CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise the death of Sapper Albert Desjarlais (Ret’d) of Elk Point AB on 8 July 2006 at the age of 87 years.

Albert was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Elk Point branch of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #151. ^{{dcJan18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Donald Arthur Edward “Don” Caldwell (Ret’d) in Ponoka, AB on 7 July 2008 at the age of 90 years.

Don was born in Rainy River, ON and moved with his family to Manitoba as a child.  At the age of 17, during the depression, he moved to Alberta looking for work on the farms, on threshing crews and logging camps. In 1940, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers, 10^th Field Squadron and served five years, most of it overseas.  After the war, Don bought a farm in the Fertile Forest District of Ponoka and raised his family. He retired in the mid-seventies and moved into the town of Ponoka.  Don was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #66 in Ponoca.

A family graveside service will precede a celebration of Don’s life at the Ponoka Funeral Home on 12 July at 2:00 PM.   Donations may be made to the Ponoka Jubilee Library or to the Ponoka Wheelchair Van Society. ^{{dcMar17gd}[zpi]}

We regret to advise that René Joseph Lapointe passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday, 28 June 2008 at Lambton Meadowview Villa, in Sarnia, ON.

René was a veteran of WW II who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was a member of the Carpenters & Joiners Union Local 1256.

Visitation was held at the Mckenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre in Sarnia, on 1 July 2008. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Interment Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to Alzheimer's Society, 1121 Wellington St., Sarnia, N7S 6J7 or to Lambton Meadowview Villa, R.R. 4, Petrolia, N0N 1R0. A tree will be planted in memory of Rene Lapointe in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, 21 September, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area.

We regret to advise the death of Myrle Miles Cropley in the Pleasantview Housing Society in Mission BC on 26 June 2008 in his 93^rd year.

Myrle served overseas in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. After the war, he settled his family in Stave Falls BC. He was active in community events, starting cubs and scouts in the village and participating in many fundraising activities. When his wife died, he moved to Mission BC, living with his daughter. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Mission City Branch #57. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society of B.C. ^{{dcMay2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Ernest Bertram "Colonel Ernie" Edwards (Ret'd) in Halifax,NS on 25 June 2008 at age 91 years.

Born in Glen Falls, Saint John, NB in 1917, Ernest served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers during WW II and rose to the rank of Sergeant. "Colonel Ernie" has been described as one of Nova Scotia's most colourful and successful business leaders and most generous philanthropists. Having started out in the restaurant business on a small scale, Ernest and his wife Delia expanded their company, Edwards Fine Food, to include eight lunch counters along with their flagship "Town and Country" restaurant in Halifax. He came to be known as "Colonel Ernie" after being inducted into the Honorary Order of Kentucky Colonels by Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. They met when Ernest was president of the Canadian Restaurant Association and he agreed to sell Kentucky Fried Chicken on the East Coast. Edwards Fine Food operated KFC outlets throughout the province and the Town and Country restaurant came to sell more KFC than any other outlet in the world.

"Colonel Ernie" and his late wife, Delia, were jointly honoured by being inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame in 1995. He is an inductee of the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Jack C. Simms Award for Promoting Excellence in Education. He was bestowed with the Canadian Hospitality Foundation's Man of the Year Award and, with his wife, was recognized with the Nova Scotia Philanthropist's Society Community Giving Award. Colonel Ernie was an Honorary Life Director of the Colonel Harland Sanders Charitable Organization that, last year, provided a $1-million donation to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax to provide care to women, children, youth and families from the Atlantic Provinces. The Edwards Family Charitable Foundation will be a lasting reminder his generosity and concern for others.

Visitation is Friday, 27 June from 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.  at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax. The funeral service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 205 Lacewood Dr., in Halifax. A reception will follow at the Ashburn Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edwards Family Charitable Foundation or the charity of your choice.^{{khFeb2018}[zsi,zsp]}

We regret to advise of the passing of Chief Warrant Officer Tim Coughlin (Retd) on 24 June 2008 after a battle with cancer.
Tim proudly served his country as a Military Engineer for over 30 years. For the first portion of his career he was stationed primarily at our radar stations where he maintained the major power generator installations. Tim also had postings to CFB Edmonton, CFSME Chilliwack, CFS Barrington and CFB Trenton as well as a number of tours at CFS Alert. In addition, he participated in numerous tours and relief missions throughout the world and Canada, including the Manitoba Flood, Quebec Ice Storm and relief assistance in Rwanda. Tim retired in 2000 as an Electrical Generating Systems Technician Chief Warrant Officer with the Mobile Repair Team in Trenton.
More details will be available once funeral arrangements have been finalized.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Arnold Gesner Goodwin (Ret’d) of Dunnville ON on 22 June 2008 at the age of 85 years. Arnold was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.  

