4979 Wayne Wharton RRMC RMC 1960
WHARTON, Wayne Lloyd,
4979 Major, BSc., P.Eng., R.C.E.
(Retired)
Wayne passed away peacefully at Kingston General Hospital on December 14, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to Florence Grace (nee Bussey) and Lloyd Joseph Wharton. He attended school in Moose Jaw until the end of Grade 11 while also working as a call boy and a checker for the Canadian National Railway to help support his family. He entered Grade 13 when his family moved to Nelson, B.C.
His military career started at Royal Roads Military College, near Victoria, B.C. He graduated from Royal Military College and Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Wayne married Doreen (nee McCarey) in Kingston and they began a lifelong journey together that lasted over 62 years. Military postings included: Chilliwack, B.C.; Gillingham, Kent, England; Kingston, Ontario; Bagotville, Quebec; Werl and Lahr, West Germany; India/Pakistan as a UN Peace Observer; and finally, Ottawa where he retired for the first of three times.
Following his third retirement, he oversaw the building of their retirement home on Lake Opinicon, Ontario. For the next few years, winters were spent traveling in their motorhome around the U.S.A. or on the east coast of Florida. Every three years they traveled to Australia, spending winters in South West Rocks or Nambucca Heads, New South Wales. In 2010 they bought their Florida winter home where they enjoyed golfing and entertaining. Their New Year’s Day Levee was the best party of the year.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents Florence and Lloyd, and brother Harley. He is survived by his wife Doreen, and children Lisa (David) Australia, Kent (Bertha) Brockville and Mark (Piera) Kemptville; grandchildren Richard (Valerie), James (Victoria), Alexis, and Catherine; inherited grandchildren Mercedes (Martin), Sarah (Zack), and Alex (Shannon); and delightful, inherited great-grandchildren Camden, Avery, Nicholas, Aaliyah and Atticus. Also, his sister-in-law MaryJane McCarey and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cremation has taken place and interment will be at a later date in Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.In care of
Simpler Times Cremation Service
613-389-7223 / 613-382-3683
Online Condolences www.simplertimes.com
3902 William Armstrong RMC 1957
Armstrong, William (Bill) George
Passed away peacefully on November 22, 2023 at the age of 89. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Kathryn (Adam), Carol (David), Mike, Sandra (Andy) and forever cherished by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife Maureen, sister Helen and daughter-in-law Barb. He was a caring, loving person who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. When his wife fell ill, he dedicated his time to ensuring that all of her needs were met.
As a father, he provided unconditional love, support and guidance to his children and he will always live on in our hearts.
He worked as a civil engineer, serving in the Canadian Army and then at the universities of Guelph, Lakehead and Brock.
Cremation has taken place and the family will be holding a private service in his memory. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Niagara.
4215 Don Wallace RRMC RMC 1958
It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Don Wallace on December 14th, 2023 at his home in Kimberley BC. Mourning his loss is his beloved wife of 44 years, Susan, his children Micaela (Craig) and Jared, his sister Helen Jensen and numerous relatives and friends. We would like to send our best wishes to Alisa and Stewart.
Don had some unique final wishes – one of them being the contribution of his body to the University of British Columbia for the advancement of medicine through anatomical study.
Another unique request that will come as a complete surprise to most of you is that he didn’t want any type of funeral or event. We know this is bizarre, given his larger than life personality and love of attention – but hey, we all know Don gets what he wants!
It is impossible to do Don’s life story justice in an obituary. Please periodically check rememberingdonwallace.com where we will curate a loving account of his life in due time.
In Don’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Anatomical Sciences Research Endowment Fund at UBC.
Members of RMC ’58 have directed me to add their sentiments about Don to his obit that appears in eVeritas. I am, as always, honoured to do their bidding.
Don was always the life of our class, be it at as cadets and then at reunions. He loved to laugh and loved even more to make others laugh. His passion for larks and laughter was exceeded, extensively, by his love for alpine skiing … beginning in his high school years when he was a Canadian ski jumping champion, and continuing until his days ended. It was a privilege to have known Don and enjoyed his friendship since our cadet days, and that bond culminated in one of the most moving events I have ever experienced … the surprise ceremony at the 65th RMC Class Reunion that honoured my service as Class Secretary.
