Senator Joseph A. Day, CMR RMC 1968
Monday, May 27th, we mourn the passing of our beloved Joe, ‘JoJo’ to his four grandchildren. Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was known for his unconditional love for his family, his kind words for everyone, and his unwavering loyalty.
Joe grew up in Hampton, NB, where he learned the value of hard work and helping others at his family’s grocery store. He chose the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario, where he graduated with high honors in Engineering, an experience that would create life long friends. He then pursued law at Queens University and a Master’s degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. He remained deeply involved with the Royal Military College and many local, provincial and national boards throughout his life.
Joe met the love of his life, Georgie Fraser, during his final year at Military College. Their relationship blossomed despite the distance, with Georgie completing her nursing studies and Joe continuing his education. Joe was a devoted husband and father, always ensuring his family came first and providing unwavering support and love throughout their marriage. His dedication to Georgie and their children was a testament to his deep commitment to family values.
Joe’s political aspirations led him to run as a Liberal in Fundy Royal in the late 70s, to no avail and he came to within a whisker of winning the leadership of the NB Liberal Party in 1982. Ultimately, he focused on his legal career, which included roles as an in-house lawyer at JDI, Chair of the NB Forest Products Commission and Intellectual Property practice of law.
In 2001, Joe was able to fulfil his calling for public service when he was appointed to the Senate of Canada, serving for 19 years until his retirement in January 2020. His Senate work allowed him to pursue national change, and drawing on his diverse background and amiable personality, he was able to do just that, working with all sides of the Senate.
Despite his extensive travels and marathon runs in nine different locations, Joe’s favorite place was always Belleisle Bay. His family cottage was a hub of hospitality and joy, hosting numerous gatherings, including the annual ‘Belleisle Bay Invitational’ golf game and many dinners featuring his famous Caesar salad at a long table. Always welcoming friends and family, this is where Joe’s hospitality truly shone.
Joe is survived by his wife of 52 years, Georgie (Fraser), his children Emilie (Matt) and Fraser (Jessica), and his four grandchildren: Oakley, Audrey, Jasper, and Juniper. He is also survived by his sisters, Elaine and Wanda, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and half siblings. Joe will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his kindness, and his dedication to his family, his community and his country.
At Joe’s request, there will be no funeral. He will be cremated. A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at the Masonic Hall, Hampton, NB on June 21, 2024 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm with the Eulogy starting at 3:00 pm. If you wish to make a memorial donation in his name he would want it to go to the New Brunswick Aviation Museum where he was Honorary Co-Chair for this project.
Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Chipman Funeral Home & Crematorium (506) 339-6612. Memories and condolences may be shared through www.chipmanfuneralhome.ca.
Donald Gedge, CMR RMC 1967
Donald Bruce Gedge passed away, at 79 years old, on June 2, 2024, in Mississauga, Ontario. Don was a loving, kind, and humorous father, brother, brother-in-law, poppa and friend. He leaves behind four children and their partners, numerous grandchildren of whom he was extremely proud, his younger brother, sister-in-law, and two nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, who sadly passed away in 2009 and who continues to be missed. Wonderful memories abound there are simply too many to share here. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in 1945, Don quickly learned he had the passion and skill for sports. He excelled in all sports, but in particular hockey, baseball, football and golf. He proudly graduated from Royal Military College before earning a Master of Economics degree and receiving a professional accounting designation. Don spent eight years in executive-level finance roles before turning to entrepreneurship. His greatest professional accomplishments included developing, growing, and ultimately selling a successful company in the fishing industry as well as developing and operating a sports management company with his business partner, which primarily focused on building hockey arenas, including a six-pad arena located at York University. In the latter part of Don’s life, he was a certified snowbird and world traveler with his partner, and enjoyed golf with friends at Markland Wood GC and Scarboro G&CC. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and especially enjoyed making his grandchildren laugh. Don had a fantastic sense of humour, was a strong support to his family and friends, and was considered by everyone who worked with him to be savvy, tenacious, and broadly skilled. He always had a wise word or a story to share and will be very dearly missed. He maintained his dignity and positive spirit through a very challenging six months at the end of his life. Your condolences are kindly accepted and will be shared with the family please reach out to Matthew Gedge at dbg2024memorial@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the Trillium Health Partners Foundation.
