Dernière sonnerie

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Kenneth Sydney Brown (Ret'd) on 12 January 2015 at home in Tillsonburg, ON at the age of 78. Kenneth was a career military firefighter with the RCAF and retired in 1980 as a Master Corporal. In retirement he was a school bus driver at North York School Board in Toronto and was also Past-President of Legion Branch #153.

Cremation has taken place. A Legion Service to be held at the Verhoeve Funeral Home, 262 Broadway St., Tillsonburg on Saturday, 17 January at 1:00 p.m. This will be followed by a Memorial service. Memorial Donations (by cheque) may be made to “V.O.N. Sakura House” or to the “Canadian Cancer Society,” through the Verhoeve Funeral Home, Tillsonburg.

We regret to advise of the death of Daniel McMahon, at home, in Courtenay, BC after a lengthy fight with cancer on 10 January 2015. Dan served a full career with the Canadian Military Engineers and retired as a Master Corporal.

Dan was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1949 and left home as a teenager to join the British Merchant Navy. He emigrated to Canada in 1968, arriving in Loon Lake, SK where he worked in the Department of Natural Resources. Dan joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1969, with the Canadian Military Engineers – first as a Field Engineer and then in the Air Force as a Firefighter. He served in all three environments (Army, Navy, Air Force) with postings on the HMCS Iroquois and in Chilliwack, Edmonton, Germany, Shearwater and Comox. He transferred from the Regular Force to the Reserves in 1993. In the late 90’s he was contracted to CFB Esquimalt as Respiratory Protection Co-ordinator, then took a position there as a General Safety Officer and, finally, finished his career as General Safety Officer at 19 Wing Comox, retiring in February 2011.

Dan also served as a member of the Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department from 1992-2001 and was an active volunteer with the Department’s Fire Safety House at local schools as recently as October 2014. For a number of years he served as Local Co-ordinator and coach with the Comox Valley Special Olympics organization.

There will be visitation at Comox Valley Funeral Home, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, 16 January. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 1599 Tunner Drive, Courtenay, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 17 January, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall where remembrances will be shared.

Those wishing to make a donation in Dan’s memory may consider St. Joseph’s General Hospital Foundation, 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1P2 (earmarked for the Cancer Care Unit) or Glacier View Lodge Society, 2450 Back Road, Courtenay, BC V9N 8B5 (earmarked for the Adult Day Program Project).

We regret to advise of the death of I.C.B “Bert” Price peacefully on 4 January 2015 in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 93 years.

Bert was born in Calgary, AB.  After completing grade 12, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in the Second World War for over six years in England, Africa, Italy, Belgium, and Holland.  After demobilisation, he married and moved to Ontario where he was self-employed as a home builder before returning to Alberta for a short period of time. He then relocated to Gunnar, SK in 1961 where he was employed as a prospector.  He later moved to Uranium City, SK where he worked as a Housing Administrator with Eldorado Nuclear until the mine closed in 1982.  Bert became a member of the Kiwanis Club and spent time serving as a town councillor.  He retired in Carstairs, AB where he became involved with the Library Board, Artist Society, Horticulture Club, and Citizens on Patrol.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Parish, 114 Kingsmere Place, in Saskatoon on 9 January at 1:30 PM.  Burial will take place in Carstairs in the spring.  Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of St. Paul's Hospital, Saskatoon or other charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdApr2017dc} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Leonard Sylvester Bohan on 3 January 2015 in Cranbrook, BC at the age of 95 years. Len was born in Calgary, AB. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honour of Len may do so to their charity of choice. No flowers please.

We regret to advise of the death of Edward J McAuliffe peacefully at the Cassellholme Home for the Aged in North Bay, ON on 1 January 2015 at the age of 90. 

Edward was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway for 44 years as a Trainman. He was a Chartered Member of the North Bay Heritage Railway.

Visitations will be held at the McGuinty Funeral Home (North Bay) on 4 January followed by a funeral service on 5 January.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.  Online condolences can be made atwww.mcguintyfuneralhome.com.  ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II Norman Ernest Purcell (Ret'd) of Halifax NS on 30 December 2014 at the age of 90 years.

Norman was born in Halifax.  Prior to the Second World War, he served in the Militia before enlisting in the Active Force in September 1939 when he was 15 years old.  His age was ‘adjusted’ and he was sent overseas with the 6^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers. He took part in the Normandy Landings in support of the Regina Rifles at Courseulles-sur-Mere.  He was wounded in Belgium and, after a period of recovery, returned to his unit for the rest of the war.  Norman returned to Halifax after the war and served in the Militia with the 5^th Field Engineer Regiment. He moved to Ottawa in 1951, and continued his Militia service until 1953 when he retired as a Warrant Officer Class II. Norman later moved back to Halifax and was a member of the Fairview Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. 

WOII Purcell was interviewed for the Memory Project.

We regret to announce the death of Sapper Louis Hachey (Ret'd) on 30 December 2014 at the Sensenbrenner Hospital in Kapuskasing, ON at the age of 91 years.Louis was living in Moonbeam, ON.