Arnold was born in Bair Verte NB. He enlisted  in 1941 and served overseas in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with 2^nd Corps Troops, Royal Canadian Engineers. Arnold returned to Canada and was discharged in 1945.  He was a Life Member of the Army & Navy Club in Hamilton, the Royal Canadian Legion Dunnville Branch #142, a Mason, and belonged to other service clubs and organizations.

Friends will be received at Cresmount Funeral Home on 25 June from 2-4:00PM  and 7-9:00 PM. A Masonic Service will be held at the funeral home at 8:30 PM. A funeral service will be held in the chapel on Thursday 26 June at 1:00 PM with interment at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to make a donation in Arnold's memory are asked to consider the Juravinski Cancer Clinic or the War Amps. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Jack Herbert Dempster (Ret'd) in Gibsons BC on 14 June 2008 at the age of 69 years.

Jack was born in Melville. SK. He served in the 6^th Field Engineer Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in North Vancouver BC and was a member of the Gibsons Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William Russell “Bill” Carter (Ret’d) of Sackville NB suddenly at home on 14 June 2008 at the age of 80 years.

Bill was born in Mount Whatley NB. He joined the Canadian Army and was a veteran of the Second World War. He served in the United Kingdom and Northwest Europe in the RCE. After the war, he was employed as a sheet metal worker and furnace repairman for over 40 years. He was a member of the Amherst Bridge Club and the Sackville Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. 

In keeping with Bill's wishes, there will be no public visitation or funeral service. Spr Bill Carter is buried Sackville Rural Cemetery.

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas “Tom” James Domenie of Ketch Harbour, NS at the QEII Hospital in Halifax, NS on 12 June 2008 at the age of 63 years.

Tom was born in Halifax and attended Richmond School and Queen Elizabeth High School. He graduated from University of King's College and Dalhousie University.  In his early years, he was a member of the 5^th Field Engineer Regiment Band of the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Tom taught high school at J.L. Ilsley High for 30 years and retired as Head of the Social Studies Department. He was active with the schools' student's council, alumni reunion, gentlemen's hockey, and numerous fundraisers.  After retirement he was Chair of the Board of Management of St. James United Church in Sambro, NS and sang in the fishermen’s choir as well as being Co-Chair of the Ketch Harbour Area Residents Association.

Visitation will be held on 15 June from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM in the J.A. Snow Funeral Home in Halifax. Funeral service will be held on 16 June at 2:00 PM at St. James United Church, Sambro. Cremation to follow with burial at a later date in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Ketch Harbour. Donations may be made to St. James United Church, Sambro or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences may be sent to condolences.snow@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ^{{dcJan19gd} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of RCMP Corporal  Eugene Gabriel Ursual on 10 June 2008, peacefully, at home  in Ottawa, ON in his 68^th year after a short battle with illness.

Born in Kirkland Lake, ON, Eugene joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1956 as a young man with the 5^th Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Plan. After completing this training he was posted to 3 Field Squadron, Chilliwack, BC. After completing his military service commitment  Eugene then joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1964. He proudly served in that career in "N","H," and "HQ" Divisions before retiring in 1977. Eugene then followed his dream and opened his own business as a military antiquarian. He became Canada's largest dealer of antique military memorabilia from around the world and dedicated the next 30 years of his life to honouring the memories of Canada's veterans and soldiers.

Friends may call at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Ottawa on Friday, June 13, 2008 from 1 p.m. until service time in the chapel at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kemptville District Hospital or the Lanark Animal Welfare Society ( www.lanarkanimals.ca ) would be greatly appreciated.^{khApr2018}

We regret to advise that James "Jim" Sward passed away at Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre on 8 June 2008 in his 88^th year.

Jim was a veteran of the Second World War serving in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, 12 June from 2 pm - 4 pm at the Pinecrest Remembrance Services Reception Centre (2500 Baseline Rd., Ottawa). In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Alzheimer Society or Perley Rideau Veterans' Health Centre. ^{[zsp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Thomas “Tom” David Corrance Pakenham CD, (Ret’d) in the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa ON on 8 June 2008 at the age of 79.

Tom was born in Vancouver, BC.  He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1949 as a Photogrammetrist with the Army Survey Establishment.  He spent many years working in the Kelsh Plotter Section.  After leaving the Army Tom worked for the Department of National Defence Data Base organization at Tunney’s Pasture Ottawa. 

A funeral mass will be held at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, 1060 Baseline Road in Ottawa on 13 June at 10:30 a.m.   ^{{gdOct2016kh}}

We regret to advise that Corporal Allister Thomas Fraser (Ret'd) died suddenly at the age of 92 on 6 June 2008, in Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck. NS.

