Dernière sonnerie

We regret to advise that Thomas McCann passed away peacefully at the Hospice at May Court in Ottawa on 28 June 2010 at the age of 61 years.

Tom graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Carleton University in 1970 and, after years in the private sector, he joined the Engineer Family in February 1981 when he started work with the Chief of Construction and Properties at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. He was the Chief Mechanical Engineer in the ADM(IE) organization since the mid-nineties.

Friends may call at the Westboro Chapel of Tubman Funeral Home, 403 Richmond Road, (at Roosevelt) on Tuesday, 29 June from 7-9 p.m.  and on Wednesday, 30 June after 9 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Basilica, Kent St. (at Nepean) on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Interment in Pinecrest Cemetery. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Tom, please consider the Hospice at May Court 114 Cameron Ave., Ottawa, K1S 0X1.^{khApr2018}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Walter Norman "Doc" Granger, CD (Retd) on 23 June 2010 in Chilliwack, BC.

Doc was born in 1930 in Vancouver and served a full career of more than 26 years with the Royal Canadian Engineers as a paratrooper and working with bomb disposal. Career highlights include being an Instructor with Apprentice Training Squadron at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering 1953-55, Troop Sergeant Major of 1 Airborne Troop 1955-58, Exchange with the Royal School of Military Engineering 1963-65 and Mine Warfare and Demolitions Instructor at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering 1967-69.

After retirement Doc spent thirteen years as the Administrator for the District and City of Chilliwack, then as a Coroner, and finishing his working years selling real estate in the Chilliwack Valley. Over his years he was a Rotarian, Kinsman, Freemason and a member of the Legion.

A Graveside Service will be held at Noon on Friday, 9 July 2010 at Chilliwack Cemeteries with a Celebration of His Life to follow at the Promontory Lake Estates Clubhouse, 6001 Promontory Rd. Chilliwack, beginning at 2:00 pm. Friends and neighbours are welcome to attend both services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant James Patrick MacNeil in Afghanistan at the age of 28 on 21 June 2010.

Sgt. MacNeil was killed by the detonation of an improvised explosive device while on a joint foot patrol with the Afghan National Army near the village of Nakhonay. Nakhonay is in the Panjwaii district which is known as the birthplace of the Taliban. It has been a bloody battleground for Canadian troops since they arrived in Kandahar province in strength in 2006.

A native of Glace Bay, NS, Sergeant MacNeil enrolled in the Canadian Forces at Sydney NS in January 2000. After completing his Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment at CFB Petawawa. During his tour with 2 CER he had filled every position in a field engineer section - from section member, section driver, gunner, storeman, and Second-in-Command to Section Commander - all of them while deployed in an operational theatre. In 2009 Sergeant MacNeil earned the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group "Top Master Corporal" award for his outstanding junior leadership and he received an early promotion to Sergeant that Fall. Sgt MacNeil was on his fourth Afghanistan deployment.

Visitation will be at McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, NS on Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July from 1400-1600 hrs and 1900-2100 hrs. The funeral service will be held Friday 2 July at 1400 hrs at Immaculate Conception Church, 468 Kings Rd, Dominion, NS.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John J. Sumara (Ret'd) in hospital in Smith Falls, ON on 21 June 2010 at the age of 90.

John was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Smith Falls Branch #95.

Visitations will be at the Blair & Sons Funeral Home, 15 Gore Street West, Perth ON on 25 June.  A Legion Branch #95 Veteran’s Service of Remembrance will be held at that time.  A funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on 26 June.  Donations may be made to the Ottawa Heart Institute or the Lanark County ON Alzheimer Society. ^{{gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Maxwell Harvard “Harv” Troskey peacefully in his sleep at home in White Rock, BC on 18 June 2010 at the age of 96.

Harv was born in Raymore, SK. He was a WW II veteran who served as an officer with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Europe.  After the war, he worked in construction starting with Bird Construction in Vancouver as an estimator and ultimately as Vice President.  He was involved with many varied projects including the Interprovincial Pipeline with Lockerbie and Hole in the 1950's; moving the old town of Aklavik, NT to the new city of Inuvik; the Kaiser Coal project in Crow's Nest Pass; the Pacific Center in Vancouver and while in retirement, the Waikiki Sunset high-rise condominium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

At Harv’s request, there will be no funeral, no memorial, and no flowers.  Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of one's choice.^{{gdOct2015kh}} 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Corporal Dennis Allen Read, CD (Ret’d) in the Oromocto (NB) Public Hospital on 14 June 2010 at age 60.

Born in Vancouver BC, Dennis served a 29 year career in the Canadian Forces. He started his career with the Royal Canadian Artillery and later remustered to Refrigeration Technician with the Canadian Military Engineers. In addition to Canadian postings that included tour at Canadian Forces Station Alert NU, he served overseas in Bosnia and the Golan Heights. After retiring from the Canadian Forces Dennis continued his service as a civil servant at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown. 

Visitation will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home on Thursday, 17 June 2010 from 6 – 8:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Chapel at CFB Gagetown on Friday, 18 June 2010 at 1:00 pm with The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 93 holding a tribute service at that time.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Martin Goudreault, CD  at age 35 in Afghanistan on 6 June 2010 by an IED while on a foot patrol searching for weapons caches near Kandahar City, in the Panjwayi District in southeastern Afghanistan.

