CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Ethan Charles Hudson (Ret'd), 93, of East Branch, NB, on 23 March 2014 at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont University Hospital in Moncton.

Born in South Branch, NB, Ethan enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers in April 1942 and trained in Canada with 23^rd Field Company. His unit embarked for England in July 1943 where they continued their training and employment in England leading up to their participation in the invasion of Europe. Sapper Hudson was a driver and, later, a Motorcycle Dispatch Rider.

Ethan landed in Normandy on 11 July 1944 where his Company was initially tasked with clearing the obstacle created by the city of Caen that had been reduced to rubble. They cleared the way of mines and rubble and then upgraded the roads to support the main British Army route out of Caen. The company then moved through France and on to Belgium, continuing to clear mines, build and maintain roads and provide river crossings.

The Company constructed their first Bailey Bridge over the Orne River then built other bridges in the Caen area as well as providing Stormboat crossings of the Seine River under enemy fire. They then conducted rafting operations to ferry the tanks and infantry personnel across the Seine River before they constructed the Floating Bailey Bridge at Ponte de l' Arche. After the Liberation of France the 23^rd Field Company continued to support the Allied advance into Belgium and Holland. His Company was to achieve noteworthy success on the night of 25/26 September 1944 during Operation BERLIN - the evacuation of Allied Airborne forces by Stormboat from Arnhem after Operation MARKET GARDEN. During this nightime operation they rescued more than 2000 of the encircled force while under heavy enemy fire.

After war's end, Ethan was demobilized and returned to East Branch to follow a career as a farmer and a woodsman. He was a past member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 30, Richibucto.

A Funeral Service will be held on 27 March 2014 at 11:00 am, St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, South Branch. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to any charity would be appreciated by the family.^{kh2016Feb}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Commander Andre (Andy) Jules Geddes (Ret’d) on 18 March 2014 in Ottawa, at the age of 84. Andy graduated from South Africa Training Ship “General Botha” in 1946 and served on various merchant service vessels as an officer cadet and third officer from 1947-51. He was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1951 and served a full career – retiring in 1975 at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Andy then joined the Canadian Coast Guard and retired in 1996 after extensive service as an advisor with the Canadian government delegation to the International Maritime Organization. He then served as a Naval Hydrographer in D Carto 1966-67 and 1971-74. Friends may pay respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, Walkley Chapel, 1255 Walkley Road, Ottawa (613-731-1255) on Thursday, 27 March 2014 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, 28 March 2014 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1758 Alta Vista Drive, at 11:00 a.m. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Mission to Seafarers would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Harold Goulding (Ret'd), peacefully, in Gander, NL on 16 March 2014 at the age of 82.

Harold was born and raised in Dark Cove, Gambo, NL.  At the age of 20, he joined the Canadian Army as a member of the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in Korea with 59^th Independent Field Squadron as a Sapper.  Returning to Canada with the unit (now named 4 Field Squadron) he took his release and went to work in Gander. 

Visitation will take place at Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander on 18 and 19 March between 2-4 and 7-9pm.  Funeral service to take place at 2 pm on 20 March at the Salvation Army Citadel, 165 Airport Blvd.

Flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Centre or the Central Northeast Health Foundation.  

We regret to advise of the death of John Albert Cook Hayes of Bloomfield, NB at Ridgewood Veteran’s Wing in Saint John, NB on 15 March 2014 at the age of 94 years.

John was born in Bloomfield and was a farmer.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1941.  In late 1942, he went to England with the 1^st Field Squadron, 5^th Armoured Division, qualified as Pioneer “C”.  In 1943 he was hospitalized for several months and reassigned to the 30^th Field Company, II Canadian Corps Troops, as a wireless operator until the end of the war.  John served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.  After the war, John returned to the family farm until his retirement in 1991. He was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #28 in Hampton. NB.

Visitation will be held at Reid’s Funeral Home in Hampton on 18 March from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a Legion Tribute at 6:00 PM.  A celebration of John’s life will be held at Christ Church, Bloomfield at 11:00 AM on 19 March. Interment will take place in Christ Church Cemetery, in the spring.  Donations may be made to the Christ Church, Ridgewood Veterans Wing, Dr V.A. Snow Nursing Home Centre or a charity on one’s choice.  ^{{dcNov2017gd}} 

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer John Mallory CD (Ret’d) on 9 March 2014 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Halifax at age 61. Born in Saskatchewan, John joined the Canadian Forces in 1970 with the Navy as a Signaller. He practised this trade on-board HMCS Restigouche and HMCS Huron before remustering to Structures Technician in 1975 and starting a career with CME. John’s career saw service in many places across Canada and a number of overseas deployments. Postings included CFB Ottawa (1977), CFB Edmonton (1980), CFB Ottawa (1984), CFB Calgary (1988), CFB Chilliwack Detachment Vancouver (1992), CFB Edmonton (1993), CFSU Detachment Belgium (1994) and CFB Halifax (1996). John’s Deployments included: UNEF Ismailia Egypt 1977-78, Cyprus 1984-85 and IRAQ 1991 (Commander Construction Troop and Supervisor Iraq) There will be no visiting hours by personal request. Resting at the Hennessey Cutcliffe Charlottetown Funeral Home from where the funeral service will be held on 15 March at 3:30 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel. If so desired contributions in memory of John may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the P.E.I. Humane Society.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Harold Frederick Gilbert (Ret'd) at Cedarcroft Place, Stratford ON, on 6 March 2014 at the age of 90 years.

Born in Stratford, Harold attended Hamlet Public School and Stratford Collegiate. He worked in the stores department of the CNR shops from 1940 until 1943 when he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in England, France, Belgium, The Netherlands and Germany. Harold returned to the CPR after the war and worked until 1960 when he took a position at Canada Post. Harold retired in 1985.

