Dernière sonnerie

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}}

We regret to advise of the accidental death of Corporal Jonathan P. Manuel of Mapping and Charting Establishment on 23 December 2009 while on vacation.

Cpl Manuel was 23 years old and had recently arrived at MCE to undergo training as a Geomatics Technician. He joined the Canadian Forces in 2002 as a reservist Artilleryman and two years later transferred to the Regular Force in the Artillery. In Nov 2005, upon completion of basic training, he was posted to 5e Régiment d'Artillerie Légére du Canada, Valcartier, QC and deployed to Afghanistan July 2007 to March 2008. After a short period of return to civilian life, Cpl Manuel rejoined in September 2009 as a Geomatics Technician where he was awaiting training.

The interment ceremony will be held at Beechwood National Military Cemetery at 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Friday 8 January at 1400hrs. A private funeral service will be held for the family and the official mourning party prior to the interment. There will be no reception following the interment.

We regret to advise of the death of Louis Carl “Lou” Timm on 20 December 2009 in Encinitas, CA.

Lou was born in New Dundee, ON.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. After demobilization Lou moved to Henrietta, NY.  He retired from Delco Products in Rochester, NY in 1986 after a long career as a tool and die maker.  He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons Union Star Lodge No 320 for fifty years.

A memorial service will be held at the Faith United Methodist Church, 174 Pinnacle Road in Rochester on 20 February at 3:00 PM.  Donations may be made to the Elizabeth Hospice in Encinitas. ^{{dcMay2017gd} [zsd, zpi, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Urbain Gerard Doucet (Ret’d) of Weymouth, NS in Soldiers' Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS on 17 December 2009 at the age of 84 years.

Urbain was born in New Edinburgh, NS.  He was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Weymouth Branch #67.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM with prayers at 8:00 PM on 21 December in Jayne's Funeral Home, Weymouth North.  A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM 22 December in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Weymouth.  Interment will be in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Cemetery. ^{{dcJan17gd} [zsd, zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert “Bob” Shattuck of Kitscoty, AB in his sleep on 12 December 2009 at the age of 89 years.

Bob was born in the Wildwood District of Alberta and grew up farming with his family.  In 1942, Bob joined the Canadian Army and went overseas with the 23^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.  In England, he was transferred to No. 1 Canadian Drilling Company and worked through Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.   Bob met up with his brother, Wilfred, in Italy and it was the last time the brothers ever saw each other.  Wilfred was killed in action on April 29, 1945 fighting with the Perth Regiment in Holland.

In July 1945, Bob returned home to Alberta. He had signed up to go to Japan but the war ended before he was deployed.  He was discharged in February 1946. 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. ^{{dcApr2018gd} [zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Walter Ernest Clarke (Ret’d) on 29 November 2009 in Victoria, BC.

Walter was born in Hamilton, ON in 1916 and graduated from Queen’s University, Hamilton in 1939 with a Bachelor of Science Engineering degree.  He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in WW II from 1942-1945.  After the war he had a fulfilling career in the mining industry with Buffalo Ankerite ON; United Keno Hill Mines YT; Geco Mines ON; Rayrock Mines NWT; and as a consultant.  He was a member of Professional Engineers of Ontario; the Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia; and the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.  He was a long time member of the Oak Bay United Church, Oak Bay, BC, serving it in a variety of roles. 

A memorial service will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria on 12 December.  The family requests no flowers.^{{gdJan2016kh}}  

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Patrick McGuire (Ret'd) on 22 November 2009 at the age of 42 years. Capt McGuire joined the Canadian Forces in 1984 and was a member of the 9^th Engineer Squadron in Rouyn-Noranda, QC at the time of his release in June 2009.

Viewings will be Friday 27 November from 1400 hrs to 1700hrs and 1900hrs to 2200hrs at the Complexe funéraire Sainte-Bernadette , 515, Avenue Chénier à Rouyn-Noranda. Funeral will be held on Saturday 28 Nov at 1400hrs at the St-Joseph Church in Rouyn-Noranda, QC. Ashes will be deposited at the Columbarium Funeral Complex St. Bernadette. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Diabetes Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Douglas “Doug” Gow at the Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus ON on 21 November 2009.