A native of Sudbury, "Marty" was a fifteen-year veteran of the Canadian Forces. He started his military career in 1993 in The Algonquin Regiment and transferred to the Regular Force in 1995.  On completion of his Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering he was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment. He became a Combat Diver because "he was always challenging himself and it was the hardest at the time".  Marty had served two tours in the former Yugoslavia and was on his third tour of Afghanistan as a Troop Reconnaissance Sergeant in 23 Field Squadron as part of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group.

The funeral for Sgt Goudreault will be held in New Liskeard, ON at 1100 hrs on Tuesday 15 Jun 2010. Visitation will be at Perrin Funeral Home in New Liskeard [ 128 Whitewood Ave ] on Monday 14 Jun from 1400-1600 hrs and 1900-2100 hrs. There will be a final visitation on Tuesday morning 15 June from 0900-1000 hrs. Mass will be at Eglise Notre-Dame du Bon Secours in Belle Vallée, ON [ 1-6 St. Joseph Blvd ] at 1100hrs on Tuesday 15 June with interment to follow at the Belle Vallée Cemetery. A reception will follow at Eglise Notre-Dame du Bon Secours.^{khFeb2018}

Note: The lookout park on Ontario Highway 11 at Temiskaming Shores ON, across from the Ministry of Transportation office and facing north toward the Little Claybelt, was dedicated on 15 October 2011 in memory of Sgt Goudreault.

We regret to advise of the death of William Alfred “Bill” Andrews of Bronte ON on 6 June 2010 at the age of 87 years.

Bill, a veteran of the Second World War, was born in Ottawa. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Halifax NS in 1939 when he was only 16 years old. After basic training, he was shipped to England. He took part in the Juno Beach landings in Normandy on D-Day and continued to serve as the Canadian Army advanced through France, Belgium and Holland. After returning home from the war in 1945, Bill started a career as an engineer with Boeing in Toronto. He retired from Boeing in 1980 and met his future wife at the Royal Canadian Legion when he moved to Oakville. They later settled in Bronte where Bill remained an active member of the Legion.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Russell Kennedy, MC (Ret'd) who passed away on 4 June 2010 at Kingston General Hospital.

Born and raised in the farming community of Dunrobin, ON in 1917, Russ studied engineering at Queen's University where he was a member Canadian Officers Training Corps and graduated in 1941 with a BSc. After working in northern Ontario on a dam construction project for the summer, he enlisted in the Canadian Army in October 1941. Undertaking his training in Brockville and Petawawa, Russ joined the 23^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in New Brunswick and sailed to England in July 1943 as a Platoon Commander. Soon after the arrival of his unit in France and throughout the Northwest Europe campaign, Lt Kennedy served as the Company Reconnaissance Officer, returning home in 1946.

A highlight of Lt Kennedy's WW II actions was his leadership in Operation BERLIN, the rescue mission at Arnhem, Holland, after the failed Operation MARKET GARDEN. As part of the 1^st Canadian Army Troops, 20^th and 23^rd Field Companies helped withdraw some 2,500 British and Polish airborne troopers across the Neder Rijn River under heavy and continuous enemy fire during the night of 25/26 September 1944. Russ was the company reconnaissance officer and worked closely with the CO and Corps HQ in the planning and execution of the mission.  The stormboat operation saved more than 2,000 of the 10,000 members of the British 1^st Airborne Division and Lt Russ Kennedy won a Military Cross for exceptional bravery in action. He was presented the medal by King George VI at Buckingham Palace after the war.

On returning to Canada, Russ Kennedy became a lecturer and later a Professor in Civil Engineering at Queen's University. Russ also commanded the Canadian Training Officer Corps contingent at Queen's from 1951 to 1958, retiring as a lieutenant-colonel. Over the span of 40 years, he served Queen's in many capacities including Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, Vice-Principal (Administration), and Executive Director of the Alumni Association. He was one of the first post-war faculty members to become deeply involved in industrial research in hydraulics and his outstanding work led directly to the establishment of a Coastal Engineering Laboratory at Queen's. He retired in 1983. A nationally honoured specialist in hydraulics and coastal engineering, in 1993 Russ Kennedy received an honorary doctorate of science from Queen's for his pioneering post-war research links with industry and for helping to reorganize both graduate studies and alumni affairs.

A memorial service in celebration of Dr. Kennedy's life will be held Saturday, June 12 at 2:00 pm in the Ban Righ Fireside Room. In lieu of flowers, In Memoriam donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated^{.{khJan2016dc}}

See: Russ's role during Operation Berlin are described in more detail here.

We regret to advise of the death of Frank Clease on 4 June 2010.

A native of Mayfair, SK , Frank was a Royal Canadian Engineers WW II veteran who served in Canada, England, and in Continental Europe during World War Two. Frank was a member of Legion Branch #57 in Mission, BC for sixty-three years.^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of John Marshall (Jack) Fowler at his residence in Ottawa on 29 May 2010.

Formerly of Moncton, NB, Jack was born in Scotland in 1922. He served with the 7^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany and was later discharged from 6^th Canadian Engineer Combat Battalion [Canadian Pacific Forces] at the end of the Pacific War in 1945.

