Fallen Comrades (retired members)

[Pearson]

Mike and I went through basic and battle school together back in 87. He was a little bit of a party animal.  Cyprus in '88 together.
Just found out. Age is creeping up on us.
RIP

Mr. Michael Ross Orwick, age 47 years, a resident of Thunder Bay, passed away in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. Michael was born in Winnipeg and in his younger years was in the Armed Forces. Twenty years ago he moved to Thunder Bay, went to University and then taught for fourteen years. He was most recently working for the Fort William First Nation in employment and training. He is survived by his children Tarra, Kallur, Shonii and Shadow, parents Garry and Claudette, all of Thunder Bay, brothers Stephen of Victoria B.C., Daniel Halifax Nova Scotia, grandmother Lyla Bannon, aunts, uncle, cousins and other relatives and Marie also survive. He was predeceased by his grandparents Olaf and Margaret Orwick, Francis Pelletier and Martin Bannon. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. with Rev. Larry Kroker s.j. officiating. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. If friends desire, memorials to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

 

[BernDawg]

Ah F@#k!  Mike was a character that's for sure.  Thanks for passing it along brother.

 

[Edward Campbell]

This is sad, albeit expected news, reproduced under the Fair Dealing provisions (§29) of the Copyright Act from the Ottawa Citizen:

http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=145003429

Martin Montague

MONTAGUE, Martin James November 14, 1926 - August 28, 2010 Peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital, aged 83.

Community Builder, Passionate Fundraiser, Proud Tomato Gardener and Grandfather Extraordinaire. He leaves his wife Mary, his daughter Louise (Jorma Ikavalko), and grandchildren Jeffrey Donaldson and Stephanie Donaldson (Benjamin McCammon) and step-sons Michael Watson (Carol Mann) and Grant Watson, step-grandchildren Amanda and Ruth Watson. His spirit will live on in the heart of his sister Estelle Law of Renton, Washington. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Lauretta Montague (Monette), sisters Lillian Kealey, Nora Beatty, Loretta Laird and Cairine Carriere, brothers Jack, Albert, Bernard, Desmond, Edward, and William Martin. He will be fondly remembered by his many special nieces and nephews.

Martin served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 27 years and the Public Service of Canada as Director of International Programs in the Department of National Defense for 22 years. Martin was a proud WWII Veteran of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 4th Division, and fought in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland and Germany. He was one of the first Canadians to enter Holland.

Martin served his community well. He was a founding member and long-time Chairman of the Nepean Hydro Electric Commission. He was Past President of the City View and Nepean Kiwanis Clubs and Past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis International for Eastern Canada and the Caribbean. He served as Chairman of the Ontario Municipal Electric Association, the Nepean Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Parkwood Hills Community Association. Martin served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Ottawa Community Care Access Centre and the Kiwanis Club of Nepean. He was also a member of the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies and the Nepean Chamber of Commerce. Martin was a life-time member of the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation.

Friends are invited to visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road), Ottawa, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm Wednesday, September 1. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. John The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2340 Baseline Road, Ottawa on Thursday, September 2 at 11 am. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Kiwanis Club of Nepean, c/o Centurion Conference and Event Center, 170 Colonnade Road South, Ottawa, ON, K2E 7J5 for which Martin was a tireless fundraiser.

I knew Martin, on a collegial basis, back in the 1980s and 90s. My work involved a good deal of international negotiations and it was my pleasant duty to meet with Martin, a few times every year, to ensure that I was staying in my lanes. He was always a gentleman and always concerned, above all, with serving Canada.

 

[krustyrl]

Thank you for the service to your beloved country, Sir.       

 

[Haggis]

O'BRIEN, Thomas Joseph
- At the Cornwall Community Hospital on Thursday August 19, 2010. He was 77. He leaves his loving wife of 53 years, Carmel (St. Denis) O'Brien. Dear father of Kathleen Gignac (Louis), Claire Roy (Robert Payette), Anne O'Brien (Kathy Goulding), Kevin O'Brien (Tanya) and the late Susan O'Brien. Cherished grandfather of Nathan, Nicholas, Daniel, Julia and Alex. Also survived by one brother Robert O'Brien (Geraldine). Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Marcella (McElligott) O'Brien, and brothers Terry (late Betty) and Jack O'Brien (Jean). He served his country with honour and distinction for over four decades and was both Commanding Officer and later Honourary Colonel of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.  As expressions of sympathy memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association (Cornwall Chapter) would be appreciated by the family.

