Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Alvin Norman “Al” Spruce, CD (Ret’d), of Cold Lake, AB, on 1 October 2026, at the age of 89. Al served the Canadian Military Engineers for more than 38 years as a Combat Engineer with Airborne specialty.

Born in Ingersoll ON, Al joined the Royal Canadian Engineers at the age of 16 in 1953 with the 2^nd Intake of the Sapper Apprentices. After completing his basic Sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC in 1955, Al’s first posting was to 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany - a unit he was eventually to serve as Regimental Sergeant Major.

Returning to Canada, Al served with 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON for 10 years before returning to Germany and serving for the second time with 4 Field Squadron. He returned to Canada in 1970, where he was first posted to 5 Régiment du génie de combat in Valcartier QC, followed by a Regular Support Staff posting with 3 Field Engineer Regiment in Montreal, QC.

Al was next posted to 1 Airborne Field Squadron in Edmonton AB, for a three-year tour, followed by a return to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa (now named 2 Combat Engineer Regiment), where he became the Regimental Sergeant Major.  Returning to Germany for the third time, Al was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 4 Combat Engineer Regiment (1982-84).

For his last posting, Al returned to Canada to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake AB, where he served for 10 years at the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range. Retiring from the Regular Force and transferring to the Reserve Force, Al supported the Cold Lake Cadet Camp for the next ten years. 

In accordance with Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held. If desired, donations may be made to the Cold Lake Legion (1007 - 7 Ave, Cold Lake, AB T9M 0C4). Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Leading Aircraftman Gerry Lindsay Pickett of Wasaga Beach ON,  on 30 September 2026 at age 83.

Born on Fair Island NL, Gerry joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at a young age as a Crash Rescue Firefighter. His career took him across Canada including Chatham NB and Bagotville QC and led to his becoming the Fire Chief for the US Navy Base in Argentia and then Fire Marshal in Iqaluit NU, where he retired. He later moved to Wasaga Beach ON. Gerry gave many years of dedicated service to the Lions Club, including involvement at the provincial level. 

In keeping with Gerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service was held in the chapel of the Henry Walser Funeral Home.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to Innisfree House would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Meleme Joseph Nelson McGraw, CD (Ret’d) of Miramichi, NB, at Percy’s Place, Miramichi, on 11 September 2026, at the age of 92. Meleme started his Regular Force military career as a Sapper but remustered to the Physical Training Instructor occupation, where he served most of his career.

Born in Port Elgin, NB, Meleme served the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years. He joined the Militia with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in 1949 but transferred to the  Royal Canadian Engineers of the Regular Force five years later.

After his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack, BC, Meleme re-mustered to the Physical Training Instructor trade. He later served in the following locations: Gagetown, NB; Saint-Jean, QC; Gagetown, NB; Halifax, NS; St. Margarets, NB; and Chatham, NB. 

Meleme retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 and then worked at the New Brunswick Corrections Centre in Miramichi for 12 years, teaching in programs for Correctional Officers, Youth Care Workers, and Industrial and Retail Security Officers.  He retired in 1996.

Meleme was a founding member of the Miramichi Chapter of the Canadian Peacekeeping Veterans Association.

By request, there will be no visitation.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Michael’s Basilica, Miramichi, NB, on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Saint Michael’s Cemetery.
As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.