Born in Glace Bay NS, he served with the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. Allister graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Engineering and was employed in 1945 with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests as the first forester for Cape Breton Island. He served Cape Breton Island in the role of Manager of Forest Resources from 1948 to until his retirement in 1981. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 53) and St. Mark's Lodge (Branch 35), Baddeck. He was also a devoted member of Greenwood United Church, Baddeck, where he served as an elder for 35 years and was involved with Sunday school and United Church Presbytery activities.

Visitation will be held in MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck, 9 June from 2-5 p.m. And 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held in Greenwood United Church, Baddeck, Tuesday, 10, June at 2 p.m.. Internment in Middle River Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in Allister's memory may be made to Greenwood United Church Memorial Fund or Victoria County Memorial Hospital. [zpp]

We regret to advise that Henry (Hank) Gerlach passed away peacefully on 3 June 2008 at Pasqua Hospital in Regina, SK.

Born in 1920 near Hallonquist, SK, Hank served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1941 to 1946. Following his time in the service, he joined the Winnipeg branch of Minneapolis Moline. He held several senior sales and marketing positions with the US division returning to Canada, in 1959, as Vice-President and Canadian General Manager. In 1969, Hank accepted a new challenge as General Marketing Manager for Kramer Tractor Ltd.

Hank was a well-known executive in the Canadian Farm and Heavy Equipment industries. During his career Hank served on several industry related committees and boards: he was president of the Saskatchewan Wholesale Implement Association, a board member and committee chair for the Canadian Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute and a committee chair for the advisory committee on farm machinery mechanics for the Kelsey Institute. In 1981, he was the General Chairman of the Canadian Association of Equipment Distributors national convention. He was a director and committee chair for the Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association of Saskatchewan. Hank served as president of the Kiwanis Club of East Kildonan and was an active supporter of Scouting where he was president of the Hillsdale Scout Group. In 1977, Hank was elected Potentate of the Wa-Wa Shrine Temple.

A Memorial Service will be held at Regina Funeral Home, Hwy #1 East, Regina, SK on Monday 9 June at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 301, 2550 12 Avenue, Regina, SK S4P 3X1 or the charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Donald “Don” Belford Dunlop (Ret’d) at the Colchester Regional Hospital, Truro, NS on 3 June 2008 at the age of 88 years.

Don was born in Center Burlington, NS and raised in River Denys, Cape Breton.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 5^th Field Company.  After the war, he worked for 35 years at Camp Debert, NS as an electrician until his retirement in 1988.  Don was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 26 Colchester. 

A Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service will be held on 9 June at 2:00 PM in Watson Cemetery in Truro. Reception to follow at 55 Harris Drive.  Donations may be made to the Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.colchestercommunity.com.  ^{{dcJan19gd} [zpp ]}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Alan Arthur Macdonald Stewart (Ret’d) on 31 May 2008 at the age of 93.

Alan was born in Comox BC and educated locally before attending Oregon State University in Corvallis Oregon USA.  He started his working career in 1936 in the forest industry on Central Vancouver Island for Bloedel Stewart & Welch Limited before joining the Army.  He was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers 1941 – 1945 and served overseas with 22 Field Company. During his lifetime Alan served a total of 39 years with the Militia, Active Army and Reserves and attained the rank of Major. 

After demobilization, Alan returned to engineering in Port Alberni BC working for Bloedel Stewart & Welch Ltd.  In 1958 he left forestry work to become a farmer at Amblecote, Duncan BC.  He later served as the Overseas Commissioner of The Stewart Society of Edinburgh, Scotland and Honorary Commodore of the Maple Bay Yacht Club in Duncan.

A celebration of Alan's life will be held at the Maple Bay Yacht Club on 12 June at 3:00 pm. ^{{gdAug2016kh}}

We regret to advise that Lucien Omer Lafrance died on 29 May 2008 at the age of 88 after a lengthy illness.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Lucien served during WW II in England and France. In 1954 he rejoined the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Chilliwack, Ottawa and Germany. Luc retired from the Canadian Forces in 1968 and pursued a career with the Department of Public Works 1968- 1980.

A memorial Service was held on 4 June at the Valley View Funeral Home in Surrey BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

We regret to advise that Master Warrant Officer Stanley Lloyd Stothard (Ret'd) passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on 29 May 2008 at the age of 68, at Glengarry Hospital, Chandler Unit.

Stan joined the Canadian Army in 1956 as a Sapper Apprentice. He soon transferred to the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and had a full career, retiring in 1983 at the rank of Master Warrant Officer.

A family service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Colonel Anthony Arthur Humphreys, CD (Ret'd) who passed away on 23 May 2008 in Victoria while recovering from heart bypass surgery.

