CME Family Last Post

We regret to advise of the death of Robert Edward “Bob” Finkle on 24 October 2004 in Kingston, ON at the age of 83 years. 

Bob was born and grew up in Belleville, ON in a family of 13 children. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After the war, he spent most of his life in Cobourg, ON. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Cobourg Branch #133 of the Royal Canadian Legion. ^{{dcJan19gd} [ zpp, zsd, zcc, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Charles Wilber “Chuck” Campbell of Edson, AB on 18 October 2004 at the age of 81 years.

Chuck was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 10^th Field Park Company in England and Northwest Europe from 1942 until 1946.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Edson Branch #51.

Funeral Services will take place on 22 October at 1:00 PM at the Joe Wynne Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Edson. Interment to follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Drayton Valley Dialysis Unit in Drayton Valley, AB. 

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Fritjof Harold “Fred” Farstad (Ret’d) on 14 October 2004 in Kirkland Lake, ON at the age of 91 years.

Fred was born in the Timiskaming District in Northern Ontario to Norwegian parents and grew up in Kirkland Lake. 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 Branch #87 in Kirkland Lake.

Fred is buried in the Kirkland Lake Cemetery. ^{{dcOct17gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Bernard N. d’Eon of Pubnico NS on 13 October 2004 at the age of 88 years.

Bernard served in the Royal Canadian Engineers and was a veteran of the Second World War. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Pubnico Branch # 66 where he also served as President.

Bernard was buried in the cemetery of St. Peter’s Church in West Pubnico. ^{{dcJan2018gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Edward “Ed” Frost (Ret’d) of Victoria, BC on 10 October 2004 at the age of 86 years.

Ed was a Royal Canadian Engineers veteran of the Second World War where he served in the 2^nd Field Company.  He was a Shriner, a Mason and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Britannia Beach Branch #7 in Victoria.

At Ed’s request there will be no service. ^{{dcJan19gd} [ zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the sudden death of Sapper Leonard Hutchings (Ret'd) of Tilton, Spaniards Bay NL on 23 September 2004 in his 81st year.

Leonard was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Korean War. On returning home, he worked as a carpenter for most of his life.

Leonard is resting at Young's Funeral Home, Spaniard's Bay Friday, 24 September and Saturday,25  September with a funeral service to follow from Holy Redeemer Anglican Church and interment to follow at Maul Tree Hill Anglican Cemetery, Spaniard's Bay. In his memory flowers gratefully accepted or donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Cecil Beverly “Bev” Umbach (Ret’d) of Ponoka AB on 15 September 2004 at the age of 74 years.

Bev enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary in 1951 with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was stationed at Chilliwack, BC, where he trained as a clerk.  He was discharged on February 25, 1954. Bev spent another six years in the Reserves with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps.  Bev was a Life Member of Legion Branch #66 in Ponoka for 41 years where he served on the Executive and was Membership Chairman for several years. ^{{dcMar2018gd} [zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Staff Sergeant Albert Louis “Bert” Taplin (Ret’d) on 5 September 2004 at the age of 87 years while living in British Columbia. 

Bert was a veteran of the Second World War. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineers in May 1941 and served as a Sapper until the end of the war serving in Italy and Northwest Europe.  He re-enlisted in 1950 to join the Princess Patrician’s Canadian Light Infantry fighting in Korea.  After Korea, Bert transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force.  

We regret to advise of the death of Warren Penny suddenly at home in Sydney, NS on 31 August 2004 at the age of 72 years.

Warren worked in construction all of his life.  He served with the 45^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers from 1950 - 53. 

Funeral services will be held on 8 September at 10 AM in the T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel with burial in Resurrection Cemetery.  ^{{dcApr17gd}[zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Harvey Clive “Joe” Johnson at the Chilliwack General Hospital, in Chilliwack BC on 26 August 2004 at the age of 80 years.

Joe was born in Stettler, AB. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers from 1941. After  the war he joined the Permanent Force and served until his retirement in 1974. Joe served with NATO in Germany and the United Nations in Egypt.

A Memorial service will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Stettler. Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zcc, zpp,zdb]}

We regret to advise of the death of  Karl Helmur Bergan of Burnaby BC on 14 August 2004 at the age of 84 years.

Karl was born in Medicine Hat AB. During the Second World War, he served in the Royal Canadian Engineers seeing action in Normandy and the Low Countries.

A funeral service for Karl will be held in the chapel of Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial St., Burnaby on Friday, 20 August at 10:00 AM. {zsd, zcc, zpp, zkh)
 

We regret to advise of the death of Karl “Charlie” Nylund on 11 August 2004 in Thunder Bay, ON at the age of 88 years.