Harold loved music. Besides being a member of his church choir, he was also a member of the Stratford Concert Choir and the Stratford Men's Choir. He was also a member of the Stratford Lodge # 332 A.F. & A.M., and the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 8 in Stratford.

Services were held at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St., Stratford. A reception followed. Public committal took place in Avondale Cemetery on Monday 10 March 2014. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Bible Society, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. ^{{dcFeb20, wrd} [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Keith Beal (Ret’d) on 5 March 2014, at the Guelph General Hospital, Guelph ON in his 90^th year.

Keith was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Waterloo Branch #530, in Waterloo, ON.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on 7 March 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm.  A funeral was held on 8 March at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. ^{{dcFeb2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of James “Jim” S. Wrong at the Kemptville District Hospital, Kemptville ON, on 5 March 2014 at the age of 92. 

Jim graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston ON in Civil Engineering in 1944.  He joined the Canadian Army and served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he worked in the construction industry in Canada, the United States, and Europe. 

Jim left his mark at Queen’s University as the originator of the Science ’44 Co-op Programme.  He retired in Kemptville ON and was a member of the Rotary Club.  He was involved with the Rotary Ridiculous Raft Race and was the Coordinator of the Canada Day Parades for many years. 

A Celebration of life will be held at Leslie Hall, 19 Clothier Street West, Kemptville on 14 March.  Donations may be made to the charitable organization of one’s choice.  Condolences/Tributes/Donations may be made at www.mcgarryfamily.ca. ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of RCE Band Sergeant Charles Young in Chilliwack on 5 March 2014 at age 94.

Charlie was born in Sunderland, England and began a career as a professional musician touring the British Isles at age 14. He was conscripted in 1938 and initially trained as an infantryman. When it was realized that he excelled as a musician he was transferred to a band and entertained the troops in Europe through the war. Charlie returned to England at wars end and continued entertaining. He and his new wife – already an acclaimed singer/piano player – formed “Forever Young.”

Charlie immigrated to Canada in 1955 and joined the Royal Canadian Engineer Band where he excelled and achieved the highest level of expertise in his two instruments – clarinet and saxophone. He rose to become Band Sergeant-Major. When the RCE Band was disbanded upon Unification Charlie retired and he and Mary formed a quartet. For the next 29 years they entertained in the Harrison Hotel at Harrison Hot Springs, BC. An active Rotarian, he joined the Rotarian Band and Charlie and Mary opened every meeting on the piano.

Charlie Young and his wife Mary were recently remembered at the Chilliwack Arts Centre in October 2013 for their noteworthy musical contributions to the community when a “Tribute Fountain” was dedicated in their honour. See: http://www.cmea-agmc.ca/documents/Charlie_Young_e.pdf  ^{kh9Sep2015}

We regret to advise of the death of Major William (Bill) Moore in his 92^nd year at the Broadmead Lodge in Victoria BC on 26 Feb 2014.

Born in Castor AB, Bill attended the Royal Military College in Kingston (2787) and graduated in 1942. Following, he completed his officer training at the age of 21 with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Chilliwack. After this Chilliwack training, Bill was sent to England for completion of his training and preparation for the invasion of Europe. His wartime service included the campaigns in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.

Bill was under training in Petawawa as a volunteer for the Canadian Pacific Brigade at the end of the European war when the decision was made to not deploy the Pacific Force. He was discharged in 1946 and, after a brief period at Queen's University, conducted survey work in Alberta for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act. Bill re-entered the military in 1948 and was initially stationed in Whitehorse with the North West Highway System.

In 1950 Bill was transferred to the UK on exchange with the Royal School of Military Engineering. After this tour he was posted to Germany as Second-in-Command of 58^th Independent Field Squadron (RCE). In 1953 the family returned to the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering where he became the Officer Commanding of the Apprentice Training Squadron on promotion to Major in 1954.

In 1957 Bill was appointed Officer Commanding the Works Company in Camp Wainwright AB. In 1960 Bill left the military and took over the farm of his wife’s parents in Grenfell SK where they raised their six children and cared for Hilda's parents. During this time Bill was also very engaged in the Grenfell community, supporting the local Royal Canadian Legion, Cooperative Association and the Regional School Board.

In 1982 they sold the farm and retired to the Victoria area. Bill was very active within the Victoria Branch of the Military Engineer Association of Canada and did volunteer work in the community.

A private memorial service was held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's name may be made to the Broadmead Lodge in Victoria.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Ross Aubrey Merrill, CD (Ret’d) at Parkland Fredericton Retirement Living Community, Fredericton NB, on 24 February 2014 at the age of 83.

Ross was born in Tay Creek NB but moved to DeWolfe Corner NB where he lived until the age of 16. At this point, he moved to British Columbia to find employment in the logging industry where he worked for the next four years before returning home to New Brunswick. In 1951, he decided to join the Canadian Army as a field engineer in the Royal Canadian Engineers. For the next 26 years, Ross served in Chilliwack, 1 Field Squadron, Petawawa ON and 4 Field Squadron, Germany before taking retirement in 1977 and moving back to New Brunswick. A large and strong man, Ross set various military track and field records in the shot-put and javelin. After his retirement, through the1980s, Ross worked for the New Brunswick Forestry Department supporting private woodlot owners.

Visitations will be at the S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home, 23 Main Street, St. Stephen, NB on 8 March. Interment will be at Moores Mills Cemetery, Moores Mills, NB. Donations may be made the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of one's choice. ^{{gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant John "Jack" Reasbeck (Ret’d) of Espanola on 19 February 2014 at Health Sciences North in Sudbury ON in his 80th year. Jack served in the Canadian Forces for 26 years from 1953 to 1979.