Louis Joseph Hachey was born in Hacheyville, NB and was a veteran of the Second World War, enlisting in the Royal Canadian Engineers when the war broke out in 1939. After training in Petawawa, he was sent overseas where his training continued up to D-Day. Louis was on the second wave for the landing at Courseulles-sur-Mer on D-Day, landing with elements of the 16^th Field Company. He fought the battles of D-Day and Caen to later continue on to Belgium and Holland and was more often than not, supporting the North Shore Regiment throughout. He was discharged in September 1945.

After the war. he hitchhiked from NB to Kapuskasing. ON and met a war-time friend who hired him to work at a local paper company. Louis later retired and lived in Moonbeam. ON. Louis was a member of  Kapuskasing Legion Branch 85 for over 44 years.

In November 2014 he was honoured for his contributions to the Battle for France by the award of the French Legion of Honour at a ceremony in the Canadian War Museum.

Louis Hachey will be resting at the Guenette Funeral Home on Sunday, 4 January from 2-4 and 7- 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, 5 January at the Immaculée-Conception church at 10:30 a.m. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. ^{khDec14dc}

We regret to advise of the death of Albert Joseph Biffis peacefully on 29 December 2014 at the Etobicoke General Hospital at the age of 94.

Albert was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Engineers, stationed at Camp Borden during World War II. After demobilization Albert became a tailor and a businessman, involved in many business ventures. He was the former owner and president of Daniels Construction, Division of A.J. Biffis Limited.

Visitation will be held at Newediuk Funeral Home, Etobicoke, on 2 January 2015. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Transfiguration of Our Lord Roman Catholic Church, Etobicoke, on 3 January. Entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Woodbridge. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com

We regret to advise of the death of Robert (Bob) Hugh Benson McLaughlin on 28 December 2014 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB.

Born in Fort Fairfield, Maine in 1922, Bob attended Aroostook High School then the University of New Brunswick where he graduated with both a B.Sc and M.Sc in Engineering. At UNB he excelled as a student, receiving the student’s distinction awards for both Athletic and non-Athletic activities. Some years later, further graduate studies were carried on at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.), Oklahoma State University and the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he received advanced degrees in engineering from those universities. In 1987 Bob was awarded the distinction of "Professor Emeritus" for his teaching expertise over his long and distinguished career.

Bob was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War and, later, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1946 the University of New Brunswick requested his release from the US Army so he could accept a position as Assistant Professor at UNB and help returning veterans seeking a post-secondary education in Engineering. Receiving an Honourable Discharge from the US Army, he arrived in Fredericton in the fall of 1946 to begin his new career.

Early in his career he was heavily involved in promoting the engineering profession at both the provincial and national level. In 1951 Bob partnered with four of his colleagues to form a consulting engineering firm, Associated Designers & Inspectors where he focused on building design. Bob was also very involved in the community, serving as president of many organizations. He was a man of many actions and few words.

Family and friends are invited to McAdams Funeral Home on York Street with visitation on Wednesday, 31 December 2014 from 2:00 p.m.- 6:00 pm. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 will hold a tribute at 2:00 pm. A funeral will be celebrated at 2:00 pm on 1 January 2015 at St. Dunstan’s Church. Interment will be in the Hermitage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that a donation be made to either the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, the UNB McLaughlin Beaverbrook Scholarship Fund, or a charity of the donors choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Office Bernard George (Bernie) Bowers (Ret'd) on 24 December 2014 at Mannville Care Centre, Mannville, AB.

Bernie was born in England in 1927 and during the war he worked in an essential war service as a welder for HS Marsh Engineering where he fabricated the metals parts used to attach the flotation gear on the tanks that permitted them to float ashore at the D-Day Landings. He later served in the Royal Navy. After immigrating to Canada in 1947 and working in several civilian jobs, Bernie joined the Canadian Army in 1951 and then served full career with the Canadian Military Engineers until he retired in 1976.

Bernie's first tour as a Field Engineer was in Petawawa after which he served with the 1 Canadian Division (Red Patch) in Werl, Germany (1951-55) and then Chilliwack (1955-58). He then remustered to the Construction Trades and served, as a Construction Engineer for the remainder of his career in Calgary (1958-63), Chilliwack (1963-64), Calgary (1964-66), Chilliwack (1966-73), and Gagetown (1973-76). After retiring from the CF in 1976, Bernie served in property management with the the Government of Canada in Edmonton and later in the same capacity with Lakeland College, Vermilion, AB and retired in the same area.

Bernie was married to Peggy Freeman, the daughter of Sapper Art Poile, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law were CWO Harry Poile and Sandra Poile. Three of Bernie's sons had CF service.

A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Canada or a charity of choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Kenneth John Pratt (Ret’d) in Smithers, BC on 15 December 2014 in his 96^th year. Born in Moose Jaw SK, Ken moved to Fort Fraser with his father as a child and worked in sawmills, trucking and horse logging around Fraser Lake until volunteering for military service in 1940. As a Sapper in 7^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, Ken participated in the Dieppe Raid and Operation Overlord (Battle for Caen and Falaise Pocket) through to the liberation of France and Holland in 1945. In recognition of this service, Ken was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

After the end of the war Ken returned to British Columbia and worked as a logger, longshoreman, heavy duty machine operator and mechanic. He founded K Pratt Logging Company and Aabro Logging with camps along the BC coast over the years. He was a licensed hunting guide and outfitter in the Rainbow Mountains. Ken moved to Smithers in 1998 and continued working the placer claim in the Yukon with his wife Pen for many years.