Charlie was a resident of North-West Ontario for most of his life.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers overseas in England, France, Belgium and Holland. After demobilisation, he returned to work for the Canadian National Railways (CNR) for whom he had also worked prior to his war service.  He retired from the CNR in 1976.

Visitation will be held at Jenkens Funeral Home, 226 Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay on 16 August from 1:00 to 2:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM.  Interment to be in Surrey, BC at a later date.  ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Allan Harvey Dixon (Ret'd) peacefully at Bevan Lodge Abbotsford, BC on 9 August 2004 at the age of 88.

Allan was born in Vancouver, BC. He graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Forestry in 1940. After receiving permission from his employer, the BC Ministry of Forests, Allan joined the Canadian Army in 1942, beginning his officer training at Albert Head, BC and qualifying as Lieutenant, Engineers, Canadian Army (A) in May 1943. He proceeded overseas initially with the 20^th Field Company but was later assigned to 1 Canadian Engineer Reinforcement in England. Besides being involved in advanced Engineer training, Allan was involved in bomb disposal tasks in and around London.

In November 1944, Allan joined the 5^th Field Company in Nijmegen where the unit was deeply involved in bridge building. He stayed with the Company until the war ended and for months afterwards on Occupation duties which primarily meant supervising German POWs in mine clearance and road repair.

Allan returned home in late 1945 and demobilised in Vancouver. He rejoined the Ministry of Forests where he worked until retirement after a 39-year career in the British Columbia Forest Service serving in New Westminster, Victoria, Prince George and Kamloops. Allan was a long-time supporter of the 5^th Field Company Sappers Association and attended many of their reunions in Ontario.

There will be no service but the family requests you remember Allan’s memory with your next drink. 

We regret to advise of the death of Glen Dalton Gregory at his home in Willow Grove NB on 5 August 2004. Glen was born in Moncton NB. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War and served a total of 28 years in the RCE including service in Korea. After the Army, he served with the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires at the Saint John Harbour Bridge. Glen is resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home in Saint John. Visitation will be on Friday 6 August from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and from 7:00 until 9:00 PM. The funeral service will be held from Brenan's Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday 7 AIgust 2004 at 11:00 AM with interment in the Field of Honour at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. Remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. There will also be a Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service on Friday at 7:00 PM.

We regret to advise the death of Walter James Dempsey at his home in Saint John NB on 31 July 2004 at the age of 82 years.

Walter was born in Jacquet River, NB.  He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. After the war he was employed as a superintendent with General Bakeries and then in the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Lancaster Branch # 69 Saint John. 

Walter is resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home in Saint John.  Visitation will take place on 2 August from 2:00 until 4:00 PM and 7:00 until 9:00 PM.  The Royal Canadian Legion will hold a Tribute to a Veteran Service at 7:00 PM.  Following cremation, a funeral service will be held on 3 August at 1:00 PM from Brenan's Chapel. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.  ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Kenneth Dalton Loughridge in Chilliwack, BC on 21 July 2004 at the age of 79 years.

Ken was born in Morewood, ON.  He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1942 at the age of 17 and served overseas in the Second World War with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After demobilisation, he joined the Permanent Force with the RCE and served in the Korean War. He later became an electrician in the RCE and served for a total of 25 years.  After leaving the Army, he worked for 17 years as a correctional officer at Mountain Prison in Agassiz, BC and later at the Matsqui Complex in Abbotsford, BC.

A memorial service will be held on 26 July at 4:00 PM at the Senior Veterans Society at 9233 Main Street in Chilliwack.  Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to Chilliwack Minor Lacrosse.  ^{{dcApr17gd}[zsd, zpp]} 

We regret to advise of the unexpected death of Sapper Vernon Victor Adams (Ret’d) at home in Port Alberni BC on 10 July 2004. Victor was 85 years old when he died.

Vernon was born in Rosetown SK. He was a sapper during the Second World War and served in Northwest Europe. He married his English wife in 1945 having a daughter born that same year. When he returned to Canada, he settled on the West Coast starting a long-term career with MacMillan & Blodel at the pulp and paper mill in Port Alberni BC. He and his wife went on to have four more children. He was also a long-serving member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM at the Greenwood Cemetery Field of Honour on Josephine Street followed by a tea at the Port Alberni Legion on 4th Avenue. Instead of flowers, donations to the Legion will be appreciated by the family.

We  regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Ivan Gallup (Ret’d) in Vancouver, BC on 5 July 2004 at the age of 89.

