Deaths | Décès

3241 CHARLES (Chuck) PARMELEE

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Charles (Chuck) Parmelee on February 14, 2021 at Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto. His loving partner, Kathy Murphy, was at his side. Chuck was predeceased by his parents Wilfrid (1972) and Lillas Parmelee (Stitt) (1999) and his wife Veronica Parmelee (Dugdale) (1983). He is survived by his sisters, Helen O’Brien (Joseph O’Brien, Peter Worthington) and Janet Hutchison (Frederick), his nephew Casey Worthington (Julia Kanashevich), his niece Jennifer Hutchison (James Schmidt) his grandnephews Jordan and Jacob Schmidt, and his grandnieces Kathleen and Victoria Worthington.

Born in Ottawa, Chuck’s extraordinary life was driven by his strong desire to learn, to become successful and to enjoy life to its fullest. He did so and more. Chuck graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree from McGill University in 1955, a Bachelor of Science Degree from RMC in 1956, and an MBA from Western University in 1960.

His long and varied business career included working for Shell Oil, Atlas Steel, and Drake Personnel before beginning 20 years of working closely with and for Stephen Roman, Chairman and Founder of the Roman Corporation. Chuck travelled the world seeking opportunities for the company in oil and gas and mining exploration as well as many other business sectors, cumulating as President of Roman Corporation. Following Mr. Roman’s passing Chuck moved on to a new set of challenges and accomplishments that included moving to Vancouver as President and CEO of Graymont Ltd.

Returning to Toronto he served as the Federal Government’s representative on the Board of the Toronto Harbour Commission serving in the role of Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for a decade. He was instrumental in gaining support and funding for the lakefront Toronto Music Garden and for the expansion and development of the Toronto Island Airport. Chuck loved his yacht “Super Date” and all activities that flowed from it. While a member of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club he served as Treasurer, Vice Commodore and Commodore and led the search and design for the RCYC City Club. As President of his condominium corporation, “King’s Landing”, he supported and facilitated the National Ballet of Canada Walter Carsen Centre move to King’s Landing.

Chuck loved playing squash and tennis and skiing with his buddies. He was a serious car enthusiast who always had the latest and greatest shiny new one. Chuck was a great conversationalist, always on top of current events, and would advance his position persuasively and in good will. He very much enjoyed entertaining his family and friends on his yacht and organizing fun dinners and parties.

We gratefully extend our thanks to the health care team at Bridgepoint, the wonderful PSW’s and Nurse Ursula from Paramed, and the amazing staff at King’s Landing, who all supported Chuck through the last, sometimes difficult, years of his life. Private graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery, Toronto. Condolences may be sent through the Holy Cross Funeral Home website. Donations to The Salvation Army appreciated. A “Celebration of Chuck’s Life” will be planned and announced when circumstances become more favorable.

You can share photos, videos and remembrances if you search for Charles on legacy.com.

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5544 Paul Callaway

The Class of ’63 is mourning the loss of our classmate and friend, 5544 Paul Callaway, on 2 February 2021 after a recurring fight with cancer. He was 81.

After graduation from RMC (B.Eng. Mechanical) in 1963, Paul completed his Harvard training at RCAF Station Penhold, AB. As he put it in a biography prepared for the Class of ’63 Biographies book, it was “there he discovered the love of (his) life walking along the boardwalk at Sylvan Lake. Tineke had traveled to Canada from Holland and was visiting her relatives when (he) spotted her.”  He went on to Portage La Prairie, MB and received his Wings on the T33. Paul and Tineke were married in her hometown of Uithorn, Holland, near Amsterdam on 12 September 1964. Posted to Trenton, ON, Paul converted to the DC3 and headed for Comox, BC with 442 Squadron, where he converted to helicopters flying Search and Rescue. While at Comox, Laura was born on 8 December during a snowstorm.

While subsequently tryining at Trenton on the Chinook, Paul applied and was accepted with Air Canada. He took his release from the RCAF in September and commenced flying the Viscount in November 1966.  Their son, Clifford, arrived on 12 December while he was still on course. Paul and Tineke settled in Montreal after he finished his training and they bought a house in Beaconsfield near the airport. Many friends visited them during Expo 67, which was a very exciting time to be in Quebec.

