Fallen Comrades (retired members)

[Eye In The Sky]

RIP, RSM Russell.

 

[OldSolduer]

RIP RSM

 

[Humphrey Bogart]

OBITUARY FOR WILLIAM BRANCH

William Blair Branch, CD, MS (Ret), 56 of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia formerly of Bathurst, New Brunswick peacefully passed on October 11, 2019 at the Dartmouth General Hospital after a brief illness with family at his side. Born October 19, 1962, the second son of Norman William and the late Ethel Joyce (Scott) Branch.

He is survived by his daughter Nicole Erin Branch of Truro Nova Scotia and survived by brothers Kenneth (Monique) of Clifton, NB, Robert of Oakbank, MB and sister Chantal Tycholiz (Ronald) of Kenora, ON. He is also survived by nieces and nephew, Charlene, Samantha, Jenna, and Jayden.

Billy graduated from Bathurst High School in 1982 then pursued the Youth Training Employment Program with the Canadian Armed Forces and decided to join the regular forces in 1983 as a Naval Steward. MS Branch’s career included postings from CFS Shelburne, NS to CFB Esquimalt, BC. During these postings he served on the HMCS Athabascan, Iroquois, Preserver, and the Vancouver. His naval NATO and Peacekeeping tours included; CFS Alert (x2), Adriatic Sea (x2), Afghanistan (x1). He participated in the Cross Canada International Tattoo in 1985. After 24 years of dedicated service to Queen and country MS Branch was honorably discharged. During his retirement Billy took up employment with the Corps of Commissioners in the City of Halifax. In his spare time, you would find Billy tending to his immaculate kept yard, waxing his Ford trucks and loving his cats. He was full of life, and when Billy walked in a room his bright smile warmed the place. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the opportunity to know him.

Our family send heartfelt thanks to the physicians and staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital; 3 West for their professionalism and dedication during this difficult time.

There will be no visitation. Billy’s wishes a committal of ashes at sea with a celebration of life; time and place to be determined.

Donations in the memory of Billy may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. To view or leave a condolence please visit: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com

Billy's parents were my next door neighbours for my entire childhood.  All his brothers also served in the CAF and his sister Chantal is married to a former Combat Engineer.

Great bunch of people who loved their trucks and family.  Found memories of Billy waxing his truck meticulously every Saturday!

 

[Edward Campbell]

Deeply sad to learn of the death, at age 92, of my mentor and, I daresay, friend, Colonel Don Strong.

Don enlisted in the Canadian Army, in The Royal Canadian Regiment, during World War II. He was selected for commissioning and was part of the Royal Military College's "New One Hundred" Class of 1952 - the first graduating class when the college reopened at the end of World War Two.  Upon graduation, as an electrical engineer, he went back to war, this time in Korea, as a Signal Officer.

I worked for Don a couple of times ~ he was a hard task-master but, unfailingly kind and willing to explain why he always wanted things done the right way, the first time and why it was even more important to do the right thing rather than just doing things right. In one particular instance, I recall that he gave me leave to follow a somewhat risky course of staff action and then stood up to a group of sceptical very senior officers to defend me because he was convinced that I was doing what the Army needed, even if my solution to a problem was unconventional. 

Don and his lovely wife Jeannie were, very simply, good people ~ examples to us all. He shall be sorely missed.

 

[Edward Campbell]

I'm very sad to learn of the death of my longtime friend and mentor and, once CO, Col W.E. Bill Grant.

Here's the official stuff:

After a life well-lived, Bill passed away peacefully at home by his wife’s side on Remembrance Day.  A fitting timing for a Veteran who proudly devoted 41 years of service to his country.  Bill was predeceased by his parents, sister, niece Joanne Hogarth and his first wife Suzanne.  His memory will be forever cherished by his wife Ruth Matte and stepson Simon Matte.  His dry humour, kindness, gentlemanly spirit and generosity will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Annabelle Hogarth and Grant Hogarth and their families.  Bill was also instantly embraced by Ruth’s “Clark” family of 35+ brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews and all their friends as well.  Bill’s special bond with Ruth’s brother Oliver, and his wife Sharon Clark, was one of his most important retirement friendships.  They totally enriched each other’s life.  Plus Oliver transformed Bill into the Perley Day Program’s billiards shark at age 83!