Ivan was born in the Eastern Townships, QC and at the age of 16 joined the Militia with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in St Jean, QC.   He was a WW II veteran who enlisted with 9 Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers and served overseas.  After the war, he re-enlisted with the Royal Canadian Engineer Permanent Force and served until 1965.  After leaving the Army he enjoyed a 15-year career with the Federal Transport Department.

Ivan was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #30, Kerrisdale, BC; the Sons of Scotland, Lord Tweedsmuir Camp 209; the National Association of Federal Retirees of British Columbia; and the Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia.  

At his request, there will be no memorial service.  ^{{gdJul2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of David Joseph Alexander, P.Eng. peacefully at home in Hantsport, NS on 24 June 2004 at the age of 75. 

David was born in St. George's, NL.  He attended the Nova Scotia Technical University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He was commissioned that year into the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers and posted to the 57^th (Independent) Field Squadron with which he served in Korea followed by a posting to Germany.  

After returning to Canada and completing his service, David was employed with National Research Council in Ottawa, ON for a year before returning to Newfoundland where he worked for the Department of Highways as an assistant engineer in the construction of the Trans-Canada Highway along the island’s west coast.  In 1956, he worked as an engineer at the United States Air Force base in Stephenville, NL rising to the position of Chief Base Engineer.  In 1958, he joined Parks Canada in Newfoundland working on the construction of Terra Nova National Park, the restoration of Cabot Tower on Signal Hill in St John’s, the John Guy Memorial, the hydrological and geological survey of the Viking site at Lance-Aux-Meadows and the restoration of the King's Bastion including the Chateau St. Jean at the Fortress of Louisbourg, NS.  In 1966 he went to work for Bell Canada and worked in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and London, before retiring in 1992.

A funeral mass will be held on 28 June at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Windsor, NS. Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.  ^{{dcJan2017gd}  [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper James Fennimore “Fen” Cooper (Ret'd) in Weyburn General Hospital, Weyburn SK on 18 June 2004 at the age of 94 years.

Fen was born Neepawa MB and raised in Moose Jaw SK and later in Weyburn.  He was orphaned as a boy and raised with his brother by family friends. In Weyburn, he was taught how to box by T. C. “Tommy Douglas”, the future CCF Saskatchewan premier and national NDP leader, whose ideas would continue to influence Fen throughout his life.  During the Great Depression, Fen worked in the Cypress Hills Relief Camp and ‘rode the rails’ as far east as the Maritimes to find work. He was finally able to establish himself as a house painter until the outbreak of the Second World War.

Fen was over thirty with three children when he told his wife he wanted to join the Royal Canadian Engineers who he described as ‘unarmed men who build bridges’. He was assigned to the 8^th Field Squadron and served in Northwest Europe.

Fen returned to Canada on a hospital ship with shrapnel wounds in his knee that would affect him for the rest of his life.  Shortly after getting home to Weyburn  he opened the Cooper & Co Paint Shop that he ran until he retired in 1975. Fen was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion Weyburn Branch # 47, having once served as President.

A memorial service will be held on 22 June at 2:00 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, with a Royal Canadian Legion Honour Guard and honorary pallbearers.  Interment will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. ^{{dcJan2018gd} [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise the death of Major Herrold Ashley Cameron (Ret’d) after a long illness on 12 June 2004 at Victoria General Hospital.

Ashley was born in Pembroke, Ontario in 1919 and grew up in Ottawa. He entered the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario in 1937. With the outbreak of the Second World War, he was commissioned into the Royal Canadian Engineers on 21 December 1939.  He was posted to Camp Petawawa having received a War Certificate from RMC. In 1941 he was posted overseas. After the war, he returned to Canada, lived in Truro, Nova Scotia and later in Ottawa. For several years, Ashley served on the Inspectorate of Quarter Master General Services team, travelling throughout Canada. He continued to serve with the Engineers until 1965, with postings to Regina, Quebec City and Edmonton.

After leaving the army, he accepted a position with the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. When he retired in 1986, he moved to Victoria. He had been a patient at Broadmead Lodge in Victoria, B.C. for the past several years.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 680 Courtney Street, Victoria on 18 June 2004. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association. ^[zpp]

We regret to advise of the death of Reginald H. Guilderson of Parrsboro NS in Amherst NS on 31 May 2004 at the age of 94 years.

Reginald was born in Cape D’Or, Cape Breton Island, NS. He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War. Reginald was among the Sappers who assaulted the beaches on D-Day and continued to serve in Northwest Europe. After the war, Reginald settled in Nanaimo BC and worked in carpentry until he retired in 1980 and returned to Parasboro.

Visitation will be from 1:00 until 2;00 PM on Wednesday 2 June at Smith’s Funeral Home in Parrsboro followed by a funeral service.  Reginald is buried in the Parrsboro United Baptist Cemetery.