An informal gathering for friends will be held at 1:00 pm on 3 January 2015 at RA Schrader Funeral Home 1239 Queen St. Smithers.^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Gerald Dubé, CD (Ret’d) on 8 Dec 2014 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Gerald was a long-serving Sapper and a strong supporter of the CMEA, Sappers Club, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Gerald was born in 1941 in Laval QC and enrolled in the Royal Canadian Engineers in February 1961. He was posted to the Citadelle in Quebec City for his basic training and then on to Chilliwack for his Field Engineer Trades Training course. His first posting on completion of this training was to 2 Field Squadron in Gagetown. Shortly after his arrival he remustered to the carpentry trade. In August 1963 he was posted to 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany where he served until 1966. From 1966 to 1970 he was posted with the Service Battalion in Montreal and had Temporary Duty attachments to Alert NWT and Farnham QC during this posting. Between 1970 and 1993 Gerald served in numerous locations: CFS Mont Apica, CFB Montreal, CFB Bagotville, CFB Cold Lake, CFB Halifax, CFS Beaverlodge, Mobile Command HQ in St Hubert, QC, and CFB Goose Bay. During 1981 he deployed to Cyprus with the United Nations force and served with both 2 PPCLI and the R22R.

After 32 years of service Gerald retired to the Chilliwack area. In 1996 he joined Corrections Canada where he worked until 2006 at which time he and his wife Jackie moved to the Edmonton area.

At the request of Gerald and his family there will be no service.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant George Grant Cameron (Ret’d) peacefully at home in Port Elgin, ON on 30 October 2014 at the age of 93. 

George graduated from Queen's University, Kingston, ON in engineering in 1943.  He was a WW II veteran who served as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1943-1946. After the war, in 1949, he earned a Master’s of Science degree from the University of Toronto.  He worked as a construction engineer with Ontario Hydro for 34 years.  George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Elgin Branch 340.

Visitations will be at the Port Elgin Chapel of the T.A. Brown Funeral Home, 510 Mill Street, on 2 November.  The burial will be private. 

Donations may be made to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, Southampton ON. ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Terence (Terry) Leonard Kramchynsky (Ret’d), at his cottage in Lundar, MB on 29 November 2014 at the age of 50 years old.

Terry was born and raised in Saskatoon, SK and joined the Canadian Forces 1982. He initially served in the Armoured Corps with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadian) and he was posted to the regiment in Calgary in 1983 after his basic armoured training. During this first tour, he deployed to Syria with UNDOF (Jul 1985 to Jan 1986). In 1989 he re-mustered to the Canadian Military Engineers as a Construction Technician and served 16 years with the CME. He was initially posted to Detachment Wainwright (1987-93), then to Winnipeg (1993 to 2000). While in Winnipeg he had a second deployment to Syria with UNDOF  (Feb-Aug 1995). Subsequent deployments included Haiti (UNSMIH/UNTMIH) for Apr-Oct 19 97, Syria (Op DANACA) from Aug 1999 to Mar 2000. Terrance was posted to Detachment Dundurn (Jul 2000 to Nov 2003) and took his release in Feb 2004.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10 December 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Roman Catholic Church, 15 Columbia Drive, Winnipeg, Manitoba.. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Courageous Companions, Unit 4 846 Marion Street, Winnipeg, MB, R2J 0K4.

We regret to advise of the death of George Rasmus “G.R.” Clifton of Taber, AB on 28 November 2014 at the age of 91 years.

G.R. was born in McGrath AB.  He was a veteran of the Second World War having enlisted in June 1941 at the age of eighteen.  After training in Calgary and Petawawa, he was posted to England in February 1942 with the 12^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.  He served through Sicily and Italy and later fought in Northwest Europe.  After the war, G. R. returned home to Magrath to farm.  He moved to Hays, AB in 1953 as part of a group of sixteen veterans who purchased land at what is now called “The Loop” and farmed there for nearly 60 years.  In 1995, G.R. received the Liberation of Holland Appreciation Medal when he returned to Holland to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the liberation of that country.  G. R was a Life Member of Legion Branch #193, in Vauxhall, AB where he was President in 1988.

A service will be held at the Hays Cemetery on 28 November at 1:00 PM.  At G.R.’s request, relatives and friends are invited to a wake at the Hays Community Centre afterwards.  Donations may be made to the Hays Cemetery Fund,  Box 116, Hays, Alberta T0K 1B0.^{{dcMar2018gd}} 

We regret to advise the death of Ronald James Gourley, BEM, CD, PEng (Ret'd) of Kingston ON, on 26 November 2014.

Ronald was born in Parry Sound ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served as a Navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force at the rank of Pilot Officer. After the war, Ronald completed a degree in Civil Engineering at Queen's University in 1949 and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers. After leaving the Army, Ronald worked as a Municipal Engineer for the City of Ottawa and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa–Carleton, and as Chief Administrative Officer the City of Whitehorse.

Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be interred beside his mother in St. John's Cemetery in Gananoque ON. ^{{dcJan20, wrd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Peter Henry Gonczy (Ret’d) peacefully at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg, MB on 25 November 2014 at age 83.

Peter was a Korean War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion West Kildonan, MB Branch # 30.

A memorial service will take place on 29 November at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.{dc/gdMay2016kh}

We regret to advise of the death of Paul Joseph Richard, CD, of Moncton, on Sunday, 23 November 2014.

Born in Saint John, he was a veteran with 20 years' service with the Canadian Military Engineers. The family lived in Cold Lake, AB prior to his retirement in New Brunswick. Paul was employed with Francis Plumbing in Dieppe, NB.

Resting at Ferguson's Funeral Home, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton with no visiting hours by personal request. A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held at Ferguson's Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, 27 November 2014 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to a memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family^{.{khFeb2016} [zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Edward “Ed” Albert Anderson (Ret’d) peacefully on 21 November 2014 at the age of 93 years.

Ed was a WW II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Branch #91 in Langford, BC. 

A graveside service will be held on 2 December at 11:30 AM at Hatley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Langford followed by a gathering at the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford. ^{{dcJan2017gd} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Louis Sadowski (Ret'd) on 21 Nov 2014 at the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre in Ottawa. Born in 1922,

Louis was a proud WW II veteran where he served as a Sapper with the Royal Canadian Engineers He was a long time member of The Royal Canadian Legion Westboro Branch 480 and past member of the Honour Guard.

The family will receive friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa followed by a funeral mass in the chapel. Reception to follow. Private interment at Notre Dame Cemetery. Details to be confirmed. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley and Rideau Veterans Health Centre would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Michael Jerome Malloy at the Wascana Rehabilitation (Veterans) Centre in Regina SK on 19 October 2014 at the age of 95.

Michael was born in Winnipeg MB.  He was a WW II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. 

A private family service will be held in Regina, Saskatchewan on 23 October.  ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Sylvanus Allan “Venie” Dutcher (Ret'd) at the West Haldimand General Hospital, Hagersville ON, on 18 November 2014 in his 90^th year. 

Venie was a veteran of WW II and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Visitations will be at the Miller Funeral Chapel, 28 Caithness Street East, Caledonia ON, on 20 November.  A Service will be held in the Chapel on 21 November.  Interment in the Caledonia Cemetery.  Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Bernard “Bernie” Edward Brown (Ret’d), peacefully on 18 November 2014 at the age of 88 years at the Bow View Manor Nursing Home Calgary. Bernie joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1944 and served until 1970 retiring with the rank of warrant officer.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bernard's Parish, 711 37 Street N.W., Calgary, AB on 24 November 2014. Memorial donations may be made directly to the Veteran's Food Bank, 1 - 4539 6 Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald J “Reg” Paterson, CD (Ret’d) on 16 November 2014 at his home in Thornhill ON at the age of 81 years.

Reg was born in New Canaan NB. He enlisted in the 8^th Canadian Hussars (Militia) in 1949 and entered the first class at Collège militaire royal du Canada in 1952. He went on to the Royal Military College in Kingston ON and graduated in 1958 and was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He received a degree in engineering from McGill University.  

Reg had a long and distinguished career in the RCE and CME serving in Canada and abroad, completing tours of duty for both NATO and the UN. In 1969, he was Base Construction Engineering Officer at CFB Toronto, and after some staff positions in NDHQ and AFCENT HQ, he returned to Toronto as Base Technical Services Officer in 1981. He retired in December 1984 and became the Facilities Manager for De Havilland Aircraft in Toronto.  

Visitation will be held at R. S. Kane Funeral Home in Thornhill ON on 21 November from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at Blessed Trinity Church on 22 November at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery. A celebration of Reg's life will be held at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Canadian Hearing Society.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Charles “Chuck” Hearn (Ret’d) of Blenheim, ON at the Riverview Gardens Retirement Home in Chatham-Kent ON on 5 November 2014 at the age of 85.

Chuck was a Korean War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After leaving the Regular Force joined the Reserves with the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He was a retiree from Navistar Heavy Vehicle Manufacturing Company.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #185, Corporal Harry Miner VC Memorial Branch, in Blenheim ON.

A Funeral Service will be held in Trinity Anglican Church Blenheim on 10 November.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Blenheim. Donations may be made to Trinity Anglican Church or the Heart & Stroke Foundation. ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Robert Bruce "Bob" Seaman (Ret'd) who passed away at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on 4 November 2014 at the age of 75.

Bob served in both the Royal Canadian Engineers and Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, and retired in Petawawa.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Petawawa, ON Branch # 517. 

Visitations will be at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, 141 Renfrew Street, Pembroke ON on 9 November, followed by a Memorial Service at the Royal Canadian Legion Petawawa Hall on 10 November.  Donations may be made to the Pembroke Regional Hospital Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Fund or a charity of one’s choice.  Online condolences and donations may be made at www.mdbfuneralhome.com. ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Donald Charles Coyle on 4 November 2014.

