12482 Robert “Bob” Alce RMC 1980
With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Bob Alce on June 24, 2025, in Victoria, BC—just five weeks after the heartbreaking loss of his beloved wife, Linda. The bond they shared was extraordinary, and the timing of their passings reflects a love that truly endured to the end.
Born in Ottawa, Bob lived a life marked by dedication, humor, and loyalty. He proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 27 years and continued his commitment to service through his 13-year career with NATO. His work ethic, sense of duty, and positive outlook earned him the admiration of colleagues across the globe.
Bob was also a passionate badminton player, who competed for many years and loved the sport. Off the court, he had a playful side—he adored Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, loved seafood and Lululemon.
Bob was a devoted father to his loving daughters, Shannon Taylor-Alce (Clayton) and Tegan Alce. His strength, humour, and reliable presence brought comfort to those around him. He was loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully appreciated.
Farewell to a Friend by Mike Kennedy
12726 Ken Symonds RRMC 1980
Born in Vancouver, BC, Ken Symonds passed away June 16, 2025, while on a sailing trip near Tonga Island. He was 67.
Never one to sit still for long, Ken’s love of travel never faded. Whether he was sailing open waters, camping in the backcountry, or simply flying for the sake of it, he was always up for an adventure. He was athletic, good-humoured, and unfailingly patient. He played tennis and field hockey, and supported the Buffalo Bills no matter how the season was going. Ken was also known to sit down at the piano with a few good rock n’ roll tunes when the mood struck.
Ken began his flying career in the Royal Canadian Air Force. A highlight of that time was piloting the Hercules, a four-engine turboprop designed to carry heavy cargo into remote places. It was a good match. Ken was reliable, calm under pressure, and skilled. He was a natural leader yet great for a laugh. After his time in the military, he brought that same spirit to the cockpit of Flair Airlines, where he flew commercially for 20 years doing what he loved: seeing the world from above.
Above all, Ken was generous with both time and kindness. He was our go-to person – reliable without showiness, thoughtful without fuss; he noticed things; he gave people his full attention; and, he made them feel like they mattered. He was a hell of a guy, we are gonna miss him.
He is survived by his brothers, Malcolm and Bruce, and his nephews, Chris and James.
A service will be held at a later date.
7482 Jean-Marie Olivier CMR RMC 1968
With deep sorrow and love, the family of Jean-Marie Olivier, seventy-nine, of Middle LaHave, Nova Scotia, announce his passing on Friday, June 27, 2025, at South Shore Regional Hospital in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
Jean-Marie was born in Hull, Québec, and was a son of the late Alphonse and Fleur-Ange (Stafford) Olivier.
He dedicated thirty-five years of distinguished service to the Royal Canadian Navy, beginning his formal education at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. In addition, Jean-Marie attended the Collège Militaire Royal in St-Jean, Québec; the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia; and the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. Jean-Marie spent more than fifteen years at sea before taking land-based assignments that allowed him to be closer to his family. Over the course of his remarkable career, he served in numerous countries around the world, often under the direction of diplomacy. He concluded his naval service as a Naval Commander, proudly serving as Naval Defense Attaché for Russia and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries and as the Military Attaché for Ukraine, roles that highlighted his deep commitment to international cooperation and security.
Jean-Marie was a member of St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of fifty-five years, Betty Lou; his daughter, Christina (Nelson) of Connecticut; cherished grandchildren, Schuyler and Abigail Cummings; sisters, Huguette Johnson of Arizona and Louise Olivier of Québec; brothers, André (Nicole, deceased), Jacques (Cécile), Louis-Paul (Michèle), and Claude (Lise Morin), all of Québec; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Jean-Marie’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date at St. John’s Anglican Church in Lunenburg. Interment will follow at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, also at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Personal Care Cremations. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully welcomes donations in Jean-Marie’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
7099 Roger MacGregor CMR RMC 1967
It is with great sadness that the family of Roger MacGregor announces his passing on Monday, July 7, 2025 in his 82nd year.
Raised in Riverview, New Brunswick, Roger was the son of the late Harry and Phyllis (Sparks) MacGregor. Roger will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 57 years, Margery (née Adrian), his brother Donald (Sylvia), his “pseudo-children” Chris, Adrian, Craig and Michelle Black, his sister-in-law K. Louise Black (Charlie) and his many cherished nieces and nephews in Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta and British Columbia. He was predeceased by his sister Elaine Taylor and his brother Scott.