We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Norbert “Norm” Martel, CD (Ret'd) on 30 May 2004 at the age of 64.

Norm was born in Gogama, ON, and joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in Toronto in 1962. On completion of his basic sapper training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering he was selected to remain at the school for a year as an instructor with Recruit Squadron. He was then posted to 3 Field Engineer Squadron, Chilliwack (1963 - 1968) during which time he qualified as a Combat Diver.

Norm was then posted to 5^e Escadron du Génie du Canada in Valcartier in 1968 when that new unit was formed and he stayed there for the next six years - rising to the rank of Warrant Officer. During this time he qualified as a Diving Supervisor. In 1974 Norm was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering as an instructor in Bridging, Rafting, Watermanship and Rigging Troop followed by Roads, Airfields, Water Supply and Accommodations Troop. Promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 1975, he returned to 5^e Escadron du Génie de Campagne in 1977 during which time he served a six month tour in Egypt with the United Nations Emergency Force. Upon his return to the unit from Egypt, Norm was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer and appointed the unit Sergeant Major.

After completion of this tour,  in 1981 Norm was posted to the Regular Support Staff with 21^st Field Engineering Squadron in Flin Flon, MB where he served for three years. He was then posted to Force Mobile Command Headquarters in St Hubert with the Senior Staff Officer Field Engineer doctrine cell for a year and then returned to 5e Régiment du Génie de Combat as the Regimental Sergeant Major. This posting was followed by six years in National Defence Headquarters as an engineer equipment Life Cycle Material Manager. Norm's final posting was to Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake with the Evaluation Range as the Commandant Primrose Lake from which he retired in 1994 to live in Ottawa. {khMAy 2016}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Noel Harvey Hancock of Arcola SK on 23 May 2004 after a brief fight with cancer.

Noel grew up in the Glenn Adelaide district, south of Wawota SK. As a young man, he worked on the family farm, Beckton Ranch, until he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in November 1951. He trained at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Camp Chilliwack BC. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with 23^rd Field Squadron. He was wounded in action on 31 October 1952. 

After returning home in November 1954, Noel resumed farming until he moved to Arcola in 1962 and began working for the Department of Highways. Noel’s heart remained with the farm and while being employed at other jobs, he always kept cattle and enjoyed working with other farmers in the community. He was a member of Arcola Legion Branch for over thirty-five years. 

Noel is buried in the Arcola Cemetery.

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Nelson Doherty (Ret'd) on 14 May 2004 of Port Hope, ON at the age of 93 years.

Nelson Doherty was born in St-Malachie, QC. He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. and was a veteran of the Second World War  from 1941  to 1946.  Nelson  settled and married in Port Hope after the war. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Port Hope Branch #30.  Nelson is buried in the Welcome Cemetery in Port Hope. ^{{dcJan17gd} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Joseph Phillip Arthur Tellier of Greenwood BC on 4 May 2004 at the age of 72 Years.

Phillip was born in St Boniface MB. He served with the 59^th Field Squadron, Royal Canadian Engineers in Korea. After his Army service he settled in the Lower Mainland of BC and worked as a tinsmith. In the 70s, he moved to 150 Mile House for a short time before moving back to the Surrey BC. In 1996, he and his wife Winnie retired to Greenwood BC.

Spr Phillip Tellier is buried in the Lakeview Cemetery in Princeton BC along with Winnie.

We regret to advise the death of Sapper Christopher John Christenson (Ret'd) on 4 May 2004 at the age of 83 years.

Christopher was born in Hart, SK.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served in the 1^st Canadian Mechanical Equipment Company, Royal Canadian Engineers in Northwest Europe.  Christopher was awarded the United States Bronze Star for action in support of US forces in Holland.  He was wounded during the course of the operation. The citation reads:

During the month of November 1944, while working an armored tractor in support of the 103^rd American Armored Division in Bergen-op-Zoom area, this man distinguished himself by meritorious service. On many occasions, he took his tractor with the assault engineers and under shell fire removed obstacles which were impeding the advance of the infantry. He was actively engaged in the operation of the crossing of the Mark Canal. He did, at all times, operate his machine with efficiency and despatch regardless of enemy interference and the fact that most of the operations in which he was engaged were carried out under the cover of darkness.

Christopher is buried in the Mabel Hill Cemetery in Nipawin, SK. ^{{dcNov17gd} [zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of George E. Morrison on 3 May 2004 in Lakewood Nursing Home, in Buffalo, NY at the age of 92 years.

