We regret to advise of the death of Chief Warrant Officer Robert "Elbows" Wadden, MMM, CD, C.E.T. (Ret’d) in Ottawa on 26 November 2021 at the age of 83 years.
A native of Port Morien, Cape Breton NS, Bob joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956. His military career with the Canadian Military Engineers spanned 28 years. Bob was one of the first group of young RCAF Technicians to be called “PumpMen” that later became known as Water Supply, Petroleum Oil and Lubricants Technician and, later, Water, Fuel and Environmental Technician.
Bob’s postings included RCAF Station Goose Bay; 2 Construction Maintenance Unit in Calgary AB; Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Cold Lake AB; CFB Winnipeg MB; CFB Rockcliffe ON; CFB St. Hubert QC; CFB Lahr (in Germany); Maritime Command Headquarters n Halifax NS; and CFB Shilo MB. He also deployed twice to Canadian Forces Station Alert.
At the age of 34, Bob was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CWO). At that time, he was the youngest CWO in the Canadian Armed Forces. Bob’s outstanding service and leadership was recognized in 1976 when he was awarded the Order of Military Merit.
Bob retired from the Canadian Forces in 1984 but spend the next 14 years in public service at National Defence Headquarters as a Senior Technologist in the Water, Fuels, and Environmental Section of Director Base Maintenance. Bob took on the role of mentorship at NDHQ in the Directorate of Base Maintenance for the development of his trade. In total, Bob dedicated 42 years of service to his country.
An avid Boston Bruins fan, and himself a talented and tough player, Bob “Elbows” Wadden played semi-pro hockey for the Bonnyville (Alberta) Pontiacs in the late 1950s and early 60s and on-base teams wherever he was posted. In 1976, Bob was player/coach of the Canadian Forces Europe hockey team, which made a return visit to Canada to win the Canadian Forces Hockey Championship.
Visitation will be at the Kelly Funeral Home-Orleans (2370 St. Joseph Blvd., Orleans K1C1G1, 613-837-2370) on Tuesday, 7 December 2021, at 9:30 AM, followed by a Memorial Service in the chapel at 11:oo AM. At the request of the family, attendance will be restricted to fully vaccinated guests only. Advanced registration is not required, however, all guests must supply proof of double vaccination and wear a mask to enter the facility.
In memorial donations to The Ottawa Mission or The Royal Canadian Legion are appreciated. On line condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
