We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Alvin Lawrence “Art” Kolhsmith, CD (Ret’d), a Korean War veteran, in Leduc AB on 6 February 2025 on his 92nd birthday.
Born in Cobden ON, Art enrolled in the Canadian Forces in 1948 at age 17 and completed his basic Field Engineer training at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering (RCSME) in Chilliwack BC. In 1950, Art trained as a Heavy Equipment Operator and started his career with the Royal Canadian Engineers with a posting to Fort Churchill MB for one year followed by Shilo MB.
Art deployed to the Korean War with 59th Field Squadron In March 1953. On his return from Korea, he served with 1 Airborne Troop, RCE in Calgary from 1954 to 1958 before returning to RCSME for training as a Mechanic Royal Canadian Engineers (Mech RCE). Art subsequently served in Dundurn SK, 1 Field Squadron in Petawawa ON, Maritime Command Headquarters in Halifax NS, CFB Lahr, Germany, and National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa ON.
Art retired from the Canadian Forces in 1994 at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer after almost 36 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers. After his release, he worked with the Department of External Affairs as an Embassy and Consulate maintenance officer in the United States, Mexico City, and four embassies in South America. After working with the British High Commission in Ottawa, Art returned to DND where he worked on energy management in the Directorate of Environmental Stewardship,
Art moved to Leduc AB in 1989 in his retirement to be closer to his family and worked for the local school board as a maintenance specialist. He was a very active member of the Canadian Military Engineers Association and the Sappers Club. Art was also an active member of the Leduc branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Every November, before Remembrance Day, he was invited to talk to students in the various Black Gold School District schools. Art was a great storyteller; the students often found his military experiences riveting.
A celebration of life for Art was held on 21 February 2025, at 11:00 am at St. David’s United Church { 4614 48 Street in Leduc, AB}. If you would like to honour Alvin’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Leduc Royal Canadian Legion in lieu of flowers. E-transfers can be sent to rcl.leducoffice@gmail.com. Online condolences can be sent to the funeral home..