George was born on a farm in Cape Breton, NS and left school in Grade 4 to help with farm chores.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1939 and served in England and Continental Europe.  George moved to Buffalo, NY in 1953 to work at Republic Steel Corporation.  Unfortunately, four years later he was permanently disabled in an industrial accident.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 6 May at 9:30 in St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Buffalo.  Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Lackawanna, NY. ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of David Magoun peacefully at the Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock BC on 30 April 2004 in his 80^th year.

Dave was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After demobilisation, he worked all his life as a logger and fisherman throughout British Columbia and along its coast.

There will be no formal funeral service; however friends are invited to wish him God-speed at the Fraser Boat Dock, foot of 179th Street, Surrey at 11AM Saturday 15 May.  ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Ralph Eldridge (Ret’d) on 27 April 2004 in Brampton, ON.   

Harold was a Second World War veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps and the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Brampton.  ^{{dcJun2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zbd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of James “Jim” William Graham peacefully at The Wales Home, Richmond QC on 20 April 2004 at the age of 92.

Jim was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineer from 1940 – 1945.

Visitation will be held on 24 April from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Cass Funeral Home, Richmond QC followed by a service.  Burial will be in the Duboyce Cemetery, West Bolton QC.   ^{{gdJun2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Wilfred Coté (Ret’d) at the Grand Falls Manor Veteran's Wing in Grand Falls, NB on 18 April 2004 at the age of 88 years.

Wilfred was born in Drummond, NB.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21 in Grand Falls.

Wilfred’s funeral will be held on 20 April at 3:00 PM at the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Grand Falls, with interment in the Assumption Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Regional Food Bank.  ^{{dcApr2017gd} [zsd, zcc, zsp]}

We regret to advise of the death of James "Jim" Walker of Blind River, ON, peacefully at the F.J. Davey Home on 13 April 2004, at the age of 82 years.

James was a veteran of the Second World War, serving in the Royal Canadian Engineers.

A Memorial Service will be held at the John Wesley United Church on 16 April 2004 with interment in the Maple Ridge Cemetery later in the spring. Memorial contributions to John Wesley United Church, F.J. Davey Home or to the Blind River Legion Branch 189 Poppy Fund would be appreciated by the family. ^{{jpMar2017dc} [zpp, zsd, zcc]}

We regret to advise of the death of Harold Stanley Dewar of Halifax NS in the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital on 11 April 2004 at the age of 85 years.

Harold was born in Truro NS. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Great Britain and Europe. Harold retired with 35 years’ service with Canadian National Railways and was also a building contractor. He was a former member of Truro Curling Club, the Kinsman Club, Liberal Association and Branch No. 26, Royal Canadian Legion in Halifax.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 AM on 7 May in Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Prince Street, Truro.  Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or a charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Thomas S. Dickson on 10 April 2004 of Peterborough ON at the age of 94 years.

Thomas was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Peterborough Branch #52 of the Royal Canadian Legion. ^{{dcFeb18gd} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Gilles J “Gil” Cormier (Ret’d) of Beresford, NB on 9 April 2004 at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, NB at the age of 71 years.

Gil was born in St. Leonard, NB.  He served for a period of time in the Royal Canadian Engineers.  After his military service he went to work for Brunswick Mines and retired as a foreman after more than 25 years service.  Gil was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Herman J. Good, V.C. Branch # 18 in Bathurst, NB.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on 12 April at 2:00 PM from Holy Family Church in Bathurst.  Burial will be in the parish cemetery, later in the spring.  Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcApr2017gd}[zsd, zcc, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant John Joseph Kelly, CD of Windsor NS on 1 April 2004 at the age of 43.

John was born in Dunville NL.  He joined the Canadian Armed Forces at the age of 19 and served as a Firefighter for 23 years. At the time of his death, he was serving as the Chief Fire Inspector at 12 Wing Shearwater NS.

Visitation will be at Lohnes-Beazley Funeral Home, 419 Albert Street, Windsor on 3 April 2-4pm and 7-9pm with a memorial service and burial at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church, Dunville NL on 5 April. Donations may be made to the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor or the Canadian Cancer Society.  ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Roger Dupuis peacefully in Ottawa ON at the Montfort Hospital on 16 March 2004 in his 90^th year.

Roger was a WW II veteran who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers in the 1^st Corps Field Survey Company.

Visitation will take place at Fairview Funeral Home - Gauthier Chapel--259 St. Patrick Street Ottawa on 21 March from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held at St. Sebastien Church, 1000 Frances Street Ottawa on 22 March at 11 a.m.  Donations may be made to the Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa (PPAO).   ^{{gdOct2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant John Bruce Cronyn, PEng, (Ret’d) in London, ON on 23 February 2004 at the age of 84 years.