 

[xo31@711ret]

Albert Lussier
October 02, 1941 - September 01, 2010
After a long and courageous battle our beloved Abby passed away peacefully at his home on September 1, 2010 at the age of 68. Beloved husband of Peggy. Cherished hero of daughter Tylene Stephen and (Don Gibb), and son Tyler (Jenn) Lussier and step-daughters Marti Lussier, Cindy Cote and(Steve Yates) and Kim Lussier. Dear papa to his grandsons Zachary and Jacob Stephen, Dalton, Cole, Kullen Lussier, and Adam Rowe.  Albert was retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after 30 years of service. Albert served three tours of duty in Cyprus and served three years in Germany. He served with the Canadian Airborne Regiment.

I have many good memories of Sgt Lusier alias 'Papa Smurf' when I was a snot-nose pte of 18 in Dukes's Coy 1RCR in the early 80's.
RIP AL, you will not be forgotten.
PRO PATRIA 

 

[Old Sweat]

Major Goodine, a wartime anti-tank gunner, was the BC B Battery when I joined C Battery as a second lieutenant in 1961. He had a bit of a wicked wit and a prominent proboscis, which earned him the nickname of Needle Nose.

John Goodine 
GOODINE, John "Jack" Edward WWII (ret. Major) Peacefully at Billingswood Manor on Monday, September 13, 2010 at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee Rogers). Loving father of Sheila and Linda. Cherished grandfather of Lindsey, Lucas (Lyn), Dana, Mark (Katie) and Reyna. Great-grandfather of Skye, Maesie and Zachary. Predeceased by his siblings Dora, Richard, Robert and his grandson Alexander. In 1939, Jack lied about his age and at 17, went off to war as a gunner in the artillery. He met his war bride at 19 and they spent the next 70 years together. He will be dearly missed. Funeral Mass Thursday, September 16, 2010 at St, Maurice Roman Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Private Interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Maurice's Church, 4 Perry Street, Nepean, ON, K2G 1K5.

 

[Rheostatic]

Colonel Burt Lerner (Retired) 763 Comm Regt 84 Sigs

Colonel S.B. Lerner, OMM CD

1930-2010

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Colonel S. “Burt” Lerner, who passed away peacefully at 0905 hours on Tuesday, 24 August 2010 at the age of 80.

Colonel Saul Bernard Lerner was a native of Ottawa, Ontario. The Lerner family history in this city dates back to the mid – 1800s.

The son of a Lower – town merchant, Saul Lerner was born in Sandy Hill in 1930. He graduated from Lisgar Collegiate and attended Carleton College and the University of Ottawa. At Carleton, he joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps and was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals as a Lieutenant in 1951. He rose through the officer ranks and positions in the Regiment to become its commanding Officer in 1972. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel and appointed as the first Senior Communications Reserve Advisor to the Commander, Canadian Forces Communication Command and the Chief of Reserves, National Defence Headquarters.

Colonel Lerner was invested as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit by Governor General Edward Schreyer at Government House in December 1983. He was awarded his fourth clasp (signifying 52 years of service to Canada) in 2004.

In civilian life, Bert Lerner joined the Department of Energy Mines and Natural Resources as a cartographer and subsequently managed its Branch Computer Systems Control Unit. He retired from Public Service in 1990.

Colonel Lerner was the Honourary Colonel of 763 (Ottawa) Communication Regiment until September 2008 and chaired the Regimental Historical Committee, charged with the collection and preservation of the Regiment’s history as it has unfolded over the years. Colonel Lerner is a former Vice President at the National Council of the Associations of Communications and Electronics, previously serving in many capacities on the Ottawa Chapter’s Executive. He also formerly contributed his experience and knowledge in both military communications and computer systems analysis to the Ottawa – Carleton Regional Police Force.

In keeping with his wishes, the service will be restricted to family members only. The Commanding Officer of 763 Communication Regiment, Colonel Lerner’s former unit, will be holding a get-together in his honour. The details will be promulgated once known. It lieu of flowers, his family represented by his sister, Barbara, suggests that a donation be made in his name to the Heart Institute. The website for the institute is: www.ottawaheart.ca/about_us/make-a-donation.htm . He will be sorely missed by all who have served with him.

VELOX VERSUTUS VIGILANS

 

[muskrat89]

Colonel Jim Turnbull - 3rd Field Artillery Regiment

Ubique

From this article in the Telegraph Journal: http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1296242

SAINT JOHN - Final tribute will be paid today to the great passion that James Hendricks Turnbull had for all things military.