Bill was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and graduated from UBC with a degree in History.  He had over 37 years commissioned service in the Canadian Armed Forces in tactical command control, communications and intelligence.  Eighteen of these years were out-of-country: residing in six countries and representing/officially visiting an additional 20 countries on behalf of Canada.  His career was highlighted by several notable assignments including serving as Second-in-Command 56 Canadian Signal Squadron, United Nations Emergency Force, Egypt, as well as a series of increasingly senior appointments: Commanding Officer, 4th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Headquarters & Signal Squadron, Soest and Lahr Germany.  Chief, Policy and Requirements Branch, NATO HQ; Canadian Forces Attaché, Prague, Czechoslovakia (pre-democracy period) and Canadian Forces Attaché in Seoul, Korea.  During his five years in Seoul, he also served as Chief, Canadian Liaison Group to the United Nations Command and a Member of the Military Armistice Commission, Panmunjon.  His final posting found him back in Ottawa as Director, Foreign Liaison for the Department of National Defence.

Bill then spent 5 years as the Director, Canadian Business Development for TRW Canada before being promoted to General Manager.  In his business capacity he met Ernst & Young’s Senior Principal Consultant, Ruth Matte, and their 30-year journey began instantaneously.  Ruth was thrilled to go along for the ride.

In lock-step with his military life, his retirement life with Ruth was non-stop, insatiable, full-throttle, laced with joy and an enthusiasm for travel and fine dining.  He had a voracious appetite to read everything he could get his hands on, and embraced each day as an adventure in the making.  Bill and Ruth travelled constantly. From working in an orphanage in the jungles of Guatemala to almost every cruise itinerary that Holland America offers; to Clippers-ship yachts in the Caribbean and a month in French Polynesia; to every Caribbean island (even one with only sand and 1 palm tree); and to Europe, Middle East, Asia, India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Black Sea, Russia, Scandinavia, South America, many trips to Hawaii – the list goes on.  Winters were often spent in Portugal or Florida.  Bill wanted to enjoy and learn, to the fullest extent possible, from every second of his life.  As everyone who knew him says “he was special”!   He was a soldier, a scholar, a true gentleman, kind and generous.  An honourable man indeed.

Visitation will be private.  Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance at the graveside service with military presence at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Armed Forces is restricted to a limited number of individuals, personally invited by the family.  You are most welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast on Friday, November 27 at 2 p.m.  The link will be made available shortly on this website.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Military C&E Museum, your local humane society or a charity of your choice.

Bill was always, and equally: kind and acerbic, a friend and a relentless critic, and a jolly good companion and a very private person.

We worked well together in both the field (4CMBG HQ and Sigs) where Bill disapproved of my methods but admitted that they worked better than anything else. We also worked well, even better, on the staff where Bill, even though he always outranked me, was more than willing to take 'operational' direction from a Tech Staff officer because he suspected that I knew what I was doing.

   

 

[tomahawk6]

My condolences to Colonel Strong's family and colleagues.

 

[Breacher]

I'm not sure if it is a "covid year effect" or something else but it seems that we have lost a disproportionate number of sappers this year. Pete Mushrow left us on Christmas Eve.

https://cmea-agmc.ca/cwo-peter-k-mushrow-cd-retd

 

[Rifleman62]

Many condolences messages at link: https://www.castanet.net/obituaries/CAREW,_Patrick_Henry_Curtis/22421/


Brigadier General (Retired) Patrick Henry Curtis Carew, CD


Patrick passed away in Kelowna on Thursday, 28 January, 2021 at age 89. He was predeceased by his loving wife Norma Diane (nee Willcox). Patrick is survived by his daughters Janice, Dana, and Suzanne Carew as well as his cherished granddaughter Myken Carew. He was born in Vernon, B.C. and went to school there as well as in Kelowna where he met Diane.