Doug was a veteran of the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a Member of the Sunnylea Masonic Lodge No 664 in Etobicoke ON.

Visitation will take place at the McKersie-Kocher Funeral Home, 114 Main Street, Milton ON from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on 24 November.  A funeral service will be held on 25 November at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.  Donations may be made to The Epilepsy Foundation.  Letters of condolence may be left for the family at www.mckersie-kocher.ca. ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Karl Weldon Childs (Retd) on 20 November 2009 at his residence in Beaverdam, NB.

Born in Corner Brook NL in 1959, Karl was raised in Lark Harbour, NL. He served for 29 years with the Canadian Forces as a soldier with the Prince Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and as a carpenter with the Canadian Military Engineers. After retirement he took his carpenter skills to the Construction Engineer Section at CFB Gagetown, NB

Visitation will take place on Monday, 23 November at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in New Maryland from 2:00 - 4:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, 24 November at 11:00 am at the same location. Interment to follow in the Beaverdam Cemetery. Donations on Karl's behalf can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation

We regret to advise that RCAF Warrant Officer First Class, Foreman of Works James McNab Chrystal, CD (Ret'd) passed away in Chilliwack on 19 November 2009 at age 93.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jim was a WW II veteran and had a long post-war Construction Engineering career in the RCAF. He served with distinction in the Construction Engineering section on a number of RCAF bases. After retirement from the Canadian Forces Jim had a ten-year career as Building Manager of the Marine Building, Vancouver's landmark high rise office building.

Moving to Chilliwack, he joined 879 (Earl MacLeod) RCAF Wing (Chilliwack) of the Air Force Association of Canada and was a faithful Wing member right up to the time of his demise. Jim was a generous man who gave freely to community service organizations and was active in other areas such as a Freemason, Legion, and Elks member and a community volunteer.

One of Jim's achievements in Chilliwack was the installation of the Piper Richardson Memorial statue that resides in Veteran's Memorial Park grounds beside the Chilliwack Museum building. Jim was also involved with the "Blue Hydrangea Living Memorial Garden" on the grounds of the Chilliwack Middle School [formerly the Chilliwack High School on Yale Road East]. This memorial was originated in 1942 to honour former students and teachers who had joined the RCAF and had lost their lives in combat during WW II. As each casualty was made known, an additional Blue Hydrangea bush was planted and there were 48 bushes by the end of the war. Throughout the ensuing years, the Garden fell into neglect and Jim lead the way to revive and rededicate the Memorial. Failing health did not allow him the energy to finish the project but colleagues completed his work. On 6 May 2009 the memorial was rededicated and now includes a special plaque that commemorates the rededication beside the photograph display of those 48 airmen. A similar ceremony will be held on the school grounds each year to remind younger generations of Canadians of the sacrifices made.

A Celebration of Life will be held on 12 December at 11:00 am. At St. Thomas Anglican Church, 46048 Gore Ave., Chilliwack, BC. Reception will follow in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a homeless shelter or an animal shelter of your choice in Jim's name.

We regret to advise of the death of Major William .J. “Bill” Hipson, CD (Ret’d) peacefully in Calgary, AB on 17 November 2009 at the age of 88 years.

Bill was a veteran of the Second World War. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1939 to 1945 in the Pacific Theatre and Canada.  After the war, he remained in the Army and had a 35-year career, retiring in 1974 as the Base Construction Engineering Officer of Canadian Forces Base Calgary.  He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #284 in Calgary.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary on 23 November at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery.  Donations may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Giovanni D'Arcangelo of 4 Wing Construction Engineers at CFB Gagetown on 16 November 2009.

Sergeant D'Arcangelo was a Water, Fuel and Environmental Technician who, among the normal career postings in Canada, had completed a tour in Sri Lanka, two tours in Bosnia and three successive tours in Afghanistan.

A private funeral service will be held at the 17 Wing, Winnipeg chapel on Tuesday, 24 November 2009 at 10:30 am. Attendance is limited. Please contact MWO D. Aubertin, WCE 4 Wing Cold Lake, for co-ordination. Burial will be at Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, 3990 Portage Ave, Winnipeg. Details of a memorial service to be held at 4 Wing Cold Lake will be advised.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Donald “Willie” Wilson (Ret’d) in Calgary, AB on 16 November 2009 at the age of 81.

