Bob Ritchie
RITCHIE,
Major Robert A., CD (Ret'd)
RCAF 1950 – 1987
Suddenly, Thursday, April 26, 2012. Robert Ritchie age 80. Beloved husband of Jacqueline (nee Bolduc) for 58 years. Loving father of Janet (Don Wlison), James (Christine), Gordon (Tamara Rasmusson) and Andrew (Julia Ross). Proud grandfather of Jennifer Harris, Stephanie Ritchie, Justin Ritchie, Kristen Ritchie and Sarah Ritchie and great-grandfather of Page, Meagan and Zachary Harris.
Friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road (at Aviation Parkway) Tuesday, May 1st from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Wednesday, May 2nd at 11 a.m. In Memoriam donations to the True Patriot Love Foundation appreciated.
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Lorne Hassard
Hassard, Lorne - December 14, 1938 - April 26, 2012.
Lorne Hassard passed away surrounded with love on April 26, 2012 after a brief but valiant battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Estevan, Saskatchewan in 1939 to Edna and Elwin (Bud) Hassard, Lorne led a life that was truly extraordinary in all ways.
Lorne served his country with honour and pride for 26 years as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces. His long military career began as a sailor in the Navy and through hard work and determination he retired as a Master Warrant Officer with the Navy and as a Staff Sergeant Major with the Canadian Regiment. He spent his early years aboard ships seeing the world and he also served 5 tours of duty in Alert on Ellesmere Island, where he fell in love with the landscape of the high arctic.
After retirement from the military he was fortunate to find a second career that he loved as a Special Constable with the Kingston Police Force for 13 years.
Lorne was a devoted father who loved his three daughters Vickie (Neil), Sherri (Kim) and Janie (Edward). Lorne was also a proud grandfather who loved to spend time with his six grandchildren, Maxwell, Caleb, Quinn, Noah, Callum and Alex. Most of all, though, Lorne loved Beatrice (Giem) who was his high school sweetheart, wife and lifelong friend for more than 55 years.
All who loved Lorne and knew him well, knew that he was a man of many stories and he loved to tell of his adventures that had taken him around the globe. It is these stories that we will miss along with his laugh, wisdom, determination and willingness to come whenever he was needed. Lorne played many sports with great ability throughout his life and enjoyed all sports with a passion. Hockey was a favorite and he remained devoted to his Maple Leafs until the end. He developed a love of skiing at age of 40 and spent weeks every winter skiing in Vermont. Lorne also loved to cook and be in the kitchen and one of his true pleasures was to prepare a great meal and be with his family.
Lorne will be dearly missed by his immediate family as well as many extended family members, and by his many friends from all across Canada and the U.S.A. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations in memory of Lorne to be sent to Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or to “Team Poppa” who will be participating in the Multiple Myeloma Walk for Princess Margaret Hospital on Sunday May 6th. The family extends our thanks and gratitude to Dr. Kwok, Dr. Moorsom and Dr. Swain and to the very supportive Palliative Care and Oncology staff at the NHH. There will be a celebration of Lorne’s life on Friday May 4th from 7 to 9 pm at the Baltimore Recreation Centre and all friends and family are welcome. Burial will be a private ceremony in Victoria, BC at the Veteran’s (Royal Canadian Navy) Cemetery.
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Gib Walker
Walker, Gilbert "Gib" Stanley.
With disbelief and unimaginable sadness, we announce the sudden death of Gib Walker on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the age of 79. This comes just 78 days after the death of his son, Steven, and 4 and a half years after his son Bruce. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Gloria (nee Guido), his son Kevin (Christine Styles) of Kingston and his daughter Marjorie (Steve MacDonald) of Pembroke. Gib was the 2nd oldest child of George (1964) and Genevieve (nee Devoe) (2010) Walker of Alder Point, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Gib is survived by his 9 brothers: Vince (Kaye), Leonard (Jean), Kennedy (Heidi), Sheldon, Gordon (Barbara), Donald (Sandy), Gerard (Susan), Pius (Deborah), Greg (Joanne) and 6 sisters: Anne Larade (Bob), Sr. Joan, Betty Graham (Brad), Norma Marsh (Lou), Carol Vickers (Johnny MacNeil), Vicky Taylor (Jimmy). Gib was predeceased by his older sister, Helene (2010) and younger brother Richard (1961). His loss will be felt by his many nieces and nephews.
