Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Chief Warrant Officer Doug Reid, CD (Ret’d) of Medicine Hat AB, on 6 March 2026 at age 82.

Doug joined the Canadian Army as a 9^th Intake (1960) Sapper Apprentice and started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers as an Army Fire Safety Inspector. He transferred to the Firefighter trade on Integration of the Canadian Forces. Some of Doug’s many postings during his 25 years of uniformed service included Fire Chief at Canadian Forces Station Mont Apica, Fire Chief at Canadian Forces Base Toronto, and at Air Command Headquarters in Winnipeg.  

On retirement from the Canadian Forces, Doug started a second career in the Public Service as the civilian Fire Chief at CFB Suffield AB where he served for 10 years. He then retired in Medicine Hat AB.

Friends are welcome to join in celebrating Doug’s life at the Robertson Memorial Royal Canadian Legion Branch {17 at 702 – 2 St. SE} in Medicine Hat on Saturday, 21 March 2026 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, a memorial tribute in honour of your friendship with Doug can be made to the Robertson Memorial Royal Canadian Legion Branch 17 ‘Poppy Fund’ {702 – 2 St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E1}. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain James “Jim” Tomlin, CD (Ret’d), peacefully at the Woodstock Hospital on 20 February 2026, in his 89^th year.

Jim served a full and varied career with the Canadian Armed Forces,. He enlisted with the Regular Force in 1956 with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Military Police with Air Transport Command and served for seven years before trying a civilian career. After four years, however, he missed the military life and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Reserve Force as a Field Engineer with 2 Field Engineer Regiment in Toronto where he rose in the ranks from Sapper to Master Warrant Officer. Jim was then Commissioned from the Ranks as a Captain. but, not having an engineering degree, he could not become an Engineer officer. He first served as an officer with The Highland Fusiliers in Kitchener for a number of years and then transferred to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in London ON. Jim retired from that unit at age 55 in 1993.

Jim was a Fourth Degree Knight in Kitchener with the Knights of Columbus and was one of the original organizers of archery at the Bogenschützenfest, an event he took great pride in supporting. Jim was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Tillsonburg and volunteered with pastoral care at St. Mary’s General Hospital.

Visitation took place on 24 February at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre in Kitchener ON. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Parish on  25 February with cremation following.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Sekura House or Canadian Cancer Society.  Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer William “Bill” John Drexel Vandervoort, CD (Ret’d), peacefully on 22 February 2026 at Westgate Lodge in Belleville ON at the age of 90.

Born in Powell River BC, Bill served his country with great pride and distinction in the Canadian Armed Forces for 43 years with the Construction Engineering component of the Canadian Military Engineers.

Funeral arrangements were private. If desired, donations to Quinte Access would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.