Jack was born in Chapleau QC and enlisted in the Army in 1953 He was under basic training in preparation for deployment overseas for the Korean War when recovery from an accident t required considerable rehabilitation. When he recovered, Jack was sent to Sussex, NB, with the Black Watch Regiment and was stationed there until 1956. The next year he transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers and was sent to Chilliwack, BC, for his training. His Sapper Career was to be a combination of Field Engineer, Heavy Equipment Operator, and Airborne. In 1958 Jack deployed to the Middle East as part of the UNEF Suez peacekeeping force. He returned to Canada to 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa during which tour he also became Airborne-qualified. Jack then went to Germany with 4 Field Squadron 1967-70.

Upon return to Canada, Jack was posted to the radar base at Falconbridge for a four- year tour. During this tour he was also sent to the eastern Arctic to work on the Northern Airfields project. In 1974 Jack was transferred to CFB North Bay and then took his release at the end of that tour. Jack returned to Espanola and worked for the Town of Espanola until 1985. He and his wife the purchased a store in Whitefish Falls and operated it for 8 years.

Jack was always involved with his community. He served on the Whitefish Falls and Espanola Fire Departments and he was an active member of the Espanola Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 39 holding the title of Service Officer. He served as past president and as chair for many committees for Branch 39. Jack also started the Espanola and Manitoulin Legion Army Cadet Corps in 1980 and assisted with the leadership until 1984. Jack was also an active member of the War Pensioners.

Funeral Mass was held on 22 February at St. Jude’s Church in Espanola. Interment of ashes in the Espanola Cemetery will be at a later date. If so desired, Memorial tributes may be made to St. Jude Memorial Fund or the Espanola Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Edgar Gilbert, CD (Ret’d) at the hôpital St-Sacrement in Quebec City, QC on 17 February 2014 at the age of 92 years.

Major Gilbert was a former Commanding Officer of 10^ième Escadron du Génie de campagne in Quebec City from 1961 to 1965.

A religious service will be held, in the presence of the ashes, on 8 March at 2:00 pm in the St-Charles Garnier Church in Sillery, QC where the family will receive condolences an hour before the service.  Burial of ashes will be at the Francois-de-Laval Mausoleum in Belmont Cemetery. ^{{gdjul2018dc} [zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Peter Jacques Grisdale (Ret’d) on 13 February 2014 at the West Parry Sound Health Centre in Parry Sound ON at age 94.

Peter was born in Penetanguishene ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Italian and Northwest European campaigns with the 14^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.

Peter was the eldest Métis in the Moon River Métis Council when he received their highest honour: The Order of Métis Nation Veteran Recognition. Peter had established the Veteran’s Memorial Cenotaph in Wood’s Bay to honour the Veterans of the Moon River area. He took a deep interest in the Moon River and Blackstone Harbour areas and conducted educational tours for students working for the Ministry of Natural Resources. Peter also initiated the Deer Feeding Program in the Woods Bay area. Peter was a lifetime member of the Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters, Parry Sound Pistol Club and Ducks Unlimited. In his later years, Peter wrote and published My Life on the Moon River: The Silent Nighthawks of the 14^th Field Company of the R.C.E. 1st Division reporting his life in and around the Moon River area and his experiences as a Sapper.

A celebration of Peter’s life and the honouring of his accomplishments will be in the spring at the Wood’s Bay Cenotaph. 

We regret to advise of the death of Richard John Carrier on 10 February 2014 in Provost, AB at 62 years of age after a brief battle with cancer.

Rick was raised in Prince Albert and attended school there until 1963 when the family relocated to Saskatoon. He continued his education in Saskatoon and, in 1970, wanting to find his way, Rick joined the military. Rick became a Field Engineer after completion of his Basic Sapper training in Chilliwack but, after 10 years in this trade, he decided to re-muster to become an electrician. During his military career Rick was stationed at CFB Chiliwack, CFB Shilo, CFB Moose Jaw, CFB Suffield and, as a final posting, back to CFB Shilo where he retired in August of 1995. Rick and his family chose to make their new home in Killam, AB.

Upon retirement Rick began to work at the Sedgewick Co-op Building Centre. He worked there until 1997 at which time he joined the John Deere Dealership team in Killam as a partsman. 2011 brought the opportunity for advancement in his career as a Parts Manager at the Provost store. He continued to grow with this company until he could no longer physically return to his duties.

Funeral Service is on Saturday, 15 February 2014 at 2:00pm at New Hope Gospel Church in Provost, AB.

We regret to advise of the death of Sven Ivor Edbom peacefully in Winnipeg MB on 7 February 2014 at the age of 96. 

Sven was born in Piney MB and lived there until the onset of World War II, when in June of 1940, he enlisted in the army with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He served overseas in England and continental Europe.

After the war, Sven worked on construction until his early 50s at which time he went to work for Manitoba Hydro in their Maintenance Department.  He worked for them until his retirement at age 65.  Sven was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion St James Branch #4 in Winnipeg as well as the Independent Order of Foresters (IOOF).

A memorial service will be held on 11 February 11at 1:00 p.m., at St. Pierre Bible Fellowship Church, 488 Lavoie Avenue in St. Pierre Jolys MB.

Donation may be made to Deer Lodge, Tower 7: 2109 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB or a charity of one's choice. ^{{gdOct2016kh}} 

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Corporal David Sneddon Burrows (Ret’d) of Grande Prairie AB on 6 February 2014 at the age of 89 years.

In 1927, his parents emigrated from Scotland with twelve children and settled 20 kilometres east of Grande Prairie AB in Glen Leslie where they purchased farmland. David attended the Somme School from 1931 to 1939 at which time he worked on the family farm.
David was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers on 14 October 1942 in Grande Prairie. He trained in Edmonton at the Prince of Wales Armouries until December 1942 and was then posted to A6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Chilliwack BC. He remained there until September 1943. After posting to Hamilton ON and Camp Debert NS, he sailed for England as part of the 3^rd Canadian Infantry Division Engineers. He landed in Normandy on D-Day and served throughout the Battle of Normandy and into the Low Countries. He was discharged in 1945. David met and married his wife in England. They settled in Grande Prairie and David quickly got a job driving a horse-drawn milk wagon and later at Imperial Motors. They returned to England in 1956, but later divorced. David returned to Grande Prairie. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, 12 February 2014 at 2:00 PM at Oliver’s Funeral Chapel. In memory of David, memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (P.O. Box 21215 Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6W7). David is buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery.