Willie was a Firefighter who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Funeral services will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Centennial Branch # 285, 9202 Horton Road S.W. on 23 November at 2:00 p.m.   Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #285.  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.  ^{{gdOct2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Roy George Bowman in Saskatoon, SK on 10 November 2009 at the age of 89. 

Roy was born in Humboldt, SK in 1920.   In 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was posted to 9 Field Squadron with whom he served overseas in Northwest Europe until the summer of 1945.  After his return to Canada and demobilization Roy worked on farms or driving trucks until he retired in 1980. 

A memorial service will be held on 14 November 2009 at Park Funeral Chapel, Saskatoon, with interment in the Garden of Christus Court at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the Palliative Care Ward of St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon. 
 

We regret to advise that Major Victor Swanberg, CD (Retd) passed away on 4 November 2009 at the age of 87 years.

Victor was born in Calgary and was a veteran of WW II as both aircrew and as a Military Engineer. After the war, he served for sixteen years with the University of Calgary. Major Swanberg was the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 33^rd Field Engineer Squadron from 1995 to 1999.

At Victor's request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. A private graveside service was held. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Salvation Army or to the Calgary Humane Society.

We regret to advise of the death of Emile E. Dufour on 1 November 2009 at the Veteran's Village, Sherbrooke Community Center in Saskatoon, SK at the age of 88 years.

Emile was born in Ottawa, ON.  He was a Second World War veteran who joined the Army at the age of 19 and served overseas as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he re-joined the Army and served in Valcartier QC, Wainwright AB. and Ottawa. After he retired from the Army in Ottawa in 1969 he worked as an insurance salesman for Knights of Columbus Insurance before making a final move to Saskatoon where he worked with the Red Program, finding employment for less fortunate individuals.  Emile fully retired in 1981.  

Emile was always involved with the Catholic Church and especially with the Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th Degree Knight.. He was instrumental in helping to start counsels in numerous parishes across the country. Emile was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Netanya Branch #362 in Saskatoon.

There will be prayers with family and friends on 5 November at 7:00 PM at St. Augustine Parish, 602 Boychuk Dr in Saskatoon.  A Celebration Mass of Emile's life will be conducted on 6 November at 10:30 AM at St. Augustine.  Cremation to follow with interment in the family plot in Notre Dame Cemetery in Ottawa. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Email condolences can be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. ^{{gdOct2019dc} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Steven Marshall on 30 October 2009 while on foot patrol in Panjwai district in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.

Aged 24 and a native of Calgary, Steven joined the army in 2007 and completed his Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Camp Gagetown, NB. Sapper Marshall was a member of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment from Edmonton, AB and had just recently started his deployment in Afghanistan.

Sapper Marshall's funeral will be held on Tuesday, 10 November at 1:00 p.m. at Centre Street Church (Main Campus), 3900 2nd St NE, Calgary, AB [403-293-3900]. Interment will follow at approximately 3:00 p.m. at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens, 17 Ave SW & Lower Springbank Rd, Calgary [403-217-3700 or David King at 403- 619-7691]. Reception at Mewata Armouries, 801 - 11th Street SW, Calgary.

We regret to advise the death of Lieutenant Stanley “Stan” Daniel Cameron (Ret'd) on 29 October 2009 at the age of 89 at the North York General Hospital in Toronto.

Born in Edmonton, AB, Stan was a graduate of the University of Alberta where he was captain of the Alberta Golden Bears basketball team. During the Second World War he served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 2^nd Canadian Division CRE. On 3 October 1944, he was seriously wounded by a sniper's bullet conducting a recce of a proposed bridge site at Merxem in Belgium.  

After the war, he worked as a psychologist with the Alberta Tuberculosis Association for several years before joining the Public Service Commission of Canada in 1954. His career with the government of Canada took Stan to Ottawa, Vancouver and back to Ottawa. Stan moved from personnel administration into a variety of management positions in the government, retiring in 1979 as the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Transport.

A service to celebrate his life will be held in the Humphrey Funeral Home - A.W. Miles Chapel”, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto 3 November 2009. If desired, donations can be made to the National Gallery of Canada or to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Marcel Dextraze of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu QC on 24 October 2009 at the age of 96 years.

