CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Patrick “Pat” Fadden in New Westminster, BC on 7 August 2005 at the age of 83 years.

Pat served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War. He enrolled in the Permanent Force after the war and served in Canada with postings across the country. Pat later became a pastor before retiring in the Abbotsford, BC area.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on 12 August at Maclure Road Cemetery in Abbotsford.  A Memorial Service will be held the next day at 2:00 PM at Heritage Alliance Church in Abbotsford. ^{{dcOct17gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise that Kenneth Corbel "K.C." Strong gently passed away on the morning of 6 August 2005.

Born in 1921 in Rocky Mountain House AB, Ken was one of the many Second World War Royal Canadian Engineers mappers who contributed to the success of the Allied landings during the D-Day offensive. He helped produce many maps used by the invading Allied Forces to land, identify and then overrun enemy defensive positions along the Normandy coast to spearhead the successful invasion of Europe.

In business after the war, KC was a successful executive sales manager for a large, well-known Vancouver-based printing and lithographic enterprise.

A private family gathering was held in celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any tokens of appreciation or condolence be made by donation to the Palliative Care Ward at the Lions Gate Hospital.

We regret to advise of the death of Ernie Dunlap of Vedder Crossing BC on 5 August 2005.

Ernie served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a veteran of the Korean War and also served with 3 Field Squadron at Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack, BC. ^{{dcMay19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise that Gordon Edward Twigg died suddenly at Markham-Stouffville Hospital on 4 August 2005 in his 86^th year.

A Second World War veteran of the Royal Canadian Engineers, Gordon had a career with Canada Post.

A service was held at the chapel of Dixon-Garland Funeral Home in Markham on 9 August 2005. If desired, donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

We regret to advise that "Pukka Sapper" Sergeant Ernest Alvia (Smokey) Smith, VC, CM, OBC, CD (Retired), Canada's last surviving winner of the Victoria Cross, died at home in Vancouver on 3 August 2005 at the age of 91.

Smokey Smith was inducted as a Pukka Sapper in Vancouver by the Retired Sappers Reunion (Chilliwack) on behalf of the Canadian Military Engineers on 21 May 2005. This distinction is the highest honour the CME can bestow upon an "outsider" who we recognize as demonstrating our sterling qualities. In The Year of the Veteran, Smoky was particularly acknowledged for his tireless efforts in speaking on behalf of the Veterans as well as being an inspiration to Canadian youth and representing Canadian values such as service to ones country and the meaning of citizenship.

Ernest Alvia Smith was born in New Westminster, BC in 1914. He earned the nickname "Smokey" because of his prowess as a runner in High School. Smoky was engaged in contracting work before enlisting in The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in March 1940 at 25 years of age. Initially stationed in Scotland and England during the Battle of Britain, he first experienced combat in the Autumn of 1943 after he and his fellow Seaforth Highlanders landed with the Canadian First Infantry Division in Sicily. He fought through the Sicily and Italian campaign (1943/1944) - one of the longest and cruelest campaigns of the Second World War. Smokey had already been wounded twice by the time of the action in northern Italy that earned him the Victoria Cross.

Smoky Smith was a private when he won the Victoria Cross at the Savio River in Italy on 21-22 October 1944. The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were the spearhead of the attack across the Savio River. Torrential rain had made it impossible to get tanks and anti-tank guns across to support the rifle companies.

Across the river, Smoky's company was suddenly counter-attacked by three Panzer tanks, supported by self-propelled guns and some 30 infantrymen. Private Smith led his anti-tank group of two men across an open field and, leaving one man on the weapon, he crossed the road with a companion and obtained another antitank weapon. At a range of thirty feet and having to expose himself to the full view of the enemy, Private Smith fired his anti-tank weapon and put the first tank out of action. Ten German infantrymen immediately jumped off the back of the tank and charged him with submachine guns and grenades. Without hesitation, Private Smith moved out on the road and, with his submachine gun at point-blank range, killed four Germans and drove the remainder back.

Almost immediately another tank opened fire and more enemy infantry closed in on Smith's position. Obtaining some abandoned gun magazines from a ditch, he steadfastly held his position, protecting his comrade and fighting the enemy with his Tommy gun until they finally gave up and withdrew in disorder. One tank and both self-propelled guns had been destroyed by this time, when yet another tank swept the area with fire from a longer range. Private Smith, still showing utter contempt for enemy fire, helped his wounded friend to cover and obtained medical aid for him behind a nearby building. He then returned to his position beside the road to await the possibility of a further enemy attack.

No further immediate attack developed, but, as a result of his actions his battalion was able to consolidate the bridgehead position that was vital to the success of the whole operation. Thus, by the dogged determination, outstanding devotion to duty and superb gallantry of this private soldier, his comrades were so inspired that the bridgehead was held firm against all enemy attacks, pending the arrival of tanks and anti-tank guns some hours later. The success of the Savio River crossing led to the capture of San Giorgio Di Cesena and a further advance to the Ronco River.