In June 1974, they moved to Paul’s hometown of Guelph ON when he opted to be based out of Toronto. While in Guelph, he was active with the Kiwanis Club and helped restart the Music Festival. Paul flew the DC9, B747, DC8, B727 and finished on the B767 as Captain during his last ten years with Air Canada. In 1984 the family moved to Oakville and Paul ran in the 1988 election as the Christian Heritage Party candidate, which he described as an “interesting experience.” After retiring from Air Canada in January 1999, Paul built a house on Pigeon Lake near Bobcaygeon.

He and Tineke lived, as Paul described it, in “blissful retirement… blessed with many visits from (their) children and their families taking advantage of (their) lakeside residence”.  Paul readily acknowledged that the training and rigors of life at Royal Roads and RMC gave him the solid foundation on which to build a happy and rewarding life. He wrote that “the times he spent with fellow cadets left him with many pleasant memories”.

Paul is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tineke, their daughter Laura (Ton) and son, Clifford (Lori). He will be fondly remembered as “Pops” by his grandchildren Carissa and Blake and his two step-grandchildren Hans-Pieter and Toine Van Nieuwkerk. Paul will also be missed dearly by his older stepsister Dorothy.

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4559 William Hewson

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.

After growing up in Ottawa, Bill attended Royal Roads and then RMC, where he was a proud member of the Class of 1959. He worked hard, playing football in the fall and skiing in the winter. In the process, he made friendships that he cherished for the rest of his life. His son Richard graduated from RMC in 1987, and Bill had the honour of passing on his College hat badge to his grandson Mitchell on parade in 2013.

Bill met Norah at a party in Toronto in 1959, where he was completing his civil engineering degree at 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.

Obituary by 16094 Richard Hewson and 26893 Mitchell William Hewson

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3035 Jerry Donahue

Peacefully at home, Jerrold (Jerry) Joseph Donahue, at the age of 90 years, went to his rest in the loving
arms of God on Thursday, February 4, 2021. Beloved father of Catherine and Margaret, both of Ottawa.
Predeceased by his loving wife Claudette and sons Brian and Patrick (Michael).

Born in Fossmill, Chisholm County, Ontario on Oct 22, 1930. Son of the late Joseph Maurice and Mary
Lillian (Lafrance) Donahue. Predeceased by sister Lois Nault (George).

He will be greatly missed by many extended family and friends.

Jerry was a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Artillery for 37 years. A graduate of the
Royal Military College in Kingston in 1954. He married Claudette (Pigeau) shortly after graduation and
was immediately deployed to Korea for 6 months. During the first 17 years of marriage, Jerry was posted
19 times including 2 peacekeeping tours in Vietnam, for 1 year and 6 months respectively. Along with
several Canadian postings spanning Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Manitoba, Jerry and
family also traveled to Texas, Germany, Kansas and Washington DC, before finishing his service in
Ottawa. Following his active military career, Jerry taught a Middle Management course for 9 years on
contract to the Department of National Defence. Jerry was a very active member of the Ottawa
Gunners, serving as President for a number years. He was also a member of the Eastern Ontario
Gunners Association. Jerry was Secretary of the 30th Field Artillery Regiment Senate for 14 years. “Once a
Gunner, always a Gunner”.

Always active in sports, Jerry played softball, baseball, volleyball and hockey in his youth, and still
enjoyed golf and curling up until 2 years ago. A long time member of St. Maurice parish in Nepean, Jerry
also served a few years with the St. Vincent de Paul Ministry within the parish.

Special thanks to the staff and residents at The Ravines Senior Suites in Nepean for welcoming Jerry to
your wonderful community, to Geeta and Home Instead for your assistance prior to the pandemic, to
Lanny and Kelly at Qualicare Home Care, Dr. Susan Whitley and Dr. Matthew Roberts for all your
support, and to our contacts at the Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs. A very special thank you to Barbara for being
Dad’s guardian angel on earth this last year+.

Limited visitation, according to provincial guidelines, will be available at the West Chapel of Hulse,
Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Ave (at Richmond Road) on Saturday, February 13th, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Pursuant to current maximum attendance COVID regulations, please RSVP on LCol Donahue’s web page at www.hpmcgarry.ca. Attendees are required to wear face masks, and asked to respect and practice social distancing.

Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or the Heart and
Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

For a slideshow commemorating Jerry’s life please see here: https://www.hpmcgarry.ca/memorials/jerrold-donahue/4519147/index.php

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Editor’s Note: The following obituary was provided as an update by the Class of 1960. 