Born in 1927, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1944 and trained as an electrician. At war’s end, he was transferred to the Permanent Force and was soon posted to work on the Northwest (Alaska) Highway on general road and bridge maintenance (1946-48). Having gained experience as a heavy equipment operator, he was posted to Kingston (1948-49) where he was employed as Operator Special Engineer Equipment (OPSEE). During his next posting at Camp Petawawa (1949-51) he was awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery for his actions at a lumber mill fire in Pembroke on 17 Apr 1950, where he greatly contributed to the control of a massive fire by removing stacks of burning lumber.

Don then instructed on Heavy Equipment at RCSME in Chilliwack (1951-59). While at Chilliwack, his career took a change in direction as he moved into the Mechanical Systems field. After learning his new trade, he was posted as NCO in charge of utilities for the United Nations Emergency Force in the Gaza Strip (1959-61). After this deployment, he returned to RCSME as an Instructor on Utilities Systems (1961-65). This was followed by a posting to Air Defence Command (1965-71) responsible for mechanical systems on radar equipment. Returning CFB Chilliwack in 1971, he was responsible for the training of Mechanical Systems Technicians and retired in 1972 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Following his retirement from the CF, he was Superintendent of Maintenance at Yoho National Park 1973-78) and Works Superintendent, Town of Princeton (1979-83).

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer John Edward Cummings in his 85th year at Parkwood Hospital in London on 1 November 2014. A Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Korean War, John retired as a Master Warrant Officer in 1982. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Victory Branch in London, ON.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkwood Veterans' Hospital London ON.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Philibert“Phil” Lacroix (Ret’d) peacefully at the Georgian Manor Long Term Care facility in Penetanguishene ON on 31 October 2014 in his 94^th year.

Phil was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Northwest Europe.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Penetanguishene Branch #68. 

Visitation will be held at the Penetanguishene Funeral Home on 3 November followed by a funeral mass at Ste. Ann's Catholic Church, 28 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene 4 November with interment to follow at Ste. Ann's Cemetery.  Donations to the Penetanguishene Legion Branch #68 would be greatly appreciated. ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of William David “Bill” Beaton, peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital on 24 October 2014 at the age of 94 years. Bill was a veteran of the Second World War.

Bill was born in Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940 and served with the 133 (Fighter) Squadron. After demobilization, Bill joined the Permanent Force with the RCAF and served with the Construction Engineers until 1975. Following his release from the Canadian Forces, Bill worked for the Department of Public Works from 1976 to 1985.

Bill was a life member of the Nepean Museum and the Ottawa Vintage Radio Club. He was also a member of the Robert Burns World Federation.

Friends may call at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road, Nepean on 30 October from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral service to be held in the Chapel on 31 October at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Merivale United Cemetery followed by reception at Merivale United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa Diabetes Society or the Ottawa Humane Society. Online condolences, tributes and donations may be made to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph "Joe" Skorlatowski (Ret’d) at the Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon SK on 24 October 2014 at the age of 94 years.

Joe was born and grew up on the family farm near Lanigan SK and educated at Elmsville School.  He was a WW II veteran who joined the Army in 1942 as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He served in England, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany with the 10^th and 12^th Field Companies.

After demobilization, Joe returned to the family farm and continued farming until 1963 at which time he moved his family into the town of Lanigan and began work at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.  In 1969, Joe once again changed careers to work for Potash Corporation in Lanigan as a carpenter.   He retired in 1985. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #143 and Knights of Columbus in Lanigan.

A Prayer Service will be held on 4 November at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 41 Shannon St, Laniganwith a Funeral Mass to follow on the next day in the same location. 

Nous regrettons de vous annoncer le décès tragique et soudain de l'adjudant Patrice Vincent, âgé de 53 ans, pompier militaire comptant 28 années de service, décédé des suites d'une attaque terroriste à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (QC), le 20 octobre 2014.

Patrice s'est joint aux Forces canadiennes en 1985 en tant qu'ingénieur de combat.  Après sa formation initiale aux métiers, il est muté au 5^ième Régiment du génie de combat (5 RGC) à la BFC Valcartier.  En 1990, il a transféré au métier de pompier militaire. En tant que pompier militaire, il a servi dans de nombreux endroits et environnements, notamment à la 19^e Escadre à Comox (CB); à la BFC Edmonton (AB); à la 8^e Escadre Trenton (ON) et à la 22^e Escadre North Bay (ON). Patrice a également servi sur plusieurs navires de guerre, notamment les NCSM CALGARY, ALGONQUIN, WINNIPEG, OTTAWA et ST JOHN'S.  Promu au grade d'adjudant en juillet 2012, il a été muté au quartier général de la Force opérationnelle interarmées Est à Montréal, puis en mars 2013, à l'Unité interarmées de soutien du personnel du Centre intégré de soutien du personnel de St-Jean-sur- Richelieu (QC). Il était fier d'être un pompier, convaincu que son travail consistait à protéger les autres en cas de besoin.

La famille recevra les condoléances au Complexe funéraire Yves Légaré, 2570, boul. Marie-Victorin Est, Longueuil (QC), le 31 octobre 2014 (13h30-1700) et (1900-2200) et à nouveau le 1^er novembre (8h30-10h30). Les funérailles auront lieu le 1er novembre 2014 à 1100 heures à la Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue, 55 Ste-Elizabeth, Longueuil (QC).