A memorial service was held in Ottawa on 30 May 30th for family and friends. A memorial and interment service will be held in Moncton at Fair Haven Memorial Gardens, Salisbury Rd, at a time and date to be announced. For those who wish, memorial donations to the Salvation Army Grace Manor, 1156 Wellington Street, Ottawa, the Friends of the Moncton Hospital, the Canadian Diabetes Society or a memorial of the donors choice would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Mark Zoledowski, CD (Ret'd) on 17 May 2010 in Ottawa in his 56^th year.

Mark joined the Canadian Forces in 1971 as a Guardsman with the Canadian Grenadier Guards. After completing the Changing of the Guard Ceremony in summer 1971, he attended the Royal Military College of Canada, graduating with a degree in Engineering and Management. Mark's first posting was to the Construction Engineering Section at CFB Petawawa followed by a tour at 2 Combat Engineer Regiment 1979-1981. He was then transferred to Montreal where he became the Regular Support Staff Officer with 3 Field Engineer Regiment in Montreal 1981-1984 followed by a posting to Mobile Command Headquarters first as Staff Officer 3 Field Engineering and then Staff Officer 2 Establishments upon promotion to major. Mark then returned to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment as the Deputy Commanding Officer 1987-1989.

From 2 CER, Maj Zoledowski was assigned to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering as the first Officer Commanding Doctrine Troop in 1989 followed by duties as Officer Commanding Field Engineer Training Squadron 1991-1993. He was next a Project Manager for the Army 1993 - 2006 in Land Forces Atlantic Area and Land Forces Central Area. Mark retired from the Regular Force in October 2006 after more than 35 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers and the Canadian Forces.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mark can be made payable to St. John's (Bonnechere) Lutheran Church, c/o Pastor Charlie Nolting, 276 Island View Dr., RR 1 Golden Lake, ON, K0J 1X0. A private memorial service will be held in July at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Germanicus (in the Golden Lake/Eganville/Pembroke area). Details to be published.

We regret to advise the death of Lieutenant George Wallingford Peck (Ret’d) peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Thunder Bay, ON on 13 April 2010 at the age of 93.

George was born in Edmonton, AB in 1917. He served in WW II as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Engineers. In civilian life he was a Member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada.

A funeral service will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home in Thunder Bay on 17 April 2010 to be followed by a memorial service in Toronto at a later date. Interment will be in the family plot outside Mount Hebron, NB during the coming summer months. Donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Canada (prostatecancer.ca) or to the St. Andrews Yacht Club, St Andrews, NB.

^{{gdSep2015kh}}

We regret to advise of the passing of Corporal Joseph Renaud Steve Corriveau (Ret'd) on 10 May 2010 in Chilliwack BC after a battle with cancer.

Born in 1968, Steve joined the Canadian Military Engineers in 1987. A Combat Engineer with both Parachutist and Explosive Ordnance Disposal qualifications, he served in 2 Combat Engineer Regiment and 1 Combat Engineer Regiment including tours in Bosnia, Somalia and the Gulf. After retirement in 1996, Steve worked for Tycrop for many years.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, 17 May 2010 at 2:00 p.m. At Henderson's Funeral Home in Chilliwack [45901 Victoria Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2S9 (604) 792-1344].

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Gordon Turner Hamilton (Ret’d) on 1 May 2010 in Kitchener ON in his 97^th year.

Gordon grew up on the shores of Victoria Lake on the edge of Algonquin Park in Ontario. He attended school in Madawaska ON and worked as a cook’s helper in logging camps before joining the 2^nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers in 1940. He landed at Bernieres-sur-Mer in Normandy with the 16^th Field Company on D-Day.  He stayed with the company through France and the Low Countries and was discharged in 1945.

Gordon had met his wife in England. She immigrated to Canada in 1948 and they were married in Pembroke ON. The experience of growing up “back at the lake” prepared him well for a 31-year career as a conservation officer with the Department of Lands and Forests, Pembroke District.  As a young man, Gordon had been an excellent poacher and this likely aided in his superb skills as an enforcement officer.  Apparently, many poachers were very relieved when he retired in 1979. When he retired, Gordon and his wife moved to Pigeon Lake near Ennismore ON where they lived until they relocated to Kitchener ON to be closer to their family. He was a member of the Fred Gies Branch #50 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Kitchener.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no ceremony at his request.  As expressions of sympathy and to honour his life-long commitment to nature, donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

We regret to advise that Chief Warrant Officer William D. Calder (Ret'd) passed away on 30 April 2010 in Edmonton. Bill was a WWII veteran of the 33^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers where he served as a Sapper in Britain and saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

After the war Bill served with 8^th Field Engineer Regiment from 1955 to 1973 rising from the rank of Sapper to Chief Warrant Officer and serving as the unit’s Regimental Sergeant Major. He was one of the original founding members of the Edmonton Sappers Club in November 1945 and he served many years as the President and Vice-President of the club. He was a driving force in keeping the club active over these many years. Bill was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion and often attended the Annual Retired Sappers Reunion in Chilliwack BC. He was also very involved in Edmonton community work, volunteering many hours in support of minor hockey.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kipnes Centre or a charity of one’s choice. On line condolences may be made to Serenity Funeral Service, South Edmonton at www.serenity.ca or (780) 450-0101. ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Egan Edgar Eggert on 29 April 2010 at age 69 in St. Andrews, NB.

Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Sunday, 2 May at 2:00 pm at All Saints Anglican Church St. Andrews, NB followed by a reception at the Royal Canadian Legion, Passamaquoddy Branch, St Andrews.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Martin Zacher (Ret’d) of Medicine Hat, AB on 29 April 2010.

Martin was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Candian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch in Medicine Hat. ^{{jpMar17dc}[zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Vernon Haines Amos peacefully on 18 April 2010 at the Highcrest Sherbrooke Home for Special Care in Sherbrooke NS. He was aged 93.

Vernon was born on Vancouver Island BC and spent his early years in the Vancouver area. He was a WW II veteran who served four years overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 4^th Canadian Division. After his demobilization he returned to Vancouver and started a sign business which took him throughout Canada and some American states. In 1978 Vernon retired and moved to Ingonish in Cape Breton, NS where he ran Spruce’s Art Gallery for 20 years. He was a well known Cape Breton watercolour artist. Following his final retirement he moved to the village of Baddeck NS.

Visitations will be held in G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, St. Mary’s Chapel, 34 Main Street, Sherbrooke NS on 24 April. There will b e no funeral service and burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Vernon's name to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com. ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas “Tom” Alfred Gough in the Signal Point Retirement Home in Calgary AB on 12 April 2010 at the age of 84.

Tom enlisted after the war in the Royal Canadian Engineers and served until 1954 when he joined TransCanada Pipelines. He worked there until 1988 when he retired. He was a tireless community volunteer for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the United Way, the Calgary Distress Centre, Pastoral and Palliative Care programs, the many Anglican churches he attended, as well as being a Mason.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, 1121 - 14 Avenue S.W. on 3 September at 2:30 p.m.  Condolences may be made through www.mcinnisandholloway.com .

 A memorial tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis& Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary. ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Stanley Beaudin (Ret’d) of Lameque, NB peacefully on 11 April 2010 in his 84th year.

Stanley was a WW II veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion “Legion des Iles” Branch #92 in Lameque.

Visitation will take place on 15 April 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM and on 16 April from 9:00 AM until the church service at 11:00 AM.  Condolences may be made to the family at Cooperative Funeraire La Colombe, 667 chemin Saulnier Ouest, Tracadie-Sheila, NB. Or at lacolombe@ nb.aibn.com.  Donations may be made to either the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or Parkinson Society Canada.  ^{{dcJan2017gd} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Danni Goulet on 10 April 2010 at the age of 59 years.

After re-mustering from the infantry, Danni had a full career in the Engineers.  He was trained as a Combat Diver and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician.  He also served in the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

A Celebration of Danni's life will be held at the McGarry Memorial Chapel 139 Valley Road, Wakefield, QC (at Highway 5) on Saturday, 17 April at 11:00am. For those wishing, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. ^{[zsd, zcc, zpi]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Ronald Richard Gage-Cole (Ret'd) of Maple Ridge BC on 7 April 2010 with his family by his side. He was 94 years old. Ronald was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War.

Ronald was born in St Paul, Hemerdon, Devon, England. He was a Machinist when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Vancouver in November 1940. First assigned to the 4^th Fortress Company RCE, Ron then served with 6^th Field Company. His trades eventually included Pioneer, Engine Hand, and Driver.

A Celebration of Ronald's Life was held on 25 April 2010 at Hammond Community Centre in Maple Ridge. 

We regret to advise of the death of William George “Billy” Gordon of Onaping ON at the Sudbury Regional Hospital on 7 April 2010 at the age of 80 years. Billy was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War and a member of the Onaping Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Bill is buried in Sudbury’s Civic Memorial Cemetery.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper James “Jimmy” Wesley Lawrence of Grand Bend, ON (formerly of Halifax NS), peacefully on 3 April 2010 at the South Huron Hospital, Exeter, ON at the age of 90 years.

Jimmy lived most of his life in Halifax NS. He served in the RCE during the SWW and later was a long-time employee of the Department of National Defence at the HMS Dockyard in Halifax. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Br. No. 25 in Halifax.

A family service will be held on 5 April at 2:00 PM at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, ON followed by cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.  ^{{gdJul2019dc}} 

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Corporal Harry Albert Bambrick (Ret'd) of Barrie, ON peacefully on 27 March 2010 at the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, Collingwood, ON in his 91^st year.

Harry was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Dr. W.C. (Bill) Little M.M. Branch #147 in Barrie.

Visitation will be held at the Fawcett Funeral Home in Collingwood, ON at 12:00 PM on 30 March with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM.  Interment will be in the Barrie Union Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario or the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. ^{{dcFeb2017gd} [zpi, zsd, zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Ronald “Ron” Joseph Hart on 22 March 2010 peacefully at the Inglewood Lodge Care Centre, Vancouver BC at the age of 91.

Ron served first in the Royal Canadian Air Force then transferred to the Canadain Army, serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers for 25 years. On his retirement from the Army, Ron worked for BC Rail until his final retirement.

