Sgt Johannes `Joe` Jacobus Verburgh, CD (Ret'd)

We regret to advise of the death of Johannes `Joe` Jacobus Verburgh at Orchardview Long Term Care Facility, Gagetown, on 29 November 2012 at the age of 87. Joe was born in Nijmegen, Holland. After emigrating to Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in December 1953 in order to serve in Korea – even before he became a Canadian citizen. Joe did not deploy to Korea but was involved with his unit in the aftermath of Hurricane Hazel in 1954. In 1955-59 he served in Germany with 1 and 4 Field Squadrons and in 1959 was posted to 2 Field Squadron at Camp Gagetown. He then deployed to Egypt as part of the United Nations Emergency Force in 1959-60 and served at Canadian Forces Station Alert from September 1969 to March 1970. Joe was promoted to Master Corporal in 1973 and served in Cyprus with the Pioneer Platoon of 2 Royal Canadian Regiment from 1973 to 1974. Upon return from this deployment he was promoted to Sergeant in 1974 and retired in 1976. After his retirement Joe worked at the CE Section in CFB Gagetown from 1976 to 1979. He was a lifelong member of the International Order of Oddfellows, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 93 and was a proud member the Atlantic Retired Sappers Association. Visitation will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home on 2 December from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Oromocto Baptist Church on 3 December. Interment will be in Burton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Oromocto Baptist Church Building Fund would be appreciated by the family.