Canadian Military Engineers Association

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Melville Harvey Ray, CD (Ret'd) a resident of Chatham-Kent at the Riverview Gardens Nursing Home on 2 May 2026 at the age of 86.

Born in Windsor, ON, Harvey served a career with the Canadian Military Engineers that included postings such as 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown, NB, 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany; and 3 Field Squadron in Chilliwack, BC. He was one of the "Original 18" who formed the Airfield Damage Repair unit in Canadian Forces Europe.

In accordance with Harvey's wishes, cremation has taken place. The family would appreciate donations made in memory of Harvey to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the funeral home..
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Shawn David Angus MacAskill (Ret'd), of Port Hawkesbury NS, peacefully at his home on 3 May 2026 at age 50.

Born and raised in Dundee, Shawn was a graduate of St. Peter’s District High School. He went on to serve his country with dedication and pride in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Combat Engineer.  Shaun’s service included a deployment to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and he was also involved in national emergency assistance actions such as the severe flooding in Manitoba and the ice storm in Ontario and Quebec.

Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Shawn held various local jobs before heading west to Alberta for work. When his health took a turn for the worse, he returned home to Cape Breton. 

Cremation has taken place. A service will be held on 13 June at 1:00 p.m. at Black River United Church (1796 Black River Road, Dundee). Burial at the Black River Cemetery will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Black River United Church in Shawn’s memory. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer David Robert Fowler, CD (Ret'd),  peacefully on 29 April 2026, at the Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 79 years.

Born in Calgary, AB, Dave joined the Canadian Forces in 1963 at the age of 16, enrolling in the Sapper Apprentice 12th Intake and training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC.  This was the beginning of a 24-year career that included postings with 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa, 4 Field Squadron in Werl, Germany,  4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr, Germany, and 1 Combat Engineer Regiment in Chilliwack. He also deployed to Cyprus on a peacekeeping tour.

Dave retired from the Regular Force in 1987, but continued to serve with the Reserve Engineer Training Squadron at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering until 1992. Following his military career, Dave worked in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) sector with Notra from 2006 to 2017 as a Senior Explosives Expert.

A service to honour Dave's life and military service will be announced at a later date. His cremated remains will be interred at Vedder View Gardens Cemetery.