Les citoyens qui souhaitent honorer Patrice sont invités à rendre hommage le 1er novembre sur le trajet du cortège funèbre qui débutera au complexe funéraire Yves Légaré de Longueuil.  La procession doit débuter au complexe à 10h15, puis se rendre à la Cocathédrale Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue par le boulevard Marie-Victorin, la rue Bord de l'Eau Est, la rue Grant et la rue Saint-Charles Ouest. .

Conformément aux souhaits de la famille, la présence à l'église sera limitée aux invités. Après le service, les unités militaires et les membres du service en uniforme sont invités à se rassembler rue Saint-Charles pour rendre leurs derniers respects au passage de la procession en route pour une inhumation privée.  ^{{gdOct2019cb}}

Post-scriptum : En 2014, l'emplacement de la One Air Task Force Iraq a été nommé Camp Vincent en l'honneur du pompier Adj Vincent.

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Tracy Kathleen Braun on 15 October 2014 at her home in Ottawa at age 48.

Tracy and had a very successful 27-year career with Department of National Defence. Her first job was as a summer student at CFB London. Later she worked as a 'casual' with DND in Victoria and then as a full-time clerk working in both the Base Construction and Base Comptroller Branches. Tracy moved to Ottawa in 1994 and worked as a clerk and subsequently with the Unexploded Ordnance group and then with War Graves as a Real Property Advisor responsible for deployed operations.

Tracy was best known for her real property support to the operational missions of the Canadian Forces. Most notable was her work in disposing of the Canadian facilities in Afghanistan and the Middle East as the CAF withdrew from Kandahar and the support bases for that mission. In addition, she was instrumental in a project to find and preserve existing graves of Canadians and their dependents who had passed away in Europe and to install suitable memorial cairns - including a number for babies and children buried overseas.

As part of the ADM(IE) transformation, Tracy then worked with Real Property Operations group as the Real Property Advisor for Central/North. Here she looked after real property transactions for the National Capital Region and deployed locations.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on the 10 December 2014 at the RCAF Officer’s Mess located at 158 Gloucester St. Ottawa. A Family Celebration of Life will be held later at her favourite spot in British Columbia. Tracy’s family has created a bank account to help her daughter Haleigh continue her education. Donations can be made through the Royal Bank ( Account Number: 01760-003-5044706 ).

To honour the memory of Tracy Braun, the Canadian Forces Real Property Operations Group, with support from the Assistant Deputy Minister (Infrastructure and Environment) have created the Tracy Braun Memorial Award. Nominees must have demonstrated excellent work or performance at an unusually high level or over an extended period of time that has positively affected the ability of operational commanders to execute their missions. ^{khMar2016}

We regret to advise of the death of John William McConnell on 14 October 2014. John was born in Chilliwack, BC in 1943 and was raised on several farms in the area. He left school in Grade 9 and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1962. After his basic training He was posted to 3 Field Squadron and followed shortly with a two-year tour to Germany with 4 Field Squadron. Upon completion of this tour he returned to Chilliwack and took his release in 1965.

John's civilian careers saw him first in the Yukon where he worked in an asbestos mine before making his way to Edmonton where he began his career as a plumber. In 1986 the family moved to Toronto so John could acquire his journeyman plumber certification. After earning his certification he moved back to Chilliwack. In 1996 John and his wife Norma also took over the management of the Golden West Motel until they both retired in 2005.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, 19 October at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 6300 Tyson Road Chilliwack BC. A reception to meet with the family will be held at the church prior to the service from 9:00 - 9:50 am. Interment will be at the Chilliwack Cemetery following the funeral. ^{khApr2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Tom Bird, CD (Ret’d) on 6 October 2014 in London ON at the age of 86 years.

Tom was born and grew up in Kitchener ON before moving to London. He started his career as a bookkeeper but soon followed his dreams into radio by putting himself through the Lorne Greene Academy of Radio Arts. He worked as a broadcaster for radio stations in Strafford ON, Chatham ON, and London before moving to CFPL-TV in London in November 1953. For 35 years he prepared and broadcast the nightly weather reports, always signing off with "Don't forget to feed the birds". Tom worked in marketing as an adjunct to his broadcasting career and was well known throughout the business community.

Tom’s interest and commitment to the military was also life-long. From sea cadet training during the 1940s he joined the Militia and rose to rank of Lieutenant Colonel starting as a Public Relations officer with the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers and ending with the London Militia District Headquarters. He continued this service through participation in the London Garrison Community Council to bring the London community and the militia together.

Tom was an ardent supporter and lifetime member of the Western Ontario Fish and Game Club, Ducks Unlimited and the Oxford County Stewardship Council. He was a proud member, executive member and president of the Forest City Kiwanis Club for almost 60 years.

Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home on 25 October from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. Donations to the Otolaryngology Department of London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF.ca) and the Salvation Army would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Nathan “Buster” McChristie on 6 October 2014 at the Bingham Memorial Hospital in Matheson, ON at the age of 95 years.