A Family Tradition of Service
One of David’s brothers, Alex, served in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment through Sicily and onto the Italian mainland. He was badly wounded at Ortona in December 1943 and returned to Canada in the summer of 1944.

Another brother, George was a gunner. He too was wounded. He spent from September 1944 until April 1945 in hospital re-joining his regiment two weeks before the war’s end. George later served in Korea, leaving the Army in 1959.

A third brother, Hector served in the Italian and Northwest European theatres with the Calgary Tanks.

A fourth brother, Thomas served in the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps during the war. After falling ill in England in 1941, he returned to Canada and served at the Suffield Experimental Station until the end of the war. A fifth brother, Bill, served in the Royal Canadian Navy on both coasts from 1942 until the war ended.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Herbert “Herb” A. Spring (Ret'd) peacefully at Lakeview Manor, Beaverton ON, on 6 February 2014 in his 91^st year. 

Herb was a former resident of Highland Creek, Coboconk and Lindsay ON.  He was a veteran of WW II who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  In civilian life, he was a long-time employee of Canada Post. 

There will be a private memorial service later.  Donations may be made to Beacan Presbyterian Church in Beaverton or Melville Presbyterian Church in West Hill ON.  Online condolences may be made at www.parkerfuneralhome.ca. ^{{gdMay2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Dick Poole (Ret'd) in Williams Lake, BC on 2 February 2014.

Dick joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1954. After completing his Recruit Training in Chilliwack he served with 1 Field Squadron in Germany (1955-57). On return to Canada, Dick left the military and followed a career with the railway that saw him working in several locations around BC until he settled in Williams Lake.

At request there will be no funeral service. In Memoriam donations can be made to the Hough Memorial Cancer Society (see: HoughMemorial.org/donations/ ).

We regret to advise of the death of Donald York at home in Petawawa on 2 February 2014 in his 71^st year following a courageous battle with cancer.

Don was a retired Construction Maintenance Technician.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Don with his family during visitation at the MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 296 Isabella Street, Pembroke on Wednesday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. A Service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Thursday morning February 6 at 11 o'clock in All Saint's Anglican Church, Petawawa followed by cremation. Spring Interment in All Saint's Anglican Cemetery. In memory of Don, donations to the Renfrew County SPCA would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper John “Jack” Gray (Ret’d), peacefully, on 30 January 2014, in London, ON, in his 93rd year.

A WW II Royal Canadian Engineer veteran, Jack served with the 2^nd Battalion R.C.E. in the liberation of France, Belgium and Holland. He was an architectural draughtsman when he enlisted in June 1940 with “B” Coy of the 2^nd Battalion Royal Canadian Engineers and was on his way overseas in two months. Until they embarked for France on 26 July 1944, his unit worked In England on a large number of construction and accommodation projects for the Canadian Army.

Upon landing in France the battalion was involved in the reconstruction of the devastated Carpiquet Airport and the building of the by-pass road around the city of Caen. Their final challenge in France was the construction of the bridge over the Seine at Rouen. When this was completed by the end of September, the Battalion moved rapidly into Antwerp, Belgium.

After the war Jack was a founding partner of the land surveying company, Archibald, Gray and MacKay (AGM) of London. Upon retirement, he devoted much of his time in support of Canadian veterans and in travelling to England, France and Holland to celebrate the major national anniversaries of Liberation in 1994-95 and 2004-05.

Jack was a leader in holding together the veterans of the 2^nd Battalion RCE. He travelled across the country to visit members of the group individually, often when they were too ill or financially unable to attend group events. Despite ailing health, he celebrated the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France in 1944 on Juno Beach with three generations of his family.

Friends will be received by the family from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 8pm on Sunday, 2 February 2014 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be conducted at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London, on 3 February 2014 at 2pm. Cremation. A legion service under the auspices of Pooley Legion Branch No. 167, Exeter will take place at the funeral home at 6:30pm on 2 February 2014. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson Society, 4500 Blakie Road, Unit 117, London, N6L 1G5 or the Memorial Fund of Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, 111 Elmwood Avenue, London, N6C 1J4.

We regret to advise of the death of Ed John Pyke who passed away at London Health Sciences-University Hospital on 30 January 2014 at the age of 58 years.

A former Combat Engineer and Construction Technician, he was a CE Contracts Inspector at 22 Wing North Bay who dedicated over 30 years working for the Canadian Armed Forces.

A memorial service will be celebrated at the 22 Wing Chapel (29 Sterling Ave) on Friday, 7 February at 12:00 noon. A gathering will follow at the All Ranks (Blue Room) from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Interment will take place in Glace Bay NS in the summer of 2014. Donations to the London Health Sciences- Transplant Unit would be gratefully appreciated by his family. A Service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Thursday morning February 6 at 11 o'clock in All Saint's Anglican Church, Petawawa followed by cremation. Spring Interment in All Saint's Anglican Cemetery. In memory of Don, donations to the Renfrew County SPCA would be appreciated.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper William “Bill” Edwin Hebb (Ret’d), peacefully, in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater, NS on 29 January 2014 at the age of 85.

Bill was born in Lunenburg, NS.  He was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. 

Visitation will be on 2 February from 7 to 9 PM at Sweeney's funeral home in Bridgewater. Funeral service will be held 3 February at 11 AM at the Bridgewater United Church.  A private family interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater.  Donations may be made to the Bridgewater United Church or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.  ^{{gdDec2016kh} [zsdkh]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Corporal Harold Warden Trude (Ret'd) peacefully at home in Lakefield, ON on 28 January 2014 at the age of 96.