That event was organized and led by Don Wallace, with the full support of all the classmates he asked to help. Don also brought my twin brother into the event, and Bob is a member of RMC’56. Don even gained the support of my family members across Canada, yet I showed up at the Reunion Weekend totally unaware of what was in store … another example of Don’s remarkable ability in planning and execution. My classmates join me in expressing to his family our gratitude and appreciation for having known, served, worked and laughed with Don for much of our lives.
3959 Phil Smith
Class Secretary, RMC’58.
4591 Dennis Gordon Jaques RMC 1959
JAQUES, Dennis Gordon
January 7, 1936 – December 8, 2023
Dennis passed away just short of his 88th birthday, surrounded by the love of his daughters and wife. He leaves to celebrate his legacy and mourn his death, his wife Sandy, daughters Jennie and husband Jeff Popham, Paddi and husband Dean Ross, and the lights of his life, granddaughters Tijanne, Kasha, Olina, Sophie, and Natalie. Our wish for him is expressed below.
Your dreams will soar higher
Taller than any tree
Till they mix with the stars
For you always to see
So close your eyes
And in your dreams
We’ll take you up to Lullaby Mountain
Where you shall run free
From the young adult novel Fragmented Souls
by granddaughter, Kasha Ross
Dennis was born in Brantford, Ontario, and survived his childhood on a small asparagus farm with the love of his parents and older brother Dudley. He was lured to Royal Military College by all the sports offered there and graduated in 1959. After maneuvering his way into flying training, he was off to Marville, France, where he spent three years during the Cold War flying F-86 Sabres and awakening his love of France and its culture and people. It was there in 1963 that I, Sandy, came along, a lowly summer cadet. He proposed to me under the Pont Neuf after three weeks of dating. The rest is history.
Dennis was introduced to the early days of computer systems while posted to Ottawa. That led to a career spanning continents as he moved from coding to designing systems to project management. With two small girls in tow, we sold up everything in 1970 and moved to Luxembourg, then on to Zambia in 1971. Back in Canada in 1974, he worked in Montreal, then Fort McMurray, before settling in Victoria in 1977. He loved all that wandering, and I don’t think he had any intention of putting down roots here. He was one of the early recruits when BC Buildings Corporation was formed and loved the excitement of those years.
Upon retirement, Dennis immediately went to the Victoria College of Art, where he studied design and technique in preparation for his next serious metamorphosis as an artist. We have a house full of colorful and often whimsical paintings, as he was always reluctant to sell anything. These retirement years were very satisfying for him. He painted, trained for triathlons, and we gardened, traveled, and swam. Most importantly, his grandgirls came along, and he had a new career as a grandfather. That was his favorite job ever. He even spent a year as the primary caregiver when Paddi returned to teaching after Tijanne was born. Another highlight was his work as the prima volunteer at Rogers School during my nine years there. He loved being part of that community.
There wasn’t much that he didn’t like except theatrical plays with excessive swearing. That caught his wrath! He loved shopping for groceries and running errands. This past summer, he wasn’t very well, but with great determination, he walked down to the dock at Banfield Park almost every day and dove off the dock into the Gorge. We spent two weeks at Hornby Island, walking the beach and connecting with his many Hornby friends. He loved his house, garden with his favorite sunflowers, Bryden Park, and neighbors.
We are grateful for the many friends who helped make his last weeks and days beautiful. The parade of people coming by to support us was such a help. It really does take a village to usher out a loved one with grace. We would also like to thank the West Saanich VIHA hub that truly walked with us through this process. In a time of scarce resources, that service was outstanding.
We plan to commemorate Dennis’s life at the Esquimalt Gorge Pavilion on April 4 at 3:00 with a show of his art, some reflection, and a wee glass. We invite his friends to join us then.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2023.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
https://www.legacy.com/ca/obituaries/timescolonist/name/dennis-jaques-obituary?id=53847081
3747 Pierre Sénécal CMR RMC 1957
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of General Pierre Sénécal, on November 27, 2023, at the age of 88. He was the son of the late Abondius Sénécal and the late Irma Lachance.
Loving husband to Doris Sénécal (née Giguere), father to Diane (Tommy Mega) and Suzanne (Ron Larabie), beloved grandfather to Nihal and Dina.