Smoky served with the Seaforth Highlanders until April 1945. For some time following demobilization he became a journalist photographer in New Westminster. In 1951 he re-enlisted in the Permanent Force and served as a member of the Tri-Service Recruiting Unit in Vancouver and at Headquarters of the British Columbia Army Command in Vancouver. Smoky retired in 1964 with the rank of sergeant. After retirement, he established a travel agency in Vancouver.

Smoky was a lifetime member and Patron of The Royal Canadian Legion. In 1991 he was declared BC/Yukon Command of The Royal Canadian Legion Honorary President for Life. He was also the Honorary Patron of the Legion Foundation in BC/Yukon Command. Smokey Smith was an inspiration to Canadian youth and represented Canadian values such as service to ones country and the meaning of citizenship. He placed a high priority on and enjoyed talking with young people. His legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched.

Smoky Smith will lie at the House of Commons, Ottawa on Tuesday 9 August for viewing from 10:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Later he may be viewed on 12 August at the Seaforth Armouries, 1650 Burrard, Vancouver BC (timings TBA). A full military funeral will be held in Vancouver on the 13 August. Books of Condolences will be made available for signing at The House of Commons, foyer, Ottawa, the Canadian War Museum and at the Seaforth Armouries in Vancouver, from 9:00 - 6:00 p.m. local timings on 6-8 August.

Smoky committed a great deal of his time and energy representing the Canadian Forces, Veterans, and Canadians in general at countless historic and commemorative and other events. He was a life-long goodwill ambassador, representing the country with distinction. A participant in commemorative events and ceremonies around the world, he was greatly respected by people from all walks of life as a champion of the rights and memories of veterans. His efforts were recognized by his being inducted into the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada as well as receiving the Centennial Medal and the Queen's Jubilee Medal.

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Earl Isador Berlin (Ret’d) peacefully at the Heritage Lodge Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, MB on 3 August 2005 at the age of 88 years.

Earl was a Second World War veteran who served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion General Monash Branch in Winnipeg. 

At Earl's request, there will be no formal service. ^{{dcFeb2017gd}[zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Martin Randall 'Macks' Hall on 3 August 2005 in Stoney Creek ON at age 87 years.

Macks was born in Sandy Point NL, the son of William and Cecilia Hall. The family moved to Nova Scotia when he was an infant and he grew up in Lakeside and Seabright in Halifax County. In early 1939, Macks left Halifax to join a steam of young men known as the “Halifax 100”, who left Canada to join the British Armed Forces between 1937 and 1939, largely to escape crippling unemployment in Halifax at the time. Most of the Halifax 100 joined 2^nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment under an initiative started by Colonel Robert Willis, DSO, a Royal Canadian Regiment veteran of the South African War who later served with the Manchester Regiment.  The 2^nd Battalion deployed to France as the Machine Gun Battalion of the 2^nd Infantry Division, British Expeditionary Force in 1939. They formed part of the rear-guard force that held off the German forces outside of the beaches at Dunkirk in May and June 1940. Macks was among the 300 men in the battalion lucky enough to have been evacuated from the beach. In 1941, Macks transferred to the Canadian Army and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and saw more action in Northwest Europe.

After the war, Macks was employed with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires in the City of Halifax. He married Mary Allison Christie on 16 May 1947 in Lakeside. They had four children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Martin Randall 'Macks' Hall is buried in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Cemetery, Tantallon, NS.

We regret to advise the death of Philip F. McGuire on 31 July 2005 at the age of 85 years.

Philip was born in Brant Township, ON and was a veteran of the Second World War.  He enlisted in the Army in August 1941 and served with the 12^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in England, Sicily, Italy, Netherlands and Germany. He was discharged on October 15, 1945. Philip was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #144 in Chesley, ON for 57 years. 

We regret to advise of the death of Master Warrant Officer Cyril "Cy" Walsh CD (Ret'd) on 28 July 2005 in Chilliwack BC, at the age of 74 years.

Cyril was born in Halifax, NS and served 24 years in the Royal Canadian Engineers and Canadian Military Engineers as a Field Engineer. After retirement, Cy worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada for 13 years and then worked in rental property management.

Cremation will take place at Henderson’s Funeral Home and Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Should family and friends so desire, donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. ^{{jpMar2017dc} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Staff Sergeant Leonard “Len” Leslie Williams (Ret’d) at the Perley Rideau Veterans Health Care Centre in Ottawa, ON on 21 July 2005 at the age of 83.

Len was born in Winnipeg MB.  He was a WW II veteran who joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1943 and served overseas with both 4 Canadian Field Survey Company and 1 Canadian Field (Air) Survey Company.  After the war Len joined the Army Survey Establishment in Ottawa as a Photogrammetrist.  He left the ASE in 1965 to join IBM Canada where he worked for the next eleven years. 

