Donald Ray Williams RMC 1963
Donald Ray Williams, Major General (Ret) CMM, OMM, CD, age 83, fighter pilot took his last flight into the arms of his Lord, Sunday, January 11, 2026. Mercifully he was released from his long and courageous fight with Parkinson’s Disease, one he fought with a warrior’s ethos, with dignity, grace, and strength. Don was surrounded by his loving family, Bonita Williams, heartfelt soul mate of 62 years, and devoted sons Mark and Ryan Williams. His legacy will continue with his sons, granddaughter, Rachel Williams Odland, her husband Tyrell Oldand & great grandson, Brogan Odland, grandson Matthew Williams, and granddaughters, Talia and Kaia Williams. Don was the eldest of his siblings who are Clifford Williams, Rhoda Gerard, Gary Williams, Ray Williams and Eugene Williams.
Born in Corvallis, Oregon, Don became a naturalized Canadian citizen at the age of three when his family moved to Saskatchewan. He joined the RCAF and graduated from Royal Military College in 1963 with a degree in civil engineering. Don completed his flight training earning his pilot’s wings in 1964 and married Bonita Smith in her hometown of Banff, Alberta, Canada. Their military journey together encompassed living in four countries, with The Villages in Florida being their twenty-fifth and final move.
Don reached the peak of his career as the Commander, Canadian Defense Liaison Staff and Canadian Defense Attaché, Canadian Embassy, Washington DC. His exceptional service being recognized already with his investiture as an Officer of the Order of Military Merit (OMM) in 1979, Don was subsequently appointed to the highest level of the Order as Commander (CMM) in 1993. Don would remark, unpretentiously, that he had a successful career as his takeoffs equaled his landings. Retired from the RCAF in 1996, he put on a business suit to join a US subsidiary of BAE Systems, a global defense, security and aerospace company. Later he formed his own company, Rymark Business Solutions, providing Strategic Program Management for DOD and other Defense companies.
Don was a leader, one dedicated to protecting his family, teaching his sons to project themselves to succeed living in a military family. He exposed them to worldwide experiences and taught them to be good men. Yearly vacations centered around the family clan of grandparents, siblings, and grandchildren, gathering around the abundant lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin; and in the winter, skiing, always searching for the best powder. It was during these vacations that the teaching continued with every experience, and new life lessons were learned. He epitomized leadership by example!
Don was a masterful bridge player, a voracious reader and with his clever intellect and his subtle sense of humour kept us laughing to the very end. Dedicated to fitness, he was once recruited to play football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and continued with his love of the game all through his life. He enjoyed competition, curling, tennis and playing golf with good-natured rivalry, mostly with all his brothers and sons.
As a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, we are grateful beyond measure for all Don did for our countries and to have loved and been loved by this remarkable man. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love and gratitude in our hearts. We are immensely fortunate to call him ours.
Don’s Memorial and Celebration of Life was held January 14, 2026 at Beyers Funeral Home, Lady Lake, FL 32162.
Nigel Brodeur RRMC 1954
Nigel Brodeur passed away peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on March 30th, 2026, in his 94th year with family by his side.
Nigel was born in Victoria, BC, on 18 June 1932 to Victor Gabriel Brodeur (d. 1976) and Doris (nee Fages) (d. 1936). He entered the Canadian Services College Royal Roads in 1950, joining the RCN upon graduation as a midshipman in 1952. He served in the cruiser Ontario and then the carrier Magnificent, before completing his sub-lieutenant courses in England, where he and Anne were married in Greenwich in 1954. On returning to Canada, he spent the latter half of the 1950s serving in a variety of junior officer positions in the Prestonian-class frigates HMC Ships Sussexvale and Beacon Hill.
Nigel next attended the Second Weapons Officers’ Course in Halifax in 1960 and thereafter served as the Weapons Officer in HMCS Kootenay at sea during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October-November 1962. Following a four-year stint ashore in Halifax, first in the Fleet School and then in Maritime Command Headquarters, in December 1966 he assumed command of HMCS Terra Nova. He was promoted Captain(N) in 1972 to be Commandant of the Maritime Warfare School in Halifax. His next (and ultimately final) sea-going appointment was as Commander of the Halifax-based Fifth Canadian Destroyer Squadron (1974-76).