Gib had an exuberant nature and a vibrant personality; he had a smile and a story for everyone. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him well and also by those he met only in passing. He was an Amateur Radio operator (VE3 BGX), a member of the Royal Canadian Navy (1954-1974) and a retired Communications Technician with the RCMP (1975-1991). He remained in touch with his old Navy buddies through the Supplementary Radio Old Timers Association. He was well known in Greely, where, in his younger days, he was an active member coaching minor hockey and volunteering at the Greely Community Centre. Most recently, Gib and Gloria enjoyed summers camping at Grenville Park in Prescott.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 3 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish, 5338 Bank Street South, Ottawa. An inurnment will follow for the remains of both Gib and Steven in the Church Cemetery. A reception will be held immediately afterward at the Church Hall. We will also bring Gib 'home' to Cape Breton for a Memorial Service and reception on Saturday, April 7 2012 where his life will be celebrated with his East Coast family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
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Terry Wright
Wright, Terry Patee. (Auto Sales - 37 years)
Peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family on Monday, March 12, 2012, in his 72nd year.
Dear father of Steven (Veronica), Andrew (Marie-Josee) and Terri Lynn. Loving grandfather of Sean, Amanda, Erika, Isabelle, William, Nicolas, Aleeza and great- grandfather of Philippe, Amelia and Hailey. Brother of Sandra Spring (Elwood) and William (Maureen). Predeceased by his son Timothy.
Special thanks to the staff at Winchester Hospital for their care and support. Friends may call at the Kars Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 1610 Roger Stevens Dr., Kars (East of Hwy 416) on Friday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment Pinecrest Cemetery.
Those wishing may make memorial donations to Winchester District Memorial Hosptial, 566 Louise St., Winchester, ON K0C 2K0. Tributes, condolences or donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com
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Earle "Smitty" Smith
Smith,Earle Wintfield - November 7, 1930 – February 24, 2012 . Earle Wintfield Smith, beloved husband of Barbara, passed away after a brave and courageous battle with cancer at the QEII Hospital in Grande Prairie on February 24, 2012 with his family by his side.
Earle was born in Maccan, Nova Scotia, eldest child of Lorne and Mildred Smith and was raised in rural areas of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia.
He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force at age 17 and was stationed in various parts of Canada including Montreal, Whitehorse, Alert, Beaverbank, and Beaverlodge. He retired in 1968 and then spent 23 years with Alberta Power (ATCO Electric) managing communication systems in northwest Alberta and retired in 1992. He got bored and took up truck driving.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 60 years Barbara, son Ian, daughter Heather (Craig) Stanley, grandsons Kyle (Cassidy) Wardlow, Quinn (Mandie) Wardlow, granddaughter Kendra Stanley, his great-grandson Kallen James Earle Wardlow born on February 25, 2012 and honourary daughter, Heather Rowe.
He will also be missed by his siblings: Betty Adams, Johnson (Shirley), Lorne, Richard (Beverly), Evelyn (Ken) MacKay, Eric (Lucille), Karen (David) Dickinson, and Leslie (Joyce); and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father Lorne, mother Mildred, brother Fred and his wife Jessie and brother-in-law Cecil Adams.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff on 5 North Palliative Care Unit at QE II Hospital, Dr. Alexandra Noga, and Dr. Angela Barreth for helping us through this period with their knowledge and compassion as well as Maureen Dozorec of Home Care.
A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s United Church. Inurnment to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Grande Prairie Unit Canadian Cancer Society or the QEII Hospital Foundation Palliative Care Unit. Condolences may be sent by visiting OLIVER’S GRANDE PRAIRIE FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 10005-107 AVE. GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA T8V-1L8 (780)532-2929 “DEDICATED SERVICE SINCE 1915” 110922
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Jim Dobson
Dobson, James Armand - 51, Inuvik, N.W.T., formerly of Stewiacke and Sydney, died July
18, 2003, in Inuvik.
Born in Guysborough, he was a son of Leonard and
Norma (Swaine) Dobson, Fox Island, Guysborough Co.
He served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 17 years, and at the time of death he operated
a contracting company in Inuvik.
Surviving are sisters, Sharon (Bruce) Farrell, Truro; Mary (Colin) MacDonald, Courtice, Ont.; Betty, Erin,
both of Halifax; brother, Roy (Joanne), Saskatoon, Sask.
Cremation has taken place. Private family graveside service will be held at a later
date in Fourth Hill Cemetery, Canso. Arrangements are under the care and
direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Canso.
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Clarence Graham
CLarence (Woody) Whidden Graham - July 1949 - February 18, 2012.
At the Charlotte County Hospital, St Stephen, NB , February 18, 2012, Clarence(Woody) Whidden Graham of St Stephen, NB. Son of the late Hugh Douglas and Helen Estelle (Brown) Graham.
Survived by his daughter Helen Graham of Rothesay, NB and his grandson, Robert.
By request, there will be no funeral service or visitation.
For those who wish, remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Diabetes Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at: The S.O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd.
Arrangements in care of The S. O. Mehan & Son Funeral Home Ltd. 23 Main Street, St Stephen, NB.
Editor's Note: He worked with the SRS as a Technician at Masset (two tours), was posted to Pensacola Florida to Corry Station for 2 years I believe and he may also have served in Gander - but I am not sure. In addition, before joining the CF, he served with the American Forces and did 2 or 3 tours of duty in Vietnam
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Ken Pickford
PICKFORD, Kenneth (Ken) Wayne. It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, husband, grandfather and so much more on January 5, 2012.
Ken was born August 29, 1944 in Winnipeg, MB and moved to Regina, SK when he was one year old.
He spent 25 years with the Armed Forces – Sea Element. Ken loved the outdoors, making jewellery for his kids and grandkids whom he loved, enjoyed spending the last four years living in an RV and travelling to Pahrump, NV.
He was predeceased by his parents Betty and Lew Pickford. Ken is survived by Sharron his wife and best friend of 46 years, children; Liz (Steve) Webster and children D.J. and Drake, Cindy (Glen Johnson) and children Chelsea and Erich, Suzanne (David) Thorpe and children Chris, Tanner, Nayana, Sadie and Willow; sister Sherrin (Terry), brothers-in-law Mark Spencer and Rick (Lynne) Spencer as well as nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 1231 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK, S7H 0S5.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity R.C. Church, 5020 Sherwood Drive, Regina, SK, on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Richard Jasiak, Celebrant.
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291 Birthday Oct 1, 2011
1 October 2011 marked the Birthday of the Communicator Research (Comm Rsch) occupation and 45 Years of excellence in SIGINT operations.
1966 Integration and Unification
July 19, 1966 - Integration and Unification, creation of the Canadian Forces Supplementary Radio System (CFSRS). Stations previously controlled independently, by the three services would now be directed by a Commander headquartered at HMCS Gloucester.
October 1, 1966 - Military Occupation (MOC) 291 (Communicator Research Operator) was created. RCN Radioman Special (RS) trade, along with the Radio Telegraphic Operators (R&TG) of the Royal Canadian Signal Corps and the Royal Canadian Air Force Communications (Comm Op) began their duties as 291'rs.
Now, the Comm Rsch occupation is not only involved with SIGINT operations but with EW and Network Operations as well.
Also this year, the 1 October 2011 marks the official stand-up of the new Army Communication and Information Systems Specialist (ACISS) which is the new Signals Military Employment Structure which regroup the former Lineman (Lmn); Signal Operator (Sig Op); and Land Communications & Information Systems Technician (LCIS Tech) occupations.
Happy Belated Birthday to those two occupations!
Michel C. Boislard
CWO | Adjc
CFIOG CWO | Adjudant-chef du GOIFC
Ph/Tél: 613.945.3153
Fax/Télécopieur: 613.945.3199
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Communicator Research Troop
Looks "Back to the Future" with New Training Courses
click here
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Semaphore to Satellite
The Military Communications of Canada has undertaken a major project to publish a book of our history, starting with the origins of the CSC, (Canadian Signal Corps), in 1903, and the role played by Major Bruce Carruthers who is recognized as the "Father" of the RCCS, (Royal Canadian Corps of Signals), to the present day Military Communications and Electronics Branch, which evolved from all three Services.