John was a veteran of the Second World War. He served in the 23^rd Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers and saw action throughout France and the Low Countries. He was commanding Number 1 Platoon during Operation BERLIN in which British paratroops were evacuated from Arnhem immediately following Operation MARKET GARDEN in September 1944. At one time, he was loaned to Military Intelligence 9 (MI9) who figured heavily in the planning for Op BERLIN.  Their duties, among other things, focused on facilitating the escape of Allied prisoners of war and the return to the United Kingdom of evaders. A detachment of MI9 accompanied 2^nd Canadian Corps throughout Northwest Europe.

After graduating in engineering from the University of Toronto in 1947, John joined Labatt’s Brewing where he served as a master brewer, Executive Vice President, Director, Vice Chairman of the Board and finally an Honorary Director over a period of 49 years. He left Labatt's in 1976 to become a director of a number of public and crown corporations, including Canada Trust, London Life, Union Gas and Ontario Hydro. 

John was always active in community and charitable organizations. He was past president of the London Chamber of Commerce and Vice President of the Ontario and Canadian Chambers. He was also a past president of the Boy Scouts and the Victorian Order of Nurses of London and past warden of St. Paul’s Cathedral. His interest in politics was evidenced by his presence on advisory boards of all levels of government and, as a volunteer, he chaired a committee for Premiers Robarts and Davis that re-organized the operations of the Province of Ontario and of Ontario Hydro. 

A celebration of John’s life was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral in, London on Saturday, 28 February 2004 at 11 AM. A reception followed at The London Club.  John will be interred in the Woodland Cemetery in London. ^{{dcDec19WD} [zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Robert Dunbar “Bob” Scott on 11 February 2004 at the Chilliwack, BC General Hospital at the age of 86 years.

Bob was born in Galt, ON.  He worked numerous jobs and attended the Ontario College of Arts from 1936 - 1937.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who joined the Army in 1941 and served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers in 11^th Field Company in the 2^nd Canadian Infantry Division.  During his time overseas, he practised his artistic skills by submitting several cartoon drawings to the British Army humorous magazine "Blighty".

Bob was discharged from the Army in 1946 and shortly after opened a photography studio as well working for General Motors in Windsor, ON.  He rejoined the Army Permanent Force in 1948 and was sent to Camp Chilliwack.  He served at various camps in Canada and settled in Chilliwack upon retiring in 1963.  Bob then enjoyed an 18-year career with the Chilliwack School District #33 as a Custodian until he retired at the age of 65 years.

A private family service will be held at Henderson's Funeral Home on 14 February. Donations may be made to the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{dcMay2017gd}[zsd, zpp]}

We regret to advise of the death of Sergeant Robert “Bob” Mann Fetherston Sr, G.M. (Ret’d) peacefully at the North Bay ON General Hospital on 1 February 2004 at the age of 80 years. 

Bob was a WW II veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers, 11^th Field Company.  He was decorated with the George Medal for outstanding bravery for having saved the lives of four British Soldiers.  On 1 June 1945, his 22^nd birthday, while leading a work party of four sappers, he came across a captured German ammunition dump that had just exploded.  He and his work party entered the dump and found extensive damage and many casualties.  A barge on the adjacent canal used by British troops was heavily damaged and sinking with many British soldiers trapped inside. Bob and his party managed to evacuate four injured soldiers to safety before the barge sank.

After the war, he became a salesman and for many years was the Northern Ontario Representative for Forsyth Shirts and Deacon Bros. Sportswear.  He was a well-known horseman throughout the North, competing in numerous competitions.  He was a charter member of the North Bay Light Horse Association, a former Commodore of the North Bay Yacht Club and an active member of the North Bay Rotary Club for a period of 44 years. He was also an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion North Bay Branch #23 and the RCAF 406 Wing Alliance as well as an active Shriner (40 Years), the Rorab Cycle Unit and for many years a participant in the Association of Canadian Travellers.

Visitation will be at the Martyn Funeral Home across from North Bay City Hall on 4 February from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity United Church, 111 McIntyre Street E., North Bay, on T54 February at 11 a.m.   Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.  ^{{gdOct2016kh}}

George Medal Citation:

