Obituary notice for club member Col Donald William Strong LM102

Colonel Donald William Strong Jul 15, 1927- Oct  17, 2019


Colonel Donald Strong
Don's death at age ninety-two in the early morning hours of October 17th released him from the grip of Alzheimer's Disease. We lost a beloved husband, father, father in-law and grandfather.
Having lost his father from a heart attack when Don was eight years old, the military became a strong male influence in his life. This began when he donned an army cadet uniform, followed by service in the militia and at enlistment age, as Private Strong in the Royal Canadian Regiment. Don rose through the ranks and was accepted into Royal Military College. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering with the "New One Hundred" Class of 1952 - the first graduating class when the college reopened at the end of World War Two. Upon graduation, he was sent to the war in Korea as a Signals Officer.
Don served in a number of postings within Canada and internationally. His out of country postings included England, Washington DC, the Netherlands and Brussels. Upon his retirement he was executive officer of the Royal Military Colleges Club of Canada for ten years.
A dedicated proponent of physical exercise with a love of the water, Don swam in the Atlantic, the St. Lawrence River and any body of water he was near. In his fifties, Don became a SCUBA instructor. At the age of sixty, he swam from the winter landing on Wolfe Island to the Vimy Officers' Beach on the mainland. He continued this swim every five years, completing his last swim on his eighty -fifth birthday. He always felt it would set a good example for those who served under him.
Don is survived by his loving wife Jeannie, a former Army Nursing Sister, daughters Patti and Linda (Larry) granddaughter Samantha, grandson Patrick, step-granddaughter Laurie (Danny) step-grandson Bruce (Carrie) and their families.
Following his wishes, Don's body has been donated to Queen's University Medical Research . It is our hope that this might help in finding a cure for Alzheimer's.
A reception in memory for Don is planned for Sunday November 3rd at 2pm at Vimy Officer's Mess, Kingston. Everyone welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP), or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) will be gratefully accepted.
Don's death occurred at Providence Manor, Kingston. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the devoted and caring staff, especially those on Montreal 5 who became such an important part of our lives.

Obituary notice for club member Jack Thomson LM035

THOMSON, John (Jack) Alfred Palmer
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd)
June 22, 1929 - October 13, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Thomson at Kingston General Hospital on October 13, 2019 at the age of 90. Born in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, Jack moved to Canada at the tender age of four months with his parents, the late John and Ellen Thomson. He grew up in Ottawa, Ontario alongside his sister, Eleanor.

Jack was predeceased in 2007 by his beloved wife of 58 years, Diana Gertrude Fry. A true love story, Jack and Diana were married at 19 in Ottawa, Ontario and had four children, David, Jane, Martha and Anthony. Jack is also predeceased by his two adoring daughters, Jane (2016) and Martha (2010). In the years since Diana's passing, Jack had the good fortune of having Frances (Frankie) Reader as his loving companion.

A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Jack was a World War II Veteran, who was posted to several North American locations, as well as serving in Egypt, Vietnam and Kashmir on United Nations missions. After his retirement from the military, Jack went into the automobile import/export business in Seattle, Washington, with his brother-in-law Ben. Following that, he moved to Kingston and became Executive Director of the Canadian Red Cross, and finished his career starting a family-run business, Cedar Island Sales and Service Ltd. Working alongside his children in the business, Jack was also very fond of his 'other' daughter, Wendy Bryant (Stuart), who was devoted to the family and always 'held the fort' at Cedar Island Sales.

Jack's hobbies included boxing and hockey in his early years and, most significantly, golf throughout his entire life. He especially loved his games with the W.A.G.G. (Wednesday Afternoon Golf Guys) group at the Cataraqui Golf and Country Club. He always looked forward to his annual golf trips to Myrtle Beach and Pinehurst with his son Anthony and friends, the late John Smith and Dr. Steven Black. After his years of service, he remained connected to the military and was very involved and influential in the building and operation of the Communications and Electronics Museum of Kingston.

Jack is survived by his partner Frances, sons David (Karen) and Anthony (Martha), his sister Eleanor and niece Jane Berry-Blanar (Patrick). Forever cherished as the best Grandad ever by his grandchildren Ashley Brooks (Kevin), Jenna Veld (Doug), Jeffrey Thomson (Live), Alexandra Oldford (Rudy) and Emily Thomson. Jack also adored his great grandchildren, Nathan, Oliver, McKinley and Quinlyn. He will be fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Cynthia Mabus, brother-in-law Ben Mabus (Polly) and their children Victoria, Emily (Dean) and Matthew (Ryan). He also leaves behind his great nephews and niece, Duncan and Gabe Clarke, and Margo Fraser. In the past several years, Jack was pleased to become part of the Reader family including Frankie's children, Leslie Dupre (Cam), Kelly Laforest (Brian) and their children Alex, Sydra and Chloe.