Harold was a WW II veteran who joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1940 and served overseas in England, landed at Normandy on D-Day, fought through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany until 1945.  He was a proud holder of the D-Day Invasion Medal awarded by the Normandy Veterans Association.

Harold was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #77, Lakefield, holding his 65-year pin. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #77, Lakefield on 15 February from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.  Donations may be made to the Hospital for Sick Children.  Condolences to Harold’s family may be made at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com.  ^{{gdDec2016kh} [zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Delbert "Del"  A. Robinson  on 26 January 2015 at the age of 82 years. Del served a full career with the Canadian Forces. He started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1958 as a Field Engineer and later became a Heavy Equipment Operator with the RCE. He later transferred to the Mobile Support Equipment Operator trade and retired in 1980. After retirement Del worked with the Ontario Provincial Police.

Respecting Del's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home , 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke on Friday, 30 January 2015 from 7 to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Wheels of Hope Program would be appreciated. ^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Richard Mansel Ballance (Ret'd) suddenly on 24 January 2014 at his home in Merrickville, ON at the age of 72 years.

Richard served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #245 in Merrickville.

A funeral service will be held at the Lannin Funeral Home in Smiths Falls, ON on 28 January with interment to take place later in the spring in Merrickville.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or Heart & Stroke Foundation.  ^{{dcJan2017gd} [zpi, zsp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advice of the death of Sapper James “Jimmy” Powaschuk of Swift Current SK on Sunday 5 January 2014 at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Veterans' Unit in Regina, SK.

James was born in Mozart, SK. He attended school in Rushville and worked on the family farm south of Wynyard. He joined the Canadian Army in 1950 and served in Korea with the 23^rd Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers from 1952-53. His brother served in the Artillery.

James let the Army in 1953. He moved to Swift Current in 1957 with his new wife Cecile Maria St. Jean. He worked for SaskPower as a diesel mechanic and worked his way up to become a Superintendent of several power stations. He retired in 1988.  He enjoyed his work tremendously although it often kept him away from home.

James was a member of Royal Canadan Legion and a very hard working member of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Swift Current. He enjoyed playing his guitar and banjo and spending time with his family. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 in recognition of his many contributions to his community.

A funeral service will be held at Warren's Funeral Home, 126-2nd Ave in Swift Current on Friday, 10 January at 11:00 AM with interment will follow at the Veterans' plot in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Lunch will follow at St. Stephen's Anglican Church, next door to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Association or Kidney Foundation of Canada. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the dedicated staff at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Veterans' Unit for their compassionate care and support. Arrangements entrusted to Warren's Funeral Home. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.warrensfuneralhome.com.

We regret to advise of the death of David Joseph "Iron Man" Hynes on 31 December 2013 at the age of 54 after a courageous battle with cancer.

David Hynes was born in Port au Port, NL and had served with the Canadian Forces in both the Royal Canadian Artillery and the Fire Services. Former Fire Chief David Hynes served with Canadian Natural Resources and, most recently, ATCO Electric Edmonton

A Celebration of David's Life will be held on Monday, 6 January 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Memories Funeral Home, 13403 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, AB. Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation at 710, 10123 - 99 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1. http://www.albertacancer.ca

We regret to advise of the death of Archie Garth Douglas-Hecker on 29 December 2013 at the Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay, ON at the age of 93 years.

Archie was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War and served in the 1^st Field Squadron. He was a member of the Sir Sam Hughes Branch #67 of the RCL in Lindsay.

Visitation will be held at the Mackey Funeral Home from 7:00 – 9:00 PM on 2 January 2014 with the funeral services in the chapel on 3 January at 11:00 AM.  Comrades of the Royal Canadian Legion are asked to assemble at the funeral home prior to the service at 10:45 AM.  A private interment will take place at St. John's Cemetery, Kirkfield, ON in the spring.  Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Ross Memorial Hospital.  Online donations and condolences may be made at www.mackeys.ca . ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpi, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Allan John Cameron in his 92^nd year on 28 December 2013.

A graduate of the Royal Military College (B.Sc. Military Studies) and the University of Toronto (B. Com), he served overseas as a Captain with the Royal Canadian Engineers during World War II. After the war Al spent his career in the field of human resources in Toronto, Montreal and Halifax – retiring as the Director of Staff Relations at Dalhousie University.

A private family service will be held on 11 January 2014. Donations to the Salvation Army or Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation in Al’s memory would be gratefully appreciated.

We regret to advise that Captain James Wilbert "Jim" Gregson (Ret'd) passed away suddenly in Kitchener ON on 28 December 2013 at the age of 77 years.

Jim was born in Kenora, ON and joined the RCAF in 1954 as an Aircraftsman and served his entire career as a Firefighter. During his career he was stationed three times in Europe and at numerous locations within Canada. He retired in 1991 at the rank of Captain as a Fire Chief.

The family will receive friends at the Weaver Family Funeral Home - West Chapel, 170 Dundas Street, Trenton on Thursday, 2 January 2014 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and on Friday, 3 January from 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Funeral Ceremony will follow on 3 January in the West Chapel at 2:00 pm. Cremation to follow. Interment to take place at a later date in Mount Evergreen Cemetery. Donations to the National Air Force Museum of Canada, Trenton or to the King Street United Church would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Howard Milton Gibson, CD (Ret’d) on 24 December 2013 in London,ON at the age of 87 years.

Howard was born in Toronto. He was a veteran of the Second World War who joined the Canadian Technical Training Corps as a boy soldier and then transferred to the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He served overseas but saw no action.  After the war, Howard completed university and joined the Army Permanent Force with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He served  in various Works Companies across Canada and retired from the Army in 1959. After retirement, Howard had a full career as a Professional Engineer and an Ontario Land Surveyor.