There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, North Vancouver. 

We regret to advise of the passing of Master Warrant Officer David Alan Smeltzer, CD (Ret'd) on 21 March 2010 after a brief journey with cancer.

Born in Montreal, QC in 1939, David grew up in Dartmouth, NS and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers at 17 as a Sapper Apprentice of the 5^th Intake (1956). David served a full Sapper career of 31 years with postings across Canada and overseas where he served for six years in Germany. He also served as Roads, Airfields and Water Supply (RAWA) Troop MWO at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) in Chilliwack in the mid-1980s. He retired with the rank of Master Warrant Officer in 1987 and settled in Calgary. In 1991 he began working for the Commissionaires until his second retirement in 2004. In retirement, Dave maintained his contact with the Sapper Family and attended many Retired Sapper and Apprentice Reunions.

A private gathering will be held on Sunday, 28 March 2010 to celebrate David's life. His ashes will be interred at the Beechwood Military Cemetary in Ottawa on Friday 18 June at 1:30. ^{khApr2018}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Matthew “Mike” Mercredi, CD (Ret’d) in La Ronge, SK on 17 March 2010.

Mike was born in Fort Fitzgerald (now called Fort Smith) in the Northwest Territories in 1934. He left home at age 15 and joined the Canadian Army in Edmonton as a Sapper. After completing basic Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC he was posted to the 58^th Independent Field Squadron in Germany in 1951. His athletic prowess was recognised early and he was employed within the unit as a Physical Training Instructor. Mike acquitted himself well as a boxer winning multiple Brigade and Command level championships between 1951 and 1960 including being the Canadian Army Heavyweight Champion for 1956 and 1957.

Mike served a tour in Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force. In the mid 1960s he remustered to the Physical Education and Recreation trade and served as an instructor at their school in Camp Borden, ON. After 23 years service Mike retired from the Army in Winnipeg with the rank of Sergeant.

At age 40 he started university training that would lead to his later employment and passion negotiating on behalf of native communities, helping to provide jobs and to help his people improve their lives. Mike lived and worked the latter part of his life in La Ronge.

See also: Mike Mercredi’s Own Story

We regret to advise of the death of Major Hubert Martin "Hugh" Tilley, CD (Retd) on 15 March 2010 at the age of 83 in Halifax, NS.

Hugh was born in Istanbul, Turkey where his father was a professor at the American sponsored Robert College. He received his early education in Turkey, the United States and the Channel Island of Jersey. Hugh graduated from the Annapolis Royal Academy, Dalhousie University and the Nova Scotia Technical College with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil).

Hugh joined the Canadian Army at age 17 and served for one year in Canada until the end of World War II. He joined the post-war Army in 1951 in the Royal Canadian Engineers and served until 1973. Hugh served in Canada in the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack ,BC; 59^th Field Squadron at Camp Petawawa,ON; 4 Works Company in Montreal, QC; was Officer Commanding 31 Works Section in Soest Germany; and was Base Construction Engineering Officer, Greenwood, NS (1969 - 73). Outside Canada he served in Korea with 59^th Field Squadron during the Korean Conflict (1953-54), the United Nations Emergency Force I in the Suez Canal, the Sinai and the Gaza Strip.

Upon retirement from the Canadian Forces Hugh worked with Public Works Canada in Halifax until his final retirement in 1987. Hugh belonged to a variety of organizations including the Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, the Korea Veterans Association, the Military Engineers Association of Canada and the Retired Sappers Associations of both Chilliwack and Gagetown.

The funeral service will take place at Saint George's Round Church on 19 March, followed by a private family interment. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Saint George's Round Church (Anglican) 2222 Brunswick Street, Halifax, B3K 2Z3 or the Friends of the Halifax Public Gardens, PO Box 36103, 5665 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3S8. ^{khMay2018}

We regret to advise of the death of David Ahenakew on 12 March 2010 in Shellbrook, SK at the age of 76 years.

David was born on the Sandy Lake reserve in northern Saskatchewan and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1951. He served in the Canadian Army for 16 years until 1967, during which time served with the 57^th Field Squadron during the Korean War, Egypt and Vietnam and was stationed in Germany and Chilliwack, amongst other locations. His medals include the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal and the 125^th Anniversary of Confederation.

Upon leaving the Regular Force, David joined the Reserve Force at the rank of Sergeant. Immediately upon his release from the Regular Force, David Ahenakew held a position with the Saskatchewan government and became active in the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN). Within a year he was elected to the position of FSIN President at age 35 - the youngest man ever elected as chief of the FSIN. He served ten years in that position. During his time as FSIN president he released a report entitled "Indian Education in Saskatchewan" and played a role in the founding of the Saskatchewan Indian Cultural College and the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College in 1972.

David was awarded held an honorary LL.D. Degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1976 for his human rights work. In 1978, he received the John Stratychuk Memorial Award from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission In 1982, he was elected Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, the national representative body for Canadian aboriginals. He was a founding member of the National Indian Brotherhood and the World Council of Indigenous Peoples. He will be remembered as a courageous and intelligent native leader whose career was a major achievement for indigenous people.