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society.  ^{{gdNov2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Jack Harry Forbes of Red Deer, AB on 17 September 2005 at the age of 85 years.

Jack was born in Seattle, WA.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Red Deer Branch #35. Jack is buried in Red Deer.

We regret to advise of the death of Douglas John McGee on 16 July 2005 at the Saskatoon Veteran's Village at the age of 83.

Doug was a WW II veteran and served overseas from 1939 to 1945 with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After the war, he started his career with Kramer Tractor in 1948, where he worked until his retirement in 1987. Doug was a member of the Nutana Legion No. 362, and volunteered with the "Club 60" of the YWCA.

The Funeral Service in celebration of Doug's will be held on 21 July 2005 at Park Funeral Chapel in Saskatoon, SK. Interment took place in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Saskatoon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Canadian Diabetes Association (Saskatchewan Division), 104 2301 Avenue C North, Saskatoon, SK, S7L 5Z5.

We regret to advise that Lieutenant Colonel Cyril Osborne, C.E., D.I.S. (Ret'd) died on 12 July2005 at home in Goderich, Ontario.

Born in Calcutta, India, Cyril spent his early life in India. He served for the most of the Second World War in Iraq and Persia (Iran) on the route for the shipping of supplies to Russia. Nearing the end of the war, Cyril worked for the Basra Port Directorate for four years as a Hydrographic surveyor on the Shatt-el-Arab. In 1946 he established the first shore-to-ship pipeline for the export of oil from the newly developed fields in Kuwait.

Cyril emigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom in 1949 and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers shortly after. During his sixteen years as a member of the Canadian Army, he contributed to the mapping of the Canadian north, attended the Royal Military College of Science in the U.K., and represented Canada at meetings in the U.K., U.S., and Australia with the Canadian Defence Staff.

Cyril retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1966 and for the next twenty years worked as a Civil Servant. He spent two years as a senior Lecturer and Consultant in Public Administration with the Institute of Development Management, a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funded project in Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland. He was commended by Sir Seretse Khama, the President of Botswana, and the International Red Cross for his management of the first Red Cross Seminar held in Southern Africa. In 1988 Cyril retired to Goderich.

At Cyril's request, there was no visitation or service. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date. A tree will be planted in memory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maitland Valley Medical Centre in Goderich.

We regret to advise of the death of Siegfried Frank of Chilliwack, BC on 7 July 2005 at the age of 77 years.

Siegfried was born in Lodz, Poland. He was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Chilliwack Branch #4. 

Siegfried is buried in the Chilliwack Cemetery.  ^{{dcJan19gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper James Russell Farrell (Ret'd) on 5 July 2005 at the Chilliwack General Hospital in Chilliwack, BC at the age of 68 years.

Jim was born in Elma County, ON.  He enlisted in the Canadian Army in January 1956 and, after his training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack, he remained there as a member of 3 Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers.  He played side drum in the 3 Field Squadron Band.  Jim was discharged in 1965 and then worked as a union carpenter until 1972 when he opened his own renovation and remodelling business.  In 1990 he worked as Maintenance Supervisor for the Thousand Trails resort at Cultus Lake until his health forced him into retirement. Jim was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party at Branch 6 in Chilliwack.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on 23 July at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chilliwack. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for cancer research or to the Chilliwack Hospice Society. ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zpi, zpp]}

Oscar Joseph LaPierre passed away peacefully at home in Medicine Hat, Alberta on 3 July 2005 in his seventy-fourth year.

Oscar was born in Pembroke, Ontario and served seventeen years in the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Canadian Army, including being stationed in Korea for fourteen months. After his military service, Oscar served as the Public Works Director for the City of Nepean, ON for some ten years. He then moved to Alberta and was the Superintendent of Public Works at the Municipal District of Rockyview for five years. More recently, he was involved in manufacturing at Memory Lane Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor for ten years and was one of the founding and operating partners of Photo Encounters, in High River for more than twelve years.

Funeral Service was held in Snodgrass Funeral Chapel, High River, Alberta, on 6 July 2005. Interment was in the Family Plot at High River Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Oscar may do so with a gift to the Medicine Hat Palliative Care Society or to the Medicine Hat Cancer Centre, both c/o 666 - 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. ^{[zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Raymond James Dionne (Ret’d) of Point Edward ON at the age of 84 years on 1 July 2005.

Raymond was born in Sarnia ON.  He received his education at Our Lady of Mercy School and before enlisting, worked at the Holmes Foundry. He, his father and three brothers all served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War.  Raymond served in the Royal Canadian Engineers Italy and returned home in 1944.

Raymond, his father and three brothers all served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War.* 

Raymond returned to Sarnia after the war. He was a Life Member of the Sarnia Branch # 62 of the Royal Canadian Legion. He is buried in Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery in Sarnia. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

Notes:

Raymond's father, an infantry veteran of the First World War, also served in the RCE. He was wounded during a bomber attack in England, was discharged and sent home to Canada in 1943. He died of his wounds a year later.