Born in 1938 in Australia, Tony immigrated to Canada with his parents and siblings in 1952. Upon graduation from North Vancouver High School, Tony joined the Canadian Army in 1956 and trained under the Regular Officer Training Plan while attending the University of British Columbia. Completing his studies in 1961, he commenced a 33-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Troop Commander in 3 Field Squadron, RCE in Chilliwack, BC. This was followed by a two-year posting with Recruit Training Squadron in the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack.

Tony then went to Tanzania, East Africa, for a year with the Canadian Armed Forces Advisory & Training Team as Company Commander and Engineer Staff Officer. Returning to Canada in 1967, Tony was Second-In-Command, 2 Field Squadron RCE, at Camp Gagetown, NB for a year before he was posted to 1 Airborne Engineer Squadron as its Second-In-Command. He was appointed Commanding Officer in 1969. After this tour, Tony proceeded to England to undertake staff training at the British Army Staff College, Camberley. Upon completion of this course, Tony was a Planning Staff Officer, Military Plans and Operations Division at National Defence Headquarters for a year before embarking on a one-year tour as Station Commander and Staff Officer with the United Nations Military Observer Group In India and Pakistan 1973 - 1974.

Upon his return to Canada, Tony was appointed Officer Commanding Military Engineering Squadron at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering, 1975 - 1977. He then went back to NDHQ, Ottawa as Director of Property Records and Legal Services for a year before starting a four year appointment as Base Technical Services Officer, CFB Borden. He then returned to NDHQ in 1982 for a three-year assignment as Executive Officer to the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff. In 1985 Tony was posted to Pacific Militia Area, Vancouver, first as Deputy Chief of Staff and, upon promotion to Colonel, as Chief of Staff until his retirement in 1989.

In 1991 Tony accepted an appointment by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia as Sergeant-at-Arms and was serving in that position at the time of his passing. Tony enjoyed sailing, spending many happy hours on his boat "Wombat" as well as passing on his sailing knowledge and life experience at the Sail and Life Training Society. Tony also enjoyed flying, receiving his private pilot license in 1963. In 1985 Tony and his foster-son Lucien flew "EMJ" across Canada. As well as other volunteer community work, for many years Tony was very active at the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral serving in a number of voluntary capacities.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Monday 9 June 2008 at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC, with reception to follow at the Cathedral.

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We regret to advise of the death of Gilbert Frederick (Fred) Marsden who died suddenly at home on 22 May 2008 in Sarnia, ON.

Fred was born in Sarnia and served overseas in World War ll with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 4^th Armoured Division. He retired from Co-operators Insurance in 1982.

At Fred's request there was no visitation. Cremation took take place followed by a private family graveside service. Donations to the Lung Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Fred's memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Nelson Garnet “Cowboy” Brydges on 20 April 2008 at Bluewater Health Palliative Care in Sarnia ON in his 88^th year.

Nelson was born in Camlachie ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers, joining the 7^th Field Company in London on 30 June 1941. He did one month of training in London at Wolseley Barracks, two months in Chatham for Basic Training, and two months in Petawawa for advanced training with guns and bridges. He married his life-long wife Audrey in November and left Halifax on 6 December 1941 and arrived in England on Christmas Day. He spent the next two years in various locations receiving more training, and qualifying as a dispatch rider. At some point while in Britain, Nelson was posted to the 3^rd Canadian Infantry Division. He took part in the initial assault in Normandy on D-Day where his brother, Private Robert William Brydges serving with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, died two days later. Nelson continued through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was discharged at Wolseley Barracks in London ON on October 1945.

Nelson received his nickname “Cowboy” because he always wore a cowboy hat, boots and jeans – a throwback to his younger days around horses. He loved animals all his life. Nelson was a bowler and played in many leagues and was still bowling in early March. He made many friends through his bowling associations. He was a 40-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Sarnia and Wyoming ON.

Nelson’s funeral service will be held on 24 April at 11:00 AM at the Smith Funeral Home in Sarnia. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home on 23 April 2008 from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Sympathy donations may be made to War Amps or the charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent online at www.smithfuneralhome.ca.

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas Howard Brown of Sydney Mines, NS on 18 May 2008, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 79 years.

Thomas was a Korean War veteran who also served in the Royal Canadian Engineers throughout Canada.  After retiring from the Army, he was employed with Clarke's Taxi in Sydney Mines for many years. He was also a lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #8 in Sydney Mines.

According to Thomas’ wishes, there will be no visitation. Funeral service will be held 20 May at 10:00 AM in the Fillmore & Whitman Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Brookside Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Veterans’ Wing of Harbour View Hospital, Sydney Mines.

We regret to advise of the death of Marcel “Tom” Blair at Concordia Place Hospital in Winnipeg, MB on 17 May 2008 at the age of 88 years.