Col. James H. Turnbull In a final show of respect, members of 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company), which he served with distinction as both colonel and honorary colonel, will transport the body of their former commanding officer by gun carriage from King Street East to historic Trinity Anglican Church in uptown Saint John for funeral service at 3 p.m.

Turnbull, a Saint John war veteran, businessman, community activist and family man, died Sunday at Driftwood, his Red Head home, following a brief illness. He was 87.

He is being remembered by friends, family and military and business associates as an exemplary citizen soldier, mentor and loyal friend.

"Jim was the epitome of an officer and gentleman," said lawyer and longtime friend E. Neil McKelvey, who will deliver the eulogy at Turnbull's funeral.

"He was a particularly good officer, a pretty good army man," he said. "He was also a gentleman. He was friendly with everybody. He respected everybody. And he had a wide circle of friends locally, nationally and internationally."

Turnbull is being remembered as "a consummate Canadian citizen soldier" by former Saint John mayor Bob Lockhart, a broadcaster and officer in the reserves.

"Jim served Canada in wartime and the city of Saint John for the rest of life," Lockhart said.

"He was my business partner, my commanding officer and lifelong friend. He was the other dimension of a soldier in that he saw in Canada's cadet movement the need first to be a good citizen. He was unscrupulously fair in business dealings with everyone and his family supported every worthy cause throughout his lifetime."

Lockhart recalled how as local chairman of the Corps of Commissionaires, "(Turnbull) strongly influenced prominent citizens to serve in that not-of-profit organization" and spoke of the leading role he played in bringing the Tattoo 200 Bicentennial military tattoos to the Barrack Green Armouries in 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Turnbull served overseas with the 5th Canadian Armoured Division in the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands.

After studying at Khaki University of Canada in Leavesden, England, he returned to Saint John in 1946 and began his business career with the Bank of Nova Scotia, eventually moving into insurance and the establishment of his own agency, Park-Stethem Insurance Ltd.

In 1956, he was one of the first individuals in New Brunswick to achieve the designation of Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

Over time, he became a director of Fundy Broadcasting Ltd. (CFBC), Connors Bros. Ltd., and Fundy Cablevision, while volunteering for numerous charitable, religious and service organizations.

For more than 60 years, he was a dedicated reservist and gunner, particularly with the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. He also maintained active involvement in the Byng Boys, Royal Canadian Artillery Association, Army Cadet League, Conference of Defense Associations, and the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires.

In 1978, Gov.-Gen. Jules Léger appointed Turnbull an Officer of the Order of Military Merit and, in 1993, he was named as Commander in the Order of St. John.

Major Frank Irvin, a retired member of the regular forces who became Turnbull's commanding officer when he moved from CFB Gagetown in 1970 as officer in charge of western New Brunswick, said they quickly became a fast friends.

"Jim Turnbull was a very dedicated officer and he was very dedicated to the artillery," he added.

"He was always a very gentle man, and a gentleman. I enjoyed discussing things with him. He didn't leap at things. He thought things out. He took advice and considered it properly.

"He was a great friend and great man to work with," he added.

"I really miss him."

Bernard Cormier, the City of Saint John's cultural affairs officer, considered Turnbull a mentor, as well as a friend. And as master of ceremonies for last year's annual Remembrance Day service at Harbour Station, Cormier had a hand in selecting Turnbull as the reviewing officer.

"It was quite a proud moment for him and we were glad to be able to do that," Cormier said.

Born in Saint John on Feb. 7, 1923, of United Empire Loyalist stock, Turnbull was a son of late Major Eber Hendricks and Florence Evelyn (Stopford) Turnbull.

Turnbull was predeceased by his wife, Margaret (McLean); an infant son; and sisters Sally Biscoe and Arras Saunders.

He is survived by his son, James H. Turnbull Jr. of Millidgeville; daughter Heather F. Turnbull of Toronto; foster daughter, Doris Pico of Oregon; nieces nephew and grandchildren.

"All dads were special," his son, Jim Jr., said Friday. "

What made my dad special for my sister Heather and I is the fact that he led by example. He never told us you need to volunteer, he was never at us to do those types of things. We just saw what he was up to.

"It has only been really in the past couple of days that we have got the full picture of just what he was involved in, the many different organizations - religious, social and community affairs and so on."