After attending high school in Moncton, Roger graduated with a BA from Collège Militaire Royal in Saint-Jean QC and Royal Military College in Kingston ON. He then studied at Queen’s University where he obtained his MA in German Studies.
Roger enjoyed a wonderfully varied career. He worked as a freelance translator (German to English), and then founded the Ivy Lea Shirt Company, preserving the logos of legendary Canadian canoe builders (“History on Your Shoulders”). He was also a published author and translator. For example, in 1999 his interest in classic canoes led him to write “When the Chestnut was in Flower” to salute the Chestnut Canoe Company in Fredericton NB. At the time of his death, he had nearly finished writing a book about E. Tappan Adney, an artist with a special interest in New Brunswick Indigenous people and their canoes.
Roger’s jovial nature brought fun and enjoyment into many lives, notably through soccer, which he loved. He coached a Gananoque boys’ soccer team in an early league in the 1970s, and he championed the beginning of women’s soccer at RMC. He started the annual “Red and White Match” where red-uniformed female RMC cadets were pitted against “white-haired men” who had been ex-cadets for at least 25 years.
He valued the preservation of the environment and natural beauty of the 1000 Islands, serving as Board member (1975-1983) and then President (1983-1985) of TIARA, the Thousand Islands Alliance of River Advocates. He took a great interest in birds, particularly waterfowl, and put together a large collection of vintage decoys. Together he and Margery designed and built their log home near Ivy Lea, disturbing the surrounding forest as little as possible.
Roger will be remembered for his love of language and his witty use of words. He was known for his kind and caring heart, his generous and appreciative nature, his loyalty to his life-long friends and his unwavering support for the underdog.
Sincere thanks to the staff at the Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque for their excellent and compassionate care to Roger since September 2023.
A celebration of Roger’s life will be held at a later date.
6245 William Fox RRMC RMC 1964
With sadness, but with gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Bill, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 16, 2025. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lil; daughter Allyson (Natasha) and son Ken (Tasia). He was predeceased by his brothers Jim (Carolyn) and David Jeffrey (Joyce).
Born on December 12, 1941, Bill was the son of the late Arthur Bernard Fox and the late Margaret Anna Heatley and the stepson of the late Murray Butler. Bill was a cadet growing up in Nova Scotia and, following his graduation from high school, he followed his big brother Jim into the Canadian Army, embarking on a train trip across the country by himself, from Halifax to Victoria, to attend Royal Roads University. He then graduated from Royal Military College in Kingston, with a degree in English, and started what would become a long, distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Bill served both within Canada and internationally, initially with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and then, after being posted to Germany, with Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians).
In the fall of 1968, Bill met Lil when she was travelling Europe with a friend and he was stationed in Iserlohn, Germany. They both happened to be at the same wedding on the
CAF base in Iserlohn, and thus began a shared life filled with love, laughter and joy. Bill and Lil got married in Tillsonburg, Ontario on July 31,1971. After a quick honeymoon
in Mahone Bay, NS, they started their married life together in Calgary. Bill’s career took them to Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1973, followed by Toronto in 1974, where Allyson was
born in March 1975.
After two years in Calgary, Bill was posted to Ottawa, where Ken was born in March 1979, and the family of four was complete. Moves to Montreal, back to Ottawa and then, in the summer of 1987, to Toronto followed. Toronto became home, and when Bill was posted to Ottawa in 1993, he decided that, rather than uproot the kids again, he would commute, so he spent two years driving to Ottawa on Sunday nights and returning to Toronto on Friday evenings.
In 1994, he was posted back to Toronto, to serve as Base Commander at CFB Toronto, overseeing the closure of the base, which closed on April 1, 1996. Bill retired shortly thereafter, ending a career of service that spanned 36 years. He cherished his lasting friendships with his Army mates and their families. After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1996, Bill worked for Emergency
Management Ontario in disaster preparedness planning, alongside some close friends from his military career. There, he made many new lifelong friends. Following his second retirement in 2006, he and Lil started travelling and spending winters in Mexico. They drove across the continent several times, just the two of them, seeing the world and being together. Bill had a deep love of learning, reading and knowledge. He was quick with a quip and always had an amusing story to share. He loved his family and his friends deeply, and he was so very proud of his kids and of their accomplishments. He and Lil spent countless hours in rinks and at soccer fields, and driving Ken and Allyson around to various sporting events. They rarely missed a game. His favourite times were those spent around the dining room table with his family and friends enjoying a good meal, a game of threes, and a decent bottle (or two) of whisky or whiskey.
