Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Darrell Spence, MSC, CD (Ret’d) on 29 June 2026 due to a motor vehicle accident. Darrel served as a Combat Engineer with the Canadian Military Engineers for more than 27 years.

Darrell enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1995. After completing his basic Combat Engineer training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME), he was posted to 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, where he served the majority of his career. In addition to his several tours with 2 CER, Darrell served as an instructor at CFSME at Canadian Forces Base Gagetown, NB.

During his career, Darrell deployed on operations to Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Latvia. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross in 2009 for his actions in Afghanistan. In retirement, he was a strong supporter of the Deep River Legion. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Deep River Legion, Branch 436 {50 McElligott Drive, Deep River, ON}  on 11 July 2026. Guests are requested to arrive for 1400 hrs, with formal ceremonies commencing at 1500 hrs. The ceremony will begin in the curling club parking lot adjacent to the Legion, weather permitting.

For serving members, Dress Uniform No. 1A is authorized. Family members and civilian guests are welcome to attend in casual attire. Those who are unable to attend but wish to send condolences may leave cards or notes at 2 CER Regimental Operations or the Duty Centre during normal working hours (0930–1600 hrs).

A donation box will be available at the Celebration of Life. Donations may also be made by e-transfer to bfmc211.treasurer@gmail.com. Please include the wording: "CoL Donation for Darrell Spence" in the message or comment section.

We regret to advise of the death of retired former Firefighter Warrant Officer Edmond Comeau, CD (Ret’d) in Fredericton NB on 27 June 2026 at the age of 86. 

Ed grew up in St. Ignace, NB. His parents both died when he was very young, and Ed became an independent young man. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1963 and served as a Firefighter in France, Germany and Summerside, PE  before remustering to the Aircraft Refinisher Technician occupation.

Ed retired to Rexton, NB in 1988 where he took a job with Home Hardware in Richibucto. He was a member of the Legion and a keen genealogist. After 20 years in Rexton, Ed moved to Fredericton, where he served as president of his condo board. He moved to the Shannex Residence after the passing of his wife.

There will be no visitation at this time. Ed will be interred at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, ON, at a future date. For those wishing to donate in remembrance of Ed, please do so to the charity of your choice and support your local Legion. Please leave your condolences, warm wishes and memories of Ed with the funeral home .
 

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Pieter van der Maden, CD (Ret’d) on 23 June 2026 in Chilliwack BC, at age 90 years.

Born in Holland, Pieter immigrated to Canada in 1954 at the age of 18. Four years later, he enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces to start a military career of more than 22 years with the Canadian Military Engineers. After completing his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack BC, Pieter’s first posting was a three-year tour with 4 Field Squadron in Werl Germany. After this tour, he returned to Chilliwack to serve with 3 Field Squadron before returning to Germany for a second three-year tour. Returning to Canada in 1968, Pieter served at Canadian Forces Base Winnipeg for before being posted to Chilliwack and beginning what would be a transition to becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Pieter completed a Heavy Equipment Operator's course in 1974 and soon found himself working on the Northern Airfield Construction project at Eskimo Point (now Arviat, NU). In 1977, he worked on the Eagle River Bridge project and then served a tour at Canadian Forces Station Alert.

When Pieter retired from the Canadian Forces in 1978, he continued to put his expertise in heavy equipment to good use. He worked for various logging companies and later contributed to the construction of the Coquihalla Highway, one of British Columbia's most significant infrastructure projects. During this time, he worked with Cross Country Electric, installing services, and with Cascade Masonry, delivering septic tanks and brick supplies.

Pieter fully retired in 1994. He was an active member of the Chilliwack Legion.

A memorial service for Pieter will be held at 1300 hrs at the Carmen United Church in Chilliwack { 7258 Vedder Road } on 22 July 2026. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.