4847 Major Art Skaling

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Major (retired) Arthur Skaling on December 11, 2016 at Pine Grove Nursing Home. Born December 22, 1938 in Saint John, NB, he was the son of the late Gordon and Charlotte (Gilliland) Skaling and husband of the late Lynda Skaling.

Arthur leaves behind his two daughters, Wendi Skaling of Fredericton, NB, and Heather Skaling of Petawawa, ON. He will also be missed by his only grandchild, Julia Dunnett-Skaling.

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4969 Victor J Sokolosky

Victor Sokolosky passed away on October 10, 2020 at the age of 81. His wife Effie Sokolosky, his son Jason Sokolosky, and his daughter Shawna Olson were by his side. He has four beautiful grandchildren: Vera Sokolosky, Nadiya Sokolosky, Samantha Olson, and Ethan Olson. Aside from being a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, he was an Air Force Vet and a Teacher of 34 years. Dad is now with his son, Zenon Sokolosky.

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4889 James M Cooling

February 5, 1937 – January 8, 2021

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings”

James passed peacefully at home, on Protection Island, Nanaimo, BC, with Heather, his wife of 55 years, by his side.

Born in Campbellton, NB, to John Cooling and Eulah Mae Parlee, Jim moved with his RCAF family across the country, from Summerside to Goose Bay; from Aylmer to St. Jean, PQ and Penhold, AB. He chose a career in the military, attending Royal Roads, 1956-58, and Royal Military College, 1958-60, earning a Science degree with the RMC Class of ‘60.

After three years in the RCAF, Jim attended Carleton University, graduating with a B.A. in History, a subject which he loved throughout his life. He earned his M.A. in History from Queens University in 1967. Following a stint as a researcher at Canadian Forces College in Toronto, Jim began his teaching career in Hamilton, later moving to Nanaimo in 1969 to become the first History instructor at the newly opened Malaspina College (now VIU).  Jim was a gifted and much-admired teacher.   Six years later, Jim began a new career in commercial aviation, and in flying training.   He took on the challenge of starting a flying school, Coolaire Aviation, at Nanaimo Airport in the 80’s. The last 15 years of his flying career was both adventurous and risky as he worked as co-pilot of a Canso ‘flying boat’, fighting forest fires in Northern Ontario, Alberta, and the North-west Territories.  Jim ended his career in style ferrying a Canso from Athens, Greece to the Zambezi River in Mozambique. In retirement Jim appreciated the simple pleasures of island life, tending to his garlic, tomatoes and homemade vino, and relaxing on the deck with a coffee or sitting in his favourite chair with book in hand.

Jim’s life was full of lasting friendships, rewarding work, travel, and deep love of family. He also persevered through life`s challenges and tragedies. He was a loving husband and a devoted and proud father, and grandfather. Grandson Delsen, describes his grandad as “curious, talkative, loving and funny with an incredible memory.” Another grandson will soon be born in Japan and Jim was thrilled to learn this wonderful news.

Much admired as a raconteur, Jim regaled friends and ferry patrons with flying stories and his latest musings on history. He also could rant with the best of them. A lover of music, especially jazz, his renditions of “Fly Me to the Moon” and “The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo” are unforgettable. Good health eluded Jim for the past 15 years. However, this did not deter him from travelling to tropical locales where he could enjoy a warm pool, palm trees; the delight of making new friends, while dining al fresco, with a cold beer and his ever-present hot sauce – always with family close by. His humour, kindness, good nature and larger-than-life spirit will be greatly missed.

Jim’s death is preceded by those of his parents, his stepmother, Edith Bowlby, and his younger brother Gary, an RCAF jet pilot, killed in an air collision in 1958 in France at the age of 19. He is survived by Heather, son Christopher (Satoko), Yokohama, Japan; daughter Patricia Jackson (Nav) and grandson Delsen, Dundas ON; son Benjamin, Nanaimo; as well as sisters-in-law, Sheila and Judy, brother-in-law Barry and their families.

The family would like to thank the many people who supported Jim’s last days at home. His VIHA caregivers, Island Health nurse Heather, Dr.  S. Mulder, Pharmacist Farah Kassam. The love, devotion, kindness and generosity of islanders and close friends will forever be remembered.

A celebration of this fine man’s life will be held at a later date.