A memorial service will be conducted at the Westview Funeral Chapel in London at 1:00 PM on 30 December with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Interment of ashes will be at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Howard are asked to consider Homes Unlimited (London) Inc.   Online condolences can be made at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com   

We regret to advise of the death of Arthur Teale at home in Victoria BC on 24 December 2013 at the age of 91.

Born in Calgary AB, Arthur attended Western Canada High School and apprenticed as a machinist and tool and die-maker for the Canadian Pacific Railway at the Calgary Ogden Shops.  He served in WW II with the Canadian Railway Troops, Royal Canadian Engineers in Belgium and Holland.  After demobilization, he returned to work for the CPR followed by careers working for the University of Calgary and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary.  He retired to Victoria BC.

Visitation and Memorial Reception will be held at McCall's Funeral Home, 1400 Vancouver Street, Victoria on 3 January.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.  Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.^{{gdFeb2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Major Sedley Bell-Irving Sweeny , MC (Ret’d), Royal Engineers, on Cortes Island, BC on 19 December 2013 at the age of 96. 

Sedley was born in England into the influential Bell-Irving family of British Columbia and followed a military career in the footsteps of his father, six uncles and his mother, who was as a battlefield nurse in the Great War.  His father, Major Sedley Fleming Campbell Sweeny, RCE saw service in the Great War and served in the RCE during the Second World War commanding the 6^th Field Company, RCE in North Vancouver prior to their deployment to the United Kingdom.

Sedley was educated at the Shawnigan Lake School near Victoria, BC and St. George’s School in Vancouver, BC before attending the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON.  He graduated in 1939 and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers and joined the British Army in France.  He was evacuated from Dunkirk as part of Operation DYNAMO in 1940.  He then returned to the continent in a mission to disable the port facilities in Cherbourg, escaping with only the clothes on his back.  Sedley served with the British 8^th Army, 501 Field Company Royal Engineers from El Alamein in Africa, onwards through Sicily, Italy and Greece.  He was awarded an immediate Military Cross by General Alexander, the Commander-in-Chief of Mediterranean Forces, for valour at the Garigliano River crossing in Italy in January 1944.

In 1946 after the war, Sedley was posted to Canada and had a three-year attachment with the A-6 Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Chilliwack, BC in what was the precursor to the Royal Engineer Exchange Officer program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering which officially started in 1949.  He returned to England in 1949 and served as a Squadron Commander at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, followed by a tour with the British Army of the Rhine in Germany.

Sedley retired in 1957, bought a farm in Wales, and for next thirty years devoted his energies to sustainable land management, self-sufficiency and the welfare of marginalized people. He managed an orphanage for Tibetan refugee children in Simla, India on behalf of Save the Children Fund.  He was president of the British Self-Sufficiency Association and author of a book entitled “The Challenge of Small Holding” (Oxford 1985 as Sedley Sweeny).  In 1987 he retired to Cortes Island on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.  He was a strong supporter of Cortes community initiatives including an emergency first aid and ambulance service; the Friends of Cortes Association; the Cortes Eco-Forestry Society (in conjunction with the Klahoose First Nation) and The Cooperation For Cortes Self-Sufficiency.

Sedley was buried in Whaletown, Cortes, BC.  

We regret to advise of the death of William “Bill” John Erwood peacefully at the George Derby Veteran’s Centre in Burnaby, BC on 17 December 2013.

Bill was born in 1921 in Vancouver and grew up there.  Bill was a WW II veteran having joined the Army in 1939 as a Sapper in 6^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.  In June 1941, he transferred to the 3^rd Field Park Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, part of the 3^rd Division Engineers, while the unit was still in Camp Debert NS and he deployed to Europe in August of that year.  3^rd Field Park Company was to support the Allied advance through France, Belgium and Holland.  After the war, Bill worked as a surveyor.  

Service and internment will be held on 10 January 2014 at Victory Memorial Park, 14831 28^th Avenue, South Surrey, BC.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. ^{{gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Wayne Boudreau of Kanata ON, on 6 December 2013 at the Kingston General Hospital at age 45.

Born in Saint John NB, Wayne showed an interest in the military when he joined Air Cadets at age 13. He enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1986 and became a Geographics Technician.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview, NB on Wednesday 11 December from 1400 - 1600hrs and 1900 - 2100hrs with the sharing of memories and parish prayers taking place at 2030hrs at the Funeral Home. The Mass will take place from Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church on Thursday 12 December at 1100hrs. interment will follow in Alderwood Cemetery.

Donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the memorial of the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Corporal Neil Bernard McKinnon, CD (Ret'd) of North Sydney NS on 30 November 2013.

Neil was born in Cambridge ON. During his high school years, he was a member of the 21 Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Army Cadet Corps in Cambridge. Was a skilled athlete and played AAA hockey in the Tillsonburg Ontario Minor Hockey Association. Before joining the Regular Force, Neil served in the Cape Breton Highlanders in Sydney. During his recruit training at CFB Cornwallis, he received an honourable mention for Skill at Arms.

Neil trained as a Firefighter and spent much of his career at CFB Greenwood, NS. In 2000, he was very badly injured while responding to an on-base house fire. Trapped on the upper floor of the house, Neil suffered severe lung damage and he broke bones when he jumped to the ground.

Neil left the Forces soon after and returned home to Cape Breton. Despite his injuries and suffering from PTSD, his desire to continue serving his community compelled him to offer his services to the North Sydney Volunteer Fire Department. This passion to serve and protect was a reflection of his career choice and lifestyle. His courageous personality formed the basis of his life and his dedication to his family was steadfast. Neil died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after 13 years of continued public service.

Visitation for Neil will be held from 2 until 4 PM and from 7 until 9 PM on Wednesday 4 December in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, P.O. Box 481, Dartmouth Main, Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 3Y8, phone 902-835-0166.

We regret to advise of the death of David Maxwell Boutilier on 29 November 2013.