Buster was a lifetime resident of Matheson and dedicated veteran of the Second World War who served in Northwest Europe with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

Family and Friends may call at St. Andrew's United Church in Matheson from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM on, 10 October.   A funeral service will take place on 11 October at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew's United Church in Matheson.  Donation may be made to his special needs granddaughter, Carrie-Lee's day program, the “Nady Paddle Program" located at P.O. Box 1271, North Bay,  ON, P1B 8K5.  To share your memories, make a donation or light a memorial candle; please visit www.abitibifuneralservicesltd.com. 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Wayne Hearn, CD (Ret’d) at the Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard ON on 17 September 2014.

Wayne was born in Kirkland Lake ON in 1948.  In March 1966 he enlisted in the Canadian Army as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He took his basic training with the Queens Own Rifles Regiment at Currie Barracks in Calgary AB before going to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC for his Field Engineering training.  On completion of this training, he was posted to Camp Petawawa ON for a short while before being posted to 4 Field Squadron at Fort Victoria in Werl, West Germany.  While there he was involved in the preparations for the move of the unit to Lahr in the Black Forest area of Southern Germany.  On completion of this posting, he returned to Petawawa where he served until his release from the military in 1973.

In civilian life, Wayne returned to New Liskeard where he operated a dairy farm and became very involved in community activities:  serving for many terms as Councillor for Harley Township; serving as a volunteer firefighter and eventually rising to Fire Chief; and training other area volunteer fire departments.  In 1995, Wayne became a civilian trainer with New Liskeard Army Cadet Corps 2344 eventually being commissioned and rising to the rank of Captain and becoming the Unit’s Commanding Officer.  He served in that capacity until shortly before his death. 

Visitations will be held at the Perrin Funeral Chapel in New Liskeard on 19 September.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish, New Liskeard. Donations may be made to the Temiskaming Hospital Palliative Care Unit or to the New Liskeard Bikers' Reunion. ^{{dc/gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Peter Hamilton Wilson (Ret'd) at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto ON on 13 September 2014 at the age of 94.

Peter was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Orillia ON Branch #34.

A Celebration of Peter's Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #34, Orillia on 18 October.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.  Messages of condolence may be made at www.mundellfuneralhome.com. ^{{dc/gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Jack Barry (Ret'd) on 11 September 2014 at Markham-Stouffville Hospital, Toronto.

Jack was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted in 1941 and began officer training at Officer Training centre in Brockville, ON and was assigned to the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was initially a member of 1^st Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers serving in B Company. After leaving Canada, Jack served in Great Britain where the battalion was heavily involved in construction and defensive preparations of the Island Fortress. Later, B Company was re-organized into the 33^rd Field Company as part of 2^nd Canadian Army Troops in preparation for the invasion of the Continent.  After D-Day, Jack saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany where 33^rd Field Company was frequently involved in Bailey Bridge construction to support the Allied advance. 

Jack's funeral will be held at Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue W., 12 September 2014. Interment in the Holy Blossom Temple section of Pardes Shalom Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Plan Canada or Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. ^{{gdOct2015kh}}

^{See Memory Project interview.}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Major Roderick "Rod" MacLean, CD (Ret'd) on 11 September 2014 at the age of 77 years while on holiday in Paris France.

A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and Nova Scotia Technical School (Civil Engineering), Rod served a full career with the Canadian Military Engineers . After retirement he worked as a Director in the Department of Indian Affairs. Friends may pay their respects at the Blair and Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. West, Perth, Ontario, K7H 2L7 on Thursday, 18 September from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A service will be held in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. followed by a reception in the Blair and Son Family Centre. In remembrance, contributions to the Great War Memorial Hospital Foundation, 33 Drummond St., West, Perth, would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Claude Emond (Ret'd ) a former Refrigeration Maintenance Technician at CFB Valcartier, at age 49 years on 9 September 2014. 

Claude was born on in Rimouski, QC and enrolled in the Canadian Forces in May 1990. He began his career in the Artillery, transitioned to Combat Engineer and then to Refrigeration/ Mechanical Technician. He served the Canadian Military Engineers for 20 years and his service career included deployment to Afghanistan. Claude retired in December 2013.

Visitation will take place at 4:00 PM 11 September at Sylvio Marceau Funeral Complex, 15015, boul Henri-Bourassa, Québec.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John Wesley “Bud” Drake (Ret’d) in Verdun, QC on 8 September 2014 at the age of 86.

Bud served as a Reservist in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion “Montcalm Memorial” Branch #198 in Rawdon, QC.

Visitation will take place at Alfred Dallaire Funeral Home, 5784 Rue Verdun, Verdun QC on 14 September 2:00 - 5:00 PM and 7:00 - 9:00 PM.  A funeral service will take place in the Chapel of the Complex on 15 September 9:30 AM.  ^{{gdJan2017dc} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Flight Lieutenant George Richard Walsh (Ret’d), peacefully on 6 September 2014 in Calgary AB at the age of 74 years after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

George was born in Peterborough ON. He began a very long and successful working life with a paper route at age 15. George graduated from Western Canada High School in Calgary in 1957, after which he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force with the Regular Officer Training Plan. He attended the University of Alberta where he received his BSc in Civil Engineering in 1962 and then served as a Construction Engineering officer with the RCAF.

George retired from the Canadian Forces after a short career and then received a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University in 1968. He became highly successful within the oil and gas industry, working with Shell Canada (1968-1981) and Alberta Natural Gas Company Ltd. (1981-1989) before running his own consulting business. 