After attending the National Defence College in Kingston in 1976 he went to Ottawa as Director of Maritime Requirements (Sea) where he oversaw drafting of the statement of requirements for what would become the Canadian Patrol Frigate. He remained a major influencer of that project when promoted Commodore in 1978 to be Director General Maritime Doctrine and Operations, and then Rear Admiral in 1980 to be Chief Maritime Doctrine and Operations at NDHQ in Ottawa.
Nigel relocated to Norfolk Virginia in 1982 to serve as Deputy Chief-of-Staff Operations, Reinforcement and Resupply to NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, and (concurrently) as Chief of Staff to NATO’s Commander-in-Chief Western Atlantic. Upon returning to Ottawa, he was promoted to Vice-Admiral (CF) in 1985. He served as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff at National Defence Headquarters from 1985 to 1987.
Upon retiring in 1987 after years of long-standing service and dedication to the Navy, Nigel and Anne moved to Victoria in 1988, where Nigel remained a major force for the promotion of a strong Canadian military, as co-director of the now-defunct Defence Associations National Network (DANN, 1988-2006), and a prolific author of articles and presentations to various naval and military periodicals. Nigel was also involved with many organizations and charities. He was a Co-founder of the Admirals’ Medal Foundation, Director of the Battle of Normandy Foundation, Former Director of the Conference of Defence Associates Institute, Member of Naval Officers Association of both Vancouver Island and Canada, and numerous other organizations to which he devoted his time and efforts. He was also made an Honourary Member of the Canadian Society for Senior Engineers, an achievement of which he was extremely proud.
Nigel and Anne travelled extensively upon his retirement to many countries. They enjoyed boating, fishing, gardening, golfing and entertaining Naval friends. They were active members with their parish and devoted their time and efforts to its causes.
The family is grateful to the emergency department and staff at VGH for their compassion and care of Nigel. The family is also grateful to the many loyal friends that Nigel had.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth (Anne) in 2023, his son David (1957) and his son-in-law Donald Messervey (2019). Nigel is survived by his daughters Carol Messervey, Louise Brodeur, Phyllis Brodeur (Walter Ioan), his grandchildren Lauren (Mark), David (Caitlin), Erika (Alexander) and his great-grandchildren Ripley, Spencer, Avery and Olivia.
A funeral service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 4040 Nelthorpe Street in Victoria on Tuesday May 12th at 11:00am.
William Broughton RRMC RMC 1957
Bill died peacefully in hospital surrounded by family on March 6, 2026. He was predeceased by his wife Dora, his brother Roger, his parents James and Olwen, stepfather Fred, stepbrother Dean and stepbrother-in-law Vern.
Born in Calgary, Bill grew up in Ottawa, where summers in the 1940’s at Camp On-Da-Da-Waks on Golden Lake sparked a lifelong love of swimming, sailing and athletics. He later worked at Red Pine Camp, where waiter Bill met camper Dora at the square dance in 1953. After graduating from Lisgar Collegiate, he joined the military as a Naval Cdt, studying at RRMC in Victoria and RMC in Kingston before completing a BSc in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University in 1958. Bill and Dora married that May, beginning a remarkable partnership of 64 years. They immediately moved to Massachusetts, where Bill earned a Master’s in Naval Architecture at MIT.
His education led to a distinguished 37-year career in the Canadian Navy, and he retired a Commodore as Director General of Maritime Engineering Management. His work resulted in tangible things such as the Canadian Navy’s supply ships having four bladed propellers instead of three, eliminating a troublesome vibration, and Canada’s Restigouche-class destroyers sailing with the stepped lattice mast that Bill designed. His work in the personnel world had lasting benefits for the men and women that serve Canada.
Bill took great pride in his three children, Dave, Karen and Ellen, his grandchildren, and recently arrived first great-grandchild. He was delighted when his youngest daughter, Ellen, also joined the Navy and completed the ROTP in Nursing at Queen’s University before serving in Ottawa, St-Jean and Calgary. Bill’s kindness was tested but proven when he welcomed her Army Officer husband into the fold, with tolerance and good humour.
