement, pursuing his interests in sailing, exploring the mountains and forests with his canine companions, and sharing his intimate knowledge and experiences of the world by teaching at the local Elder College.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Courtenay, BC, at a later date, with interment to follow at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tyrconnell, ON. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Sergeant Clifford William Jones, CD (Ret’d)  of Kamloops, BC on 5 January 2024 at the age of 91 years.

Cliff served as a Firefighter with the Royal Canadian Air Force at Centralia ON, Langar UK, Baden Germany and Cold Lake AB. After his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Cliff was a Firefighter with Transport Canada at Edmonton AB International Airport, Kamloops BC, and Inuvik NWT. Cliff retired fron Transport Canada in Kamloops and then served as a Commissionaire for several years before entering a full retirement.

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

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Guy Malfait, CD (Ret’d), at home in Gatineau QC on 31 December 2023 at age 61 after a long illness.

Guy was born in Montreal and enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces as an Infanteer with the R22eR in Valcartier QC just after his 19th birthday. During his posting with R22eR, Guy deployed to Cyprus in 1985. Shortly after that deployment, Guy joined the Canadian Military Engineers when he made an Occupational Transfer to Construction Engineer Technician (CE Tech)  in August 1986. As a CE Tech, he was posted to Canadian Forces Bases Valcartier QC,  Gander NL, and Suffield AB. Guy made a second Occupational Transfer, in February 1997, this time to Geomatics Technician (Geo Tech). Guy spent the remainder of his career in Ottawa at Mapping and Charting Establishment (MCE). While with MCE, he  deployed twice, first to Bosnia in 2000 and then to Afghanistan in 2002.

Guy was released from the Canadian Forces in 2009 after 28 years of service. Upon his release, Guy started work in the Public Service at the MCE Map Depot and served with them until 2018.

A celebration of Guy’s life will be held on Saturday, 9 March 2024 at 10:00a.m. at the Coopérative Funéraire de l'outaouais  { 750 Maloney Boulevard East in Gatineau} . The family will receive condolences starting at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Neil Sydney John Voutt (Ret'd), peacefully on 26 December  2023 after a sudden and brief illness, at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie ON, in his 80^th year. 

Neil was born in Toronto ON and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in 1961 with the 10^th Intake of the  Sapper Apprentices. Neil took his release from the Canadian Forces in 1965 and then worked for several years as a draftsman for the Toronto Department of Highways. 

Neil then had another major change in his career path when he joined the food industry. He started with the meat department in Dominion Stores and later moved into sales. One of his greatest accomplishments at Dominion was his work with the Canadian National Exhibition.

Neil joined Dare Foods Ltd in 1982, where he built the Food Service Division from just a vision to what it is today. Some notable accomplishments with Dare included putting the Dare cookie crunch in all the Dairy Queen ice cream cakes, and delivering the after-dinner mints at The Keg, Boston Pizza, and The Mandarin. Neil retired from Dare in 2010 after 28 years of service.

Some of Neil's greatest times were spent at their cottage on Paradise Island in the Kawarthas. Neil's daughter's wedding on the property in 2016 sparked a wedding business, and five movies have been filmed at his property over the last several years. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, 6 January 2024 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. at Paul F Kent Funeral Home  {16 King St North, Cookstown, ON }. There will be a Celebration of Life following the burial when Neil is laid to rest in Spring 2024. Details will be shared once they are finalized. 

Donations in Neil's Memory can be made to Autism Ontario or Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Delsworth Godfry Harnish, CD (Ret’d) on  18 December 2023 at home in Petawawa ON at the age of 91 years.  Del was a Korean War veteran.
Del was a member of the Royal Canadian Army Ordnance Corps whose service in the Canadian Forces and the Public Service spanned 40 years. During his military career, he served at Canadian Forces Bases Kingston, Edmonton, Wainwright and Petawawa and depolyed to Korea, Vietnam and Egypt. A highlight of his military career was his being the Regimental Quartermaster of the VIII Canadian Hussars in Petawawa. Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Del served a second career as a Public Servant where he worked in Stores with the Base Petawawa Construction Engineering Section.
Cremation has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations to Pembroke Regional Hospital Cancer Care Campaign  would be appreciated. Online condolences  can be sent to the funeral home.
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We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Clayton "George" Maidment of Clarksville NS, at the Hants Community Hospital on 14 December 2023 at age 74.

George grew up in Catalina NL and moved with his family to Happy Valley Goose Bay NL at the age of 12. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1966 and was an original member of the East Coast Gun Run in the International Tattoo, which travelled across Canada during the 1967 Centennial Year.

George served on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Bonaventure and the Cape Scott, sailing to England, Denmark and Porta Rico, to name a few destinations. 

During his time in the military, George wore several hats, including those of Cook, Military Policeman at Canadian Forces Base Windsor Park, and Military Firefighter at CFB Shearwater. George then became a Firefighter with the Department of Defence Fire Service and rose to Platoon Chief at HMCS Dockyard, NAD, Magazine Hill and Mill Cove. He was also a volunteer firefighter in West Gore.