Tom was born in Falher, AB and left home early to join the Canadian Army.  He was a Second World War veteran who served with the 6^th Field Company of the Royal Canadian Engineers and landed in Normandy on D-Day.

After the war Tom settled in Edmonton where he worked for the Canadian National Railways (CNR) at various line points in the maintenance of buildings and bridges.  In 1962 he moved to Winnipeg where he worked in the CNR shops in Transcona as a sheet metal worker until his retirement in 1981.  Tom was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Transcona Branch #7 in Winnipeg.  He served in many executive positions including President and was active in many activities including the Poppy Fund and Wheelchair Committee. Tom was also a Life Member of the Moose Lodge.

A Memorial service will be held on 22 May at the Transcona Funeral Chapel with interment in the Field of Honour in the Transcona Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Society.  ^{{dcFeb2017gd} [zsp, zpi]}

We regret to advise of the death of Bruce W. Miller on 17 May 2008.

Bruce was born in Toronto, ON in 1925.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who enlisted in 1944 and served with the 1^st Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in Italy and Northwest Europe.  He was discharged in May 1946.  After the war, Bruce returned home to his family and a previous job at Goodyear Tires. ^{{dcNov2017gd} [zsp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert (Bob) Morley Richardson of Calgary who passed away on 14 May 2008 at the age of 86.

Robert was born in Toronto and graduated from the University of Toronto (Chemical Engineering) in 1943. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1942 to 1946 and was employed by Gulf Canada for thirty-six years.

A private Celebration of Bob's life will be held at McInnis & Holloway's Park Memorial Chapel. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 - 110 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Roland David "Rollie" Zinc who passed away peacefully in Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital, Tatamagouche, NB on 9 May 2008 at the age of 89.

Born in Cape John, Rollie was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War having served in 23^rd Field Company in Holland and Germany. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 108, River John, receiving his 60-year membership pin, and was one of the founding members of River John Volunteer Fire Department. He was a fisherman and an auto body shop owner for over 30 years.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. In MacLeod's Funeral Home, River John. Funeral service will beheld on Monday at 2 p.m. In St. John the Baptist Anglican Church, River John, with Rev. Marilyn Lamb officiating. Burial in Cape John Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the River John Fire Department, Anglican Church or a charity of choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Anselm Theodore "Sam" D'Eon of Lower East Pubnico, NS on 8 May 2008, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital at the age of 89.

Born in West Pubnico, he was a veteran of the Second World War having served in the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Royal Canadian Engineers. He worked the majority of his life as a carpenter.

Visitation will be Sunday, 11 May from 3:30-9:00 p.m. With a Legion service at 7:30 p.m., and Monday 9:00-9:30 a.m. In West Pubnico Funeral Home, Middle West Pubnico. Funeral will be 10:00 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Middle East Pubnico. Interment in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses Tri-County Branch, Parkinson Society Canada or IWK Health Centre Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of August Joseph Degenstein peacefully at Vulcan Extendicare Centre, Vulcan, AB on 8 May 2008 at the age of 94.

August was born at Berwick, North Dakota USA but moved at a young age to Turin, AB where his family settled before later moving to Lomond AB. August was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1942 to 1945 where he saw action on the Continent.  After demobilisation, he moved to Warner, AB and worked at farming before settling in 1948 in the Champion, AB area where he purchased and worked his own farm.

A Funeral Mass will be held on 12 May at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Champion with interment in the Champion Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Champion Cemetery Maintenance Association, Box 99, Champion, T0L 0R0 or Vulcan Extendicare Auxiliary, Box 810, Vulcan, T0L 2B0. ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the passing of James William Leach on 5 May 2008 at the age of 73.

Jim joined the Army as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers then transferred to the Army Physical Training Cadre in 1955. He progressed rapidly through the ranks and retired as a major. Among other locations he served in Chilliwack and National Defence Headquarters, Ottawa.

No visitation or burial as per Jim's wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to your local Humane Society would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal George Harry Forrister (Ret’d) of Kelvington, SK on 5 May 2008 at the Sunnyside Adventist Care Centre at the age of 95 years.

George was born in Rugeley, in the County of Staffordshire in England, one of eight children. In June of 1924, he came to Canada with his family, settling in the Paswegin area of Saskatchewan. George was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 9^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers.  On returning home, he farmed and made his home in Kelvington until 1999 when he and his wife moved into Saskatoon.  George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 19 in Kelvington.

A Memorial Service will be held at Park Funeral Chapel in Saskatoon, SK at 3:00 PM on 9 May followed by Interment in Kelvington Cemetery at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Saskatchewan or to a charity of the donor's choice.  ^{{dcJan19gd} [zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Francis Patrick "Frank" Martin, formerly of Ketch Harbour, NS, in Halifax on 3 May, 2008 at the age of 83.