 

[Nfld Sapper]

CANFORGEN 224/10 CMP 098/10 101305Z NOV 10

NOTIFICATION OF DEATH - CWO (RET) R.P.A. OSSIDE, OMM, CD CF CWO FROM 7 JUL 78 TO 5 JUL 82
UNCLASSIFIED



CPO1 J.A.R. CLEROUX, CANADIAN FORCES CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER, ANNOUNCES WITH GREAT REGRET THE DEATH OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER (RET) R.P.A. OSSIDE, OMM, CD, ON 4 NOVEMBER 2010, AT THE AGE OF 80


BORN 14 JAN 30 IN MONTREAL, CWO OSSIDE ENROLLED WITH THE ROYAL 22E REGIMENT IN FEB 49. HE SERVED WITH ALL THE R22E R REG F BATTALIONS, AND AT CANADIAN FORCES BASES, SAINT-JEAN, VALCARTIER, WAINWRIGHT, BORDEN, GAGETOWN AND OTTAWA. CWO OSSIDE WAS DEPLOYED TO KOREA FROM JUL 52 TO APR 53 WITH THE 1ER R22E R. HE RECEIVED THREE SUCCESSIVE POSTINGS TO GERMANY, FIRST, FROM JUN 55 TO AUG 57, THEN, FROM AUG 65 TO JUL 68, AND FINALLY, FROM AUG 76 TO JUN 78. A DEPLOYMENT TO CYPRUS FOLLOWED FROM OCT 68 TO MAR 69. IN 1974 HE WAS PROMOTED TO CWO AND BECAME AN INFANTRY CAREER MANAGER IN OTTAWA. ONCE AGAIN IN GERMANY, HE WAS SELECTED TO SERVE AS 1ER R22E R REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR FROM AUG 76 TO JUN 78, AND DECORATED WITH THE ORDER OF MILITARY MERIT IN 1978. THE PRESTIGIOUS POSITION OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER OF THE CANADIAN FORCES WAS CREATED THAT YEAR, FOR WHICH CWO OSSIDE WAS SELECTED. HE HELD THIS POSITION UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE CANADIAN FORCES ON 11 NOV 82


VISITATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE BEECHWOOD NATIONAL MEMORIAL CENTRE, 280 BEECHWOOD AVENUE, OTTAWA, ON NOVEMBER 12 2010, FROM 0930 HRS TO 1100 HRS, FOLLOWING WHICH A GRAVESIDE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY


SIGNED BY RADM A. SMITH, CMP

 

[Edward Campbell]

Lieutenant General (retired) René Gutknecht
Born: July 23, 1930  Died: January 2, 2011


It is with great sadness that I learned, today, of the death of LGen Gutnecht; he was one of the really good leaders the CF had during the decades of darkness in the '70s and '80s; another of the few known as "the best CDS we never had."

 

[George Wallace]

This message from the desk of Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Cadieu (CO LdSH(RC) ):

  Subject: Funeral Arrangements - Lieutenant-General (Retired) René Gutknecht

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As previously communicated, the Armoured Corps is mourning the loss of Lieutenant-General (Retired) René Gutknecht, who passed away on 2 January 2011 in Ottawa. The purpose of this email is to communicate funeral arrangements for General Gutknecht. I ask that you distribute this information widely on your respective nets to ensure the latest information is available to those who would like to pay their respects to General Gutknecht and his family. I will remain in direct contact with the Gutknecht family - if there are any changes to this information, I will communicate it immediately via these means. Further, I will distribute separately to those involved an email summarizing specific military support to this funeral, as applicable and requested by the family.Funeral Arrangements. The life of General Gutknecht will be celebrated at the Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa, ON, 613-741-9530) on Friday, 7 January 2011 (note this is a change of venue as the initial location might not be able to accommodate the contingent of mourners expected to attend). A visitation will be conducted from 1100-1300 hrs, immediately followed by a celebration of life service and a reception. Military members are welcome to attend. Dress for serving members will be DEU 1A (tunic with medals) and black mourning arm band. It would also be appropriate for retired members to wear medals at this solemn occasion.