Anthony Halliday, RMC 1965
Born September 25, 1941 in Ipswich, England, immigrated to Canada in 1953, died peacefully, on May 28, 2024, at 82 years of age. A wonderful husband to Sherrill (Sam) for 57 years; father to Suzanne (Geoff), Alexander (Lynda) and Jennifer. Grandfather to Joshua, Benjamin, Emily and Nicholas. Brother to Jane (Steven), Sally (Steve); brother-in-law to Yvonne, and Barry (Carol). A very loyal friend to all. He graduated RMC in 1965, received his pilot wings in 1967 and obtained his Masters at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1994. His love of the RCN and RCAF flying gave his family a life of adventure. We couldn’t have asked for more. You were simply the best. Memorial Service, St. Dominic’s Church, 2415 Rebecca St., Oakville L6L 2B1, 11:00 a.m., July 10, 2024.
Peter Harkness, RMC 1959
Peter died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after suffering a serious fall while enjoying the Great Glebe Garage Sale and a beautiful day out in his community.
Peter was married for over 50 years to his late dear wife Rose Mae (Kant). He was deeply loved by his children Andrew (Carolyn Seabrook), Colin (Christina), Heather (Nigel Sanders) and Christine (Pierre Lapointe); his grandchildren, Bronwyn, Chloë, Aidan, Alya, Benjamin, Thomas, Johan and Riley; sister Elizabeth Hayes, brother-in-law Donald Routley (Patricia Heywood-Jones) and extended family. He was pre-deceased by his sister Carol Routley, brother-in-law William Hayes, brother-in-law Kenneth Kant and sister-in-law June Gamble.
Peter let his life speak through his good spirit, kindness, international development work at CIDA and many years of involvement with and service through the Quakers at home and abroad.
Born in Iroquois Falls, Ontario, he later studied Engineering at RMC and Queen’s University. With Rose Mae (who first caught his eye in elementary school), he embarked on a life of generous living and adventure, during which they lived, worked and raised a family across Canada, in India, Ghana and Zimbabwe, finally settling in Ottawa, where their hospitality continued, welcoming friends and visitors from all over the world.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peter’s memory may be made to the Ottawa Quaker Meeting. May Peter’s life inspire us to live more thoughtfully and with love, care, grace, purpose and optimism.
Fred Joyce, RMC 1953
Born in Tilbury, ON, and always happily sharing his birthday with Canada, Fred was the eldest child of Frederick Joseph Joyce and Margaret Dunbar; brother to Patricia Ann (d. 2023). Growing up in Windsor, Fred attended high school at Walkerville Collegiate where he discovered two passions that would shape his life forever – the Walkerville Cadet Corps and Sally Jean Dayus. Fred entered the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON, ranked as Lt.-Col. in the army division. He graduated June 1, 1953, married Sally four days later, and immediately shipped out to Korea for one year, commanding A Platoon in 56 Troop. The Canadian Armed Forces posted Fred and Sally to the Canadian Joint Air Training Centre in Rivers, Manitoba, the US Army Primary Helicopter School at Camp Wolters, Texas, the United States Army Aviation School in Fort Rucker, Alabama, the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in London, the Canadian Army Staff College in Kingston, and then Ottawa. Fred retired from the armed forces there and began a career in the public service with the Department of National Defence, Indian and Northern Affairs and as Chairman of the Special Senate Committee on Poverty. They raised their family in Ottawa and established lifelong friendships made in the military, from their work lives and the neighbourhood they lived in. Fred and Sally were known for their hospitality and entertaining and absolutely loved surrounding themselves with family and friends. Their adventures continued when they moved to Toronto for 15 years and then retired to the Brockville “resort,” where they lived for 23 years. Both places were the hub of memorable gatherings for family and friends. Fred was an avid Blue Jays fan, a pilot, a golfer (the 20th anniversary of his hole-in-one was recently celebrated with a round of golf at the Brockville Golf Club), a curler, an artist, a gardener, a boxer (although he always quipped “I’m a lover, not a fighter”), a boater, a grill master and an enthusiastic