08 Jan 2014: Retirement of MWO Rick Lee
MWO RICHARD LEE WILL RETIRE FROM THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE ON 9 MARCH 2014, AFTER MORE THAN 34 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CANADIAN FORCES.
MWO LEE ENROLLED IN THE RESERVES IN TORONTO IN OCT 1971, THEN IN THE REGULAR FORCE ON 23 AUG 1979 AS AN AERO ENGINE TECH. UPON GRADUATION FROM CFSATE BORDEN, HE WAS POSTED TO 417 SQUADRON IN COLD LAKE WHERE HE WORKED ON THE VENERABLE CF 104 AND THE THEN BRAND NEW CF 18.
MWO LEE WASTED NO TIME STARTING HIS LONG AND REWARDING FLYING CAREER AS A FLIGHT ENGINEER. IN DECEMBER 1986 HE PROCEEDED TO TRENTON FOR HIS BASIC FE COURSE, THEN IN 1987 MADE HIS WAY TO GAGETOWN FOR TWIN HUEY TRAINING, WHERE HE OBTAINED HIS WINGS. MWO SERVED WITH DISTINCTION IN THE SINAI AS PART OF THE MULTINATIONAL FORCE AND OBSERVERS (MFO) FOR TWO TOURS. RICK WAS THEN POSTED TO TRENTON WHERE HE ENJOYED A LONG STINT AT 436 AND 426 SQUADRONS, PARTICIPATIPATING IN MANY OPERATIONS INCLUDING THE FIRST GULF WAR, THE SARAJEVO AIRLIFT AND AFRICAN RELIEF OPERATIONS TO NAME A FEW. A POSTING TO THE E-3A AWACS IN TINKER OKLAHOMA FOLLOWED, WHERE MWO LEE GOT EMBEDDED INTO 552 WING FOR 4 YEARS, SERVING ALONGSIDE USAF PERSONNEL ON MANY OVERSEAS OPERATIONS. UPON HIS RETURN TO CANADA IN 2003, MWO LEE WAS ASSIGNED TO 429 SQUADRON UNTIL ITS DISSOLUTION, THEN TO 424 SQUADRON UNTIL HIS LUCKY POSTING TO 426 SQUADRON AS THE FLIGHT ENGINEER LEADER WHERE HE CONTINUED AS A MENTOR, LEADER AND INSTRUCTOR UNTIL HIS RETIREMENT. MWO LEE ACCUMULATED 8500+ HOURS IN HIS CAREER AND EARNED THE G&KM, SSM-HUM, UNEF II, MFO, CPSM, SWASM, GSM-EXP AS WELL AS A CD2 MEDAL.
RICK AND HIS WIFE ROBERTA, WHO STILL WORKS AT 8 WING WILL REMAIN IN THE LOCAL AREA. RICK WILL BEGIN WORK FOR CAE AS A CC130H SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR SHORTLY AFTER RETIRING.
A DEPART WITH DIGNITY CEREMONY AND LUNCHEON WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE 8 WING SGT AND WO’S MESS ON 31 JANUARY AT 1130. PLEASE RSVP YOUR ATTENDANCE TO WO ERIC JACQUES AT EXT 2711 OR BY EMAIL TO ERIC.JACQUES2@FORCES.GC.CA.
ANYONE WISHING TO SEND CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES, BEST WISHES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND ANECDOTES CAN FORWARD THEM BY EMAIL TO 426(T) SQN ORDERLY ROOM, WO JACQUES OR SGT ROSS FAX 613-965- 2167.
OPI: WO E. JACQUES
Phone: 2711
08 Jan 2014: Retirement of Sgt Tony Kester
SGT KESTER RETIRED FROM THE ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE ON 15 SEPTEMBER 2013, AFTER 33 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CANADIAN FORCES.
SGT KESTER ENROLLED IN THE CF IN SEPTEMBER 1979 AS AN AIRFRAME TECH, COMMENCING HIS MILITARY CAREER AT CFRC CORNWALLIS ON THE 15TH OF THAT YEAR, COURSE SERIAL # 7239. UPON GRADUATION FROM CFSATE, HE WAS POSTED TO SHEARWATER FROM WHERE HE SERVED AT SEA FOR SOME TIME. FOLLOWING A SHORT TIME IN ESQUIMALT, THEN CPL KESTER WAS ASSIGNED IN 1986 TO BADEN SOELINGEN, GERMANY UNTIL HIS REMUSTER TO FLIGHT ENGINEER IN 1989.
AFTER COMPLETION OF THE INITIAL COURSE, HE WAS POSTED TO 442(T&R) SQN IN COMOX UNTIL 1997. A FOUR YEAR POSTING TO 440(T&R) SQN IN YELLOWKNIFE FOLLOWED COMOX. IN JULY 2001 SGT KESTER CAME TO TRENTON WHERE HE SERVED AT 436 SQN UNTIL 2005 WHEN HE WAS SENT ACROSS THE RAMP TO 424 SQN. WHILE AT 436 SQN, SGT KESTER SERVED MANY MONTHS IN THE AFGHAN THEATER AND ALSO PARTICIPATED IN OPERATION ARTEMIS IN THE CONGO, AMONG MANY ACHIEVEMENTS.
