We regret to advise of the death of Honorary Colonel James Robert Happer, CD (Ret’d) of Abbotsford BC, peacefully on 29 May 2024 at the age of 85 years.
James was born in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, but his family returned to England before the outbreak of WWII, eventually making a permanent home in Ealing, London. James began a five-year apprenticeship at John Dickinsons paper mill at the age of 16. As he also attended technical college, he became a qualified mechanical engineer. James emigrated to Canada in 1970 and settled in Lynn Valley in North Vancouver BC where his Canadian work career started at Wire Rope Industries.
James joined the Canadian Army Reserves in 1973.as a Sapper with 6th Field Engineer Squadron in North Vancouver. The following year, he received an officer’s commission. James was promoted to Captain in 1976 and qualified for the rank of Major in 1980. James served in the unit until 1990, when he retired and transferred to the Supplementary Reserve.
In 1980, James moved his family to Abbotsford to take up a position at Turner Building Products in Mission. Later, he was employed with CPI Equipment in Langley, Wexxar Packaging in Steveston and retired as Senior Project Engineer from Tree Island Industries, Richmond.
James transferred to the Cadet Instructor List in 1997 to take command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in Abbotsford BC and was promoted to the rank of Major in September of that year. Major Happer relinquished command of 861 Silverfox Squadron in 2000 and transferred back to the Supplementary Reserve. In 2004, James became the Liaison Officer for the affiliation between 6th Field Engineer Squadron and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) in the United Kingdom.
Major Happer was appointed Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 6th Field Engineer Squadron in 2005. In 2009, following the stand-up of 39 Combat Engineer Regiment, he was appointed as the first Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the new regiment. James was subsequently promoted to Honorary Colonel of the Regiment in January 2012 and held that appointment until 2015. James was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
During his 44 years as an Abbotsford resident, James contributed countless hours to the community, especially the youth. In addition to his being the Commanding Officer of 861 Silverfox Air Cadet Squadron, he was committee chairman of the Abbotsford Scouts, and he coached youth and men’s soccer teams. James was a member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, where he was Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Board of Managers, helped with the downtown homeless ministry, and organized the Men’s Fellowship for 27 years.
James was a proud and active member of the local Legion Branch 15, handling the master of ceremonies duty on multiple years for the City of Abbotsford’s Remembrance Parade, Battle of Britain Day Service and the Vimy Ridge Candlelight Service.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, 14 July 2024, at Calvin Presbyterian Church {33911 Hazelwood Avenue, Abbotsford}. Donations In memory of James can be made to VETS Canada, Canadian Cancer Society or Calvin Presbyterian Church. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