Born in Montréal on April 20, 1935, General Sénécal studied in Trois-Rivières where he first took up arms with the Académie de la Salle Cadet Corps. In 1952 he was among the first group of Officer Cadets at Collége Militaire Royal (CMR), St-Jean. He left CMR to continue his officer’s course with the Officer Cadet Program in Borden in 1954. On December 18, 1954 he joined 1R22eR. During the following seven years, of which 1956-1957 in Germany, he successively commanded 10 platoon, deputy and later commander Reconnaissance Platoon. Commanded several courses for junior NCOs and went to Depot R22eR in 1961 where he became Training Officer for Services Company. Promoted captain he took over command of the Infantry Company until his departure for the Congo in January 1963 where he served the United Nations as Liaison Officer to the Congolese Army. In 1964 he became Staff Officer at Eastern Quebec Area following which he was appointed Adjutant for one year with 2R22eR in Germany from 1966-67. He studied at the Staff College in Kingston over 1967 to 1968. From 1968 to 1973 he occupied successively the post of Commander B company 3R22eR including a tour in Cyprus, Staff Officer Personnel at Base Valcartier, Chief of Operations at 5 Brigade Group and Chief Administration at Base Valcartier.
He commanded the first battalion of his Regiment at Lahr Germany, from 1973 to 1975. Posted to Mobile Command he was staff officer for regional operations until his promotion to Colonel in 1977. Transferred to the National Defence Headquarters, he was appointed special assistant to the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff. From July 1978 to August 1981 he commanded Base Montreal. He completed course 35 of the National Defence College in 1982.
In July 1982 he was promoted to Brigadier-general and on 26 July he was appointed to National Defense Headquarters as Director General Reserves and Cadets.
In July 1983 he is accredited as Canadian Defence Attache in France and Switzerland and in August 1987 he returned to Canada as Deputy Chief of the Operational Research and Analysis Establishment in Ottawa.
General Sénécal is appointed to the Order of Military Merit as Officer. He has received the Canadian Decoration.
A memorial mass will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Cathedral, 385 Sussex Drive, Ottawa.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pierre’s memory to the Friends of the Canadian War Museum would be greatly appreciated. https://friends-amis.org/support-us/donate-now/
3787 Ted Taylor CMR 1957
TAYLOR, COLONEL GORDON EDWARD (Retired), CD Gordon “Ted” Taylor, aged 90, passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Veteran’s Centre on December 1, 2023, from complications related to dementia. Gordon always set high standards for himself and dedicated his life to being a stellar example of a gentleman of high moral character. He was a role model, a respected leader and a true patriarch to his family. Although his advanced dementia made him unavailable to his family in the previous few years, they still find it painful to lose a person who was previously such a momentous presence in their lives.
Gordon was predeceased by his father, Sidney Alfred; his mother, Elva June; and his sister, Audrey May. Born in Toronto, he attended Lawrence Park Collegiate and College Militaire Royal de St-Jean in Quebec. He is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; and his wonderful daughters, Susan Elbertsen, Julie Kish (Peter Kish) and Linda Taylor (Robert Sands). He was known as “Papa” to his seven grandchildren, Sarah, Matthew, Jeffrey, Maxine, Talia, Trevor and Colin; and his four great-grandchildren, Corrie-Ann, Orion, Avery and Rosie.
He was a devoted family man who deeply loved his wife of 68 years, Sylvia. He was happiest at the family cottage on a quiet lake in Minden, surrounded by his loved ones – a popular destination for the family year-round. Gordon was a Bell Canada Manager and Director for 33 years, working in Toronto, Montreal, New York and Saudi Arabia. Gordon was dedicated to serving his country, and began his illustrious military career at 14 when he joined the Cadet Corps at Lawrence Park Collegiate. He joined the Reserve Army when he was 16 and served in the Royal Regiment of Canada until he left for Military College.
When he returned to Toronto with his new bride, Sylvia, he re-joined his regiment, eventually becoming Commanding Officer and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel. Later, he became Commander of the Toronto Militia District. Gordon also served with the 2nd Armoured Signals Division Regiment, the Victoria Rifles of Canada and the Canadian Grenadier Guards. A strong advocate of physical fitness, in 1977, he was a member of a Canadian team of Officers who competed with other NATO countries in a Military Pentathlon in Sandhurst, England.
