Update On Colonel Don Pruner, OMM, CD

 Members of the Communications and Electronics Branch/The Royal Canadian Corps of Signals 

This note is intended to advise our C&E Branch members of the status of one of our genuine heroes – Colonel Don Pruner, OMM, CD. Colonel Don has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia with a very short term prognosis.  

Colonel Pruner served honourably in World War II as an infantry soldier in NW Europe in the Argyll and  Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise’s) and was Wounded in Action and medically  evacuated. After the war, he graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours degree in the  Communications and Electricity option of Engineering Physics. 

During his fourth year of engineering at university, he re-enlisted in the Canadian Army Regular in the  Royal Canadian Corps of Signals. Col Pruner served in the war in Korea in 1952 as both a battalion signal  officer and a signal troop officer at brigade HQ. During his thirty-four plus years of military service in the  Canadian Armed Forces, he was promoted and employed in progressively more responsible positions in  operations, management, training and administration, primarily, but not exclusively, in the field of  communications and electronics. In his final appointment, he was selected as Canadian Forces Attaché  in Israel with a secondary accreditation to Cyprus.  

Colonel Pruner’s knowledge, experience and good humour were instrumental in the creation of the  integrated Communications & Electronics Branch based on the former RC Sigs, and telecommunications  components of RCEME, RCN, and RCAF that were the founding elements of the new Branch. As Chief  Instructor and A/Commandant at the Signals School during the transition from single service to an  integrated training establishment he and his colleagues were required to effectively and smoothly  recreate the trades, officer and NCO courses that would be responsive to the operational requirements  of the new Canadian Forces.  

As Director General Communications and Electronics Operations (DGCEO) a few years later he was  responsible for the Communications & Electronics (C&E) plans and operations staff that would respond  to the readiness, deployment and operational support responsibilities of the Deputy Chief of Defence  Staff including the C & E component of the newly formed Joint Staff (J6). It was Colonel Pruner’s  extensive experience and professional approach to this challenge that guaranteed there was no  degradation in the communications and electronics support to operations. His efforts ensured that the  credibility and profile of our Corps/Branch was maintained and enhanced during this tumultuous period.  

Colonel Pruner continues to remain active in supporting our C&E community. And he is often sought out for  his sage counsel and wide breadth of experience. He is always among the first individuals to provide  sponsorship to important Corps/Branch activities such as the building of our C&E Museum.  

Colonel Pruner has dedicated his life to serving his country and his precious Royal Canadian Corps of  Signals/Communication and Electronics Branch. He has served courageously in WWII and Korea and in key  strategic and operational positions in the Corps/Branch. Most importantly, he has provided leadership to  several generations of young officers and soldiers by acting as a mentor and counsellor. Colonel Pruner  remains one of the original builders/designers of the C & E Branch. And he is a living example of a  dedicated, courageous, and devoted member of our RCCS/C&E Branch.