storyteller, as he loved to regale “war stories.” For those lucky enough to spend time with Fred, either sharing in those experiences or actively observing from close by, many can attest to his devotion to each one. Fred was a loving father and grandfather, cherishing time spent together. His generosity and kindness enabled the family to embark on unforgettable trips, creating treasured memories. Family holidays were filled with laughter, friendly games, an abundance of delicious food, Pinot Noir and Single Malt. Fred’s love for these gatherings created lasting traditions that continue to be carried on. Fred had great patience and was a gifted handyman, showing up with his toolbox to fix things at all the kid’s homes. People never left for the car ride home without drinks, car snacks and handfuls of treats from his candy drawer. Fred leaves his daughter, Kathy; son, Peter (Cathy); his beloved and often stated “teeny, tiny, perfect grandchildren,” Alexandra (Ryan), Gillian (Alex), Lisa (Connor), Sarah (Zak), and Kevin (Stephanie); and seven equally perfect great-grandchildren, Hayes, Quinn, Greyson, Bennett, Olivia, Liam and Wesley. Fred also leaves his companion and loving partner of the last ten years, Carol Proctor. The family would like to thank all the extraordinary staff at Perley Health Centre, especially the team on 2 Rideau South, for their incredible compassion, warmth and kind care. A special thank you to Elaine “Ma” Campbell for her tenderness and gifted grace, and to Father Paul Tennyson and Jessie Stephenson for their spiritual support and comfort. If so inclined, donations in Fred’s name can be made to the Perley Health Foundation (www.perleyhealthfoundation.ca) or to the Salvation Army, where Fred rang the bells for them at Christmas for many years (www.donate.salvationarmy.ca). “Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings. Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of wheeled and soared and swung…” -John Gillespie Magee Jr.
James Sine, RMC 1958
James Douglas Sine, CMDR RCN (Ret) – June 29, 1935 – April 13, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Sine after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Brooklin, Ontario as the youngest of 3 sons to Grant Lyman Sine and Mildred Elizabeth Sine (nee Jephson). Predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Susan Sine (nee Jackson), oldest brother Donald Grant Sine, sister-in-law Joyce Sine (nee Hallman), sister-in-law Dorothy Elaine Sine (nee Wilson). Survived by his middle brother, Jack, sons Christopher and Timothy (Pamela-Sue), grandchildren Chase and Jackson, sister-in-law Catherine McLeod (Doug), sister-in-law Maryan Edwins (David) and many nieces and nephews.
Jim attended both RMC and Royal Roads University and served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy for 37 years, with postings in Kingston, Halifax, Ottawa and Victoria. One of his proudest moments was to be selected to serve as the Equerry to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, during the Royal visit to BC in 1983. After retiring from the navy, he worked for several years at the Conference of Defense Associates in Ottawa. Jim and Sue relocated from Ottawa to Victoria in 2012, in order to be closer to family.
Jim loved spending summers at the family cottage in Gatineau, Quebec, hosting many friends and family, up until Sue passed away. Life without Sue became difficult as his Alzheimer’s progressed. With his care needs growing, his son Christopher moved in with him in 2020, as Covid made care options very difficult. After a 9-week stint in the hospital in 2022, he moved into St. Charles Manor, in Victoria, BC. We are very thankful for the fabulous care and comfort the staff at the Manor provided Jim during his path through Alzheimer’s disease.
Another of Jim’s favourite past-times was having daily meals and a pint at The Snug Pub in the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Victoria, BC. Jim discovered The Snug, during his Royal Roads days (early 1960’s), and the staff always treated him as an honoured guest.
No service is planned, but those close to Victoria, BC are welcome to join the family for a pint at The Snug Pub, from 6 PM onward, on June 29, 2024. This would have been his 89th birthday, as well as Jim and Sue’s 61st wedding anniversary (so he would never forget the day). You may contact: timsine@shaw.ca for further details.