Patrick entered the Canadian Army in 1948 joining the British Columbia Dragoons in Vernon and Kelowna. In 1951 he was commissioned as an officer and joined the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. He served with them in the Korean War. In 1965 he was promoted to major and joined the Fort Garry Horse. After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he became the 32nd Commanding Officer of The Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1970 in Lahr, Germany. Subsequently, he held several command and staff appointments including becoming the 17th Commandant of the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kingston and Base Commander of CFB Suffield. He retired from the Canadian Forces after 37 years of service in July 1985. Although he travelled throughout the world, he and Diane returned home to Kelowna. They played golf at Shannon Lake and enjoyed living closer to family and friends surrounded by the familiar beauty of the Okanagan. Following his keen interest in military history Patrick became a founding member of the Okanagan Military Museum Society. He became the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the British Columbia Dragoons in 1986. Still very involved in military life he served as the Colonel of the Regiment for The Royal Canadian Dragoons from 1990 until 1993. He oversaw many Regimental events and milestones including the first visit of Prince Charles in His Highness' role as Colonel in Chief of The Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was a loyal and involved parishioner at Saint Michael of All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna for many years. Patrick will be remembered for his sense of humour, for his sense of duty and for his commitment to his country and his family.

 

[Weinie]

Many condolences messages at link: https://www.castanet.net/obituaries/CAREW,_Patrick_Henry_Curtis/22421/


Brigadier General (Retired) Patrick Henry Curtis Carew, CD


Patrick passed away in Kelowna on Thursday, 28 January, 2021 at age 89. He was predeceased by his loving wife Norma Diane (nee Willcox). Patrick is survived by his daughters Janice, Dana, and Suzanne Carew as well as his cherished granddaughter Myken Carew. He was born in Vernon, B.C. and went to school there as well as in Kelowna where he met Diane.

Patrick entered the Canadian Army in 1948 joining the British Columbia Dragoons in Vernon and Kelowna. In 1951 he was commissioned as an officer and joined the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. He served with them in the Korean War. In 1965 he was promoted to major and joined the Fort Garry Horse. After promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he became the 32nd Commanding Officer of The Royal Canadian Dragoons in 1970 in Lahr, Germany. Subsequently, he held several command and staff appointments including becoming the 17th Commandant of the Canadian Land Force Command and Staff College in Kingston and Base Commander of CFB Suffield. He retired from the Canadian Forces after 37 years of service in July 1985. Although he travelled throughout the world, he and Diane returned home to Kelowna. They played golf at Shannon Lake and enjoyed living closer to family and friends surrounded by the familiar beauty of the Okanagan. Following his keen interest in military history Patrick became a founding member of the Okanagan Military Museum Society. He became the Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the British Columbia Dragoons in 1986. Still very involved in military life he served as the Colonel of the Regiment for The Royal Canadian Dragoons from 1990 until 1993. He oversaw many Regimental events and milestones including the first visit of Prince Charles in His Highness' role as Colonel in Chief of The Royal Canadian Dragoons. He was a loyal and involved parishioner at Saint Michael of All Angels Cathedral in Kelowna for many years. Patrick will be remembered for his sense of humour, for his sense of duty and for his commitment to his country and his family.

RIP Sir

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Godspeed. Audax et Celer.

 

[FJAG]

BGen Carew was the commandant when I went to Kingston on my Army Command and Staff Course. A good man who ran a fine organization.

End of Mission; Stand easy.

 

[Retired AF Guy]

From yesterdays Whig-Standard:

William HEWSON

HEWSON, Major-General C. William,
CMM CD BASc (Civ Eng)

February 2, 1937 - February 3, 2021

Major-General Bill Hewson passed away peacefully on February 3, 2021, a day after his eighty-fourth birthday. His wife Norah was at his side.

Bill and Norah met at a party in Toronto in 1959, where he was a recent graduate from the Royal Military College gaining a civil engineering degree from the U of T. Norah was a student nurse at Sick Kids Hospital. They said goodnight, but Bill was smitten, and he called Norah the next day to ask her to dinner. Despite postings and deployments across Canada and to Germany, England, Cyprus, Australia and Belgium, he never really left her side again. He married Norah in 1961, and they made homes together around the world. After raising their sons Douglas and Richard, they retired to their property on Calabogie Lake, in the Ottawa Valley.