Obituary Notice for Club Member William Albert "Al" Young LM313

William Albert "Al" Young       1935-2021

 CD Chief Warrant Officer, (Ret’d) Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, Truro. “Velox Versutus Vigilans” It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William Albert Young “Al”, age 86, on Thursday, November 4, 2021. We are comforted that he has found peace; he will be dearly missed. The son of William and Olive (Chaisson) Young, Al was born on July 23, 1935 in Glace Bay, and grew up in Reserve Mines. As a young man, Al joined the Sea Cadets, an experience which shaped his career. In 1952, at the age of 17, Al enlisted in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals as a radio operator and lineman. He earned his jump wings with the Canadian Airborne Signals Squadron and completed two United Nations Peacekeeping tours in the Middle East in 1965 and 1975. His postings included Vancouver, Bordon, Kingston, Charlottetown, Gagetown, Saint John, Debert and Halifax in Canada and Lahr and Soest in Germany. It was during his first posting to Germany that he met his wife, Elisabeth (Ellen) and they were married on his birthday by Prelate Dr. Theodor Legge in Prospteikirche St. Laurentius, in her hometown of Arnsberg in 1960. Al attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1981 and in 1988 took his release after serving his country faithfully with honour, diligence and integrity for 36 years. His decorations and medals include Canadian Forces Decoration (CD) with 2 Clasps, Canadian Centennial Medal 1967, UN Emergency Force (UNEF), UN Emergency Force Middle East (UNEFME), Canadian Peace Keeping Service Medal, Special Service Medal (NATO) and the Parachute Badge. Al retired with his wife at their home in Truro. Al travelled the world and was not afraid to try anything and made friends wherever he went. He was a very caring person and a true family man – a husband, father, grandfather and soon to be great-grandfather – always giving and never asking for much in return except friendship and respect. Remembered for his love of the outdoors, especially being on the water, Al delighted in angling of all sorts, but especially fly-fishing for salmon on his beloved Margaree River. Al curled and played and coached hockey well into his 40’s until a knee injury prevented him. He was a long-time ham radio operator with the call sign “VE1 BLB”. Al actively volunteered in his community with the Knights of Columbus KOC (4th degree) where he served as Grand Knight and was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Parish. He served as past president of the Cobequid Salmon Association and an Area Director of the Nova Scotia Salmon Association. He enjoyed spending time with his lifelong friends, Walt Conrad and John Stears recounting their hunting, fishing and military adventures with a great sense of humour and a kit bag full of stories and one-liners to tell. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially grandchildren, Alex and Morgan, who were both the apple of their Papa’s eye. Al is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elisabeth “Ellen” (Schüttler); son, Patrick (Tanya), Marion Bridge; daughter, Susan (Hass), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; brothers, Jerry (Karen), Kenebecasis, N.B.; Ernie, Reserve Mines; sister, Brenda (Nelson, deceased) Borgal, Glace Bay; grandchildren, Alexander (Ashley), Guysborough and Morgan (Emily), Marion Bridge; brothers-in-law, Franz Joseph (Heidi) Schüttler, Arnsberg, Germany and Hans (Gabrielle) Hildebrand; and sister-in-law, Maria Lindemann-Posner of Darmstadt, Germany; and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Al was predeceased by his uncle and godfather, Carl (Collie) Young (of Reserve Mines); brothers, Joe (Jean deceased) (Glace Bay); John (Helen) (New Glasgow) and sister-in-law, Monika St. Laurent (Darmstadt, Germany). Dad also leaves behind his special little buddy, B.B. who is now brightening the lives of all who visit at home. We would like to thank Dr. Trevor Locke, Today’s Nurse, especially Dad’s favourites, Samantha and Sharon and Wynn Park Villa 3E staff for their compassionate care until his passing. In keeping with Al’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to a Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 Tribute Service followed by a Knights of Columbus Prayer Service and Liturgy of the Word on Saturday, November 27th beginning at 2 p.m. in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. In accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions, proof of full vaccination, wearing of masks, as well as ID are required. Burial will take place in Cape Breton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to Operation Smile or World Vision Canada. Webcasting of the service will begin at 1:58 p.m. (Atlantic Time) and is available along with online condolences at: www.ColchesterCommunity.com

Obituary Notice for Old Comrade Harris Basil "Harry" Vaughan

 Vaughan, Harris Basil "Harry", CD (Sgt. Retired) – 93, of Bible Hill passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre.  Born in Gaspereau, he was the oldest son of the late Basil and Edith (Weaver) Vaughan and the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Harry is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dora (Dobson); sons, Kenneth, Victoria, BC; Kevin (Anne), Halifax; Keith, at home; grandchildren, Amielyn and Stevie Ray; sisters-in-law, Diane, Hamilton, ON  and Shirley, Hagersville, ON; several nieces and nephews in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Harry was predeceased by his only sister, Irene (Francis "Rocky"), Kentville; brothers, Jack, Hamilton, ON; Donald (Toodie), Stanley and Gerald all of Hagersville, ON.

During his career, Harry served as a Radio Operator in the Royal Canadian Signals Corps stationed in Winnipeg, Kingston, Petawawa, Gagetown, Halifax, St. John’s, and Debert. He also served as a United Nations Peacekeeper in Germany, Korea, Egypt (twice) and the Congo. Harry loved to travel, build and fly model airplanes, read, watch the news and documentaries on TV, fish for trout and spend much of each day on his HAM Radios (VE1HBV).

Our heartfelt thanks go out to his special caregiver for almost two years, Valerie Nelson, Doctors Graham and Idoko and to the staff on 3-D Medical, including Dr. R. Lavers for making his last week one of comfort and ease.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Interment will take place 2 pm Saturday, November 27, 2021 at Bible Hill Cemetery. Following the interment,  the family would be happy to meet those in attendance at Parichat’s Asia Thai Restaurant, 131 Esplanade Street for refreshments. COVID-19 protocols will be in place. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Harry’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at" www.mattatallvarnerfh.com