SGT KESTER RELEASED FROM THE MILITARY IN 2007 BUT COULD NOT STAY AWAY AND REJOINED IN 2008. HE WAS IMMEDIATELY ASSIGNED TO 436 SQN, FROM WHERE HE SERVED SEVERAL MORE TOURS OF DUTY IN THE MIDDLE EAST UNTIL HIS EVENTUAL POSTING TO 404 SQN IN GREENWOOD IN 2011. WHILE AT 405 SQN, SGT KESTER WAS INSTRUCTED ON THE CP140 AURORA AND WAS THEN POSTED TO 405 SQN, ALSO IN GREENWOOD.
ANTHONY AND HIS WIFE SHAUNA WILL REMAIN IN THE LOCAL AREA. ANTHONY IS NOW A LONG HAUL TRUCK DRIVER.
DEPART WITH DIGNITY CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MAIN LOBBY OF THE 426 SQN AIR MOBILITY TRAINING CENTER AT 8 WING TRENTON, MONDAY 13 JANUARY 2014 AT 1000. A RETIREMENT LUNCHEON WILL TAKE PLACE AT PIPERS PUB, 159B DUNDAS ST EAST, TRENTON FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY. DUE TO LIMITED SEATING PLEASE RSVP YOUR ATTENDANCE TO WO ERIC JACQUES AT EXT 2711 OR BY EMAIL TO ERIC.JACQUES2@FORCES.GC.CA.
ANYONE WISHING TO SEND CONGRATULATORY MSGS, BEST WISHES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND ANECDOTES CAN FORWARDTHEM BY EMAIL OR FAX TO 426(T) SQN OR, ATTENTION WO JACQUES OR SGT ROSS FAX 613-965- 2167.
OPI: WO E. JACQUES
Phone: 2711
09 April 2014: It is with great sadness we announce the passing of a life member of the CMFEA A. “Bernie” Hardwick.
At the Prince County Hospital, Summerside, on Monday, April 7, 2014, of Allen Bernard Hardwick of Frances St., Kensington, aged 83 years.
Born in Antigonish, N.S., September 12, 1930, son of the late Alan Hubert and Mary Loretta (MacDonald) Hardwick.
Husband of Shirley (Henderson) Hardwick. Father of Patricia (Gary) Ellis, Terrie Hardwick (Thom Matheson), Jim Hardwick (Johanne Lavergne), Joanne Hardwick (Doug McDonald), Loretta Hardwick (Michael Roy), Paul Hardwick and Alan Hardwick. Grandfather of Charlotte Ellis, Owen Matheson, Marie Lavergne, Chantal Lavergne, Jacob Hardwick, Liam McDonald, Erin McDonald, Keri McDonald, Leah McDonald, Stephen Hardwick, Skyler Hardwick, Michael Hardwick, Hilary Hardwick, Lesley Hardwick, Alex Hardwick and Sophie Hardwick. Stepfather of Barbara (Robert) Thorne, Kim Andrew and Grant Champion. Brother of Phillip (Adele) Hardwick, Teresa Butt and Gerald (Monica) Hardwick. Brother-in-Law of John Smeltzer.
Predeceased by his brothers, Arthur (Marie) Hardwick and Jim (Drucella) Hardwick and sister, Joan Smeltzer.
Resting at the Davison Funeral Home, Kensington, for visitation on Friday from 2-4 p.m. followed by the funeral in the Davison Funeral Home Chapel at 4 p.m. Interment later in the Margate United Cemetery.
If so desired, contributions may be made to the Prince County Hospital Foundation or the Cancer Society.
www.davisonfh.com
15 May 2014: It is with great regret that we announce the sudden passing of CWO Ret’d Gordie Skanes of Wilmot NS. Our sympathies go to his wife Millie and their family. For more information on visitation and the funeral please click on the link below.
http://www.middletonfuneralhome.com/memsol.cgi?user_id=1310399#.U3lILaPSEJ0.gmail
24 June 2014: It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Gord Kent on the 17 June 2014 after a long battle with cancer. Our sympathies go out to Gord’s wife Lucy and their family.