We need your input to this project, so please send us your stories and anecdotes about all of the activities that have made us the best Communicators in the World. Stories should be based on the knowledge or experience of members, or the dependents of members, who have served, or are serving, with Canadian electronic warfare and/or signals intelligence organizations. With this in mind, I would ask that anyone who has such a story to tell, or knows of the source of such a story, contact Jim Hueglin. Stories submitted will be forwarded to Col Sutton for consideration and editing. While not all stories will be included in the book, it is my belief that a suitable repository can be created for all those that are submitted.
Please visit our site at: Semaphore to Satellite
As you will see the project is well under way with the final time line being Oct 2013,when a copy will be presented to HRH Princess Anne, during the planned 110th year reunion of RCCS at Vimy Barracks in Kingston ON.
Also you can send your stories to
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MOC 291 PASSES INTO HISTORY
REPLACED BY MOSID 00120
From Tom Jenkins
The CF no longer has Military Occupation Codes (MOC) and therefore MOC 291 no longer exists. The MOC has been replaced with the Military Occupational Structure Identifications Codes (MOSID). They are a five digit code, and 291ers have been awarded MOSID
00120.
As for the name of the trade, nothing has changed there. We are still Communicator Research, though it is often printed in error as Communications vice Communicator.
That being said, I do believe we will continue to refer to ourselves as 291ers for a long time yet. Somehow "00120ers" doesn't have the same ring to it!
Have a good one.
Tom
Missing the Service Life
Relayed from Ron Lauzon: and courtesy The Sigs Club blog............
Occasionally, I venture back to one or another military post, where I'm greeted by an imposing security guard who looks carefully at my identification card, hands it back and says, "Have a good day, Sir!" Every time I go back to any Military Base it feels good to be called by my previous rank, but odd to be in civilian clothes, walking among the servicemen and servicewomen going about their duties as I once did, many years ago. The military is a comfort zone for anyone who has ever worn the uniform. It's a place where you know the rules and know they are enforced -- a place where everybody is busy, but not too busy to take care of business.
Because there exists behind the gates of every military facility an institutional understanding of respect, order, uniformity, accountability and dedication that becomes part of your marrow and never, ever leaves you. Personally, I miss the fact that you always knew where you stood in the military, and who you were dealing with. That's because you could read somebody's uniform from 20 feet away and know the score. Service personnel wear their careers on their uniforms, so to speak. When you approach each other, you can read their name tag, examine their rank and, if they are in dress uniform, read their ribbons and know where they've served.
I miss all those little things you take for granted when you're in the ranks, like breaking starch on a set of fatigues fresh from the laundry and standing in a perfectly straight line military formation that looks like a mirror as it stretches to the endless horizon.
I miss the sight of troops marching in the early morning mist, the sound of boot heels thumping in unison on the tarmac, the bark of drill instructors and the sing-song answers from the squads as they pass by in review. To romanticize military service is to be far removed from its reality, because it's very serious business -- especially in times of war. But, I miss the salutes I'd throw at senior officers and the crisp returns as we crisscrossed with a "by-your-leave" sir.
I miss the smell of jet fuel hanging heavily on the night air and the sound of engines roaring down runways and disappearing into the clouds. I even miss the hurry-up-and-wait mentality that enlisted men gripe about constantly, a masterful invention that bonded people more than they'll ever know or admit. I miss people taking off their hats when they enter a building, speaking directly and clearly to others and never showing disrespect for rank, race, religion or gender. I miss being a small cog in a machine so complex it constantly circumnavigates the Earth and so simple it feeds everyone on time, three times a day, on the ground, in the air or at sea. Mostly, I don't know anyone who has served who regrets it, and doesn't feel a sense of pride when they pass through those gates and re-enter the world they left behind with their youth.
Face it - we miss it............ Whether you had one tour or a career, it shaped your life.
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