He was a good man, loyal and steadfast, and with a bigger heart than anyone we knew. His love for Lil was deep and true, and their 54-year marriage was built on a foundation of kindness and mutual admiration. They knew how to make each other laugh and supported each other’s dreams and passions. Allyson and Ken grew up in a home full of real love, with a father who encouraged them to pursue their goals and to be themselves. Bill loved his children and never shied away from telling them so. He was fiercely proud of all their hard work and accomplishments, but also told them how proud he was simply of the people they had become. He will be deeply missed.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at DeMarco Funeral Home – Keele Chapel (3725 Keele Street) on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 4–9 p.m. A celebration of life will follow, on August 9, 2025 starting at 6:30pm at the Armour Heights Officers Mess at 215 Yonge Boulevard, Toronto. All are welcome. Interment will take place at the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa at a later date.
3299 Keith McKey RRMC RMC 1954
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Keith G. J. McKey on July 15, 2025, in Toronto, in his 93rd year. Loving husband of 68 years to June, Keith will be deeply missed by his family, of whom he was immensely proud, children, Christina – predeceased (Christopher), David (Rona), Julie, and Erin (Robert); his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Born in Timmins to Vernon and Myriel McKey. Predeceased by his siblings, Evelyn, Verna, and Lloyd. Keith entered Royal Roads Military College on a Navy League scholarship.
He graduated from RMC in 1954, following up with a Queen’s U engineering degree. His career took him across Canada and around the world. He served in the RCN with appointments to Victoria, Washington D.C. (Joint Chiefs), and Halifax. He then moved on to private industry and consulting. Keith served on the executive of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and the Dupont Credit Union in Brockville, the RMC Club of Canada (Toronto Branch), president of Queen’s Alumni Association (Montreal), North York Aquatic Club, and the Bayview Village Association.
He enjoyed an artistic flair; painting and working with stained-glass. He also enjoyed cheering on family members in their pursuits. Keith loved researching the family’s ancestry. Keith was a member of Legion Number 165 and former member of the Toronto Curling and Cricket Club. We will miss his presence and the way he made us feel – valued, supported, and deeply loved. A Celebration of Life is being planned for September 2025.
Online Condolences available at www.chapelridgefh.com
6589 Tom Bailey, RRMC RMC 1965
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of LCol (Ret’d) Thomas Andrew Bailey—beloved husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 81.
Born in Edmonton, AB on June 5, 1944, Tom’s life was defined by service, dedication, and love; for his country, his family and his faith. He began his distinguished military career after attending Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC and Royal Military College in Kingston, ON. Tom started as a naval aviator flying off HMCS Bonaventure, and it was during his time in Halifax that he met and married his first wife, Sharon.
Tom continued his aviation career with the Royal Canadian Air Force, flying a variety of aircraft—though his favorite by far was the CC-130 Hercules. It was in this aircraft that he proudly completed several trips around the world, while participating in numerous humanitarian and other operations. Throughout his service, Tom held many significant roles across Canada, including Chief Investigator for Air Accident Investigation and Prevention, Commanding Officer of 440 (Transport and Rescue) Squadron, and Wing Administration and Operations Officer for 17 Wing at CFB Winnipeg. After retiring from active duty, Tom continued to share his expertise as a civilian Aerospace Systems Instructor at CFB Winnipeg, remaining closely connected to the aviation and military communities.
Tom’s career gave him the extraordinary opportunity to travel the world, visiting numerous countries across continents. Tom found great joy and fascination in experiencing new cultures, landscapes, and people. His love of travel stayed with him throughout his life, and he often shared stories of his journeys with family and friends. After retirement, he especially enjoyed going on cruises around the world with his wife, Terri, creating new memories and sharing in the joy of discovery together.