George’s passion was fishing and hunting. His annual fishing trips to Mooseland, NS, and numerous fishing trips to Northern Labrador, as well as a few hunting trips in NS and NL. He was a member of the Mount Uniacke Legion #165 and loved playing pool, winning numerous titles and awards. George also played in various hockey leagues in Shearwater, Citadel Inn, Black Bear Tavern, Midland-Scotch Village, and darts in Gore.

Funeral arrangements were private.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Trevor Ronald McDaniel, CD (Ret'd) of Port Hood ON, on 14 December 2023 at age 52. 

Trevor served in the Royal Canadian Navy between 1997 and 2007 on HMCS Ville de Quebec, HMCS Preserver and HMCS Charlottetown as a Marine Electrical Technician, Ship's Diver and Ship Boarding Team member.  During his service with the Navy, he was employed in the recovery effort of Swiss Air Flight 111 in 1998.

Following a remuster to Firefighter in 2007, Trevor served as a Firefighter at Canadian Forces Base Trenton ON and Shearwater NS until he retired from the Canadian Forces in 2016. Trevor faced many challenges in his line of duty, including deployments to Afghanistan as part of Operation APOLLO. One highlight of his career was being part of the guard of honour for the burial of the remains of the Unknown Soldier from Vimy Ridge at the National Memorial in Ottawa.

Throughout his career, Trevor offered encouragement to friends facing challenges, participated in Habitat for Humanity and organized church services at sea for his fellow shipmates.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on 26 January at the Port Hood & Area Resting Place from 2-4:00 p.m. and 7-9:00 p.m. Funeral mass will take place on 27 January at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Port Hood with burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter's Parish Cemetery Fund or the Port Hood & Area Resting Place. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Wayne Lloyd Wharton, CD (Ret'd) BSc, P.Eng, peacefully at Kingston General Hospital on 14 December 2023 at the age of 85.

Wayne was born in Moose Jaw SK where he attended school until the end of Grade 11. During this time, he worked as a call boy and a checker for the Canadian National Railway to help support his family. Wayne entered Grade 13 when his family moved to Nelson BC.

Wayne's military career started when he entered Royal Roads Military College in 1956. He graduated from Royal Military College in 1960 and then Queen's University in Kingston ON. Wayne's first posting after completing his officer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering was 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack BC. After this tour, he became Detachment Commander of the Chilliwack Detachment of 11 Works Company.   

Wayne then moved to  England, where he was the Royal Canadian Engineer Exchange Officer with the Royal School of Military Engineering. Returning to Canada after this tour, he became the Base Construction Engineer at Canadian Forces Base Bagotville QC. Wayne was next appointed Commanding Officer of 4 Field Squadron in Germany (1970-72) where he moved the unit from Werl to Lahr.

Returning to Canada after this Germany tour, Wayne was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering. He next deployed on a United Nations peacekeeping tour in Pakistan in 1974. Wayne returned to Canada for his last tour, which was in Ottawa with the Directorate of Construction Engineering Requirements at National Defence Headquarters.

After retiring from the Canadian Forces, Wayne worked for an architect for a couple of years and then went to Corrections Canada where he engaged in planning and civil engineering work. He did some work with National Defence during the Gulf War (1990-91). In his final retirement, Wayne oversaw the building of their retirement home on Lake Opinicon ON.

Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a later date in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, ON. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home .

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Robin Allen Moorhead, CD (Ret’d) of Calgary AB, on 5 December 2023 at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre in Calgary at the age of 82 years.

Robin was born in Daysland AB.  He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1961 and, after his basic sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC, his first posting was to 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB. From there, Robin had two consecutive tours with 4 Field Squadron in Germany (1963-1966 and 1967 – 1970)

Ron then transferred to the Reserve Force and served with 8 Field Engineer Regiment in  Edmonton (1981 – 1992). He finished his service in Edmonton as the Northern Albert Militia District CWO. After that, he relocated to Calgary and was, shortly thereafter, commissioned as a Captain. Robin then served as an officer with 33 Field Engineer Squadron in Calgary (1992 – 1996).

In civilian life, Robin had a planning degree and worked as a planner with the Yellowhead Regional Planning Commission.

In accordance with Robin’s wishes, a private service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared at the funeral home website.

We regret to advise of the death of  Firefighter Sergeant  Arnold "Arnie" Kaland, CD (Ret'd) of Summerside PE,  peacefully at Prince County Hospital in Summerside on 28 November 2023 aged 83 years.

Arnie was born in Bergen, Norway. His Firefighting career with the Royal  Air Force included Canadian Forces Station Gypsumville, Canadian Forces Base Lahr, Germany and CFB Summerside.

Resting at the East Prince Funeral Home {245 Pope Rd., Summerside}. By personal request, there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private graveside service will  take place in St. Paul’s Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations in Arnie’s memory can be made directly to Canadian Cancer Society. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.