We regret to advise that Lieutenant Colonel Albert A. Loveridge CD (Ret'd) died on 17 October 2008 in Chilliwack, BC at the age of 88.
Born in Victoria, BC, he joined the Canadian Army in 1940 with the British Columbia Regiment. Al later transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers with 6th Field Company where he reached the rank of sergeant. He completed Officer Training corps training in 1943 and then transferred to the Royal Regiment of Canada. He fought overseas during WW II with the 2nd Canadian Division in Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Germany in 1944-45.
After the war, Al joined the Permanent Force and returned to the Royal Canadian Engineers. He served with 57th Independent Field Squadron 1950 - 1951 after which he was posted to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) as Assistant Chief Instructor. After attending Army Staff College in 1953, Al became Adjutant, 1 Field Engineer Regiment 1953 - 1956. Major Loveridge commanded 2 Field Squadron 1959-1962 and was a Team Officer with the Military Component Canadian Delegation International of the Commission of Control and Supervision in South Vietnam.
Following a position with the Office of Chief Engineer, Army Headquarters, Al was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in 1965 and posted to RCSME as the Chief Instructor. Upon the accidental death of Commandant, Colonel Potts, he assumed the position of Commandant during Summer 1968 and served another short tour as the first Commandant, Canadian Forces School of Engineering Commandant in January 1969, after which he retired.
Following his retirement from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1969, Al launched into a second career in education. He headed the experimental 'NewStart' programme in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and then was President of the Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, Manitoba, in 1971-85. Al and Ann spent two years in the Seychelles with the Canadian International Development Agency, where Al was Principal of the Seychelles Polytechnic, before their second retirement. They later moved back to Chilliwack to be closer to their many old Army friends and their family.
Al retired but did not slow down. He was an active Rotarian for many years and was involved with many programmes in Chilliwack and district. He was also active in seniors organisations, including One Voice and the Federal Superannuates National Association. Al gave his support to the Legion and Retired Sappers and Military Engineer Associations, and took a keen interest in preserving the history of the military in Vedder Crossing and Chilliwack, and British Colombia generally. Al's contributions were acknowledged in his receipt of the Centennial Medal in 1967 and the Jubilee Medal 1975.
Funeral Service will take place at Carman United Church at 7258 Vedder Road, Sardis at 1400hrs on 24 October. Reception to follow at the Area Support Unit Mess on the Base. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Diabetes Society.