A gifted athlete and passionate sportsman, Tom played rugby for Nova Scotia’s provincial team, and enjoyed football, hockey, baseball, soccer, and racquet sports throughout his life. He passed that same love of sport onto his children, coaching hockey, soccer, and ringette, and attending countless games and practices with enthusiasm and pride.
Faith and family were cornerstones of Tom’s life. He was an active member of his parish and of the Knights of Columbus for many years. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years of marriage, Terri Scott. He is also lovingly remembered by his children: Karen Bailey of Burlington ON, Tara McBride (Russ) of Millet AB, and David Bailey (Lynn) of Winnipeg MB; step-son Christopher Scott (Laura Anne Warszycki) of Winnipeg MB; his grandchildren Bailey McBride, Kayla Bailey, and Nathan Bailey; his brother Ted Bailey (Gerry) of Orléans ON; sisters Joan Thornborough (Jeff) of Calgary AB, Irene Sacharuk of Ottawa ON, and Patricia Kopra of Edmonton AB; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends.
Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Sharon, with whom he shared many treasured years and memories, as well as his brothers-in-law Rick Sacharuk and Larry Kopra.
Our family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the many friends and loved ones who offered support, comfort and prayers in Tom’s last days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg with Fr. Eric Giddins presiding. A private family interment will follow at Assumption Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3990 Portage Ave.
4106 Peter Meincke RMC 1958
Passed away suddenly at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on July 21, 2025. Peter, in his 90th year, beloved husband and best friend of the late Donna Mallinson for 52 years. Loving father of Thomas Meincke (Helen Cullen) of Ottawa and Carolyn (Eric) Williams of Ottawa. Proud and loving Opa to Colin Williams. Dear son of THE LATE Paul Meincke and Marie Winther. Dear brother-in-law to THE LATE Vernon (Genevieve) Mallinson. Loving uncle to nieces, Suzanne, Sherri, Cathy and Paula and nephew, Mark Mallinson. Loving partner to Susan Williams of Ottawa since 2013 and wonderful friend to Sue’s children: Baxter Williams (Lynn Marchildon) of Ottawa, Owen Williams (Rebecca Morris) of Rossland, B.C., Trevor Williams (Marta Borowski) of Toronto and their families.
Peter was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on January 21, 1936. Peter’s formative years were spent studying Engineering Physics at the Royal Military College (RMC) of Canada. He graduated in 1958 as Cadet Wing Commander with the Governor General’s Gold Medal and Sword of Honour. He always strived to exemplify the college’s motto of Truth Duty Valour. He then obtained an M.A and Ph.D. in low temperature solid state physics at the University of Toronto.
Most of Peter’s career was in academia. In 1967, he began teaching at the University of Toronto where he quickly became Associate Dean of Science and then Vice Provost. In 1978, he became President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) where he was instrumental in establishing the Atlantic Veterinary College and the Institute of Island Studies. In 1985, while on sabbatical, he attended the National Defence College where he made lifelong friends. During retirement he continued to be very active with several non-governmental organizations including the Canadian Pugwash Group, the Group of 78, the Royal Commonwealth Society (past National Chair) and the Canadian Club of Rome promoting nuclear non-proliferation and peace, sustainable development, the prevention of climate change and the British Commonwealth. In 2008, his work was recognized by RMC when he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree. In 2012, he was among the first 60 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal, recognized for his work on sustainable development.
With all his accomplishments, Peter was also steadfastly devoted to family and friends. His warmth allowed him a wealth of friends. His extensive travels allowed him to touch thousands of lives around the world. There are many treasured memories of times spent at their farmhouse in Hampton, PEI. He will be missed.
Friends and family may gather at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10am with The Reverend Paul Whynacht officiating. For those not able to attend in person the service will be live streamed. Please use the following link to pre-register to view the service: Register HERE for the livestream of the service. A reception will follow the service.
10277 John Miller RRMC RMC 1975
It is with deep love and profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Miller, a beloved soul who left this world a little brighter than he found it.
John proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Logistician and retired as the Command Comptroller at CFB Esquimalt. He always ensured that those around him were supported with precision and quiet strength. His best work was often behind the scenes but essential just as he was!
Those who knew John well remember his humour first- the kind that lifted spirits even in the darkest moments. He had a way of making people laugh without trying, of finding warmth in the ordinary and reminding us all not to take life too seriously.