1152 Brian Taylor, RRMC RMC 1976
December 16, 1953 – May 6, 2024
On 6 May 2024, our Brian passed away peacefully at age 70 due to cancer, in the presence of loved ones at the Aitken Hospice in Courtenay. He is survived by his wife Gwyneth, children Jill (Rob) and Mark (Stephanie) of whom he was very proud, mother Helen, sisters Sharon (Hugh), Gayle (Ray) and Sue (Ron) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He loved you all.
Born in Winnipeg to Robert and Helen Taylor, Brian’s early life in a military family shaped him into the man he would become. His father’s many postings within Canada, to Edwards AFB in California and to England were all valuable learning experiences. His family camped across our country sparking Brian’s love of the outdoors and fishing. A trip through the Rockies was the start of his love for the west coast. His father’s ability to fix and build things was passed on to Brian, sometimes to the annoyance of his mother when he disassembled household appliances so he could learn how to rebuild them. He also learnt how to rebuild old cars which culminated years later with the restoration of a Jaguar E-type including converting it to a left-hand drive. Later, Brian would follow in his father’s footsteps and join the military.
Brian attended both military colleges, his favourite being Royal Roads in Victoria. There he played rep hockey and soccer, was the Band Master for the Marching Band, played saxophone in the Stage Band, squeezed in some study time, and later graduated from Royal Military College in Kingston as an engineer. Real life then kicked in and Brian became a fighter pilot. It was a proud moment when his father, a former fighter pilot, pinned his wings on. Career highlights were flying the CF101 Voodoo on 409 AW(F) Sqn in Comox and the F4M Phantom on 29(F) Sqn RAF Coningsby England. Friends who flew with him described him as an ace pilot, a mentor, and a role model. When Brian retired, he left with countless exciting memories and many lifelong friends.
No one loved an adventure and a challenge more than Brian. He was always thinking (scheming) about the next one. First up after his military career was owning an RV Park and sport fishing business in the Comox Valley with friends, and its later development into residential condominiums. Then it was building and renovating houses, including our multi-generational home in Comox. For several years he enjoyed moose and elk hunting trips, primarily for the camaraderie, time spent in the great outdoors and the opportunity to explore remote areas. Highlights were a thrilling (sometimes heart-stopping) three week jet boat trip up the Kechika and Muskwa Rivers in northern B.C., a ten day guided horseback trip in the Rocky Mountains and a Vancouver Island elk hunt in the Brooks Peninsula area using kayaks (an unsuccessful, crazy idea with very close bear encounters never to be repeated).
In 2013, Brian’s dream of owning a waterfront fish shack in Ucluelet came true (thanks to his very understanding wife). It was in worse than terrible shape, almost condemned, which made it the perfect challenge and fit for Brian’s tenacity, problem solving and building skills. Over several years, he, with a friend assisting, rebuilt it completely. Of course there was always time for fishing along the way. This was Brian’s happy place, be it on the water catching the big one or sitting on the deck watching the sun come up. This is where his ashes will be scattered.
Brian lived his life to the fullest, and as his brother-in-law said, he did it his way with a little course correction now and then from his wife. We will remember him always, not just for his many talents and intellect, but also for his character, humour, wisdom, and the mischievous twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. Rest in peace Brian. We hope you are out fishing with your father and nephew.
A huge thank-you to our families and friends, near and far, for your support and love (and stealthy food drop-offs) over the past few months. We also wish to thank our medical system personnel for their tremendous support, including our family doctor, B.C. Ambulance, Comox Valley Hospital, Home Support, the Aitken Hospice, and our MAiD doctor. We will be eternally grateful for the wonderful, compassionate care provided at the Hospice.
There will be no formal service at Brian’s request. An informal gathering will be held at a later date. If you wish to make a donation in memory of Brian, please consider the Cancer Society or your local Hospice.
Condolences may be offered at www.telfordtoneffboyd.ca
Cameron Diggon, RMC 1973
Shared from: David Howard Founder Homes For Heroes Foundation
It is with a heavy heart that we write this post. Team member and friend Cameron Diggon died on Saturday June 15 / 2024; at his home in California. Cameron will be greatly missed and always in our loving memory. At this time the family would like their privacy as the deal with this incredible loss. Details of a memorial have not yet been announced, but we will share these once we are advised.