Raymond’s brother Robert died in action early in the Battle of the Scheldt while serving with the 11^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.  Robert was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre 1940 avec Palme by the Belgian government.  Another brother Ronald was in the infantry, landed on Juno Beach on D-Day and was wounded twice before returning home. Brother Melvin, also in the infantry was wounded in Belgium and also survived the war. See https://cmea-agmc.ca/remarkable-dionne-family-sent-five-members-war 

We regret to advise that Sapper Frederick Stanley Storey (Ret'd) died in Edmonton on 17 June 2005 at the age of 86 years.

A native of Edmonton, Fred served in the Second World War with the 9^th Field Company,  Royal Canadian Engineers.

A Memorial Service was held on 22 June at Hainstock's Funeral Home in Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2.

Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Martel (Ret'd) B.Sc., MBA passed away on 17 June 2005 at the age of 49 in a tragic accident while paragliding in the French Alps.

A native of Ottawa, Rob entered Royal Roads Military College in 1974, transferred to College militaire royale de St-Jean in 1976 and graduated in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science degree. His postings as a Canadian Military Engineer officer included his being an instructor at the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School Chilliwack, with the Base Technical Services Office, Lahr, Germany, as well as two assignments with the Chief of Construction and Properties at National Defence Headquarters.

Retiring as a Lieutenant-Colonel in 1994, Rob became a program manager at Defence Construction Limited where he was responsible for the environmental clean-up of the Distant Early Warning radar chain in Canada's Arctic. He then assumed the position of Chief Operating Officer for Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Canada's national Inuit organization and graduated from Queen's Executive Masters of Business Administration program in 2004. Rob had recently been appointed Director, Habitat Conservation Branch of the Canadian Wildlife Service. Rob also worked for many years as a volunteer facilitator for the Catholic Family Services New Direction Program.

In lieu of flowers, donations to La Maison Mathieu-Froment-Savoie or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We regret to advise that George Richardson Hill died peacefully on 15 June 2005 at Southlake Regional Health Centre in his 89^th year.

George was very proud to serve his country in the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was former President of Hill & Son Lathing and Plastering Ltd.

Funeral service on 18 June at Taylor Funeral Home, 20846 Dalton Road, Sutton. Interment in Briar Hill Cemetery, Sutton. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

We regret to advise that William "Bill" Bertram Tims passed away on 13 June 2005 at the Oromocto Public Hospital in his 87^th year.

Bill served in the Second World War with 20^th Field Company, RCE from 1943-1946. After demobilization, he worked for the Department of Natural Resources in Fredericton as a Photomap Technician from 1946 until his retirement in 1978. He was an active member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4 and a strong supporter of the Poppy Fund.

Funeral mass was celebrated at St. Dunstan's Catholic Church on 16 June with interment in the Hermitage Cemetery. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4 held a tribute service at the cemetery. For those who wish, memorial tributes to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 4 Poppy Fund, Red Cross Society or a charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

We regret to advice of the death of Henry Sutherland Gough of Summerland BC on 12 June 2005.

Henry was born in Vancouver BC. He was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War. Henry spent most of his life in the Okanagan, living and working in Penticton and Kamloops before retiring in Summerland.

Funeral services will be held on 9 July 2005 at the Okanagan Falls Legion, 5009 12th Ave, Okanagan Falls, BC. Donations, can be made to Canadian Diabetes Association Kelowna & District, 204 - 1755 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC VIY 5V5, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

We regret to advise of the death of Edward Walter Dorin of Edmonton AB on 11 June 2005 at the age of 83 years.

Edward was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #211 in Bruce Mines ON. 

A Funeral Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church 9907-114 Street in Edmonton on 14 June at 11:00 AM.   Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Friends who so wish may make memorial donations directly to any Lutheran Charities.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Charles Norman Foster (Ret’d) of Carnduff, SK on 11 June 2005.

Charles was a veteran of the Second World War. He initially served in the Merchant Marine, but later joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served in the 20^th Field Company in Northwest Europe. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Carnduff Branch #216.  

Charles is buried in the Carnduff Cemetery. 

We regret to advise of the death of Cyril Smith of Thedford, ON at the age of 86 years on 8 June 2005.

Cyril was born in Sheffield, England and came to Canada with his family when he was nine years old, settling on a farm in Lampton County in southern Ontario. In 1939, he and his two brothers volunteered for military service, enlisting in London ON. Cyril joined the Royal Canadian Engineers and served with the 11^th (Lampton) Field Company in France, Belgium, Holland and was in Heidelberg when the war ended.  He was a Dispatch Rider for most of his service. His recollection of the war was that there was always enough food but his biggest problem was finding a dry place to sleep.

Cyril returned to the family farm in August 1945.  He married shortly after his return and he and his wife raised 10 children over the years.  He later took a job as a DND Firefighter at Camp Ipperwash, ON and then at Camp Shilo, MB.  He returned to Thedford when he retired and was a member of the Thedford Branch #278 of the Royal Canadian Legion. 