Jack lived life to its fullest. He was devoted to his family, kind and generous to his friends and he always started each morning with his daily mantra ... 'look out world, here I come'. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched and loved him so dearly.

A heartfelt thanks to all the medical team at Kingston General Hospital for their excellent care, and in particular, to Petya Mineva whose kindness did not go unnoticed. A private family ceremony will be held for immediate family with a celebration of life to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donation to the Communications and Electronics Museum Foundation, Kingston. https://www.candemuseum.org/monetary-donation. Online condolences may be directed to: www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com.

Obituary notice for club member David Russell LM351

RUSSELL, DAVID CHARLES, CD
Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) -Royal Canadian Corps of Signals
Korean War Veteran


It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David Charles Russell on Thursday, October 10,2019. David is survived by the love of his life Jeanette (nee Lortie), in their 65th year of marriage. Loving father of Derrick and Tina (John). Cherished Opa of Dustin, Jessie, Mikael and Stephanie (Scott) and Great-Opa to Seth and Madison. David will be missed by his brothers and sisters, extended family and friends. David joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals in December 1950 serving in Korea, Congo, and Egypt (twice). He saw many postings throughout his career retiring as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the1st Canadian Signals Regiment in April  1980. For the next 15 years, he was a Corrections Officer for the Solicitor General of Canada at Millhaven. David was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 631 where he held numerous positions including President and Chair of many committees. He was the founder of the CAN AM Golf Tournament, was instrumental in setting up a Fund to assist the Greater Eastern Ontario Ice Storm Program and tirelessly supported the Poppy Fund. He will be missed by his fellow comrades. In keeping with David's wishes cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service at GORDON F. TOMKINGS FUNERAL HOME, 435 Davis Drive, Kingston on Friday, October 18, 2019. Visitation at 1000AM and Memorial Service at 1100AM. Reception to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 631, 4034 Bath Road, Kingston. Friends and family are invited to gather at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa at 1030AM on Wednesday , October 23, 2019.  A graveside service will be held at 1100AM at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund (Branch 631). Online condolences  www.gftompkinstownship.ca

Obtuary notice for Old Comrade Joseph Kenneth "Ken" Le Clair X-Soldier Apprentice, RC Sigs

Le Clair, Joseph Kenneth "Ken",  X- Soldier Apprentice, RC Sigs, Radio Operator, 9th Intake

September 30, 2019

Ken peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , Charlottetown, PEI on Monday  September 30,2019. He was a veteran of the Armed Forces, born in North Rustico, aged 76.
Ken is survived by his wife Cecelia (nee McNeill), his step-children: Andrea (Jeff), Paula, Rachael and Brad (Elaine): grandchildren: Laura, Justin, Luke, Brandon, Tyler: his children: Christy (Pete), Kelley, Joan(Brian) and Kenny (Terri-Lynn): grandchildren: Samantha, Maxwell, Samuel, Alex, Kyla and James: and great grandchildren: Asher, Damien, Daniel, Charlie and Claudia Marie.

He is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Carolyn) and Roger (Christine): sister, Diana (George) and Patricia (Art): and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, North Rustico, on Monday, October 7,2019  12:30- 1:445 pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church following visitation at 2:00 PM. Internment in Stella Maris Cemetery. No flowers by personal request.
If so desired , donations in Ken's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the QEH Foundation would be appreciated.
 Online condolences may be sent by sending and email to centralqueensfh@pei.aibn.com