John was a great man, a loving husband and father thoughtful, kind, and loyal. He showed up when it mattered. He listened without judgement. He was proud of us and we of him. He told the best bad jokes. And when he smiled, which was often -it was the real kind that crinkled his eyes.
He will be deeply and forever missed by Christine, Emily, Natalie and Justin and their partners Joe, Cole and Maddy-Lise and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was one of quiet impact, steady love, honour integrity and faith love and simple joys – and that is a life well lived.
Rest in peace sweetheart! We will carry your laughter with us always.
John will be interred at Hatley Memorial Gardens at a private family ceremony.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on September 14 at 1:30PM in the Drawing Room of Hatley Castle at Royal Roads University following the mornings Masthead service which begins at 1030 AM.
Homecoming event details: https://www.royalroads.ca/alumni/alumni-events/ homecoming-2025
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/homecoming-2025-tickets-1442451343799?aff=oddtdtcreator
All are welcome as we gather to celebrate the Life of a truly magnificent person.
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others”- -Thucyides
4282 Robert Dallison RRMC RMC 1958
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Leonard Dallison, who died peacefully on June 18, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Montreal in 1935, Bob lived a long and full life marked by devotion to family, community and country, quiet strength, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering kindness.
Bob attended both the Royal Roads Military College and the Royal Military College of Canada and, following graduation in 1958, was commissioned into the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He received a BA (history) from RMC and a BA (history and international studies) from the University of British Columbia. He served for thirty-five years with the Canadian Army, obtaining the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and ending his career as chief of staff of the Combat Arms School at CFB Gagetown.
After retiring, he maintained his life-long interest in history and heritage, including serving as the President of Fredericton Heritage Trust and as the New Brunswick representative on the Board of Governors for Heritage Canada. From 1992 to 2002, he was director of Kings Landing Historical Settlement, where he brought his deep appreciation for Canadian history to life for countless visitors.
A published author and passionate historian, Bob wrote several works on the history of New Brunswick, reflecting his lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of those who built this great province and country.
He was predeceased in 2019 by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Sharon, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, partnership, and cherished memories. Their adventures included international military postings that lead to a lifetime of embracing their love of travel, terrifying their children as they fearlessly planned adventures to far flung regions of the globe.
In his later years, Bob found companionship and great joy with his partner, Nancy, with whom he shared the past five years. Together, they continued to live life with passion, traveling the world and making new memories with the same spirit of adventure and curiosity that defined Bob throughout his life.
Bob is survived by his children: Kevin Dallison (Mary) of Sarnia, ON; Michael Dallison (Gillian) of Calgary, AB; Kerstin Wilbur (Patrick) of Rocky Mountain House, AB; and Denise Steeves (Jason) of Moncton, NB. He was a proud grandfather to three grandsons, whose lives he touched with humour, wisdom, and deep affection.
He is also survived by his sister, Jean Leonard, and brother, Frank Dallison.
Bob will be remembered for his gentle leadership, intellectual integrity, and steadfast love for his family and country. His legacy endures not only in the institutions he helped shape and the books he authored, but in the hearts of all who had the opportunity to know him.
Visitation will take place at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 2 – 5 pm. Interment will take place in Fredericton Rural Cemetery.
For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com
2859 John Gibson Pike RMC 1958
Loving husband of Neita Pike (née McConnell), dear father of Phillip (Lori) of Brighton, Ontario, and David (Josiane) of Luxembourg, grandfather of Cameron and Austin, and step-grandfather of Rebecca and Scott, Jack Pike died peacefully in the comfort of family on July 20, 2025, aged 95. Jack was predeceased by Neita and is survived by his sister June Trayes (Jim). Jack revered truth, duty, scholarship, integrity, substance and modesty. He was a welcoming and engaging character who was driven by his sincere interest in and love for others.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario of English immigrants Phillip and Ada Pike (née Barrett), he graduated from Westdale Secondary, then ventured to the Royal Military College of Canada (1952, Cadet Number 2859), graduating in the first class after the war. After completing his undergraduate degree at Queen’s (1953), he went on to complete a masters at Birmingham and a doctorate at McGill (1963) before returning to RMC where he taught for three decades, specializing in fluid and thermal dynamics. He served as head of the mechanical engineering department, was president of the RMC Club, made major contributions to centenary celebrations, took a leading role in the design of the engineering buildings and wind tunnel, and was involved in a wide range of other aspects of life at the College. He spent sabbaticals at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham. He was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal (1977), appointed Professor Emeritus (1994) and received an honorary Doctorate of Engineering from RMC (2003) in recognition of his life-long service to the College.