The funeral for David Ahenakew was held on 16 March 2010 on the Ahtahkakoop First Nation where he was born and raised.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper, The Reverend William G. Ware (Ret’d), at the Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg on 28 February 2010 at the age of 87 years. William was a veteran of World War II and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.

William was trained and worked as a machinist in Kingston, ON until he was ordained in 1962.  His first two churches were St. Peter's and Trinity in Oshawa, later serving at St. George's Anglican Church in Grafton and Trinity Anglican Church in Colborne for 15 years during the 1960s and '70s,  He then went to on to the Church of St. George in Scarborough in 1979 until he retired back to Coburg in 1995.  In Coburg, William served as padre at the Grafton Legion, Branch 580, Cobourg Legion, Branch 133 and Air Force at CFB Trenton. In 2000, when his wife died, he ministered to others at the Legion Village where he lived, and at Northumberland Hills Hospital.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter's Church, King St. E., Cobourg on 5 March at 1100 hrs. Comrades of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 133, Cobourg, will meet for a Service on 4 March at 1845 hrs. Those wishing to may make memorial donations by cheque to the Palliative Care Unit, Northumberland Hills Hospital. ^{{jpMar17dc}[zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of John Thomas Ackerman on 27 February 2010.

John was born near Balgonie, SK in 1917. He served in the Royal Canadian Artillery during WWII and joined the Permanent Force after the war as a clerk in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He served in Japan during the Korean War and was later posted to Regina. SK where he served until his retirement in 1967. Shortly after his military service he became an employee of the Interprovincial Steel Corporation (IPSCO) in Regina until his retirement in 1982.

A Funeral Mass for John will be held on 4 March 2010 in Christ the King Church in Regina. Donations in memory of John may be made to the Salvation Army or to the charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of John Paul Mousseau peacefully at the Thessalon Hospital on 25 February 2010 in his 86^th year.

John was born in Massie ON the oldest in a family of eight sisters and two brothers. He a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. 

Visitation will be at the Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle in Sault Ste. Marie on Monday, 1 March 2010 at 2:00 PM with a  Memorial Service at 3:00 PM. The interment will be at the at Nairn Centre. Donations to the Alzheimer Society or Lighthaven Christian Retirement Home in Bruce Mines will be gratefully accepted. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 Sault Ste Marie are requested to assemble at the Elim Pentecostal Tabernacle for John’s Memorial Service.

We regret to advise the death of Sergeant Charles George Paul "Charlie" Jackson (Ret'd) of Aylmer ON at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on 19 February 2010 in his 82^nd year.

Charlie was born in Vancouver BC. He served for 20 years, first in the Elgin Regiment, and later in 31 Combat Engineer Regiment (The Elgins) when it re-roled into a combat engineer role. He was an active member and Past President of Colonel Talbot Branch #81 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Friends may call at the H. A. Kebbel Funeral Home, Aylmer on Wednesday 24 February 2010 at which time a Legion Service will be held. The funeral will take place the following day in the Funeral Home at 11:00 AM with interment at the Queen of Peace Cemetery. ^{{dcJan20wrd} [zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Ron Gignac on 17 February 2010.

Ron was a Sapper Apprentice from the 9^th Intake.

There will be a viewing from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 on Friday, 19 February at Butler Funeral Home, 424 Niagara St. In St. Catharines, ON. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel at 9:30 am on Saturday, 20 February.

We regret to advise of the death of Leslie "Les" Howard on 15 February 2010 at the age of 92 years in Calgary.

Les was born in Aldershot, England and began his military career in 1933 when he enrolled in the Army Technical School (Boys Service) in England. In 1935 he began his service as a Royal Engineer. After taking his recruit training in Chatham he was posted to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1937 where he spent the early war years on searchlight batteries. Returning to England in 1943, he spent the next couple of years in Great Britain and was posted to Egypt in 1947. Postings to Palestine, Greece and Chatham followed, after which he and his family embarked for Canada in 1954 on a two-year exchange posting at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack, BC.

Les returned to England in 1957, transferred to the Canadian Army and returned to RCSME within six months. With the exception of two years on Instructional Staff in Saint John, NB, in 1960-1962, the rest of Les's military career was spent at RCSME teaching bridging and mine warfare. In 1969 he was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration and, on his 52^nd birthday, ended thirty-six years of military service.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Army, Les embarked on a second career as a mortgage administrator with The Permanent [now TD Canada Trust]. Following that, he became the administrator for the RAAP program for the City of Chilliwack. Initially enjoying his retirement in Chilliwack, he moved to Calgary in 2008.

A Private Celebration of Les's Life will be held at the Beverly Centre Glenmore (1729 90 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, 4 March. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 - 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549 [ www.heartandstroke.ca ] or the Beverly Centre Glenmore (Beverly Auxiliary), 1729 90 Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2V 4S1 Telephone: (403) 253-8806, or to the charity of the donor's choice. In living memory of Les Howard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.

We regret to advise of the passing of Chief Warrant Officer William (Bill) Moore (Ret'd) on 7 February 2010.

Bill served in the Royal Canadian Navy 1951-1956 and then transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956. In the Air Force he was first an Aero-Engine Technician 1956-1958 and then a Stationery Engineer (Heating Plants) 1958-1982. Upon retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1982, Bill joined the Public Service as CFB Borden CE Utilities Officer.