Bill’s determination and love of competition fueled a lifelong dedication to sports. While at the CMCs, he swam competitively and played football, and he fell in love with baseball while studying at MIT. A local legend on the outdoor rink, he was inducted into the 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame and played his last game the day after turning 90. His grandchildren fondly remember skating and playing shinny with Grandpa. Recruited as much for his swim times as his age, Bill joined the Nepean Masters Swim Club in his 70s, swam competitively into his 90s, and proudly won medals at provincial, national and world championship meets.
Family gatherings often included favourite games such as Liverpool rummy and Rummoli, filled with laughter and competitiveness. Contract bridge was another lifelong passion shared with Dora through military, church, neighbourhood and camp bridge groups.
The family cottage on Heney Lake in the Gatineau became a centre for summer holidays. A skilled handyman, Bill could fix almost anything, though work paused for swims before meals and afternoon sails when the wind picked up. Gardening was a favourite hobby, and he took great joy in his colourful perennial beds, vegetables and berry patches, then later in the lovely gardens at his Colonel By Retirement Residence.
Bill’s quiet spirituality and strong sense of fairness shaped his life. He and Dora welcomed people of all backgrounds into their home and community. St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church was his “spiritual home,” where he served the parish in many roles for over 60 years.
Shortly after their marriage, Dora was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Bill’s devoted support helped her manage the disease for more than 60 years. On her 80th birthday she gratefully told him, “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”
Bill loved his time at Royal Roads and RMC. He often reminisced about the train rides from Ottawa to Victoria and back, playing never ending hands of bridge along the way, and his training cruises down to Acapulco. He and Dora attended every reunion weekend they could. They made friends with whom they kept in touch throughout their lives.
Bill was the embodiment of the Navy’s motto of “Ready, Aye, Ready” in how he lived and acted. He will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, humility, discipline and devotion to his family, community and country.
A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at St-John the Evangelist Church located at 154 Somerset Street in Ottawa on Saturday, 9 May, at 1400hrs, with a reception immediately after in the National Capital Officers’ Mess (former Army Officers’ Mess) located right across the street.
Patricia Lynn Matthews
Patricia, also known as “Pat, Trish, or Tricia” was born on Oct. 8th, 1952, in Inverness Cape Breton, to the late Neil Jerome (Jerry) and Marjorie (Fraser) Murphy. Her family moved to Halifax when she was seven from Port Hood, Cape Breton.
Patricia graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1971 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Home Economics degree at Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, graduating in 1974. She began her lifelong pursuit of interior design and decorating at the former Offman’s Furniture store on Spring Garden Road, Halifax followed by Simpson-Sears who recruited her as a consultant for its custom drapery and bedding division. She left there to launch Lifestyle Interiors in 1983.
Patricia’s successful business career was focused on Lifestyle Interiors for more than 40 years, serving both commercial and a largely high-end residential clientele both nationally and internationally, including Italy, Mexico and Florida. Her innovation in drapery design earned her a gold award from the Nova Scotia Interior Decorators’ Association.
With her creative vision, mastery of colour, painstaking attention to detail and tasteful aesthetic, combined with her ability to interpret customers’ needs and preferences and translate those to their space, she was highly sought after and was still working shortly before she died.
She was a very strong woman whose resilience, determination and strength of character were reflected in the duration of her battle with cancer. At the time of her death, she had survived for almost seven years, far surpassing the two-year projected timeline she was told when first diagnosed.
She redefined life with cancer, living life to the fullest with many interesting trips, cruises with her husband, and multiple gatherings of her many friends. Throughout this difficult period, despite warnings from her medical team, she lived as if there was nothing wrong with her. Her palliative care team referred to her as a rock star who continued to surprise them up to her death.
Patricia remained socially active within her broad circle of friends, supporting others despite her own circumstances. She continued to travel as much as possible, most recently venturing to Bermuda with her husband for Christmas.
Her health took a downward turn shortly after she was discharged from hospital in late February. But she continued to fight to the end of her life despite the ravages of the disease, leaving on her own terms.