On the morning of 1 June 1945, Corporal Fetherston was in charge of a party of four sappers who were to supervise a German working party building roads in an enemy explosive and ammunition dump on the Ems-Jade Canal south of Emden. At approximately 1100 hours when they were about 150 yards from the dump with two tipper lorries awaiting the arrival of the Germans they heard and saw a series of tremendous explosions in the dump. After taking shelter from flying shrapnel and blast and after the initial explosions had died down, Corporal Fetherston accompanied by Sapper Garrett went into the dump to investigate. Corporal Fetherston found that the damage was considerable and that there were casualties amongst the British and German soldiers who had been working in the dump. He called up the remainder of his party with the two tipper lorries and ordered them to start evacuating the injured, commandeering all available transport for the purpose. He sent Sapper Garrett to notify a nearby Provost to get ambulances and firefighting apparatus to the scene. By this time, the dump itself, which had contained about 350 tons of shells, ammunition and mines, was burning fiercely with minor explosions occurring in the burning areas. Corporal Fetherston, accompanied by Sapper Garrett now back in the dump, noticed that amongst the several ammunition barges lying in the canal there were two used as quarters by the British troops guarding the dump. One of the latter barges was on fire and other had suffered considerable damage, was piled high with debris and listing heavily. Cries for help were emanating from this second barge and investigation showed that there were injured men imprisoned in the hold underneath the debris. The hold was rapidly filling with water and it was obvious that the barge would not remain afloat much longer. Working at top speed and disregarding his own safety, Corporal Fetherston and Sapper Garrett extricated four badly injured men from the hold and took them to a place of safety. By this time the hold was completely full and further rescue was impossible. Corporal Fetherston then returned to assist further with the evacuation of the injured. This Non-Commissioned Officer was for the greater part of the time in the midst of the burning dump with ammunition, shells and mines exploding intermittently. The untiring efforts, decisive action and complete disregard for all danger of Corporal Fetherston are worthy of the highest praise and were instrumental in saving the lives of at least four British soldiers.

We regret to advise of the death of Peter Shavik, peacefully at the Thunder Bay, ON Regional General Hospital on 20 January 2004 at the age of 84 years.

Peter was born and raised in Port Arthur ON.  He attended Cornwall Public School.  He was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War and served overseas.  After the war, Peter became a fire fighter with the City of Thunder Bay and served until his retirement in 1979 with 32 years of service.  He was a member, provincial representative and former president of the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association. 

A memorial service will be held on 27 January at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 North Cumberland Street, Thunder Bay.  The Thunder Bay Firefighters will hold a Service of Tribute. Visitation will be held one hour prior to time of Service.  Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or to the Canadian Diabetes Association. ^{{gdOct2016kh} [zpp, zsd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Stanley Bennett Park on 7 January 2004 in hospital in Ottawa, ON at the age of 72 years.

Stanley was a veteran of the Korean War who served with the Royal Canadian Engineers. After his military service  Stanley worked for the Federal Government in the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources until his retirement. 

Friends are invited to assemble for a Memorial Service in the Pinecrest Remembrance Chapel, 2500 Baseline Road, Ottawa on 10 January at 11:00 AM.  Charitable donations in Stanley B. Park's memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. 

We regret to advise of the death of Firefighter Frank L. Acker who passed away suddenly on 7 January 2004, in Roseway Hospital in Shelburne NS at the age of 70 years.

Frank was borne in Churchover, Shelburne County NS. He was a member of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years and was employed as a firefighter with the Department of National Defence for 23 years.

Family flowers only, please. Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Roseway Hospital Foundation. Memorial Service was held in Christ Church, Shelburne. Family committal service at a later date.
 

We regret to advise of the death of Lloyd M. Bergson of Erickson, MB in 2004.^*

Lloyd was born and educated in Erickson.  He was a veteran of the Second World War and served for five years with the Royal Canadian Engineers in Italy and Northwest Europe.  After the war, he worked in mining operations in Ontario and the Northwest Territories. In 1965 he bought a farm in Clanwilliam, MB and farmed until his death in 2004.  Lloyd was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #143 in Erickson.  ^{{dcNov17gd} [zsd, zpp]}

* exact date unknown

We regret to advise of the death of Staff Sergeant Maxwell Starkman (Ret’d), Second World War veteran and distinguished architect, on 29 December 2003 at the age of 82 years in Los Angeles, CA.

Maxwell was born in Toronto. Upon graduating from high school he worked for the architectural firm Kaplan & Sprachman until he joined the Army in 1940.  After training in the Royal Canadian Engineers in Petawawa, ON he was sent to Britain in 1941.  He was with a Chief Engineer (Works) detachment in Normandy and continued the war through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.  Maxwell also served in the Canadian Army Occupation Force until 1946. 

After demobilisation Maxwell enrolled in Architecture at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. He graduated as the gold medallist in 1950 and went on to a distinguished career as an architect.  He moved to Los Angeles for work and built a lifetime career.  In 1953 he established Maxwell Starkman & Associates which, by 1982, was the fourth largest in the USA according to Building Design and Construction magazine.  His firm was deeply involved in the post-war construction boom building houses for returning veterans and their families. By 1983 the company ranked 98^th out of 400 top rated engineering firms according to the Engineering News Record. 