Jack was a proud wearer of the engineer’s ring, but also an avid reader and communicator of military history. He chaired the RMC museum, was president of the Organization of Military Museums of Canada, an active member of the Kingston Historical Society and the (American) Civil War Round Table, and led tours to civil war and European battle grounds.
He was a dyed-in-the-wool Ti-Cats fan, and a confirmed Frontenacs supporter. Jack loved classical music, and Neita and Jack were regulars at KSA and other concerts. He was a keen gardener at home, and in the community as a member of the Kingston Horticultural Society.
Jack was committed to an understated spiritual life, most visibly expressing his faith as a longstanding practical supporter of his parish and the broader church. He sat on Anglican diocesan committees, served as warden, coached Church Athletic League hockey, and participated in a litany of other church initiatives, including the historic rebuilding of St. James, Kingston.
We are grateful for Jack’s full and rich life, for his gentle, loving, reliable, proud and patient fatherhood, for his humility in intellect and broad knowledge, and for the sincerity, generosity and curiosity with which he so readily established friendships with so many. We will desperately miss him in our world.
The family would like to thank the teams at Crown Ridge, Trenton, and Kingsbridge, Kingston, for their outstanding care.
We invite you to celebrate Jack’s life with us at St. James Church, Union Street, Kingston, at 11:00 on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, followed by a light lunch. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Jack’s beloved Neita, the family would welcome donations to the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Alzheimer Society: https://tinyurl.com/4amszdde
“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1-3)
7171 Robert Potvin CMR RMC 1967
C’est avec tristesse que nous vous faisons part du décès de monsieur Robert Potvin survenu le 31 mai 2025, à l’âge de 79 ans. Il était le conjoint de madame Danielle Frenette et le fils de feu Armand Potvin et de feu Lucille St-Louis.
Outre sa conjointe, il laisse dans le deuil sa fille Sophie Potvin (Yannick Mailloux), son petit-fils Anthony Hamel (Maude Fillion). Il laisse également son frère Denis Potvin (Valérie Potvin) ainsi que plusieurs beaux-frères, belles-sœurs, neveux, nièces, cousins, cousines, parents et ami(e)s. Il fut prédécédé par son frère Jean Potvin (Lorraine Potvin).
Une célébration de sa vie aura lieu le, vendredi 18 juillet 2025 à 10 h à la COOPÉRATIVE FUNÉRAIRE DE L’OUTAOUAIS située au 95, boul. Cité-des-Jeunes à Gatineau (secteur Hull). La famille recevra les condoléances à compter de 9 h 15.
Il sera possible de visionner la cérémonie en direct ou en reprise via le https://commemora.tv/fr/diffusions/111473
Sa bonté, sa générosité et sa joie de vivre nous inspireront tous et demeureront éternellement dans nos cœurs.
Vos marques de sympathie peuvent se traduire par un don à la Société canadienne du cancer.
La famille désire remercier chaleureusement le personnel de la Maison Mathieu Froment-Savoie pour la qualité des soins prodigués.
Vos messages de condoléances peuvent être transmis via le www.cfo.coop
6198 David Officer RMC 1964
We have received notice that David Officer had passed in July. More details will be available in the coming weeks.
4381 Robert Moulton CMR RMC 1959
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert “Bob” Moulton announces his peaceful passing on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88, due to heart failure.
Bob’s greatest love was his family. Bob will be deeply missed by Mary Lou, his loving wife of 66 years; his brother, Douglas Moulton (Eileen); and his daughters, Catherine (Ken Faux) and Barbara (Neil Harding). He was a cherished grandfather to Todd, Evan, Thomas, and Andrew, and great grandfather to Devon.
Born in Owen Sound in 1937 to Thomas and Honora Moulton, Bob’s life was one of dedicated service and profound love for his family. After graduating from the Royal Military College (RMC) in 1959, he began a distinguished career with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. He served as a peacekeeper in Cyprus, a role he carried with great honor and pride. He retired, as a Major, from the military in 1973, but his commitment to public service continued with a long and fulfilling career at the Privy Council until his retirement in 1994.