Cyril is buried in Pinehill United Cemetery in Lampton, ON. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Maurice Ovila Cataford (Ret’d) of Coniston, ON at the St. Joseph's Health Centre in Sudbury, ON on 4 June 2005 at the age of 85 years.

Maurice was a veteran of the Second World War who served five years overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #336 in Falconbridge, ON.

At Maurice's request there will be no public visitation. Private Funeral arrangements have been made.  Donations may be made to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind or to the Sudbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).  ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zpp, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of J. G. Normand Bernard in Arundel QC on 1 June 2005 at the age of 70 years. 

Normand served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Rouge River Branch #192 in Arundel QC. ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

​We regret to advise that Carroll Vincent Pothier passed away on May 30, 2005, in his 84^th year in the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.

Born in Pinkney's Point, Yarmouth Co. NS, Carroll served with the West Nova Scotia Regiment during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945. A bricklayer by trade, upon his return to Canada he served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the Militia.

A celebration of his life was held on 4 June 2005 in St. Stephen's Roman Catholic Church. Burial was in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. Donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit-7A care of QEII Foundation, 1278 Tower Rd, Halifax, NS

We regret to advise of the death of Warrant Officer Class II James “Jim” Anthony Guertin, CD (Ret'd) in Sechelt BC on 25 May 2005 at the age of 79 years.

Jim was a veteran of the Second World War and Korean War veteran with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After his retirement in 1968, he worked for the Chief Construction Engineering Group at National Defence Headquarters as an Electrical Technologist in the Design Construction Branch before transferring to the Department of Public Works where he worked for the next 17 years.

Jim was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, West Point Grey Branch #142 in Vancouver BC and held the position of President from 1992-1994 before transferring to the Sechelt Branch #140 in 1995 where he was named a Life Member.

No services will be held as per his wishes. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas “Tom” Frederick Sentell, peacefully, at the Royal Columbian Hospital, Vancouver, BC on 10 May 2005 at the age of 93.

Tom was born in Vancouver, the descendant of a Vancouver pioneer family.   He was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 4^th Field Park Squadron overseas for five years.  After demobilization he worked for Canada Post in Vancouver and later as an Investigator at Canada Customs and Drawbacks in Vancouver until his retirement.  Tom was a long-time member of the Vancouver Council of the United Commercial Travellers’ Association. He also did volunteer work for many years at the Woodlands School in New Westminster, BC.  

There will be no service, by request.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  ^{{gdDec2016kh}  [zsd, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Robert Ruthven Gillett (Ret'd) of Chatham ON on 24 April 2005 at the age of 83 years.

Robert was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.  He was a member of the Honorable Ray Lawson Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Chatham.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Walter Hogarth Glenn (Ret'd) of Strathclair MB on 24 April 2005 in Shoal Lake MB at the age of 97 years.
Walter was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War.  He was a Life Member of the Strathclair Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

We regret to advise the death of Lance-Sergeant Arnold Omar Kinzel (Ret'd) of Saskatoon SK on 22 April 2005 at the age of 84 years.

Arnold was born, grew up and went to school in Rhein SK. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War from 1941 until his discharge in 1946 and served in the 26^th Field Company in Canada (Nanaimo and Port Alberni BC).

After moving with his family from Rhein, Arnold spent most of his working life in Birch Hills SK running Arnold's Shop Rite with his brother Dick. He moved to Saskatoon in 1983 and worked at The Bay. Arnold was active in the Saskatchewan Flying Farmers and Birch Hills branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A Memorial Service was held from the chapel of Saskatoon Funeral Home on Tuesday 26 April 2005. Internment was at the Prince Albert Memorial Gardens on Tuesday 25 April 2005. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation will be appreciated. ^{dcFeb20wrd} 

We regret to advise that Lieutenant Colonel Don MacLennan passed away quietly on 3 April 2005 in Vernon, BC, following a valiant battle with leukaemia.

Don grew up in North Vancouver, attended Collége militaire royale at St Jean and graduated from Royal Military College Kingston in Chemical Engineering in 1967 as the top all-round cadet . He then went on to McGill University to complete a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering.

Don was then posted to 4 Field Squadron, Germany 1969-73. On his return to Canada, he joined the academic staff of Collége militaire royale in 1973-74. After completing the Canadian Land Forces Staff Course in Kingston in 1974, Don was selected to attend the Indian Defence Services Staff College 1976-77. Returning to Canada, he commanded 5e Régiment de génie de combat, Valcartier, 1978-80. Following this command, Don became Chief Instructor at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering 1981-82. His final appointment was in Mobile Command Headquarters as Senior Staff Officer Field Engineering 1983-85.

In 1985, Don took his release and moved into private business where he owned VMR Communications in Vernon for the past 10 years.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, 7 April 2005, at 2:30 pm at Knox Presbyterian Church, Vernon, British Columbia. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Vernon Hospice Society would be greatly appreciated by the family.