Educated at College Street School, St. Mary's College and Nova Scotia Technical College, he received his degree in electrical engineering. A former employee of Maritime Tel and Tel, Frank retired as Supervisor Engineer. He served 15 years in the Militia with 30^th Field Squadron RCE.

Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St., Halifax, on Wednesday, May 7, from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica on Thursday, May 8, at 10:00 a.m. Internment will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Ketch Harbour. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Palliative Care, 1278 Tower Rd., Halifax NS B3H 2Y9, or a charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Gordon F. Pascoe on 23 April 2008 at the age of 92 years.

Gordon was born in Fleming, SK. In 1932 his family moved to Elkhorn, MB where he completed school. Gordon began working for the Beaver Lumber Company in Elkhorn but was transferred to St. Catharines, ON in 1939. He joined the Canadian Army in 1942 and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After serving in Canada and England, Gordon saw action in France, Belgium and Holland. He was discharged in 1946.

On returning to Canada, Gordon returned to Beaver Lumber and later worked for Canadian Tire in St. Catharines.

In accordance with Gordon's wishes, cremation has taken place. Gordon's family will receive visitors at the George Darte Funeral Chapel in St. Catharines on 27 April from 12 pm to 1 pm. A funeral service to celebrate Gordon's life will follow in the chapel at 1 pm. A private family interment will take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations can be made to Habitat For Humanity or The Salvation Army. ^{{dcNov17gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the passing of Lieutenant-Colonel David Veitch, CD (Ret'd) at the Ottawa General Hospital on 23 April 2008 at the age of 85 years.

Dave's military service began in January 1938 as a sapper with the 7^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers [Non-Permanent Active Militia] in London. He attended the Royal Military College in Kingston from 1940-1943 and went overseas in 1943 as an engineer reinforcement officer. Landing in Normandy on D-Day plus 3, he joined the 31^st Field Company near Boulogne, France in September 1944 and was with them until VE Day. Serving with the International Commission for Supervision and Control in South Vietnam in 1965-66, LCol Veitch was seconded to Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to supervise the construction of Rehabilitation Centres at Quan Ngai. He retired in 1988, after 48 years of service. He was a strong supporter of the Military Engineer Association of Canada.

There will be a private family service. Memorial tributes/donations may be made to the RMC Club of Canada Foundation, Kingston, Ontario K7K 5L0.

We regret to advise the death of Lance Corporal William Thomas “Bill” Erwin (Ret’d) on 22 April 2008 at the Brockville General Hospital, Brockville ON, at the age of 82 years.

Bill was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #96 in Brockville.

Visitation will take place at the Barclay Funeral Home, 137 Pearl Street East, Brockville on 25 April from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM.  A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Funeral Home on 26 April at 11:00 AM with interment to follow at the Athens, ON Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Association.  ^{{dcOct17gd} [zsd, zsp, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Albert Simard, CD (Ret’d) at the Chauveau Hospital in Quebec City on 20 April 2008 at the age of 63 years.

Albert served in the Canadian Military Engineers and spent most of his career in Valcartier with 5^eme Régiment du génie de combat.

Visitation will take place at the Complexe Funéraire du Parc Commémoratif La Souvenance, 301, rang Ste-Anne, Quartier Laurentien, Ste-Foy on 24 April 2008 from 13h30 to 14h30 followed by the funeral service. Donations may be made to the Quebec Heart Foundation, 4715, avenue des Replats, room 261, Québec (Québec) G2J 1B8. ^{{gdMar2018} [zcc, zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Hubert Emmerson LeDrew on 10 April 2008 in Sydney, NS. Hubert was born in Conception Bay, NFL, in 1918. A WW II D-Day Veteran, he enlisted in the Army in October 1939 and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Hubert was stationed in Fredericton, NB, and then went to Petawawa, ON to complete his training. He trained as a Chemical Warfare Specialist. Overseas, Hubert served in France, Holland and Germany.

After the war Hubert settled in Sydney and worked in the steel plant as a rigger.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 12.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Carman A. Gainer (Ret'd) at the Milton District Hospital, Milton ON on 5 April 2008 ten days short of his 82^nd birthday.

Carman was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  Following his demobilisation, in 1946 he joined the Canadian National Railway where he enjoyed a 36-year career as a locomotive engineer.  After leaving the CNR he worked with Standard Bred horses and as a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross and Canadian Cancer Society.

Visitation will be at the McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home, 114 Main Street, Milton from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. on 8 April.  A Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 139 Martin Street, Milton on 9 April at 11:00 a.m.  Donations may be made to the Milton District Hospital Foundation or the Willow Foundation for the enhancement of the quality of life of seniors and disabled adults in the Halton ON Region, (www.willowfoundation.ca). Letters of condolence may be left for the family at www.mckersie-kocher.ca. ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Abram Waldner (Ret'd) of Nipawin, SK on 5 April 2008 at the age of 87 years.