The Funeral Service was held at the Steven R Bridges Funeral Home, 207 Mill St, Angus, ON on 11 February 2010. As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Royal Victoria Hospital or the RVH Cancer Care Centre would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Allen John Cass, CD (Ret'd) of Vedder Crossing, BC on 4 February 2010 at the age of 80 years.

Allen was born in Regina and joined the Canadian Army in 1957. He served in Germany, Alert, Cyprus and many bases across Canada with the Royal Canadian Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers until his retirement as a Master Warrant Officer in 1982. He then worked for the Federal Public Service for ten years. In 1998, on his final retirement, Allen moved to the Fraser Valley, residing by the Vedder River.

A Memorial Service will be held 9 February 2010 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Vedder Golden Branch. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Legion Poppy Fund or the Chilliwack Safe Haven Animal Shelter will be appreciated. ^{{dcMar2017gd}[zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel John William Braby, OMM, CD (Retd) at his home in Arthur, ON on 2 February 2010 at the age of 69.

John proudly served a full career in the Canadian Military Engineers for 36 years. In his retirement, he was a contributing member of the local community, committed volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and board member of New Hope Housing, Greenfield Cemetery and Economic Development Wellington North.

Friends and relatives will be received at Crawford Funeral Home, 243 George St., Arthur on Friday, 5 February from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service will be held at the Arthur United Church on Saturday, 6 February at 2 pm. Spring interment at Greenfield Cemetery in Arthur. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society through the Crawford Funeral Home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John William Fraser (Ret’d) at the Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou, NS on 2 February 2010 at the age of 97 years.

John was born in Lower Mount Thom, NS and lived there and in Stellerton, NS for most of his life.  He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War who served in both the Italian and Northwest European theatres. After the war, John worked as a farmer, road foreman and Corp of Commissionaires until retirement. He was a member of St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Salt Springs NS, of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #16, Pictou and of the Eighth Army Veterans Association of Canada.

A public graveside service will be held at a later date in Gladstone Cemetery, Four Mile Brook.  Donations in his memory may be made to the Shiretown Nursing Home, or a charity of your choice. ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Edward McDonald Graham, peacefully at home in Trenton on 29 January 2010 in his 74^th year.

Ed was a 2^nd Intake Sapper Apprentice. He started his career as a Field Engineer, remustered to Draughtsman and then progressed to a Construction and Maintenance Technician. After retirement from the Canadian Forces he returned as a draftsman in the Construction Engineering drafting office at CFB Trenton.

A Memorial Service wil be held at the Rushnell Funeral Centre, 60 Division Street, Trenton on Saturday, 6 February. Reception following at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 110 Trenton. If desired, Memorial Donations to the Hospice Quinte or Paramed Home Health Care would be appreciated by the family.^{{khFeb2018}[zsp}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Anthony “Tony” Calvert (Ret’d) suddenly on 22 January 2010 at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital in Ottawa, ON in his 66th year.

Tony was born in 1944 in Southampton, United Kingdom, immigrated to Canada in his youth and became a Canadian citizen in October 1960. He enlisted in the Canadian Forces as a Field Engineer in Toronto, ON in October 1963 and after completing his basic Sapper training was posted to 3 Field Squadron, in Chilliwack, BC.

In 1969 Tony remustered to a Map Reproduction Technician and was posted to the Mapping and Charting Establishment in Ottawa. In August 1980 he was posted to the Director General Intelligence where he spent the next 13 years in the Joint Photo Intelligence Centre until his retirement on 30 September 1993 as a Sergeant. Tony was an enthusiastic Ham radio operator and for many years ran a successful photography business in his spare time.

Visitations will be at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue, Ottawa, ON on 2 and 3 February. A Service will follow the 3 February visitation. Memorial donations may be made to the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation of Canada. {gdSep2015kh}

We regret to advise of the death of Herman R. Archibald in Windsor NS on 15 January 2010 at the age of 79.

Herman was born in Ellershouse NS.  He was a Korean War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Windsor, Hants County NS Branch #009 for 26 years. ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert “Bob” Sampson Ellis on 20 January 2010 at the age of 88 years in Calgary, AB.

Bob was born and raised in Coronation, AB and served overseas in WWII with the Royal Canadian Engineers as a sapper. After demobilization, Bob returned to Coronation and started his long career with Canada Post as a Postmaster - retiring in 1981. During his career he served as the Secretary Treasurer of the Canadian Postmasters Association as well as a Justice of the Peace, Town Counsellor and on the Chamber of Commerce. He was always active in community and church activities no matter where he lived. He was a life-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and Heritage Club.

Funeral services will be held at St. David’s United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill Crescent NW, Calgary on 27 January 2010. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank Society. In living memory of Robert Ellis, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 Bannister Road SE., Calgary^{.{dcSep2015] [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Percy Eldon “Hank” Clements (Ret’d) at the Queen Elizabeth II Healthcare Complex in Halifax NS on 4 January 2010 at the age of 92.

Hank was born in Port Morien NS and lived there most his life. He served for a brief time in the Merchant Marine as a fireman aboard the SS Corabelle in 1939 sailing between Halifax and Newfoundland. In 1942 he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served as a Sapper in the Royal Canadian Engineers in England and the Virgin Islands. He was discharged in 1945 and worked both in construction and, being a fisherman by trade, fished out of Port Morien for over 60 years. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #3 in Glace Bay NS.