Find attached a link to Beechwood Cemetery, which includes a map for directions: http://www.beechwoodcemetery.com/index.php/en

Points of Contact. It is acknowledged that a number of serving and retired members from the Ottawa and Kingston areas will want to attend General Gutknecht's funeral. In order to facilitate planning, it is requested that serving and retired military personnel contact the following Strathcona representatives as soon as possible to confirm their attendance. These individuals will provide me and the family an estimate of personnel expected to attend:
- Ottawa: Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Connolly, [email protected], 613-614-6532
- Kingston: Lieutenant-Colonel Trevor Gosselin, [email protected], 613-541-5010, ext 8706

Condolences. Condolences can be forwarded to Eric and Jacquelin Gutknecht (son and daughter-in-law) at the following address. Further, should anyone wish, donations in General Gutknecht's memory can be made to the Heart Institute of Ottawa or the Salvation Army, an organization to which he belonged to the Board of Directors.Eric and Jacquelin Gutknecht 6530 Greely West Drive Greely, ON K4P 1B5

Remembrance Anecdotes. In order to preserve memories of General Gutknecht, the family would be grateful to anyone who might be able to forward stories of remembrance recalling any special recollections involving the General and his many friends both in the military and civilian life. Anecdotes can be forwarded in the coming weeks to Eric and Jacquelin at the mailing address provided, directly to Jacquelin at [email protected], or to Kathy Batty for consolidation. Clearly, the loss of Lieutenant-General Gutknecht will be felt throughout the entire Corps. During his 34 years of service in the Canadian Forces, General Gutknecht served with both the Royal Canadian Dragoons and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), the latter of which he commanded in Germany from 31 July 1968 to 5 June 1970. He served with the Military Component of the Canadian Delegation in Vietnam and in India and Pakistan with the United Nations. In Lahr, Germany he was Senior Staff Officer, Operations. He became Commander, 5e Groupement de Combat, Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, Montreal, in 1975 and also served as Chief of Staff Operations and Deputy Commander, Mobile Command, St. Hubert, Quebec. From 1980-1985 he was the Canadian Military Representative to NATO Headquarters in Brussels. He was Commandant of the Ottawa Division, Canadian Corps of Commissionaires (1985-1989) and The Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod of the Senate of Canada (1989-1990). Lieutenant-General Gutknecht was Colonel of the Regiment Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) from 11 November 1986 to 11 November 1992, and he served as Colonel Commandant The Royal Canadian Armoured Corps from 1992 to 1995.

Again, I will communicate changes via these means if required and I will contact individuals directly to coordinate military support to the funeral.

Perseverance,

Trevor T. (Trevor) Cadieu
Lieutenant-Colonel
Commanding Officer/Commandant
Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians)

 

[wildman0101]

RIP Rene 
Lieutenant-General (Retired) René Gutknecht Sir:
It was an honour to serve with you, You treated
us Armour'd slob's like gold. Damn you were one too.
You will not be forgotten Rene  :yellow:
Condilence's to Comrade's,, Family,, Friend's,,
Bold and Swift ,,
Scoty B iper:

 

[Rifleman62]

I had lunch with Fred several times when I visited Thunder Bay.

A gentleman, well spoken, proud of his regiment. As the picture attached indicates, a handsome (Little Black) Devil!

Photo: Fred Bragnalo, October 24, 1944.

I reflect on our Greatest Generation and the debt we Canadians owe. They are going to fast.

Below, an item from Fred as printed in the Blast.

My name is Fred Bragnalo, ex-Sergeant of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, 7th Brigade, 3rd Div.

I'd just like to talk a little bit about the liberation of Calais. After the Falaise Gap, the 3rd Div. was cleaning up the coastal batteries that were still bombing England when the 7th Brigade was called off in order to advance and take the coastal port of Calais. During our drive, the R.W.R. was ordered to take Fort Nieulay, which was laying in the line of our advance. D and B Company were given the initial assignment, but had to withdraw after coming under devastating fire. A Company with No. 7 Platoon in the lead advanced through the ditch on the right side of the road. Under small covering fire and continued bombardment, Lt. Embury and Sgt. Mouflier ordered me (at the time, I was a Corporal and a Section Leader) to make my way to the gate and blow it open with a banglor torpedo. With riflemen King, Anderson and Haywood, we ran across the road under small cover. We reached the gate and found it partly destroyed and hanging at an angle, apparently from a direct hit from our 'typhies' [Typhoon fighter planes]. At this time our 'wasps' (flamethrowers, that is) reached in and sprayed the inner walls of the compound. Immediately, we followed the wasps into the fort, and the remainder of 7 Platoon and A Company completed the assault and captured one hundred and eighty-two prisoners. (?) and Anderson were both wounded during this assault. Haywood and I ran for the garrison headquarters, caught the German commander Colonel Schraider by surprise, and he quickly surrendered to me with his faithful dog at his side. I relieved him of his Mauser pistol, along with the armband and flag. Then the company settled in the fort bunkers, which the enemy counter-attacked with heavy artillery fire. An escaping Jew by the name of John Wolpe ran into our lines and subsequently convinced an additional twenty German troops to surrender. John Wolpe became very helpful to us as an interpreter in subsequent encounters until he was wounded and evacuated.