After retiring from his civilian job in 1990, he volunteered with numerous organizations. He was a volunteer Red Cross worker in Florida after Hurricane Andrew in August 1992. He served as Past President and Treasurer of The Royal Regiment of Canada Association and a Trustee of the Foundation. He was Past President of the Army Cadet League of Canada, Executive Director of the Air Cadet League of Canada, and Director of 110 “Blackhawk” Sqn and 151 “Chadburn” Sqn, Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
In 1993, and again in 2002, he was awarded Commemorative Medals given to Canadians who made significant contributions to their fellow citizens, their community or Canada. Gordon was a member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute and Branch 165 of the Royal Canadian Legion. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember him.
On Saturday, December 16, 2023, there will be a visitation at McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road, Ajax, Ontario, from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church, 77 Randall Drive, Ajax. There will be a reception with refreshments at the church following the service.
4051 Jean-Mar Massicotte CMR RMC 1958
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Jean-Marc Massicotte, at the age of 88. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Claire (nee Proulx) Massicotte, his son Michel Massicotte (Soraya Hassanali), his daughters Francine Massicotte and Chantal Massicotte and his grandchildren Jalen Moran and Kinsey Moran. Marc is predeceased by his four sisters.
Marc started his career as a jet pilot for the Canadian Air Force after graduating from the Royal Military College. He left the Air Force after his marriage in 1962 and for the next 30 years he worked as an Engineer, a Scientific Advisor, and Lead Auditor for the Atomic Energy of Canada and the Atomic Energy Control Board.
Marc will be lovingly remembered for his sense of humour, kindness, generosity, musical talent, and his homemade choke cherry wine that he graciously shared with friends and family. He spent many years playing curling and golf with Claire and their best friends George and Suzanne St-John. We will forever cherish the wonderful memories, including our yearly family vacations in Mattawa where Marc grew up, and when the family took a cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
A celebration of Marc’s life will be held at a later date.
5616 William Voort RRMC RMC 1962
William (Bill) Voort passed away peacefully on December 14, 2023, after struggling with health issues for a number of years. He was 85 years old.
Bill was born on August 15, 1938, in Nijverdal, Netherlands, to parents Hendrick (Henk) and Gerritje (Gerry) Voort.
Bill and his family emigrated from Holland to Canada, when Bill was fifteen, and the family settled in Lethbridge AB. After graduating high school as an accomplished student, Bill joined the military and studied Engineering at Royal Military College in Kingston, ON. Bill went on to a career in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving in Canada (Ottawa ON, Bagotville QC, Kingston ON, and Winnipeg MB) and in Germany (4-Wing and Lahr). In 1980, at the rank of Major, Bill retired from the military and began a second career at Bristol Aerospace, in Winnipeg, where he worked until his retirement.
Not one to be idle in retirement, Bill immediately started volunteering at Grace Hospital, greeting patients and families. He also served on a number of advisory boards regarding patient care. He was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication.
Bill had a strong but quiet faith, and was an active member of Westwood Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder for over twenty years. He was an avid stamp collector and bird-watcher. In the warmer months, Bill spent countless hours in his beloved backyard. His immaculate lawn and gardens were his pride and joy. In his retirement, he also enjoyed travelling the world with family and friends.
Bill was proud of his Dutch heritage. Dropjes (salty licorice, that only a true Dutchman can like), Dutch pastries, and a good cup of coffee were always on hand in the Voort household. Speculaas, oliebollen and pannenkoeken were also favorites. Of course, there was always nutmeg on the beans (a tradition that has not been carried on by his children).
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Brenda, and his children: Carolyn (Melissa), Al (Janine), and Chris (Melanie) and grandchildren: Liam (Janelle), Tianna (Marissa), Hayley (Christian), Ireland (Ryan) and Dawson. Bill is also survived by his sister, Hennie, and brothers, Joe and John. Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Ann, his father, Hendrick, mother, Gerritje, and brother, Tony.
Four years after the death of Ann, Bill married Brenda, and very much enjoyed spending time with her family, including children: Jason (Allyson), Scott (Jacquelin); and grandchildren: Jaxx, Charlee, Nova, and Olen.
Despite his deteriorating health over the past few years, Bill kept a positive outlook and enjoyed the small things he was able to do. The grace and humour he exhibited, even to his last days of life, is a testament to his unfailing character.
Bill, you are loved and will be greatly missed.
Many thanks to the health care staff at Concordia for their care and support in Bill’s last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Compassion Canada (www.compassioncanada.ca) or to Westwood Presbyterian Church (www.westwoodpc.ca).