A man of great faith, Bob was an active member of the St. John the Apostle Catholic Church community. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed outdoor sports such as cycling, marathon running, skiing and golf. Later in life he found joy in the simple pleasures such as tending to his garden, and getting lost in a good book amidst the blossoms he nurtured. Bob was a fascinating man, whose vast knowledge and willingness to share always made for a great conversation. He and his beloved wife, Mary Lou, shared a love for travel and created many wonderful memories together, always eager to recount their adventures to family and friends.
Visitation will take place at Kelly’s Funeral home at 2313 Carling Ave. on Thursday, August 14th at 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Funeral Service to take place on Friday, August 15th at 11:00 am at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 2340 Baseline Road.
H3572 Frank Norman, RRMC RMC 1956
6261 Charles Keple RRMC RMC 1964
Naval cadet Rolfe Monteith was not even in uniform when he first brushed with action during the Second World War. Having just matriculated from high school, the 17-year-old Canadian had volunteered to train in the Royal Navy (RN) as an officer and ship’s engineer in the United Kingdom. His passage across the North Atlantic from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Liverpool aboard the armed merchant cruiser Laconia on convoy HX 147 during the late summer of 1941 proved eventful. He witnessed a submarine scare with depth charges being dropped, several attempts to chase away German submarines and observed the wreckage of convoy SC 42, which had been mauled by a German U-boat wolfpack. On this occasion the Laconia had been fortunate not to have been attacked; it was sunk just over a year later on 12 September 1942.
Midshipman (Engineer) Monteith’s luck held when serving in the destroyer HMS Hardy(R08) on Arctic Convoy JW 54B in late 1943, which took him from Loch Ewe to Murmansk and back to Scapa Flow without major incident. Apart from sighting German reconnaissance aircraft from time to time, there was no trace of any U-boat activity. He had experienced, however, many of the trials of what has been described (and often attributed to Churchill) as the ‘worst journey in the world’ in the long freezing black nights of the Arctic, and a failed attempt to locate the German Battlecruiser Scharnhorst. While Monteith was bitter about having to return to Plymouth to complete his engineering course, his former shipmates in Hardy were soon to serve on another run to Russia. This time they were not so lucky as their destroyer was struck and sunk by a German GNAT acoustic torpedo fired by U-278, which blew off the stern section of the ship on 30 January 1944. Sadly 35 men were lost, many of which had become Monteith’s close friends. Although not directly involved in this action, he never really got over this incident until a chance meeting at a naval reunion held at Loch Ewe in May 2017. There he was introduced to the son of one of the crewmen. Learning how Chief Petty Officer Electrical Artificer Fred Pearce, who had befriended and mentored him aboard Hardy, and others survived the sinking finally brought some closure.
Rolfe Gibson Monteith was born in Chatham, Ontario, on 30 October 1923, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Matthew Monteith. While his father worked for the Bank of Montreal, his mother, Frances Elizabeth Monteith (née Gill) was a traditional Canadian housewife. Rolfe’s elder brother Gordon was born in Chatham in 1920; his younger brother Neville was born in Montreal in 1933. From 1934 the family lived in Clinton, Huron County, Ontario. Spending a good part of the annual summer holidays staying with his mother’s parents at Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, the North Atlantic made such a big impression on him that he resolved to go to sea from the age of eight. But it was not until the summer of 1941 that he was old enough to apply to join the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). A talented ice hockey player, Monteith was keen to join the war effort as soon as he could. In Halifax he joined a group of 31 young Canadian volunteers destined to join the RN’s Special Entry Course 55 at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, which formed just under a third of the entry.
At Dartmouth, Monteith worked and played hard, learning quickly under rigorous wartime instruction how to become a naval officer, making many lifelong friends in the process. He did well in both practical and theoretical examinations, passing with ‘honours’, and was congratulated for the manner in which he had taken command as the Leading Cadet during the course’s final Sunday divisions. While he wished to transfer to the Executive Branch, for which he was qualified, and thus to go to sea as quickly as possible, the RCN required him to train as an engineer and to attend the Royal Naval Engineering College at Keyham, Plymouth. This commitment entailed over three years of study, equating to an undergraduate degree course. Hence Monteith spent most of the war ashore. Although academically challenging at times, the course was made bearable by the camaraderie, humour and teamwork among his classmates of the May 1942 Intake, twelve of which were Canadian and six were Polish. Apart from his four-month deployment in HMS Hardy, another highlight was attending a short commando course. He spent much of his leave periods travelling the length and breadth of Britain, getting to know the country and its people well.