In honouring Hank’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A funeral service will take place on 8 January at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien, with interment in St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery in Black Brook NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Morien. Online condolences maybe made through vjmcgillivray.ca. ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise that Lt Adam Edward "Dutch " Vrooman (Retd) passed away on 1 January 2010 in Victoria at the age of 83 years.

Born in Ontario and a graduate of the University of Toronto, Dutch was a WW II Royal Canadian Engineer veteran. After the war he spent 18 years with ALCAN in Kitimat BC and then worked in engineering capacities at the municipal level - particularly as a Building Inspector in Ladysmith, BC. He was an active member of theCanadian Military Engineer Association.

A Memorial Service will be held in First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Tuesday, 12 January at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant George Rudolf Miok at age 28 in Afghanistan on 30 December 2009.

Sergeant Miok was a Reservist serving in 41 Combat Engineer Regiment. He taught at St. Cecilia's Junior High School in Edmonton. George joined the military at 17 in his Grade 12 year and served as a Reservist while earning his teaching degree at the University of Alberta. He had served in Bosnia in 2002 and in Afghanistan for the first time in 2006. He was on his second tour in Afghanistan and was serving as an Infantry Section Commander with the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team at the time of his death.

The family and friends of Sgt George Moik have endowed a scholarship to the University of Alberta Faculty of Education in his name. This scholarship is awarded to students with superior academic achievement entering the third or fourth year of study in the Faculty of Education. Selection is based on academic standing. Preference will be given to students who are serving or have served in the Canadian Armed Forces - Regular or Reserve components.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, 09 January 2010 at 1330 hrs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parrish (http://www.caedm.ca/parishes/sherwood-park), 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 1Y7 ^{khFeb2018}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant James Howard Alexander, MC (Ret’d) on 26 December 2009 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania at the age of 86 years.

James was born in Toronto, ON and attended the University of Toronto. He graduated in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was assigned to the 6^th Field Company in March 1944, landing in Normandy on D-Day and served with the unit until February 1946.  James was awarded the Military Cross for actions as a bridge commander at Retranchement the Netherlands.  His citation reads:

“At Retranchement in on the morning of 30 October 1944, Lieutenant Alexander was detailed as bridge commander to construct a Class 40 Bailey bridge over the canal. The orders given were that the early completion of the bridge was vital to the final collapse of the South Scheldt Estuary pocket. This officer arrived at the bridge site at 1045 hours with his reconnaissance party and discovered that although the infantry held the village of Retranchement, no bridgehead was at yet established on the far side of the canal. At 1200 hours, this officer decided to attempt to make a cross section of the gap and he accordingly crossed to the far side but was immediately subjected to intense small arms fire. In spite of this, he eventually succeeded in securing enough information to make preliminary plans for his bridge and thus accomplished one-third of his task many hours ahead of schedule. Throughout the construction of the bridge, this officer was a source of constant inspiration to his men. Without regard to his personal safety, he stood on the most exposed part of the bridge, constantly exhorting his men to greater efforts. By his courage and determination, the bridge was completed much sooner than otherwise would have been possible and his gallant action allowed the leading brigade to bring up quickly the required fighting vehicles, ammunition and supplies which caused the ultimate defeat of the enemy at Knocke and Heist on 2 November 1944.”

The 6^th Field Company lost two soldiers that day and named the after Sgt J.L.Hickman. The original Bailey Bridge has been replaced but still bears the name 'Hickman Brug'.  Beside it stands a section of Bailey Bridge on a brick plinth, together with a bronze plaque with an inscription in English, French and Dutch.

Following the war, James joined Shawinigan Chemicals in Quebec and, then, in 1964 joined Bayer Corporation and worked with them as President of Verona-Pharma Chemical Corp. in New Jersey and later as Senior Executive Vice President of Mobay in Pittsburgh.  After retirement, he became President of Valley Care Association and the Pittsburgh Blind Association.

Visitation will take place on 29 December from 1:00 until 2:00 PM in the R.D.Copeland Ltd-Irvine Chapel in Sewickley with a service at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the Blind & Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh. ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Melvin “Mel” Arthur Crawford at Southwood Hospice in Calgary AB on 25 December 2009.

Mel was born in Hanna AB in 1919 but moved to Calgary in 1924 where he attended Connaught Public School and Western Canada High School. He studied auto mechanics and woodworking. He began his thirty-eight year career with the Canadian National Railway in 1940 with the Bridge and Building department. In 1941 he joined the Canadian Army as a sapper in the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 2^nd Division, serving in Britain and Europe until September 1945.

After leaving the army he resumed his career with the CNR in Calgary and from 1971 to 1978 worked as an Engineering Coordinator for the Regional Engineering/Bridges and Structures department in the head office in Edmonton. In 1978 he retired but remained active with the CNR Veterans, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #285, the Calgary Sappers Club, and the Calgary Kerby Centre for older adults activity centre.

A memorial gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary on 29 December. A family graveside service will be held at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. In living memory of Mel Crawford, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. ^{{gdFeb2016kh}}