Bill lived his life with honour, courage and loyalty. His military service began with command of a rifle platoon in Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. He was promoted to positions of increasing responsibility with the Patricias and in the Intelligence Branch. He served as Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion PPCLI; Commander of the Canadian Contingent to the UN Force in Cyprus; Chief of Intelligence at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, and as Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence at SHAPE, the NATO Headquarters in Mons, Belgium. Appointments as the Colonel of the Regiment, PPCLI; Colonel Commandant of the Intelligence Branch, and as a Commander of the Order of Military Merit reflected his dedication to his Regiment, his Branch, and his Army.

Bill was promoted to the rank of Major-General in 1985, and retired from the Canadian Forces in 1991. He served as Director General of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) until 2000.

He was a leader to all, and a mentor to many.

As a husband, father and grandfather, he showed us how to live a life with love, humour and integrity, and without fear or regret. At a ski hill or a hockey rink, at a board room table or a carpenter's work bench, and in all our many different homes around the world, he was the steady presence that inspired us with confidence that no matter what happened, he'd always be there.

Bill is survived by Norah, the other half of the Dynamic Duo. He is survived as well by Douglas (Marisia), of Kanata, Ontario and by Richard (Stephanie) of Vernon, BC and their sons Mitchell and Spencer.

The family is grateful for the care Bill received from his physiotherapist Mr. Ben Wassell, Dr. Kristian Davis, Dr. Tilak Mendis, and the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, including Dr. Sanjay Acharya.

A private service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery in the near future. All of Bill's family, friends and colleagues will be welcomed at a Memorial Service, to be scheduled and announced as soon as better times return. In the meantime, please consider a donation to Parkinson Canada.

Published on February 13, 2021

Link

I don't remember ever meeting him while in the PPCLI, but had the pleasure on several occasions while in the Int Branch. Will be missed.

 

[OldSolduer]

From yesterdays Whig-Standard:

RIP sir. VP

In 1983 General Hewson was serving in Cyprus as COS UNFICYP I believe. During our Regimental game of Broom-I-Loo one of our corporals picked him up and tossed him in the muddy sports field, and rolled him over a few times for good measure. For a moment we thought he was going to jail but General Hewson thought this was pretty funny, Mrs. Hewson not so much!! He was a good sport and a very down to earth soldier friendly officer. We've lost a good one. VP sir.

 

[ueo]

Don't know weather this is going into the correct spot- Capt Duncan MacMillan RCR. recently passed at age 66. No further details as yet.

 

[OldSolduer]

Don't know weather this is going into the correct spot- Capt Duncan MacMillan RCR. recently passed at age 66. No further details as yet.

RIP sir.

 

[Edward Campbell]

My old and dear friend Colonel (ret'd) Don Pruner died two weeks ago at the age of 96.

Don served overseas in WWII with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) and also attended the No. 2 Canadian Army University Course and Khaki College.

After graduation from the University of Toronto in 1949, he re-enlisted in the Canadian Army with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, serving in Canada, Korea, Germany (NATO), USA and Israel. On retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1979, he worked briefly for the Federal Department of Communications, followed by many years of contract employment with Bell Canada International, Bell Sygma and Bell Canada.

Don was tough, demanding, unfailing kind and fair and usually dryly funny.

 

[OldSolduer]

RIP Sir

My old and dear friend Colonel (ret'd) Don Pruner died two weeks ago at the age of 96.

Don served overseas in WWII with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) and also attended the No. 2 Canadian Army University Course and Khaki College.

After graduation from the University of Toronto in 1949, he re-enlisted in the Canadian Army with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, serving in Canada, Korea, Germany (NATO), USA and Israel. On retirement from the Canadian Forces in 1979, he worked briefly for the Federal Department of Communications, followed by many years of contract employment with Bell Canada International, Bell Sygma and Bell Canada.

Don was tough, demanding, unfailing kind and fair and usually dryly funny.

 

[Good2Golf]

RIP, Colonel… EOM

 

[Viking17]

Sad news from PEI.
Colonel bill Minnis msm cd | SaltWire

 

[Edward Campbell]

Sad news from PEI.
Colonel bill Minnis msm cd | SaltWire

So sad; I knew Bill, off-and-on, over the years, We served together (or nearby) a couple of times, most memorably in HQ AFCENT in Brunssum in the 1980s. He was a good guy and, indeed, a "happy warrior."