David was born in Halifax in 1924 and enlisted during WW II with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He arrived in England in 1942 and joined the 33^rd Field Company, RCE in the UK. David landed with the 2^nd Canadian Division in Normandy on I July 1944 and served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany as a dispatch rider until the end of the war. After the war, David re-enlisted in the Canadian Army, retiring in 1966.^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Derrick T. Manning (Ret'd) , Shell Albian Sands' Emergency Response Supervisor on 27 November 2013 in an Edmonton palliative care unit at the age of 51.

Following a career in the Canadian Forces as a Firefighter, Derrick joined Albian Sands Energy Inc. in 2002 as the Emergency Response Coordinator. He was among Shell Albian Sands' longest-serving employees and became Fire Chief in 2008. His work on improving mine rescue capabilities within the plant and mine teams was highly regarded. Derrick led Albian’s team to high honours in successive mine rescue competitions, capped off by taking first place in the 2013 provincial competition. Derrick was an exemplary leader in the protective services of his site, the industry and his community.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Eugene "Geno" R. Sharpe, CD on 26 October 2013 at age 54.

Geno had a full career as a Combat Engineer where he was also the Senior Serving Combat Diver with over 30 years of combat diving experience, an Armoured Engineer, and  an experienced Counter-Improvised Explosive Disposal Operator.

Geno grew up in Harry`s Harbour NL and enrolled in the Canadian Forces at the age of 17 in 1977. After completing his basic Field Engineer training he was posted to 1 Combat Engineer Regiment Chilliwack. After that tour, in 1980 he was posted to 4 Combat Engineer Regiment in Lahr Germany - returning to 1 CER as a Section Commander in 1984. In 1985 Geno was posted back to 4 CER for 8 years and was employed in positions from Section Commander through to Recce Sergeant and Squadron Operations Sergeant. He also deployed on a UN tour with UNPROFOR in Croatia in 1992.

The next year he returned to Canada to 4 Engineer Support Regiment Gagetown where he sequentially filled the positions of Regimental Intelligence Sergeant, Resources Troop Recce Sergeant, Resources Troop WO, Field Troop WO, Chief Instructor of the Armoured Engineer School and Regimental Operations Warrant Officer. While in 4 ESR Geno returned to Croatia for a short tour, deployed for the Ontario/Quebec ice storm, deployed as a diver for the Swiss Air crash, and to Port au Prince, Haiti in 1997 for six months during which he received a CDS Commendation for his work on a diving operation.

Geno was then posted to 44 Field Engineer Squadron in Trail BC from 1999 to 2004 as the Regular Support Staff Warrant Officer. He then returned to CFSME where he was Sergeant Major of the Army Combat Diving Centre of Excellence. He was promoted to MWO in 2006 and then posted to 1 CER in Edmonton as the 12 Field Squadron Sergeant Major. During this tour, he took his squadron to Afghanistan in 2008 on operations with the 2 PPCLI Battle Group. Upon returning from that tour he was appointed 1 CER HQ Squadron Sergeant Major. The following year Geno was posted as the Engineer Operations MWO of Joint Task Force West of Land Forces Western Area HQ. In 2010 he was posted to Land Forces Central Area Training Center in Meaford, ON as the Company Sergeant Major of Echo Company and, later, Charlie Company.

Geno retired from the Regular Force in June 2012 after 35 years of service and transferred to the Primary Reserve as Company Sergeant Major with 2^nd Battalion Royal Newfoundland Regiment in Corner Brook, NL.

Viewing for family and military members is Thursday afternoon, 31 October at the Springdale Funeral Home, 57 Little Bay Rd in Springdale, NL. The Funeral Home is open to the public Thursday evening. Funeral will take place at 2:00 pm on Friday 1 November at the United Church in Harry`s Harbour, NL. There will be no graveside service but there will be a small reception at the church following the ceremony.

We regret to advise of the death of Major Roderick E. ''Roddie'' MacDonald, RCE (Ret'd) on 24 October 2013 at the Ottawa General Hospital at the age of 96.

Born in Florence NS, Roderick was a graduate of Acadia University (1939) and worked briefly in the lab at the Sydney Steel Plant after graduation. With the onset of World War II, Roddie joined the Army and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Sicily, Italy, and the liberation of Holland. After the war Roderick commanded No. 1 Radiation Detection Unit through the early 1950s including their participation in Allied and Commonwealth nuclear tests in Nevada and Australia, and played a part in developing much of the dosimeter, radiation detection and safeguard technology in use today.

A celebration of Roddie`s life will be held in Ottawa at the Perley & Rideau Veteran`s Health Care Centre in Lupton Hall at 10:00am on Saturday, 2 November. A memorial service for the interment of ashes will be held in Sydney NS at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perley & Rideau Veterans Health Centre Foundation, the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, or the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal.

We regret to advise of the death of Ignace Rosen peacefully on 18 November 2013 in Edmonton, AB at the age of 92 years .

Ignace was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  In civilian life, Ignace worked for Canada Post where he had a long career. 

A Memorial Service will be held at Glenwood Funeral Home, south of Wye Road on Range Road 232, Sherwood Park, Edmonton on 21 November at 2:00 PM.  Donations may be made to the Capital Care Foundation for the Kipnes Centre for Veterans in Edmonton.  ^{{gdApr2017dc} {zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lance Sergeant Fred Doroshenko (Ret'd) at Parkwood Hospital in London ON on 15 November 2013 in his 93^rd year.

Fred was born in Poland (Belarus) and emigrated to Canada with his family in 1929. With the outbreak of WW II, Fred joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1939 at 18 years of age. He saw action overseas with 7^th Field Company throughout WW II - he was wounded at Dieppe and later landed in Normandy fighting through France, Belgium, the Liberation of Holland and eventually into Germany by the war’s end.

