We regret to advise of the death of Donald Leo Sudden on 22 November 2022 in Kitchener ON, a few days before reaching his 90th birthday. Don was the last national president of the former Korea Veterans Association of Canada.
Donald joined the Canadian Army in June 1951 to serve in Korea and went overseas with the 81st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery in January 1953. During the war in Korea, his battery fought in the epic Battle of Hill 187(2-3 May) when a huge raid by hundreds of enemy troops fought 'C' Company of the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. This was the final major battle fought by the Canadian Army in the Korean War, although all units stayed in action and fought with the enemy on other positions right through until the armistice that ended the war was signed on 27 July 1953. Don’s unit fought until the very deadline of 11 pm on that final night of 27 July 1953. After the armistice, Don’s regiment remained on the line in defensive positions along what was designated as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Don returned to Canada in March 1954 after 15 months of service in Korea. He continued to serve in the Canadian Army for 21 years of service and retired in 1972. During his military career, Don served in Vietnam in the International Control Commission (1965-66) and in Cyprus on a UN peacekeeping mission (1966-67).
Don was very active in the Korean Veterans Association of Canada and was the last President of the National Heritage Unit of KVA. He was a member of the South Woolwich Optimist Club for many years.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Don's life will be held on Saturday, 17 December 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home [507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467]. Reception to follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Preston RC Legion, Church of the Good Shepherd or House of Friendship would be appreciated by the family (cards available at the funeral home). For those unable to attend, Don's service may be viewed via livestream. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