With the capture of Fort Nieulay, the door to Calais was now open. After a twenty-four hour truce to allow the civilians to evacuate, the full-scale assault on Calais was avoided, as Major General (?) convinced the German Commander (?) to surrender with seventy-five hundred prisoners. Our 7th Brigade casualties were approximately three hundred, of which seventy were from the Royal Winnipeg Rifles.

We will Remember him.

Bragnalo, Fredrick

Published: 

Friday, January 7, 2011

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and great grandfather, Fredrick J. Bragnalo. Fred, age 88, passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, with family by his side.

Fred was born in Fort William on February 26, 1922. He married Mary Delaqua on July 3, 1948 and together they raised 4 children until her passing in 1982. After brief employment with Canada Car, Fred began his longstanding military service with the Royal Winnipeg Rifles in 1939. He proudly served his country in World War II, where he saw active duty in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was a veteran of the Normandy campaign and was wounded in action on October 24, 1944. Until his passing, this was the last time Fred was in the hospital. After a period of convalescence, he rejoined his unit in January 1945 and participated in the liberation of Holland until VE Day and the end of hostilities in Europe. With numerous commendations he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant on March 26, 1946.

Fred continued his dedicated service to his country through his selfless commitment to the betterment of his community, leaving a legacy that is still being felt today. While it is difficult to do justice to the effects of his leadership, his efforts centred around the development and growth of youth in sport and led to many firsts in Northwestern Ontario, including the establishment of Little League Baseball, the Royal Canadian Legion Track and Field, the Lakehead Sports Celebrity Dinner and the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Fred served on the Board of Directors of the Children Aid’s Society, the Amateur Athletic Union of Canada, and Victoria Order of Nurses. Fred was also an active lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

His long-time community service was recognized through numerous awards, culminating in his recent induction into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, an honour that both Fred and his family were extremely proud of and were fortunate enough to celebrate together this past September.

Throughout his active volunteer service Fred continued his employment with Underwood LTD. from 1947-1966. He then moved onto District Manager with Corby Distillers, until retirement on March 1, 1987. Although his family was always an integral part of his life, after retirement Fred was able to spend quality time taking care of and enjoying those he loved.

Fred is survived and proudly remembered by son David (Margaret) and their children Christian, Suzanne (Frank Laceria) and Kelly; son Rick (Helen) and their children Richelle (Steve Gorst), Tyler (Mel) and Kris (Heather); daughter-in-law Terri and children Trevor and Kevin; daughter Donna (Marty Melchior) and son Finnegan. Fred is also survived by great grandchildren Gabriella and Sofi Laceria, Alexa and Aydan Gorst, Maya and Avi Bragnalo, and Kali and Keegan Bragnalo. Surviving siblings include brother Ronald (Mary Ann), sisters Flo, Jean (Allan Frost), Sally and Rita (Ken LaPointe), as well as sister-in-laws Dina, Angela and Julie. In addition Fred is remembered and will be sadly missed by long time companion Elaine Tonkin.

Fred was predeceased by his wife Mary (1982), son Ken (1988), infant great grandson Steven Daniel Gorst (2000) and brothers Leslie, Frank, Romildo, Angelo and Arnold.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 10, 2011 with Mass celebrated at St. Dominic’s Church at 10 a.m. Interment will take place in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Prayers will be offered on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 3 p.m. also at St. Dominic’s Church. In conjunction with the prayers a Royal Canadian Legion service of honour will be held.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff in the ICU at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, in particular doctors Ahmed, Davenport, Migay and nurses Kathleen, Pam and Charles. Your care and compassion for our dad was indeed beyond compare.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame, Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

FJB – “We are all very proud to share your name”

A tree will be planted in memory of Frederick Bragnalo in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 10, 2012.

On-line Condolences
may be sent to
www.blakefuneralchapel.com

 

[OldSolduer]

RIP Sgt Bragnolo. 

Rest assured that we will carry on the traditions that you and others who went before us will be maintained. 

Hostie Acie Nominatae.