10970 Karmin McKay RMC 1976
Karmin McKay – The Regimental Family has been saddened by the sudden passing of Karmin McKay in Panama. Updates on plans will be shared by the family as they become available. Our condolences to his family, all his friends and fellow heroes. All that knew him are encouraged to reach out to his family.
4004 Ian Reid CMR RMC 1957
Ian J. Reid of North Saanich, BC passed away on December 21, 2023 at age 87.
Ian was born to John and Yvette Reid (Gratton) on November 6, 1936, in Toronto. He graduated from Royal Military College in May 1957 and spent the next 3 years training at the Royal Naval Engineering College in the UK. Ian returned to Canada and completed certificates of competency in both marine and aeronautical engineering, and later his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. His Naval service included postings to HMCS Bonaventure as flight deck engineer and HMCS Preserver as engineering officer, Squadron technical officer. Ian also oversaw ship refits including a posting as Officer in charge at the Naval Engineering Test Establishment in Montreal. After serving 31 years in the Navy, Ian worked another 8 years as Coast Guard Chief of Fleet Policy and Planning before retiring to Victoria in 1991. His Naval engineering skills were put to good use in his retirement, as he always owned a well-maintained boat which was well travelled with frequent day trips and several longer journeys every year.
Ian is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Eleanor, his five children, Andrew (Angela), David (Wanda), Barry, Cathy (John), and Brian (Maria), his 8 grandchildren, Michelle, Ian, Harrison, Hudson, Natalia, Claire, Jack and Betty, and his sister Yvette (Gilles). He was predeceased by his granddaughter Meghan. He will be dearly missed.
A private gathering for family and friends will be planned for a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association.
Condolences may be offered at www.victoriacremations.ca
13760 Lt(N) (ret) Mark Hamilton Mansfield RRMC RMC 1982
While this past Christmas day 2023 celebrated the birth of the great light of the world, another very special light was sadly extinguished that day with the unexpected death of Mark Mansfield in Orange County California. Mark was the epitome of an RMC Cadet: athletic, academically gifted, functional in his second language, a great public representative of the College, a true bonvivant, a wonderful and loyal friend with a life-long interest in and support for the Canadian Armed Forces. He was also exceptionally humble; indeed, his classmates were stunned when, on graduation, he received a Governor-General’s Award for outstanding academic performance. Mark was a leader in every facet of his life.
Raised in Fonthill Ontario, Mark was a member of Lasalle Flight at RRMC in Victoria from 1978 to 1980, where he excelled academically and in public speaking, learned to fence well, achieved membership in the 400 Club, and was an accomplished athlete on the varsity water polo team. With #8 Mackenzie Squadron at RMC from 1980 to 1982, he retained his crossed clubs, continued to play varsity water polo, also played on the varsity rugby club including in its series of matches in England against British military clubs, and earned the highest academic marks seen in decades in the Honours Politics and Economics program.
Throughout his time at both colleges, he epitomized kindness and courteous fellowship to all, synthesized profound intellectual and scholarly rigour with humility and a joyful free spirit, and was renowned and beloved for his extraordinary social exuberance, humour, and amusing antics. Whether through these attributes, his charitable nature, or his uncannily attractive charm, many of his RMC classmates and Navy colleagues fondly rank activities graced by his influence among the most hilarious, morale-boosting, and outrageously fun episodes of their lives.
Mark’s noble and endearing nature equally marked his four years of service as a MARS (Naval Warfare) officer in Esquimalt with HMCS Yukon and HMCS Terra Nova, as well as his social life in Victoria, where his generously welcoming vivacity and that of his housemates led their home to be widely considered a highlight of young adult social life. Post-release, he was a project manager for Paramax in Montreal overseeing systems integration for the Halifax-class frigates before obtaining an MBA from Harvard University in 1990 and pursuing a long successful career in corporate finance, investment banking, and business management. He was most recently a Principal with Global Capital Markets Corporation in Irvine California, a lecturer at UCLA and other southern California post-secondary institutions, and a leader in the region’s Harvard Business School Alumni Association. He retained his interest in military activities, expressing them within a financial or investment context during an online series of podcasts, called “STRAT” (Strategic Risk Assessment Talk) that were partnered with a USMC veteran colleague. Those podcasts were unfortunately cut off by his untimely demise.
