Ken Drolet RRMC RMC 1963
With immense sadness, we announce the passing of Ken Drolet – beloved husband of Estelle, who predeceased him; caring father of Christine Croskery (Evan); proud grandfather of Benjamin (Gabrielle), Harrison and Caitlin; big brother to Tom Drolet (Joyce), Judi McGill (Russ), and Ron Drolet (Frances). In keeping with his steady, considerate nature, he left his family in the most quiet, gentle way on the evening of September 12th, 2024 at the Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa.
Born April 24th, 1941 in Moncton, New Brunswick, Kenneth Stafford Drolet was the eldest child of Elizabeth and Albert Drolet. With a father in the Air Force, the family moved often, both within Canada and to and from England. After graduating from Glebe Collegiate in Ottawa, Ken pursued post-secondary studies, first at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC and then at the Royal Military College in Kingston, ON. He graduated from RMC in 1963 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.
Early in his career, Ken’s work as a flight lieutenant brought him into contact with Estelle Couture, a bright, energetic secretary at the Department of National Defence. Ken and Estelle had their first date in November 1966 and were married four months later, on February 4th, 1967. They loved one another for 55 years, through life’s challenges and joys.
Ken spent most of his career with the Department of National Defence, first in the military where he attained the rank of Major, and then for decades in civilian roles. His proudest accomplishment was the successful completion (on time and under budget) of the North American Air Defence Modernization Project, where he served as Project Manager and Chief Engineer. After his retirement from DND, Ken became President of Pan Arctic Inuit Logistics (PAIL), later part of Nasittuq. The role allowed him to continue supporting and creating new economic opportunities for Inuit-owned businesses, particularly those operating and maintaining the North Warning System. Ken loved spending time in the Canadian North, drawing inspiration from its landscapes and its people, and he felt privileged to protect his country by guiding the building and maintenance of long-range radar sites across the North and coasts of Canada.
Ken also believed in serving his local community. Over decades, he used his knowledge, skills and energy to contribute to the work of Barrhaven Non-Profit Housing and its project at Steepleview Crossing. He retired from the board in his 80s, earning a Lifetime of Service Award from the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association for his 29 years of dedicated service. Volunteering gave him a strong and continued sense of purpose and kept him connected to the Barrhaven United Church community that has been a support to him and his family going back to the 1970s.
Ken valued family (as well as friends he considered family) above all else, and many of his favourite experiences centered on travel with loved ones. For many years, he and Estelle celebrated their February anniversary with a cruise, travelling extensively in the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, to Hawaii, to Australia and New Zealand, and around the southern tip of South America. Some trips, including two to Alaska and several to Florida, brought Ken and Estelle together with Ken’s siblings, or with their daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Ken liked nothing more than to have his family gather somewhere everyone could relax, enjoy the experience, and create indelible memories.
Thoughtful gestures at this time include donating to the Ottawa Heart Institute and the Queensway Carleton Hospital. Ken spent over two and a half months of early 2024 in the QCH ICU. It is only because of the ICU staff’s outstanding efforts, expertise and empathy that he survived a myasthenia gravis crisis and was able to recover enough to leave hospital and enjoy the summer months at Valley Stream Manor and then at Thorncliffe Place. His family is forever grateful for the additional time with Ken.
You can also honour Ken simply by organizing and sharing breakfast with family or friends, or by remaining calm and optimistic in the face of obstacles.
A celebration of Ken’s life took place at 1:30 pm on Friday, October 11th at Barrhaven United Church.
Michael Blair RMC 1968
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Finley Lawrence Blair, who passed away at home in Collingwood, ON, on October 16, 2024, at the age of 78.
Michael was born in Cornwall, ON, on December 6, 1945. In his younger days, he proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a pilot during his days at Royal Military College. After his time at RMC, he earned an MBA from Western University, which marked the beginning of a highly successful career in business. Over the years, he held CEO positions in several public companies, where he was known for his leadership and vision. In his retirement, he continued his education in law, finance, and economics remotely from Collingwood.
A man of many passions, Michael was an avid tennis player, a keen chess enthusiast, and loved to ski and snowshoe. He also enjoyed investing in the stock market, a reflection of his sharp mind and strategic thinking. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family and friends. His love for the outdoors and active lifestyle was evident in his commitment to Osler Bluff Ski Club, where he remained a dedicated member until his final days.
Michael is survived by his loving children, James, John, Michael Jr., Jeff, and Grace; his dear sister Peggy; and his beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Jake, Alex, Lily, Taylor, and Nathan. He was predeceased by his daughter Katrina in 2021. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
The family is planning a celebration of life to come sometime in the Spring.
Serge Morin CMR RMC 1957
C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous vous informons du décès, à Westmount le 23 septembre 2024, de Serge G. Morin.
Ancien Cadet du Collège Militaire Royal de St-Jean, pilote de l’Aviation royale canadienne, ingénieur en mécanique, M.B.A. , M.A. et historien d’art Docteur Paris-Sorbonne. Ceux qui l’ont connu se souviendront de ses taquineries, de son sens de l’humour et de son dévouement à sa famille et ses amis.
Il laisse dans le deuil son épouse Margot Campbell, ses filles Valérie (José) et Joëlle ainsi que sa sœur Marie-Paul Lemieux et de nombreux neveux, nièces et amis.
La famille tient à remercier de tout cœur le personnel du CHSLD Château Westmount 2e et 4e étages, pour leurs soins empreints d’affection.
La famille vous invite à célébrer la vie de Serge le 2 novembre 2024 à 10h30 au Complexe funéraire Mont-Royal, 1297 chemin de la Forêt, Outremont.
En lieu de fleurs vos marques de sympathie peuvent se traduire par un don aux Amputés de guerre, cause à laquelle Serge tenait particulièrement.