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant John Boyle O’Donnell of Spruce Grove, AB on 3 April 2005 at the age of 75 years.

John served in Korea in 1952 with the 23^rd Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers and then had a lifelong successful career in the trucking industry.  He was one of the last of the Hudson Bay settlers of 1929 in the area north of Vermilion.  John was a Life Member of the Korean Veterans and a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 281 in Spruce Grove.

A Memorial Mass will be held on 8 April at 12:00 PM from Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 200 Boundary Road, Spruce Grove.  Donations may be made to the Alberta Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2. 

We regret to advise of the death of Leo Daoust of Vancouver BC on 1 April 2005 at the age of 89 years.

Leo was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the 9^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in Northwest Europe. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion West Point Grey Branch #142 in Vancouver.  ^{{dcJan18gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

We regret to advise that Lieutenant Colonel Robert C. "Bob" Bezanson CD (Ret'd) died suddenly on 31 March 2005, in the New Halifax Infirmary, QEII.

A graduate of Dalhousie University (B.Sc.) and Nova Scotia Technical College (B.Eng. - Civil), Bob completed his military engineering training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack and was commissioned in the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers in 1950. He joined 45^th Field Squadron RCE (M), Sydney, when it was formed in 1951 and was Commanding Officer 1964 - 1968. Bob was awarded the Centennial Medal in 1967 in recognition of his outstanding service to Canada following over 30 years service in the Militia. He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 45 Field Engineer Squadron in 1994 and Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in 1996.

In his civilian career, Bob worked with Seaboard Power Corporation and the Sydney Steel Division, where he began as Assistant Chief Engineer and was promoted to Divisional Superintendent in 1965. In 1968, Bob moved to Dartmouth to work with the Halifax Shipyards in the construction of the SEDCO series drilling rigs. From 1978 to 1984, he was with the Nova Scotia Department of Development, before finishing his career in 1993 as Vice-President Marketing and Development of Canadian Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd. of St. Catharines, Ont. In 1994, Bob was awarded the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the profession and an Honorary Life Membership in 2000. He was also an active member of the Military Engineers' Association of Canada and was the Atlantic Region Vice-President for six years.

Visitation will be 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 7:00 ﾖ 9:00 PM Monday, 4 April 2005 in A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St., Dartmouth. Funeral service will be held 2:00PM Tuesday, 5 April, in Christ Church, Dartmouth, followed by burial in Christ Church Cemetery. A reception will follow the service. A donation to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of choice would be appreciated. ^[zpp]

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Gustave Desmaris (Ret’d) of Orillia ON on 31 March 2005 at the age of 88 years.

Gus was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War who served in the 12^th Field Company in Italy and Northwest Europe. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Frontier Branch #130 in Fort Erie ON.

We regret to advise that Gerald David Tait died on 20 March 2005. Born in 1914 in Rugby England, his family immigrated to Canada in the 1920s, settling in Vancouver. David enlisted for the Second World War with the 6th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers, in North Vancouver in October 1939. In the United Kingdom he was stationed with British Intelligence where he helped with the planning of D-Day invasion. Once on the Continent his skills were put to use both as an Engineer planning bridges as well as fighting and sketching many scenes in France and Italy. David returned home after the war to take up sign writing where he was self employed until his retirement.

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We regret to advise of the death of Captain Ronald “Ron” Sinnot Graham (Ret’d) peacefully at the Colonel Belcher Care Centre in Calgary AB on 19 March 2005.

Ron was born in Moose Jaw SK in 1917.  He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1940 and went to work with Consolidated Paper in Three Rivers QC.  He was a WW II veteran having joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1941 and served overseas with 1st Field Park Company.  He retired in 1946 with the rank of Captain.

After demobilization Ron settled in Calgary first working as an estimator for Dominion Bridge, then as a construction engineer for Stevenson Architects.  He joined Hurst Construction Management in 1950 and ultimately became co-owner.  His construction career continued until 1986 when he retired.  Ron was involved with many major construction projects in the Calgary area such as; Union Milk, Burns Packing, Mount Royal College, Calgary Packers, the Stampede Corral, Bennett & Shaw Warehouse, Mount Royal College, Wm. Roper Hull School, and various Boys and Girls clubs. 

Ron was actively involved in community services with Cubs and Scouts and the Rotary Club where he supported many of their activities. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship for his service to the Rotary Club and was a long-term director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary.  He also served as past president of the Calgary General Contractors Association, past Vice President of the Calgary Construction Association and many other construction related committees.   He was a member of the City of Calgary Building Appeal Board.

A private cremation will be conducted followed by a Memorial Service to be held on 24 March at Parkdale United Church, Calgary.  Donations may be made to the Rotary Clubs of Calgary Foundation, Suite 310, The Kahanoff Centre, 1202 Centre Street South, Calgary, AB T2G 5A5. ^{{gdMar2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sergeant Bob Fader (Retired) on 17 March 2005.

Bob joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Sapper Apprentice Program 1962-64. Two Field Squadron tours followed: 3 Field Squadron, Chilliwack, 1964 - 68, then 4 Field Squadron, Germany, 1968-74. When Bob returned to Canada he was posted to CFB Chilliwack with Training Support Troop. This was followed by a tour with 2 Combat Engineer Regiment before returning to CFB Chilliwack for a final posting before retirement in 1983.

Bob retired after 20 years service as a Field Engineer and was employed with the Bank of Montreal servicing Automated Teller Machines. Shortly thereafter, he became the supervisor and had worked some 23 years in this second career at the time of his death.

A private funeral service was conducted and a 'Celebration of Life' for Bob was held at the Fort Langley Golf Course. ^{{kh22 Aug2015}}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Eugene "Gene" Hawkins, CD, P.Eng. on 16 March 2005 at his home in Mississauga on 16 March 2005.

Gene served the Canadian Military Engineers for 33 years in various Canadian locations and in Germany. Commissioned in 1966, his first tour was with 2 Field Squadron in Camp Gagetown (1966-69). After attending the US Army Engineer School Advanced Engineer Officer Course, he had tours with 3 Field Squadron and the Base Construction Engineering Office in Chilliwack. Promoted to Major after completing the Army Staff in Kingston 1972-73, Gene then consecutively commanded the Base Construction Engineering Office in CFB Petawawa (1973-76) and 2 Combat Engineer Regiment (1976-78). He was then appointed Chief Instructor at CFSME 1978-81 followed by Base Chilliwack Operations Officer in 1981.

Gene joined the Directorate of Military Engineering Requirements in Ottawa upon promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel, .Following that tour,  Gene was the Senior Staff Officer Construction Engineering for Canadian Forces Europe (1986-90). Upon completion of this appointment, he returned to Canada as the Director of Base Maintenance at National Defence Headquarters and then Director of Military Engineer Requirements. Gene retired in 1992 to become the Manager of Facility Services for the City of Mississauga (1992-97).

The family celebrated Gene's life at a Memorial Service on 19 March 2005 in the Chapel of the Neweduk Funeral Home - "Mississauga Chapel." In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Carlo Fidani Peel Regional Cancer Centre at Credit Valley Hospital or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

We regret to advise the death of James Gerald Inrig of Hamilton ON on 11 March 2005 at the age of 73 years.

James was born in Welland ON. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was later an employee of the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth for over 30 years.

James is buried in the White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Hamilton.

We regret to advise of the death of Captain Sydney Mansbridge, CD (Ret’d) on 8 March 2005 in Nanaimo, BC at the age of 85 years.

Syd was born and raised in Alix, AB. he traveled to Calgary with his mother and joined the Canadian Army on 17 July 1940 as a member of 10^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers at Metawa barracks. First assigned to the old RCMP Barracks in Lethbridge, the company moved to Petawawa, ON in August 1940. In March 1941, the company was re-roled as the 10^th Field Squadron while training in Petawawa and assigned to the 5^th Canadian Armoured Division. In November he set sail on the RMMV Reina del Pacifico for Aldershot, England, settling in Salamanca Barracks.  What followed was extensive military training until October 1943. In October 1943, they convoyed to Naples, Italy under Operation TIMBERWOLF, to join the 1^st Canadian Infantry Division and form I Canadian Corps.  The convoy was attacked by German torpedo bombers 0n 6 November.  Carrying 6774 troops and crew, Syd's ship, SS Monterey, returned fire and downed one aircraft.  Among the three ships sunk in the raid was the SS Santa Elena, carrying 1800 Canadians including Number 14 Canadian General Hospital. SS Monterey, assigned to rescue duties, picked up another 1675 survivors including 171 nursing sisters. The ship carried on to Naples where it arrived two days behind schedule. 

In Italy, and temporarily attached to the New Zealand Division, Syd and the 10^th Field Squadron first saw action building a bridge over the Aventino River on a major highway route beginning on 5 December 1943. The enemy had partially demolished a masonry arch bridge and rather than building an entirely new crossing, 10^th Field Squadron was able to shore up damaged piers with timber cribbing and build four sections of Class 30 Bailey bridge totaling 430 feet to re-open the crossing. The job took five days to complete. The unit was under fire and observation for most of the time. Deception to cover the work used camouflage netting suspended on telephone poles in work areas.  Their next action was at Arielli in January 1944 providing direct support to the Perth Regiment in their assault. Syd later took part in the Liri Valley, Melfa Crossing, Gothic Line, Coriano Ridge, Rubicon Fiumicino Crossing, Savio and Lamone Crossings, and Valli di Commachio battles. 

In February 1945, the 5^th Division moved to Holland where Syd participated in the final months of the war and the Occupation including the Breakout from the Arnhem Bridgehead and the actions around the Delfijl Pocket in the closing days of the campaign.  The 10^th Field Squadron remained in Holland until late November when the main body returned to England.  Syd remained behind in the rear party but was with the unit when they sailed home on RMS Queen Elizabeth arriving in New York on 14 January 1946. The unit was later disbanded in Calgary.