Monteith met his future wife, Wren Peggy Kelly, in Plymouth. She had lost her brother Arthur, who had gone down in the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious, sunk by the Scharnhorst off Norway on 8 June 1940, along with its escorting destroyers Ardent and Acasta. After the war he joined the Glorious, Ardent and Acasta Association, dedicated to perpetuate the proud memory of the 1531 officers and men who lost their lives in this action. Lieutenant Rolfe Monteith married on 18 April 1945, celebrating VE Day on 8 May 1945 in Plymouth and VJ Day in London on 15 August 1945 along with fellow RCN engineers and their partners. Monteith journeyed home to Canada for the first time in over four years in September 1945. On returning to England, he went to sea for six months in November 1945 in the light cruiser HMS Diadem to earn his certificate of competence as a marine engineer.
Monteith returned to Canada in 1947 to serve in a variety of appointments in the RCN, designed to tap and broaden his experience as an engineer. He decided to specialise as an air engineer, a role that took him to support naval air squadrons both ashore and afloat. A particular highlight early on during his post-war career was serving as the engineering officer of the destroyer HMCS Sioux, a former sister ship to HMS Hardy, so he knew its equipment and machinery well. During a visit to the United Kingdom in June 1953,Monteith was privileged to attend the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II and to be present at the review of the fleet held at Spithead, events that reinforced his close connections with Britain, the Crown and the RN. Monteith flourished in the RCN as a highly respected engineer officer, being promoted to Lieutenant Commander, Commander and Captain in 1952, 1958 and 1964 respectively. Apart from serving as Director of Air Engineering and of Marine and Electrical Engineering in the RCN, perhaps his most challenging role came in 1964, when appointed as the project manager of the Hydrofoil Escort 400 programme. Although ultimately an unsuccessful design concept, work on the vessel not only raised Monteith’s profile within the RCN, but also exposed him to the vicissitudes of naval procurement.
When attending the Imperial Defence College (now the Royal College of Defence Studies) in London in 1968, Monteith resolved to resign from the RCN and to reside in the United Kingdom. He had two further years to serve back in Canada, however, which meant he was not able to emigrate until late 1970. During the 1970s and 1980s he worked for the major British engineering companies Babcock and Wilcox and the Weir Group. On the strength of his very considerable naval and industrial experience he was appointed Chairman of the British Naval Equipment Association, a role which allowed him to retain close links to both the RN and RCN.
Monteith retired from business in 1990, giving him the time to travel widely and to organise a number of naval reunions, including the 50th anniversary of Special Entry 55 in 1991, followed by two further such events in 1995 and 2001. Following the death of Peggy Monteith in 1973, Monteith remained single until meeting Ann Penketh (née Discombe) in 1994, who became his partner in 1997. They moved to her house in Brockweir in the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, marrying in 2013 shortly before she passed away. In late 2017 he returned to Plymouth, bringing him close to his elder son and family, who looked after him in his final years.
Until his late 90s, Monteith remained active, devoting considerable time to veterans’ events, including marching regularly for many years past the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday, sporting proudly his British Arctic Star and Russian Ushakov Medal, and meeting friends new and old for a convivial lunch and a chat in various locations, not least at the Champagne Charlies wine bar in Charing Cross. In addition to researching the losses of HMS Glorious and HMS Hardy, he put together a privately-published memoir: the aptly titled Last Man Standing (2020), co-written with a senior military friend.
Rolfe Monteith will be remembered as very much a ‘people’ person, a character of warmth and charm, quick to engage with folk from all walks of life. Although he had so many stories, both funny and serious, from his long and eventful life to tell, he was also keen to discuss matters both topical and historical with others, always having an ‘agenda’ to address. He will be sadly missed as one of the very last Arctic Convoy veterans and of that very special generation from across the British Commonwealth who served King and country during the Second World War. He is survived by his two sons and his younger brother.
Written by Major-General Mungo Melvin