Marcel was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant William Bennett “Bill” McKay Clarke (Ret’d) on 22 October 2009 at Chateau Gardens in Aylmer ON in his 99^th year.

Bill was born in Sussex NB and moved with his parents to Stockton, CA where they lived until he was fifteen years old. His father's ill health brought the family back to Sussex where Bill completed high school and later received a degree in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick.

Bill was a veteran of the Second World War.  After graduation, he worked for a few years with the Dominion Forest Services, but later left his job and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in England and Holland. On his return from Europe, Bill worked with the Department of Lands and Forests in Toronto ON North Bay ON and later in Aylmer. He retired from the position of District Forester in Aylmer in 1974. Bill was a member of Trinity Anglican Church, the Aylmer Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Rotary Club of Aylmer.

At Bill's request, a private interment service was held at the Aylmer Cemetery. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society as expressions of sympathy will be appreciated. ^{{dcDec19wd} {zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Robin Andrew Hill, CD (Ret'd) at home in Hilden, NS, from illness, on 15 October 2009 at the age of 51 years.

Born in Hamilton, ON, Robin joined the Canadian Military Engineers as an Electrical Generating Systems Technician and had a 24-year career. During his career, he served on Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships Saguenay and Ottawa.  He also served at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, ON where he was a member of the Mobile Repair Team.  Robin also deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions, his last mission being in 1994 - 1995 in Bosnia. In civilian life, Robin taught electrical apprenticeship at the Nova Scotia Community College, Institute of Technology, Halifax Campus.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #147 in Upper Musquodoboit, NS.

There will be no visitation by request. A celebration of life will be held on 20 October at 2:00 PM in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro, NS.  Donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, Halifax.  ^{{gdFeb2017dc} [zsp]}

We regret to advise the death of Ronald Elwood Gallant of Kamloops BC on 10 October 2009 at the age of 69 years.

Ron was born in Morden MB. He joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1957 but transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1962. He served on HMCS New Waterford, HMCS Bonaventure, HMCS Athabaskan and HMCS Kootenay before retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1967. Ron was a member of the Thompson Legion for four years and was with the Mackenzie BC Legion Branch #273 for thirty-two years where he served on the Executive as Vice-President and Treasurer. He received the BC-Yukon Command Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award. ^{{dcJan20wd} [zcc, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Captain John W. S. Lowes (Ret’d) peacefully at home in Newmarket, ON on 4 October 2009 at the age of 73.

John served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After leaving the Army he worked for Ontario Hydro. 

A memorial service will be held on 9 October at 1 PM at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Water and Main Street, Newmarket.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Kidney Foundation.  ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Blase Miller on 29 September 2009 in Surrey BC at the age of 82.

Blase was a veteran of the Second World War and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in England and Europe.

Prayers will be offered 2 October at 8:30 pm followed by Mass of Christian Burial  on 3 October both held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 8842 - 119 Street, Delta, BC. ^{{gdJun2016**}}

We regret to advise of the death of MWO John Edward Hagerman, age 66, at Chilliwack General Hospital on 25 September 2009 after a very short but courageous struggle with cancer.

John was born in Kingston, ON and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the 9^th Intake of Sapper Apprentices in 1960 at the age of 16. He served 32 years as Canadian Military Engineer in our field units at CFB Chilliwack, CFB Petawawa, and CFB Lahr, Germany. John retired in 1992 as Sergeant Major with Base Operations, CFB Chilliwack.

The Funeral Service was held on 2 October 2009 at Vedder View Gardens Cemetery, Watson Road, Chilliwack. Reception followed at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 280. In lieu of flowers, donations in John Hagerman's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Alvin Dubois (Ret’d) on 24 September 2009 at the Bonnechere Manor in Renfrew, ON at the age of 84 years.

Alvin was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Renfrew Branch #148. 

Visitation will be at the Goulet Funeral Home in Renfrew between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and between 7:00 and 9:00 PM on 27 September. There will be a Legion Service of Tribute at 7:30 PM that same evening.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Mount St. Patrick, ON the following day at 10:00 AM.  Interment will be at the Holy Well Cemetery in Mount St. Patrick.  Donations may be made to the Bonnechere Manor Foundation or Renfrew Senior Home Support.