For his universal sympathy and kindness to others, Mark was universally loved. Often at great personal sacrifice, his entire adult life was devoted to serving family, friends, colleagues, and strangers, but especially his children and grand-daughter. He greatly treasured and practiced the Christian faith bequeathed by his parents, which he credited as the source and guide for his countless acts of courtesy, generosity, forgiveness, and love, his stoic acceptance of joy and suffering, and his irreproachable honour and integrity manifested by his repudiation of lucrative but ethically questionable business opportunities.
He was predeceased by his virtuous and loving parents Enid and Peter Mansfield and is survived by his siblings Catherine (Paul Nemy), Peter (Marilee), and Paul (Elaine), his children Morgan, Catherine, and McLean, and his grand-daughter Aurora.
A funeral service was conducted in Corona del Mar, California, whilst a follow-on memorial service is being planned for the month of May in Mark’s hometown of Fonthill, Ontario.
3986 Ian Stewart CMR RMC 1958
Ian died December 18, 2023 in North Vancouver. Dearly loved and oh-so dearly missed by wife, Janet; children, Duncan (Barbara) and Shannon,; and grandchildren, Caitlin (Josh), Brendan, Gabrielle (Sam), Erin, Shannon (Pavle) and Jacob. Ian was born into a Scottish-Canadian-Hungarian family in Montreal, on September 22, 1936. His education included LCC, Royal Military College St. Jean, RMC, McGill and New Mexico State University. First in the RCAF, and then civilian life, Ian had a varied career in many interesting parts of the world as an Electrical Engineer, teacher, writer and consultant. Devoted to home and family, Ian also enjoyed extensive travels, music, reading, fishing, antique hunting, and restoring the old homes that Jan happened upon in the hills of West Vancouver, along the St. Lawrence shores, on the Washington coast, and at that final heritage love nest in the Monterey Peninsula. He was a nonpareil Devils advocate, whose cheerfulness, trademark enduring wide smile, wildflower tributes, quick wit and impossibly rapid puns will be missed but long remembered. A gathering to honour Ian’s love of life will be held at a later date. Thanks to the staff at Sunrise Lynn Valley who cared for Ian during his final illnesses. To write a condolence to the family and learn more, please visit www.mckenziefuneralservices.com
Rita Cormier, RMC Language Teacher (30 years), Second Language Teacher for Senior Officers, and RMC Band Supporter
C’est avec tristesse que nous vous annonçons le décès soudain de Mme Rita Cormier (antérieurement appelée Rita Hotte), survenu le 28 décembre 2023 à Montréal, à l’âge de 73 ans.
Mme Cormier a enseigné au Centre des langues du Collège militaire royal de Kingston pendant plus de 30 ans, de 1983 jusqu’à sa retraite en 2015. (https://everitas.rmcalumni.ca/the-week-that-was-46/) Elle avait auparavant fait partie de l’équipe du Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean. Ses étudiants se souviendront sans doute de son professionnalisme, de son attitude positive, de son énergie ainsi que de son dévouement au sein de la communauté du CMRCK. Durant ses nombreuses années de service, Mme Cormier a notamment agi à titre de maître de cérémonie de toutes les cérémonies de remise des diplômes auxquelles elle a pu se joindre; elle a grandement contribué à la mise sur pied du Cours continu de niveau CBC pour les officiers supérieurs; elle a participé à des projets de recherche à l’Académie canadienne de la Défense canadienne; elle s’est impliquée au sein de nombreux comités inter-facultés. Mais il reste que la partie son travail qui comptait le plus à ses yeux, c’étaient ses étudiants élèves-officiers et aspirants de marine, car « c’est eux qui comptent, et il faut les aimer, ces jeunes-là », disait-elle.
À sa retraite, Mme Cormier était demeurée très active, s’engageant auprès de nombreux cercles communautaires francophones de Kingston avant de déménager au Québec en 2022 pour se rapprocher de sa famille et de ses petits-enfants.