For the past five years Cameron was dedicated to supporting the Homes For Heroes mission and instrumental in building our three Veterans’ Villages. Cameron was a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, starting his military career in 1968 as a gunner with the 57th Field Regiment RCA, before attending the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario. After graduating he served as an Armoured Corps Officer with the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise’s) and the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Canada, the Royal Canadian Regiment in Cyprus (’74-’75), and the Royal Canadian Dragoons in West Germany.
Le 16 février dernier, notre confrère Yves Faucher a tiré sa révérence pour une dernière fois. Originaire de Loretteville, il demeurait à Rosemère où il s’y était installé depuis bon nombre d’années avec sa Micheline.
On February 16 last, our classmate Yves Faucher took his last breath. Born in Loretteville, he lived in Rosemère, QC where he had settled several years ago with his Micheline.
C’est en 1965 qu’il a rejoint 179 autres jeunes canadiens au CMR de Saint-Jean. Assez gaillard, il se fait remarquer entre autres par son jeu au hockey. Patiner lui semble plus facile que marcher. À l’hiver 1969-70, il pousse même sa chance à essayer du patinage avec sa nouvelle Fiat 124 sur de la glace noire couvrant une section de l’autoroute 20 près de Montréal. Mauvaise expérience, après un tête-à-queue après lequel sa voiture s’est immobilisée sur le bord de l’autoroute face à la circulation. Il décide sur le champ d’abandonner ce sport. En revanche, le ski alpin lui est aussi facile que le patin sur glace et il dévale les pentes jusqu’à tout dernièrement. Signe de sa grande habileté, ses petits-enfants avaient même de la difficulté à le suivre.
It is in 1965 that he enters the military college of Saint-Jean as part of a cohort of 180 of young Canadians. Fairly robust, he is noticed among other things for his hockey skills. Skating seems to be easier to him than walking. During the winter of 1969-70 he even pushed his luck by trying to skate with his new Fiat 124 on a patch of black ice covering a section of highway 20 near Montreal. Bad experience, after a spinning out of control his car immobilized itself on the side of the highway facing the wrong way. He decided on the spot to give up this sport. On the other hand, alpine skiing is just as easy for him as skating on ice and he could be found on the slopes until recently. A sign of his great skill at skiing, even his grandchildren found it difficult to follow in his tracks.
Sa grande passion a cependant été de prendre les commandes d’un avion. Aux avions de chasse des Forces armées canadiennes se succèdent les avions de ligne, incluant le géant Boeing 747. Il parcoure donc une bonne partie de la planète. Dans certains pays, il devait parfois se débrouiller pour faire effectuer des réparations en temps opportun nécessitant ainsi de transporter passablement d’argent liquide dans ses bagages. Signe de son professionnalisme, une ligne japonaise retient ses services pendant plusieurs années à la fin de sa carrière.
However, his great passion in life was to take the command of an aircraft. After the jets of the Canadian Armed Forces, he piloted the planes of commercial companies, including the mighty Boeing 747. He thus visited many parts of the planet. In some countries, he had to be ingenious in order to get his plane repaired in due time. Hence, the need to carry a substantial amount of cash in his luggage. His professionalism showed itself once more as a Japanese airline retained his services for many years and he finished his flying career with them.
Autres points de grande importance qui caractérisent notre ami Yves : son calme, sa gentillesse, son honnête, son sens de l’humour et son intérêt pour l’histoire et les affaires politiques, tant nationales qu’internationales. On pouvait toujours compter sur lui pour une opinion éclairée et bien équilibrée sur les enjeux majeurs dans notre société.
Other important point that characterized our friend Yves : his calmness, his kindness, his honesty, his sense of humour and his keen interest in history as well as in political affairs, on the national and on the international scenes. One could always count on him to get a well-researched and well-balanced opinion on important issues of the day.
Qu’il repose en paix! May he rest in peace!