Barnett "Barney" Danson, 1921-2011, R.I.P.

[The Bread Guy]

Barney Danson's life was forged on the battlefields of Normandy, where he was wounded, lost his three best friends and the sight in one eye, and found himself as a person.

Danson, who died Monday in Toronto, returned from the Second World War to found a successful business and an equally successful political career that saw him become defence minister. He went on to win many awards, help build the Canadian War Museum and be named a companion of Order of Canada.

But it was his experiences at war with the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, where he rose to lieutenant from ordinary rifleman, that had the greatest impact on him.

"Many of the things from my military experience were invaluable in shaping the rest of my life," he said in a 2002 interview.

"Certainly it was a great motivating factor in getting into politics in the first place." ....

Canadian Press, 18 Oct 11

 

[a78jumper]

He was also the founder of Katimavik, which as I recall had a military option. He was MND when I first got in and as I recall a pretty good one given he was not given a lot to work with in terms of funding by PET; I recall having a less warm feeling towards his successor.  Godspeed Sir.

 

[OldSolduer]

RIP Mr. Danson

 

[Danjanou]

MND when I joined up too.

RIP

 

[FlyingDutchman]

I am always saddened when a veteran passes.  Rest in peace.

 

[jollyjacktar]

He was also the founder of Katimavik, which as I recall had a military option. He was MND when I first got in and as I recall a pretty good one given he was not given a lot to work with in terms of funding by PET; I recall having a less warm feeling towards his successor.  Godspeed Sir.

Katimavik.  A term when it first came to the small town I grew up in, (and I am ashamed to say our small minded ideals) my friends and I called the participants "Freedos" when they arrived,  mostly from Quebec and Eastern Canada.  Looking back over the years I think it was a fantastic program that I am sure I would have benefited from with exposure to another part of Canada, doing something constructive and to the benefit of all involved (me, the community I would have been hosted with).  I'm not sure it the YTEP program was connected to it.  There was another good idea that gave young minds some proper direction in life too.

RIP, Sir.