After the war, Fred returned to Canada and worked briefly at Westminster Hospital in London. He then joined Empire Brass Company where he worked until his retirement. Fred was a proud life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, joining in 1946 and holding numerous positions at Byron-Springbank Branch #533. He also provided long-time leadership to the RCE Sappers Association in London.

A memorial service will be conducted at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on 19 November 2013 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Fred are asked to consider the Byron-Springbank Legion’s Poppy Fund.

We regret to advise of the death of Russell Louis Pyett, on 15 November 2013, at the age of 87 years.

Russell was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Church of the Nazarene (West Park), 3920 57 Avenue, Red Deer, on Wednesday, 20 November at 1:00 p.m. Donations in Russell’s name may be made directly to The Children’s Wish Foundation, 271, 339 50th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 2B3, or to a charity of your choice.

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Gary Keene, CD (Ret`d) at home in London, ON on 23 October 2013 after a lengthy battle with Leukemia.

Gary was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces who retired as a Construction Maintenance Technician at the rank of Master Warrant Officer after a 29-year career. Garry started his career with the Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer and later re-mustered to the Construction Trades. His career included postings in 4 Field Squadron Lahr, GE, Winnipeg MB and London ON and he was half-way through a six month tour to Bosnia when he suddenly became blind. He returned to Petawawa, where he took his release and settled in London.

Visitation will be held on Sunday. 27 October from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road, London, ON, where the funeral service will be conducted on Monday, 28 October at 1:30 p.m. Private family interment of ashes at Appin Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary are asked to consider the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind or a donation of blood. ^{khMay2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Gerald Henry Hamilton, CD (Ret’d) on 22 October 2013 in his 81^st year at Riverview Health Center in Winnipeg.

Born in Preston ON, Jerry took his initial Sapper training in Chilliwack at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering and then served a full 28-year career as a Canadian Military Engineer. Among his postings, he had a couple of tours at CFSME as an instructor and served in the Field Squadrons in Petawawa and Germany. Jerry was Regimental Sergeant Major of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment, Petawawa, (1978-79). He was also the Canadian Exchange Warrant Officer at the Royal School of Military Engineering for two years. On his return to Canada from England he was posted to 1 Construction Engineering Unit in Winnipeg. He was appointed Station Warrant Officer at CFB Goose Bay. After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Jerry worked for ten years as a Mines Inspector for the Province of Manitoba.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapel of the Good Shepard, 17 Wing, Building 94, Whytewold Road and Silver Avenue, Winnipeg on Sunday, 27 October at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. ^{khApr14}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Douglas Fenton Biggs (Ret’d) in Bridgewater NS on 19 October 2013 at the age of 89 years.

Douglas was a veteran of the Second World War who served with both the infantry and the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Bridgewater Branch #24.^{{gdMar2017dc}[zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Michael Barich on 18 October 2013 at the Terraceview Lodge in Terrace, BC at the age of 92 years.

Michael immigrated from Croatia with his family at an early age.  His father soon died in a paper mill accident and Michael was left to care for his mother and younger sister. In 1942, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Engineers and saw action in France, Belgium and Holland.  After the war, Michael worked at the Spruce Falls Pulp and Paper Company in Kapuskasing, ON.  On retiring, he moved west to Grande Prairie, AB to be close to family.

Interment of ashes will be held at the Spirit River Catholic Cemetery on 17 May 2013 at 11:00AM.  Following the interment, a time of fellowship will be held at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Hall in Rycroft, AB. 

We regret to advise of the death of Jacques Marie Joseph Dupont on 18 October 2013.

Jacques was born in Castor AB in 1920 and grew up on the family farm at Fenn, AB. He was a self-taught welder, mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician, veterinarian, and farmer. Jacques received his military training with the Royal Canadian Engineers during WWII and saw service in Nanaimo BC, Chilliwack BC, Port Alberni BC, and Calgary AB.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at the Christ-King Catholic Church on 23 October 2013 at 7:00 P.M. with the Mass Of Christian Burial taking place on 24 October 2013 at 2:00 P.M. As an expression of sympathy and in memory of Jacques, memorial contributions may be made to Stettler Home Care, Stettler Health Services Foundation – Heritage House or to Catholic Missions Canada in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, AB TOC 2LO.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper George L. Fortnum (Ret'd), peacefully on 16 October 2013 at the Parkwood Hospital in London, ON in his 94^th year.

George was born in London, ON.  He was a veteran of the Second World War serving with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After training in Canada he shipped to England in September 1940 and served as a driver and engineer with the 2^nd Canadian Infantry Division, Headquarters Royal Canadian Engineers until 19 August 1942 where he was involved in Operation JUBILEE, the Dieppe Raid on the French Coast.

During the Dieppe Raid, he drove a jeep full of high explosives onto the beach to breach the defences and allow the tanks to proceed.  By the time he landed, the tanks were already stuck and the attack had been stopped.  George was taken prisoner and was marched from camp to camp in France, Germany and Poland remaining a POW until the end of the war in 1945.  After the war, he was quarantined with tuberculosis for another year before returning to Canada.

George was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Byron-Springbank Branch #533 in London, ON.  He was very active in educating the youth on the war effort.  He was also quite involved with his Retired Veterans sapper associations and the Military Engineers Association of Canada. George was the Royal Canadian Engineer representative in the Official Party for the 2002 Pilgrimage to France to commemorate the 40^th Anniversary of Operation JUBILEE.  

Prior to the war, George had worked as a butcher.  After the war, he went to work for the service department of Soft Water Supply Limited where he spent the rest of his working days in the soft water conditioning industry.

Visitation will be held on 18 October from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London.  A funeral service and Royal Canadian Legion service will be conducted on 19 October 2:00 PM at the chapel. Cremation will follow and a private family interment of ashes will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London at a later date.  Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion (Elevator Fund), Branch 533, Byron Springbank, or the Veteran’s Care and Comfort Fund (St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation).  Online condolences may be made at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com. ^{{dc/gdJan2017kh} [zpp]}