We regret to advise of the death of Colonel William “Bill” Chesley Wilton, CD (Ret) at the Health Sciences Centre in St John's NL on 29 January 2007 at the age of 86 years.
Bill was born in Port Saunders, NL. He was a Second World War veteran who enlisted in the 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery in 1940. He commanded that unit and served in the United Kingdom and Northwest Europe until the cessation of hostilities in 1945. After the war, Bill commanded 56th Field Engineer Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers on three occasions: he was the first commanding officer 1955-1958; returned during 1960-1964 and, again, in 1966-1968. He was later Commander of the Newfoundland Militia District and retired from the military in 1975. His long military career was acknowledged by the award of three clasps to his Canadian Forces Decoration and he received the Canadian Centennial Medal.
After retirement, Bill had the honour of being appointed the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 56th Field Engineer Squadron from 1976 to 1996. In addition to his military appointments, Bill served as Past President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Army Cadet League of Canada; Honorary Life Member of the Army Cadet League of Canada; and on many Army Cadet League committees and projects over the years.
Visitation will be at Carnell's Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St John’s on 30, 31 January and 1 February. Funeral services will take place on 1 February at 2:00 PM from Carnell's Chapel. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. {gdFeb2017dc} [zsp]