Abram was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Nipawin. ^{{dcmar17}[zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant John Mackesy (Ret'd) on 2 April 2008.

Born in London, England in 1915, his military affinity started early in life as the son of QMS John Mackesy, Royal Engineers, who served in South Africa, Boer War, the majority of WW I in the trenches of France and Belgium and then with the Chief Engineer's Staff in Cologne, Germany. John joined the British Territorial Army as a boy of 17 and served briefly with the Royal Corps of Signals. He later joined the British regular army in the mid-30's as a gunner in the Royal Horse Artillery and saw service in Singapore and Aden. Returning to England, John was a police constable in Southend, England and was mobilized on the outbreak of war and taken into the Royal Engineers where he served in 1 Stevedore Company, RE [British Expeditionary Force] in Brest, France from 1939 until evacuation during Dunkirk in 1940. During WW II due to his prior police experience he was demobilized from the Royal Engineers and enlisted into MI5 (counter espionage) where he served the remainder of the war. Post-war, John returned to the Southend Police force.

In 1953 he answered the call from Canada for former British soldiers to join for the Korean War and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in England. He never did get to Korea but served with 1 Field Squadron, RCE that included the Squadron's tour in Werl, Germany from 1955 and the subsequent relocation to Petawawa in 1957. John stayed with the Squadron until 1961 at which time he was posted to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering, Chilliwack. He retired in 1965 as a sergeant while at RCSME.

After retirement, John re-located to Richmond and worked for a number of years at the University of British Columbia. He retired from UBC to became a "Snowbird" - RV'ing to Arizona for a number of years and finally settled on Vancouver Island.

We regret to advise of the death of Basil Belchuk, peacefully on 23 March 2008 in Windsor, ON at the age of 90 years.

Basil was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Windsor Branch #594.

Visitation will take place at Families First Funeral Home & Tribute Centre, 3260 Dougall Avenue, Windsor on 25 March 3:00 – 5:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM. A Royal Canadian Legion Veteran's Memorial Service will take place at 8:00 PM.  Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  ^{{dcJan2017gd} [zsp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain James Alister Grant Campbell (Ret’d) peacefully on 12 March 2008.

Born in 1922 in Cornwall, ON, he served with the Black Watch and the Royal Canadian Engineers during WW II after which he joined the Reserves in the Intelligence Corps and retired with the rank of Captain.

After the war James entered the University of New Brunswick to study forestry but switched to law at the University of British Columbia where he graduated in 1952 with a law degree and moved to Ottawa, ON to work as an Assistant Crown Attorney.

In 1958, at age 35, James was elected as a Member of Parliament for the Stormont ON riding, becoming , at that time, Canada's youngest ever Member of Parliament. As an outspoken backbencher, he championed trade and defence issues.

After leaving politics James moved to Almonte, ON where he established a rural legal practice in neighbouring Carleton Place. From 1975-87 he was a member of the Ontario Municipal Board, presiding over planning, zoning and land compensation claims.

In 1996, James retired in the historic village of Williamstown, ON. ^{{gdSep2015kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Leading Fireman Samuel Denis “Sam” Posten on 12 March 2008 in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, Veterans’ Unit in Regina SK at the age of 93 years.

Sam was born and raised in Regina. He was a veteran of the Second World War and after serving in the Regina Rifle Regiment from August 1940 until May 1942, joined the Corps of Canadian Firefighters.  With no previous firefighting experience, Sam was taken on strength in June 1942, with the rank of Junior Fireman. In August, he was posted to Station 19A-1L in Plymouth, England for basic training. By December 1942, he had completed his training and was attained the rank of Fireman. He was promoted to Senior Fireman in June 1943 and to Leading Fireman a year later. Sam spent most of his time in London and Plymouth fighting fires through the Blitz and subsequent German bombing.

Sam returned home to Canada and worked as proprietor of the Lindsay Lucky Dollar Store in Regina. He later joined the custodial staff at the University of Regina and later served with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at the Regina Armoury and HMCS Queen.

A Celebration of Sam's life will be held on Saturday 15 March at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at the Wascana Hospital in Regina. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s memory to the Veterans' Unit 3-6 Wascana Rehab or to a charity of your choice. ^{dcMar20kh}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Robert James Foster (Ret’d) of Dundas, ON at the age of 89 years on 11 March 2008.

Robert was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the 33^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Valley City Branch #36 in Dundas.

Robert is buried in the Grove Cemetery in Dundas Ontario ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Pierre Morin, CD (Ret'd) in hospital after a long illness in Chicoutimi QC on 10 March 2008 at the age of 56.