Une célébration de sa vie se tiendra le samedi 27 janvier 2024 de 9h à 11h au Salon funéraire Guay de St-Eustache (146 rue St-Louis, St-Eustache). Les funérailles suivront en l’Église St-Eustache (123 rue St-Louis) à 11h. Pour plus de renseignements, visitez le site suivant : https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/st-eustache-qc/rita-cormier-11608974
Plusieurs anciens collègues et amis comptent s’y rendre, par conséquent les personnes intéressées à offrir ou demander du transport peuvent se rendre au groupe FB créé pour l’occasion : www.facebook.com/groups/894743785668378/
Comme Mme Cormier affectionnait tant la musique du Collège (elle possédait tous les CD de la musique jouée par la fanfare!), s’il y a des anciens du Collège parmi vous qui accepteraient de lui rendre un dernier hommage en jouant de la cornemuse lors de ses funérailles, veuillez communiquer par courriel avec sa fille, Mme Rachel Hotte à l’adresse suivante : rahotte@gmail.com.
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It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ms. Rita Cormier (formerly Rita Hotte) at the age of 73, in Montréal, on the 28th of December 2023.
Ms. Cormier taught at the Language Center at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston for over 30 years, from 1983 until she retired in 2015. (https://everitas.rmcalumni.ca/the-week-that-was-46/) She had previously taught in St. Jean, Quebec. Her students will surely remember her professionalism, her positive outlook, her vitality, and her dedication to the RMCCK community. During her years of service, Ms. Cormier acted as a graduation parade marshal for many convocation ceremonies, she made tremendous contributions to the advanced second language course for senior officers, she took part in research projects at the Canadian Defense Academy, and she was involved in numerous inter-faculty committees. However, her true motivation was her officer cadet and naval cadet students. She often said: “these are the ones who matter, and you’ve got to love them, those students of yours!”
In retirement, Ms. Cormier remained active in the Kingston French community until she moved to Quebec in 2022 to be closer to her family and grandchildren.
A special celebration will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 09:00hrs to 11:00hrs, at Guay Funeral Parlour in St. Eustache, Quebec (146 St. Louis Street, St. Eustache, Qc). The funeral service will follow at St. Eustache Church (123 St. Louis Street, St. Eustache, Qc). For more information, visit the following website: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/st-eustache-qc/rita-cormier-11608974
As many friends and former colleagues may wish to attend the service and funeral, those interested in carpooling may join the Facebook group which has been created for this purpose: www.facebook.com/groups/894743785668378/
Since Ms. Cormier held RMC music close to her heart (she owned all the CDs from the RMC bands!), any RMC alumni who would be willing to play the bagpipes in her honour at the funeral, please contact her daughter, Rachel Hotte, by email: rahotte@gmail.com.
9398 Gary Moore RRMC RMC 1972
It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gary Moore, Class of 1972 at his home in Springbank, Alberta on 29 December 2023.
Gary arrived at Royal Roads after a year at the University of Manitoba in 1968. He made sure everyone also knew he was an Air Force brat and had spent time all across Canada and Europe. Being older than Consequently, being older than most of his rook classmates, he appeared and acted much more mature than the rest. At Royal Roads, Gary was introduced to Rugby which would become one of his lasting passions. At RMC, Gary spent a relatively easy time in the Frigate and often went to class. In the end, he completed a degree in Honours Politics and Economics with apparent ease.
After graduating, Gary spent another eight years in the Army. He served first with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Lahr, Germany and then with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. He completed one UN tour in Cyprus, another in Egypt and had a short exchange posting to Australia.
Gary left the Army in 1980 and attended the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and received a Doctorate in Management and Information Systems. He went on to become a professor in that discipline at the University of Calgary before becoming a prominent member of the Calgary business community. Too old to play rugby, he became a dedicated coach and occasionally travelled to watch the World Rugby international matches.
Always a fan of things Italian – cars, pizza, etc., Gary’s home was a large Italian-style villa in the foothills west of Calgary where he had big dogs and watched the deer, antelope, bears and cougars play in his backyard. He enjoyed bi-weekly bocce games with five of his RRMC classmates on his backyard court. He did a lot of travelling and his most recent trip was to the Kölner Weinachtsmarkt (Cologne Market) in Germany.
Gary leaves his partner Elsa and sister Patti, five children, three grandchildren, his classmates, comrades and friends to mourn and reflect.
Donations to either the Heart & Stroke Foundation (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give) or Veterans Emergency Transition Services (https://vetscanada.org/) will be appreciated.
Saddened to read about the passing of Col Ted Taylor. As a young high school student I joined The Royal Regiment of Canada where he was the CO. He was particularly interested when myself and one other young soldier were accepted to Royal Roads. He kept in touch, made sure we attended events in Toronto when we were home on leave, and made sure we were made to feel we would always be part of the regimental family.