 

[the 48th regulator]

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Vincent+Scully+family+firm+decades/4124728/story.html#ixzz1BPuqis7J




Vincent Scully ran family firm for decades


By Jan Ravensbergenthe gazette, Montreal Gazette January 18, 2011


MONTREAL - A symbolic page in Canada's rich military history has quietly been turned, with the death of Vincent Gladstone Scully at age 98.

From 1956 through 2002, Scully served as president and patriarch of William Scully Ltd. of Montreal - long the country's foremost producer of military and police headgear, regimental regalia and many other accoutrements of command and authority.

His was the third generation to run the Montreal family firm. Since 1877, through war and peace, Scully's has played an integral role in furnishing Canada's military with its markings of rank and service.

It "has probably stamped more crowns than any company outside the mint," said Will Scully, 35, Vincent Scully's successor as president - a grandson to whom he passed the torch.

The caps, badges, pips, sashes, rank insignia, ceremonial swords and regimental colours supplied to Canada's military were always underlain with a much more profound mission, Vincent Scully wrote in 1996:

"Remember," he urged, "and honour the countless soldiers, sailors and airmen who have served and sacrificed that Canadians should have the freedom and independence that we now enjoy.

"Every man and woman who served in the armed forces of Canada has worn a Scully product," he added.

One is John de Chastelain, twice Canada's chief of defence staff, who reflected that "in a sense, Scully's has been part of the building of Canada, in its particular field."

Vincent Scully, he added, was "very much a part of the old-school business community in Montreal."

When the patriarch died Jan. 10 after repeated bouts with pneumonia, he'd taken less than a decade of retirement - having played a determining and characteristically self-effacing role in extending the span of the company's service to 134 years.

Poised to retire in his mid-60s, he chose instead to soldier on after family tragedy claimed the lives of two of his three sons. In 1976, Richard Scully, then 31 and his designated successor as president, was shot in a Nuns' Island elevator murder. A bomb blast six months later killed Robert Scully, then 36. Neither case was ever solved.

"The wound would never heal, nor could it be expected to heal," friend Paul Dole recalled. However, "Vince faced these devastating losses and fulfilled his family commitments while maintaining a dedication to his company and staff with a generous and kindly heart."

He is survived by a third son, John, who remains a key player in the production side of the business.

Vincent Scully began working at the firm at 14. He was well-read, Dole said, and when among friends "exuded hospitality, conversation and conviviality."

And Scully's, the legacy he led and nurtured into his 90s, remains "the first place you go" for military uniform accessories, said Bruce Bolton, former commanding officer of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada in Montreal. "The quality of their work has always been outstanding," he said, with Vincent Scully as "a very behind-the-scenes man."

The firm has conserved a vast range of mementos and tradition speaking to heritage, honour and duty - even as it mounts the medals earned by Canadian troops in Afghanistan.

A football player and rower, Vincent Scully joined the Royal Montreal Regiment in 1930, later winning an officer's commission with the Royal Canadian Artillery.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, he joined the Victoria Rifles. He later resigned his commission to become a sergeant in the Royal Canadian Air Force - only to be denied the overseas wartime service for which he was eager.

William Scully, the firm's founder, was born in Ontario of Irish parents. A decade after Confederation, he established the military-outfitting business in Toronto. In 1908, he moved Scully's to Montreal and, simultaneously, into manufacturing.

As Vincent Scully wrote in 1985, the founder "guaranteed our government that his every product would equal or surpass the products of the finest British Houses. The firm has not deviated from this standard."

Expropriated in 1955 from the site of what is now Place Ville Marie, Scully's moved into the city's east end in 1966. Its workforce peaked at 220 tradespeople during wartime, and is now three dozen.

Vincent Scully was pre-deceased by Dorothy Harper, whom he married in 1939. He is survived by Dorothy Keddie, his second wife.

Other survivors include six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His ashes are to be laid to rest in the spring.

[email protected]

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

courtesy of scully family William Scully, founder of Canada's main producer of military and police headgear and regimental regalia.
Photograph by: Allen McInnis, Montreal Gazette

Allen mcinnis the gazette A set of mounted medals on display at the William Scully Ltd. factory in Montreal. Vincent Scully led the company's activities into his '90s.
Photograph by: Allen McInnis, Montreal Gazette

 

[armyvern]

My grandfather. Proud former member of the military and WWII veteran who suffered from "Trade Deficit Disorder"; it pleases me to know that he went peacefully this morning ~~ surrounded by family.

I will miss him.