The exposure to war forged a lifelong soldier out of Syd.  Syd’s tireless efforts culminated in his being formally presented with a Certificate of Commendation by Field Marshal Montgomery, Commander in Chief, 21^st Army Group on 8 February 1946. Former 10^th Field Squadron personnel were released from duty on 14 January 1946 and the unit was later disbanded in Calgary, AB, but Syd, as a Sergeant, joined the interim army, and ultimately the Permanent Force. His career took him to Calgary, Chilliwack, Halifax, Fort Churchill, and Nanaimo.  Syd was commissioned in July 1966 and retired in 1972 as a Captain. His final duties were as Base Commander at the Nanaimo Military Base and the Winchelsea Island Test Range.

Syd's family have endowed the Captain Sydney & Thelma Mansbridge Memorial Scholarships at Vancouver Island University in Nanaimo for one male and one female student in the field of engineering. 

We regret to advise of the death of Patrick Phillip “Pat” Harvey of Wakaw SK on 5 March 2005 at the age of 87 years. 

Pat was born in Fish Creek SK and was a Royal Canadian Engineers Second World War veteran.

He enlisted in 1941 and was sent to the 14^th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in the United Kingdom He served in Sicily and Italy, and later in Northwest Europe until the end of World War II. He was discharged in October 1945 and returned to Saskatchewan to take up farming. 
 

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel John Ronald Barnes (Retd), suddenly, on 27 February 2005. Ron graduated from the Collége du Vieux in Montreal, Quebec in 1970 and worked as a city planner in Westmount, Quebec before joining the Canadian Forces later that year.

After completion of his Military Engineering Officer training in Chilliwack, Ron was posted to 1 Field Squadron at CFB Petawawa. In 1973, he was posted to the Construction Engineering Section at CFB Cold Lake for three years and advanced to be Requirements Officer. From there he was posted to CFS Dana, SK as the Station Construction Engineering Officer. Ron then moved to St. Hubert, Quebec for two years with Mobile Command Headquarters. Following this tour, he had two successive three-year assignments as Base Construction Engineering Officer; 1981-84 at CFB Moose Jaw and 1984-87 at CFB Gagetown. This was followed by a posting to CFB Ottawa where he held his third successive assignment of Base Construction Engineering Officer. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Ron was then posted to AIRCOM Headquarters in Winnipeg as the Senior Staff Officer Environment and Management. The pinnacle of his career followed when he became Commanding Officer of 1 Construction Engineering Unit in Winnipeg 1994-95.

Ron retired from the military after 25 years of service and was employed by Red River College as Facilities Manager. He then accepted a position as Director of Buildings for Winnipeg School Division #1 and in 2002 he returned to Red River College as Project Manager for the Downtown Campus.

Visitation is planned for Thursday, 3 March from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Thompson (In the Park) Funeral Home at 1291 McGillivray Blvd., Winnipeg. Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, 4 March at St. Aidan's Anglican Church, 274 Campbell Street. In lieu of flowers, Ron's family encourages donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Boys' and Girls' Club or the Winnipeg Harvest. ^{{kh22Aug2015}}

We regret to advise of the death of Edward “Ted” Hadley at the Vancouver General Hospital on 26 February 2005.

Ted was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1943-1946.  He was the former president of T.H. Store & Office Interiors as well as a past member of the Vancouver Executive Club and Vancouver Gyros. He was an enthusiastic runner, having completed 15 marathons and recorded 42,000 miles in training.  Ted was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame on 28 April 2005 as the Vice President of the 1964 Mann Cup Lacrosse Champions.

A celebration of his life will be held on 9 March from 1 - 4 p.m. in the George Royal Room, at Hastings Race Track, Vancouver.  Donations may be made to the BC Paraplegic Association - 780 S.W. Marine Drive, Vancouver. ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Robert Terras Gavin (Ret'd) in London ON on 26 February 2005 at the age of 92 years.

Robert was born in London. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was also a member of the London Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

We regret to advise of the death of John Frederick Bakemeyer, a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War on 22 February 2005.

After the war, John pursued a career in police work in which he served as Deputy Sheriff of Montgomery County, Ohio, on the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force, and later as Staff Sergeant of Security for the Ontario Jockey Club, for 30 years.

Funeral was conducted in Pickering, ON.

We regret to advise of the death of Frederick “Fred” T. Blatch in Ottawa ON, at the Extendicare Laurier Manor on 16 February 2005 at the age of 91.

Fred was born in Quebec City in 1913. He served with the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1939-1945 in Italy and Holland. He was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Eastview Branch No 462, in Vanier, ON.

Visitation will take place at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa on 20 February 2005. A service will take place in the Chapel on 21 February. Interment at Beechwood Cemetery. [zcc, zpp]