Pierre was born in Montmagny QC and enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1974 at Quebec City QC. After graduating from Recruit School in St-Jean QC and completing his basic Fire Fighter training at the Canadian Forces Fire Academy, Borden ON, he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Bagotville QC in 1976 where he served five years in the Bagotville Fire Department.  This was followed with a two year posting aboard HMCS Skeena out of CFB Halifax NS and then he returned to Bagotville for a second tour of four and a half years. In 1989 he was posted to CFB North Bay ON Fire Department as a Deputy Platoon Chief and Fire Inspector.

In 1994, Pierre took his release from the Armed Forces under the 20/40 Retirement Plan and settled in Ville-de-la- Baie QC. He joined the Air Reserve at 3 Wing Bagotville in 1995 and was employed as a fire prevention officer.  Pierre served a total of 30 years.

Visitation will be held on 13 and 14 March at Salon Gravel &Fils Funeral Home, 873 de la Fabrique Road in La Baie.  A funeral service will take place on 14 March at St-Alphonse Church across from the Funeral Home.  Donations may be made to “Fondation de Ma Vie” Foundation, Haematology-Oncology department, Chicoutimi Hospital.  ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Albert Leslie “Les” Brown, BSc(Ret') at the Toronto Western Hospital in Toronto ON, on 9 March 2008 at the age of 89.

Les was born in New Liskeard ON and his family survived the great Temiskaming ON fire of 1922. He attended Public and High School in New Liskeard and graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston ON in 1943 with a BSc in Civil Engineering.  He is a veteran of WW II having served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war Les joined Ontario Hydro retiring in 1976 to Cavan ON near Peterborough before finally moving back to Toronto in 2003.

A Memorial Service will be held on 5 April at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Road, Toronto. Visitation will be before the service.  Cremation and private interment will take place. Donations may be made to the Queen's University Student Financial Assistance Fund, Kingston ON, K7L 3N6, or to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdMar2016kh}}

Albert's brother Sidney served in the Infantry during the Second World War.

Ken (Red) Redman, former RCE Heavy Equipment Operator passed away in Chilliwack on 5 March 2008.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Frederick “Fred” Samuel Bland (Ret’d) peacefully on 5 March 2008 at Alexander Place in Waterdown, ON in his 88^th year.

Fred was a Second World War veteran who served in the 2^nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #551 in Waterdown, Life Member of the War Amps of Canada, a member of the Masonic Lodge #357 and an Honorary Member of the Rameses Shrine Temple in Scarborough, ON.  He was President of the Scarborough Baseball Association and served as an Alderman in Ward Six in Scarborough for many years before he retired to the Waterdown area in 1980.

There will be a private cremation and interment in Mount Hope Cemetery, Toronto, ON.  Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  ^{{dcFeb2017gd} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Osborne Ross “Sonny” Totten (Ret’d) of London, ON peacefully at Parkwood Veterans Hospital on 5 March 2008 at the age of 93 years.

Sonny was born and raised in Forest, ON.  He was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted in the Army in November 1939 and served six years in the Royal Canadian Engineers seeing action in Italy. He was hospitalized three times during the war and returned home with seventeen pieces of shrapnel still in his body. His Army career was tumultuous and he claimed being promoted to sergeant three times and reduced back to Sapper each time. He was discharged in November 1945. 

After the war Sonny returned to Forest and went to work for the federal Department of Agriculture as a fruit and vegetable inspector. He started a new career in 1958 as a successful insurance agent and businessman in Forest.  After retiring, he moved to London, ON.  Sonny was active in many community organisations including the St. James Presbyterian Church, the Forest Rotary club and the Royal Canadian Legion Forest Branch # 176 where he was a Life Member and served as president. He was also a coach and supporter of many sports teams in the Forest area.

Visitation will be held at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Parkwood Hospital in London on 7 March from 2:00 to 3:00 PM followed by a celebration of life.  Private interment will take place at a later date. Donations may be made to Veteran's Care Fund, c/o St Joseph's Health Care Foundation, London or to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcNov2017gd} [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise that Sapper George Wellington "Well" Ditmars (ret'd) passed away peacefully on 4 March 2008 at the age of 94, while living at Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, QEII, Halifax.

Well served overseas 1943-1946 during the Second World War with the 2^nd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in England and France. After his military discharge, he worked for almost 30 years at CFB Cornwallis as a machinist, carpenter and locksmith. In his spare time, he built two beautiful sailing boats and replica antique clocks.

A funeral service will be held in Jayne's Funeral Home, Digby, on Friday, 7 March at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at the Old Saint Edward's Cemetery, Clementsport. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Camp Hill Memorial Garden c/o QEII Foundation, 1278 Tower Road, Bethune Building, Room B04, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9.