Cheers grandpa.

Ralph Wightman
(July 2, 1921 - January 18, 2011)

Major Ralph Frederick Wells Wightman, CD, Ret’d, died peacefully on January 18th at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre at the age of 89. Born in Amherst, NS on July 2, 1921, he was a son of F. Carmen and Ruth (Tingley) Wightman. He later lived in Kentville, NS where he was educated. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1940 with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He was subsequently transferred to the Royal Canadian Artillery serving in Newfoundland Labrador with the 25th Anti-aircraft Regiment in St. John’s and Torbay and later with the 23rd Anti-Aircraft Regiment RCA in Sydney, NS and proceeded overseas as a reinforcement officer for the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and the Canadian Provost Corp serving in England and Northwest Europe. Following World War II he became the manager of Dominion Stores in Windsor, NS and later manager for Eastern Agriculture Lime Distributer Ltd. In 1949 he was reappointed to the Canadian Army Regular Force Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps then to the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps as a supply officer, Halifax, NS, Gagetown, NB, and at the Directorate of Ordinance Services, Army headquarters, Ottawa, ON. In 1965 he was posted to the International Control and Supervisory Commission serving in Vietnam for one year. Upon his return he worked with the Centennial Directorate, controlling all financial matters related to the Centennial Program within Department of National Defence for Canada’s Centennial year of 1967. Following the Centennial he was with the Directorate Canex as Merchandising Staff Officer. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1970.

Upon his retirement, he was employed by the United Church Home for Senior Citizens, Sackville, NB for a ten year period as Executive Director, operating the Drew Nursing Home and Tantramar Residences, creating major growth and improvements to the home’s status. He was founding Director for the New Brunswick Association of Registered Nursing Homes. He was an active member of Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church and former Trustee and Board member. He was a member of the Masonic order, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Lebanon Lodge #28, Sackville, NB and Sussex Lodge #4, Dorchester, NB. He was Past Master of the Acacia Lodge #8, Amherst and Past District Deputy Grand Master District #6, a member of the Scottish Rite and former Shriner. He also served for a number of years as President of the Amherst District Council of Scouts Canada. He was president of the Amherst Cemetery Board for 24 years carrying out major landscaping and management programs. He worked to improve the overall condition of the Cemetery from its appearance to its buildings, roads and perpetual care fund. He was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as Past President of the Canadian Provost Corps, Maritime Division. He is survived by his wife of sixty five years, the former Muriel Eileen Irwin, two daughters Ruth (Fred) Gamble, Collingwood, NS and Jane (Jack) McDonald, Kentville, NS, two sons, Peter (Laura) Falmouth, NS and David (Dale) Amherst, NS, daughter-in-law Lois Wightman, Amherst, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Helen M. Wade, Kentville, 1942, brother John, Sackville, NB, 2000 and son Sgt. Ralph C. Wightman, Amherst, 2008. Ralph is resting at Campbell’s Funeral Home, Amherst, NS. Visitation will be Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Masonic service and funeral service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. from Trinity St. Stephen’s United Church, Amherst with Rev. Susan Estabrooks officiating. Interment will take place at a later date in the Amherst Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to the family via: www.campbellsamherst.ca

 

[OldSolduer]

Veronica, please accept my condolences. Losing someone that you respect and love is the toughest thing we'll ever have to face.

RIP Major Wightman

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Vern,

My condolences, I will presume to speak for other Brothers here.

The lambskin or white leather apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason.  The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence; by the lambskin the Mason is, therefore, reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

The evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.  By it, we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny beyond the "world of shadows" and that there dwells within our tabernacle of clay, an imperishable, immortal spirit, over which the grave has no dominion, and death not power.

Friend and Brother, we bid thee a last, a long Farewell.  Thou art at rest from thy labours; may you rest in peace.  So mote it be.  Amen.

 

[the 48th regulator]

Vern,

My condolences, I will presume to speak for other Brothers here.

The lambskin or white leather apron is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason.  The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of innocence; by the lambskin the Mason is, therefore, reminded of that purity of life and conduct which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.

The evergreen is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul.  By it, we are reminded of our high and glorious destiny beyond the "world of shadows" and that there dwells within our tabernacle of clay, an imperishable, immortal spirit, over which the grave has no dominion, and death not power.

Friend and Brother, we bid thee a last, a long Farewell.  Thou art at rest from thy labours; may you rest in peace.  So mote it be.  Amen.

So Mote it be.

dileas

tess