George had many passions in his life, but none matched his love of golf. He was an active member of Silver Springs Golf Club from 1986-2012, where he would play up to 75 games a year. George had a sense of adventure whether it was travelling with his wife, playing golf or curling at the Calgary Curling Club. 

A Celebration of George’s Life will be held for close friends and family on 16 September at 10:00 a.m. at Foster’s Garden Chapel (3220  4 Street N.W., Calgary) with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers please feel free to send a donation to the University of Alberta. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Staff Sergeant Frederick “Fred” Clempson, CD (Ret’d) at Crystal Ridge Manor Retirement Home, Chilliwack BC on 2 September 2014. 

Fred was born in Bolehall, Warwickshire, England and he worked on freighters between Portsmouth, England, and Calais, France before immigrating to Canada in 1941. 

Fred joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, and Germany.  He retired in Chilliwack in 1968 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.   After his retirement from the military, he managed an occupational workshop, had a plumbing business, worked for Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle USA and a pulp mill in Prince George BC.  Fred’s final employment was with Corrections Canada’s Kent Institution maximum security facility in Agassiz, BC. 

Fred was a long-time member of the Mount Cheam Lions Club of Chilliwack.  He spent over 40 years with the Lions holding several positions including District Governor.

A memorial service will be held on 21 September at the Mount Cheam Lions Club Hall, 45580 Spadina Ave, Chilliwack.   Donations may be made to the Dementia and Alzheimer Society or to the charity of one’s choice.  Another option is to create better awareness of volunteers needed for the elderly at care facilities or to increase staffing throughout Fraser Health to take better care of our senior citizens.^{{gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Victor Donald William “Bill” Lewington, CD (Ret'd) on 28 August 2014 at Heritage Village in Chilliwack at the age of 79 years.

Born in Iberville QC, Bill joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1953 at the age of 17. He had a full career as a Combat Engineer that took him to all the Field Squadrons with postings from Chilliwack, Germany, Gagetown, Chilliwack, Petawawa, Valcartier and back to Chilliwack. Bill was also a long-standing Combat Diver - one of the first, having participated in the Army Diver Trials in the late-60s and he was a strong supporter within the Combat Divers Association.

Bill retired from the CF in 1978 and then worked as a civilian in the CFB Chilliwack Base Audio-Visual Library. Bill spent many years in the Boy Scout movement, as a cub and scout leader with Chilliwack and Fairfield Island scout troops. He volunteered regularly at the Legion Branch 280 with the Colour Party and other positions.

A Celebration of Life was held on 4 September 2014 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280.

We regret to advise of the death of Jim Tryon peacefully at the Newport Harbour Care Centre, in Calgary, AB on 26 August 2014 at the age of 78.

Jim served in the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1952-1969.  After leaving the army he worked for the City of Calgary as a plumber/gas fitter for 25 years, first at the Children's Services Centre and then the police department.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Centre Street Church, 3900 2 Street N.E., Calgary on 3 September at 1:30 p.m.  Donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse, 20 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary, AB or the Calgary Humane Society, 4455 - 110 Avenue S.E., Calgary.  Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca         ^{{gdDec2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the passing of Harold "Ted" Davis on 22 August 2014 at Extendicare in Peterborough ON in his 83^rd year.

Ted was born in Peterborough and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. In civilian life, he was an employee of Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC). Ted was a leader in many volunteer organizations including taking on the roles of President of the OMC Veterans Association, Past Director of Council of War Veterans for Camp Maple Leaf, Past President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #52, Past Zone F5 Commander, Past District F Commander and a proud Member, Elder and Stewart of Knox United Church for over 55 years.

Visitation was held on Tuesday 26 August with a Legion Service at the Nisbett Funeral Home. The funeral service was held at 11 AM on Wednesday 27 August 2014 in the Nisbett Chapel. Interment was in the Highland Park Cemetery. In memory of Ted, donations to the Poppy Fund or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Joseph L. Rieu (Ret’d) of Valleyview, AB on 17 August 2014 at the age of 96 years.

Joseph was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and Royal Canadian Army Service Corps.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Valleyview Branch # 140.  ^{{dcDec2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of John Leon Phillipo on 13 August 2014.

John was born in Westmount, Cape Breton, NS. in 1925. He joined the Canadian Army and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in France, England, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

After the war, John worked at the Sydney Steel Plant for 40 years before retiring. John was a Life Member of The Royal Canadian Legion.

We regret to advise of the death of Alexander John “Jack” McCaskill peacefully in Edmonton AB on 13 August 2014 in his 98^th year.

Jack was born in Edmonton and grew up in Calgary AB.  He was educated at the University of Alberta and Oklahoma University in Norman OK USA as a petroleum engineer.  He was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  Jack was a pioneer in the development of the oil and gas industry in Western Canada and in North Africa.  He was involved in community and church activities.  He retired in Qualicum Beach, BC where he served on the municipal council.

A Memorial Service will be held at Riverbend United Church, 14907 - 45 Avenue NW, Edmonton at 4 p.m. on 16 August.  Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website at www.hainstockedmonton.com. ^{{gdNov2016kh}}