We regret to advise of the death of Major Henry Edward Roy (Hank) Colyer, CD (Ret'd), peacefully, at age 94 on 3 September 2015 at the Veterans’ Unit of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS.
Hank was a Royal Canadian Engineer veteran of the Second World War serving in the United Kingdom. He joined the Permanent Force after the war and served in Korea. A highlight of his post-war career was his time with No 1 Radiation Detection Unit that he commanded in 1957. He participated in the nuclear weapons effects trials in Nevada and Australia from 1953 to 1956 and, in 2008 he received a Minister of National Defence Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Service for his contribution to these trials. In 1961 Hank served with the Northwest Highway System – first for three years in uniform and then as Highway Superintendent with the Department of Public Works Canada. After Yellowknife, Hank was transferred to Churchill, MB with Public Works and eventually retired to Bridgetown, Nova Scotia.
Hank was an active member of every community in which he lived. He believed deeply in volunteer work and trying to leave a place “just a little bit better.” He was an Honourary Life Member of the Military Engineers Association of Canada, was a former President of the Bridgetown Board of Trade and a past President of the former Annapolis Valley Affiliated Boards of Trade.
A Lions Memorial Service was held on Monday, 7 September at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Legion Memorial Service at 7:00 pm from the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home. The funeral was held Tuesday, 8 September at Centrelea Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Centrelea Baptist Church or the Veterans’ Unit of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton. Online condolences may be made at www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com.