REST IN PEACE SOLDIER, VVV

Obituary notice for club member William E. "Bill" Merritt LM100

Age 94, of Salmon River, passed away in Wynn Park Villa, Truro, on Monday, August 26, 2019. Born in Harmony, he was the eldest son of the late Charles Red ford and Isabella A. (MacKinnon) Merritt. A Second World War Veteran, he served overseas with the Royal Canadian Corp of Signals. He returned to Canada in 1946 and went to work at the Ford Dealer in Truro as a mechanic, shop foreman, and retired as Service Manager. He was Past President of Truro Curling Club, Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion (twice) and was awarded LIFE membership and the Legion Meritorious Service Medal. Past President of the Fundy Trail Snowmobile Club and Treasurer of the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia. Bill enjoyed spending time at his cottage in Hart Lake snowmobiling and four-wheeling. He is survived by his half-brother, Jack, Salmon River; stepdaughters, Collette, Kathleen, Elizabeth, and Barbara; sisters-in-law, Marion Work, Truro; Betty Merritt (Bruce), Edmonton, Alta.; Linda Merritt (Russell), Truro; several nieces and nephews; stepbrother, Kenneth Merritt, Truro; and stepsister, Linda Wade, Sydney. He was predeceased by his first wife, Betty (Fields), 1992; second wife, Faye (Condon), 2011; brothers, Russell (1997), Lorne (1989); half-brothers, James (2000), Bruce (1995); half-sister, Laverne (2010); and stepmother, Agnes Merritt (2008). Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro, where a Legion Tribute Service, conducted by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 Truro, will be held 6:45 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 28th, followed by visitation from 7 - 8:30 pm. Funeral service 2pm Thursday in the funeral home, Rev. Paul Worden officiating, followed by a reception. Interment to follow in Harmony Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in Bill's memory may be made to Harmony Cemetery, or to First Baptist Church Truro. Bill's half-brother Jack would like to extend special thanks to Pat MacLellan and Wynn Park Villa for all their kindness and care given to Bill over the last number of years. Private messages of condolence can be sent to the family by viewing Bill's obituary and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

Obituary notice for club member Col Peter Sutton LM454

SUTTON, Colonel Peter H., CD, (ret'd)
15 December 1932 - 24 August 2019

Loving husband, devoted father and grandfather Colonel Peter Sutton passed away August 24, 2019 in Kingston, Ontario, aged 86 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Audrey (nee Doerr), daughters Karen Sutton (Peter Heidinger) and Ann Hollett (Edward) and sister Ann Dunn. His life was enriched by five grandchildren: Bryan, Michael, and Eric Heidinger and Philip and Emma Hollett.

Colonel Sutton was the son of the late Dr. William D. Sutton and Mrs. Edna (Thompson) Sutton of London, Ontario.

The funeral service for Colonel Sutton will be held at Trinity Chapel, Canadian Forces Base Kingston on 27 August 2019 at 2:00 PM. Private interment in London, Ontario, will take place at a later date.

Colonel Sutton joined the Canadian Army in 1949. Commissioned in 1951, he held command and staff appointments including commanding officer of 1st Canadian Signal Regiment and Senior Staff Officer at Headquarters, Allied Forces North, in Oslo Norway. He attended the 1965 Australian Army staff college course and later served as directing staff, senior staff officer (plans), and assistant commandant of the Canadian Army staff college.

After retirement from the Canadian Forces, Colonel Sutton joined the Public Service of Canada and held senior positions with the Department of National Defence until his retirement in 1991.

Colonel Sutton was Colonel of the Regiment, 1st Canadian Signal Regiment from 1983 to 1988.

An active volunteer, Colonel Sutton was senior researcher at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum for 25 years. He was part of the team that produced a history of Canadian military communications for the 110th anniversary of the Communications and Electronics Branch in 2013. Colonel Sutton also volunteered with the Correctional Service of Canada as a mentor to inmates preparing for release.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Military Communications and Electronics Museum (candemuseum.org) or to

Obituary notice for Club Member John Poulos LM863

John Donald Poulos
August 17, 1939 - August 7, 2019
Poulos, John Donald
The passing of John Donald Poulos, husband of the late Lenora
 (Campbell) Poulos, occurred on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at
 the Dr. Everett ChalmersRegional Hospital. Born on August 17, 1939
 in Saint John, NB he was theson of the late John and Jenny
 (Winchester) Poulos. John joined the Army atthe age of 16 as
 a boy soldier and was a member of the Signal Corps. Following
 his service he joined the family business and caught the
 entrepreneurial bug, eventually opening several restaurants of
 his own. Hewas a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #93
, and a former member of Search and Rescue. John also taught
 firearm and hunter safety. A beloved father, brother and uncle,
 John enjoyed time spent with family andcruising in his convertible.
 He liked to play darts and cribbage he alsoenjoyed classical music.
John is survived by his sons, Peter  Poulos (Jennifer) and Stephen
 Poulos   (Cheryl); sister, Helena "Sister" Case; several nieces
and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, John was
 predeceased by his sister, Joan Poulos, and brothers, Arthur
and William "Sonny" Poulos.

Visitation will take place on Sunday August 11, 2019 from 2 to 4
 and 7 to 9 pm at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Dr.
 Fredericton, NB. There will be a Legion Tribute Service by
 Legion Branch #93 on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 6:45 pm
 at York Funeral Home. A Private Graveside Service will take
 place at Erb's Cove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers,
remembrance may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion
 Branch #93 (https://legion.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society
(https://www.cancer.ca). Personal Condolences may be offered
through www.yorkfh.com