Maxwell credited his wartime experience for his success, saying “When someone would say ‘It can’t be done’, that was a challenge – and we succeeded.”  Among the many prominent buildings his firm designed are the Sony Pictures Plaza Entertainment Complex in Culver City, CA; the Melodyland Theatre in Anaheim, CA; the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, NV ( later demolished and replaced with the Bellagio); and possibly the capstone of his career, the Simon Wiesenthal Center of Tolerance in Los Angeles.  By the time he retired in 1983 he had built more than 20,000 single-family homes and thousands of apartment projects then pioneered early shopping centres and went on to build office buildings, luxury condominiums, hotels and mixed-use projects. Maxwell was the brother of Staff Sergeant Morris Starkman (Ret’d), also of the Royal Canadian Engineers. 

Services will be held 31 December at noon at Hillside Memorial Park, Culver City, CA.  Memorial donations may be made to the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. ^{{dcApr17gd}[zri]}

Maxwell's brother, S/Sgt Morris Starkman (Ret'd), also served in the RCE.  He died in 2014.

We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Robert Overby (Ret’d) peacefully on 29 December 2003 in Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, Thunder Bay ON at the age of 92 years.

Robert was born in Reeder, North Dakota, USA.  He was a veteran of the Second World War who served overseas in "B" Company 1^st Battalion, Royal Canadian Engineers.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #5, Thunder Bay.

According to Robert's wishes, cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. ^{{gdMar2017dc} [zsd, zcc, zpp, zbd]}

We regret to advise of the death of Ross Logan Hutton at the Mewburn Veterans Hospital in Edmonton AB on 25 December 2003 at the age of 79.

Ross was born in Minnedosa MB.  He was a WWII veteran who served overseas with the Royal Canadian Engineers 2^nd Battalion as a dispatch rider.  During his service in the United Kingdom, he was involved in the construction of facilities and other projects to assist in the defence of the UK.  In 1943 he was injured and returned to Canada where he convalesced.

After his release, Ross returned home to Minnedosa and went into the electrical business and worked in this trade until his retirement as Alberta President of Newberry Energy in 1982.

In accordance with Ross's wishes, there will be no service.  Donations may be made to the Mewburn Veteran's Centre, 11440 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta.  ^{{gdSep2016kh}}

We regret to advise of the death of S/Sgt Harry Hall (Ret’d) of North Bay ON at the North Bay General Hospital-McLaren on 19 December 2003 at the age of 87 years.

Harry was born in Leicester, Leicestershire, England and came to Northern Ontario with his family in the 1930s. . He served in the Royal Canadian Engineers during the Second World War with the 31^st Field Company in Britain, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.

Harry will be remembered as a man whose many contributions gave quality of life to a community. He led an active life in his community: president of the North Bay Chamber of Commerce; served for 17 years as a councilor with Whitney Township; volunteered for many tasks; was a member of the North Bay Lions Club, the Masonic Lodge and executive member of the North Bay Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 23.

Harry's family will be receiving friends at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES, 362 Airport Road, on Sunday, December 22, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service, Monday, December 22. at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 301 Main Street at 11:00 a.m. Donations to the North Bay General Hospital Foundation in memory of Harry will be gratefully acknowledged by his family.

We regret to advise of the death of William Edward “Bill” Buxton on 18 December 2003 at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, MB where he had been residing since March 2000.

Bill was born in Victoria, BC and grew up at Fort Rodd Hill in Esquimalt. He had seven brothers and six sisters.  All of the boys served in the Second World War. Two brothers served in the Artillery and one in the Air Force. Bill and four others all served in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.  Bill saw action in Sicily and Italy. In his youth, he was a well-known featherweight boxer and his fast hands and power earned him the nickname 'Dynamite' Bill.

After the war, Bill, his English wife and son William* returned to British Columbia where Bill joined the Royal Canadian Engineers.  He served across the country including working on the initial construction of Camp Gagetown in the 1950s. He retired in 1965, settling in Winnipeg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society, Arrangements by the Garry Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery & Cremation Centre. ^{{dcApr2018gd} [zpp, zsd]}

*Bill's son, William David Buxton, also served in the RCE.  He died in 2011. One of Bill’s brothers was CWO Dick Buxton, DCM, CD who served as Quartermaster Sergeant Instructor (QMSI) at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, BC during the early 60s.  Buxton Drop Zone in Edmonton, AB is named for Dick Buxton who was killed in a parachuting accident while serving as RSM of the Canadian Airborne Regiment.