KENT, GORDON LLOYD —-November 17,1931 -June 17, 2014 —Gordon passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Gordon was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as the youngest of 9 children but his family soon moved to Nanaimo, B C where he lived to the age of twelve,He then moved to Vancouver with his family where they spent the remainder of the war years,He often described the excitement and privations of life in Vancouver during WW11, including the triumphant return of Canadian forces at the close of the hostilities,— Gordon’s role model and hero, his older brother Robert served as A fighter pilot inthe RAF during WW11, fighting in the North African and Italian campaigns.— Year,s later Gordon proposed and had a prominent geological feature named after his beloved brother in northern BC through a provincial program “kent Peak” is about 45 kms west of Sikane Chief on the Alaska highway.— Gordon joined the RCAF in 1951 and served for 30 years both as ground and aircrew in transport and Maritime commands, it was when he joined as a flight engineer that Gordon really found and followed his first love, flying. His map of the world of the world with pins marking every city he had visited, served as inspiration to us all. Gordon and his family were posted to Chatham, NB, Downsview, Ont, Uplands, Ont Greenwood NS, and finally, Comox, BC. After his CAF career ended Gordon went on the commercial airline industry as aircrew on 707’s, DC-8’s and finally 747’s but remained in the Comox Valley.— In 1956 Gordon met Lucy Gale from Saltspring Island BC, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. They had three children ; David Gordon, Reginald William and Tracey Ann. Gordon and Lucy have four grandchildren,, three by David and Jacqueline Kent; Miranda,Hannah and Bryson and one by Tracey and Bruce Lindsey; Gabriella Island, BC.— Gordon was a loving husband and a firm but fair father who always “had our back” he was fiercely protective of his family but he gave us the freedom to follow our dreams.—Gordon instilled in us a deep and abiding love of the outdoors through numerous, uncountable hunting, camping and fishing trips over the years. Some of our best memories are finding our way through the tortuous forgotten roads on the South Mountain in the Annapolis Valley,NS. Looking for an obscure creek he had spotted while thundering around on training exercises in the Argus maritime patrol aircraft. During the last 20 years he had made the annual trek to fish the salmon runs at Nootka Sound and Esperanza inlet on the west coast. His best day was successive spring salmon of 52 and 48 lbs. Pretty hard to beat that Dad!—-A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at his home on July 12, 2014 at 3942 Dove Creek Road between 1-5pm.—Gordon’s surviving family would like to thank all the doctors,nurses,staff at St. Joesph’s as well as the pharmacist’s and the great team of health specialists that and helpful during Gordon’s last few months.
16 Sept 2014: It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Don “Whipper” Watson this morning in Trenton after a long illness. Our deepest sympathy to his wife Shirley and their family.
WATSON, Donald R. “Whipper” (Retired after 29 years WO-RCAF and completed his career with 14 years of commercial flying)….The hangar door closed for Whipper on Tuesday September 16th, 2014 at the age of 84 years. He passed away at his home with his beloved wife of 57 years, Shirley Watson at his side. Loving father of Alana Turncliffe & her husband Bob, David Roy Watson and Angela Braun & her husband Johannes. Sadly missed by his grandchildren Robert, Steven, Jordan, Gabriel, Sebastian and Benjamin. Survived by his brother Frederick Watson and his brothers in law Glen Holmes, John Forbes, Donald Moore & his wife Barbara and families. Predeceased by his sister Muriel Holmes, his brother Jim Preston. The family will host a celebration of Don’s life at the 413 Wing, North Murray St., Trenton on Monday September 22nd, 2014 from 2-5 PM, with a tribute beginning at 2:30pm.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to Air Force Museum of Canada, Belleville General Hospital Foundation – Oncology Unit or in his memory donate blood at your next community Blood Donor Clinic. Online guest book & condolences at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com
02 Nov 2014: LaPointe, Joseph Friday, 31 Oct 2014
Comox Valley Record Courtenay
Joseph LaPointe
It is with a great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Joseph LaPointe on Friday, October 31st, 2014.
Joe was born in Campbellton NB on April 14th 1947, and lived in Quebec until 1954 when he moved to Halifax NS, where he lived until he joined the Black Watch in 1964. In 1966 he transferred careers and joined the RCAF as an Areo Engine Tech, in 1974 he again transferred careers and became a Flight Engineer. He was a proud member of the RCAF for 36 and a half years. During his time in the military he spent time in many provinces, many countries and in the air, which was one of his favorite places to be. After retiring from the military he became a commissionaire, in which recently was honored for 12 years of service. Joe was overflowing with life and love. He was enthusiastic and boisterous and loved to be surrounded with family and friends whether at home or at the campsite. He touched everyone he knew and was a very caring and compassionate person. The most important part of Joe’s life was his Grandchildren he cherished every visit and every phone call.
Joe was married to Pauline LaPointe (Roussy) on November 30, 1968 ; they would have been married 47 years.
Joe is survived by his two children, Michael LaPointe and his wife Mary, Nicole Wyant and her husband Wayne; his 3 grandsons Robbie, Jakob and Joshua; and the rest of his family and friends.
25 Nov 2014: It is with deep regret we announce the sudden passing of Gary Johnston on the 21 November 2014. Our thoughts are with his wife Carol and their family at this very sad time.
Obituary from Edmonton Journal
JOHNSTON, Garry1950 – 2014It is with great sadness that the family of Garry Johnston announce his sudden passing on Friday, November 21, 2014 at age of 64 years. Garry is survived by his wife Carol Russell; daughters Deanna Chou and Shannon Charbonneau; grandchildren Jordanne, Kaylin, Christian, Emily and Elliot; his brother Robert Johnston and sister Karen Sherman. He was predeceased by his parents Benjamin Johnston and Ellen Kominski.A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Glenwood Funeral Home, 52356 RR 232 (south of Wye Road), Sherwood Park, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Heart and Stroke Foundation, 10985-124 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5M 0H9.To send condolences or to share a memory, tribute or photo, please visit – See more at: