This is the first of four articles by Lieutenant-Colonel Don Kennedy, CD (Ret'd) in which he related his personal and professional connections with the former home of the Engineers.
A Prodigal Sapper Returns to Vedder Crossing
I was invited by a legendary historian of all things relating to the Canadian Military Engineers, LCol (Ret’d) Ken Holmes, to give a personal account of my feelings regarding my selection of Vedder Crossing as my final - really final - posting. For those venerable old Sappers who might be considering a similar move, as they pass into the inevitable “downsizing” phase of domestic life, the answer to “why Vedder” may be as simple as the first photo
Many things have changed in the Chilliwack area, but there is one magnificent constant - the mighty Cascade Range. As well, in my case as in many others, “for the kids and grandkids” (no matter what opinion the grandkids may have concerning my invasion into their daily lives) was a primary driver. However, now that Ken has presented the task, I have had cause to revisit my relocation rationale more thoroughly. Note that I have never been a man of few words, so bear with me if my re-visitation results in a more complex, four-part Chronicle.
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 1 First Impressions
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 2 Domestic Site
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 3 Operational Site
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 4 "Oot & Aboot"
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 5 Hinterland Unlocked
Chronicles from Vedder – Part 6 Wrap-up