She is survived by her husband, Captain, RCN (Retd) Anthony (Tony) Goode, Halifax; stepson Jonathan (Jon) Goode, his wife, Marta Zoladek, and their daughter, Emilia Goode, Toronto; and her beloved felines, Loretta Lynn and Maxine.
She was predeceased by her first husband Michael Matthews, Halifax; and stepson Charles Goode, Quebec.
The family would like to thank Patricia’s extensive health care team, including her Palliative Care team led by Dr. Caitlin Lees and Mitch Devoe and the incredible staff at Hospice Halifax for their dedicated and compassionate care.
Pat chose cremation, which has already taken place; her burial arrangements will be announced soon. A service celebrating her life will take place on 2nd May 2026 at 2:00pm at the J A Snow Funeral Home on Lacewood Drive to be followed by a remembrance gathering at the Curve, 1581 South Park Street shortly afterwards. The service will be guided by Chaplain, the Reverend Derrick Marshall, Dean of the Order of St. George.
James Ewan RMC 1969
Passed away peacefully with his family at his side on 05 November 2025 in Houston, Texas. A distinguished naval officer, pioneering engineer, and devoted family man, Mitch left an indelible mark on both the military and the field of renewable energy.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Mitch pursued a rigorous education in Applied Science at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for his remarkable career that spanned continents and disciplines. Mitch served with honour in the Royal Canadian Navy, rising to the rank of Commander. During his Naval Career, he commanded three submarines and a destroyer.
After retiring from active duty, he transitioned into private industry where he held several senior executive positions. His post military career was marked by innovation and vision. For over 28 years, Mitch dedicated himself to advancing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. He led the team that designed and built the world’s first fuel cell-powered automobile. In 2001, he joined the University of Hawaii’s Natural Energy Institute as the Hydrogen Systems Project Manager.
Over his 23 years tenure, Mitch played a pivotal role in developing hydrogen as a potential alternative fuel source, including the development of a hydrogen run bus system on the big island of Hawaii. His life work was to “decarbonize the world through the use of hydrogen”. He was known as “Mr. Hydrogen” to his friends and colleagues. Mitch’s work earned him multiple patents and widespread recognition within the scientific community.
Mitch is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, DeAnne Ewan, daughters Courtney and Caroline Ewan; brother-in-law Steven D. Wright and several nieces and nephews. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.
Douglas Sheldrick RMC 1958
Born on August 28, 1936, in Montreal, Quebec, Doug was predeceased by his late wife Joy Dian Goodwin, his parents, Kenneth Douglas Senior and Nancy Jane Coleman; and his brother, Robert Sheldrick. He is survived by his sister, Annabel Mitchell (John), and his nephew Robert Sheldrick. Doug was the beloved husband of Janene Morfea-Sheldrick and a devoted father to Elana Morfea, James Morfea (Marianne), Peter Morfea (Elise), and Elizabeth Ibrahim (David). He was a proud and loving grandfather to Samuel and Annabelle Fisher; Isaac and Isabella Morfea; Mason, Eveline, and Iselin Morfea; and Brielle, Raeya, and Myla Ibrahim.
Doug attended the Royal Military College of Canada and Queen’s University. He went on to become a dedicated teacher at Downsview Secondary School, where he shared his love of history. Doug’s lifelong passion for trains, especially steam engines, led him to chase and photograph them in many places including Europe, the United Kingdom, Botswana, Kenya, Argentina, Mexico, and El Salvador. He was also a model train enthusiast who was deeply engaged in politics, sports, and world affairs. Known for his long, detailed stories and his unmistakable booming laugh, Doug was loyal, strong, and wise. His larger-than-life personality will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.
Visitation at Barnes Memorial Funeral Home, 5295 Thickson Rd. N Whitby on Saturday January 3rd from 3:30 until 6:00 pm. Celebration of Doug’s life will take place in the Barnes Chapel, Sunday afternoon (January 4th) at 2:00 pm
In memory of Doug, memorial donations to Daily Bread Food Bank or Jumpstart would be appreciated by the family.
Thomas Gee RRMC RMC 1963
Tom Gee, devoted father, grandfather, educator, adventurous outdoorsman and longtime Osoyoos resident, passed away on Dec. 5th at the Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody, BC.
Graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in English from RMC, Tom went on to become a Navy pilot. He flew the CS2F Tracker out of HMCS Shearwater in Dartmouth, NS and at sea from Canada’s last carrier, HMCS Bonaventure. In 1966 Tom left the service to attend the University of Calgary where he added the M.Ed. degree to his accomplishments, all the while teaching English to high school students.
Tom had dedicated close to three decades to education in Alberta, teaching high school English, and later serving in leadership roles with Alberta’s Department of Education when he retired in 1996. During his teaching career, Tom distinguished himself by winning the Hilroy Fellowship for innovation in teaching and eventually earning a Ph D. In so doing, he won the Canadian College of Teachers Research Award for his dissertation.
One of the very few self-set goals Tom did not achieve was to settle, in retirement, on a property he had bought on Gabriola Island overlooking Georgia Straight. The plan was to buy a sailboat to moor in Silva Bay and “sail the rest of their lives away.” But he and his family, instead, made it only as far as the southern Okanagan where he and his wife fell under the charm of Osoyoos Lake. They built and settled into their Lindal home on a vantage point from which Tom could keep a weather eye out for windsurfing conditions on the lake.
In retirement, Tom continued to develop the athletic prowess he was already honing as a gymnast on the RMC Rep team. Ever the avid outdoor sportsman, winters drew him to the mountains to carve smooth arcs in powder. When ice left the lake he was on his windsurfer seeking to perfect his high speed jibe in shifting winds. In the early 2,000s, Tom joined a team of ex-cadets to take a war canoe the 160 kms from Ottawa via the Rideau Canal to arrive at RMC in timely fashion for ex-cadet weekend.
Tom’s literary inclinations likely brought him early to the iconic book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Published a half century ago, it would have further fired his passion for motorbikes. He begins a poetic tribute to its author, Robert Pirsig, with words that tell the story: “A motorcycle is a magic thing/ with pulsing magic heart/ and tires that sing…” With his BMW K1200 and its precursors, Tom toured Canada and south of the border as far as Argentina and Chile as well as Italy, with many a story to tell.
Beside taking on the position of Class of ‘63 secretary, Tom lent his prize-winning writing skills to several Class of ‘63 projects. Included were the production of the Class of ‘63 25th year collection of classmates’ biographies. He also served as English editor of the Class’s 50th year of graduation biography book. The latter was timed to mark the entry of the Class of ‘63 to the Old Brigade. For this second book Tom provided a chapter recording the construction of the Wall of Honour which he had proposed as the Class of ‘63 Old Brigade entry gift to the College. It was duly endowed with funds from classmates and built in time to receive plaques for the first ex-cadets to be honoured in 2009.
Tom shared his many outdoor sporting passions with his two sons and five grandchildren. He especially loved long canoe expeditions and cross-country motorcycle trips; adventures that became treasured family stories and inspiration for his many writings. In retirement, Tom was an active volunteer with the Osoyoos Desert Centre, and participated in community curling, and local carving and woodworking groups.
Tom’s two sons and their families, his nieces and nephews, friends and companions will fondly remember his sharp intellect, wit, warmth, curiosity, baked apple pies and his enduring sense of adventure. He will be deeply missed by family and RMC classmates.
Tom shared his many outdoor sporting passions with his two sons and five grandchildren. He especially loved long canoe expeditions and cross-country motorcycle trips; adventures that became treasured family stories and inspiration for his many writings. In retirement, Tom was an active volunteer with the Osoyoos Desert Centre, and participated in community curling, and local carving and woodworking groups.
Tom’s two sons and their families, his nieces and nephews, friends and companions will fondly remember his sharp intellect, wit, warmth, curiosity, baked apple pies and his enduring sense of adventure. He will be deeply missed by family and RMC classmates.
John Norris RMC 1952
(1927 – 2026) John Norris died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, in his 100th year. He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Brenda; his children, Christopher, David, Felicia (Charlie Bartlett), and Peter (Lisa Wood); eight grandchildren, William (Kate), Belinda, Peter, James (Veronika), Andrew, Karina, Herbie, Alfie; and a great-granddaughter, Eliza. John served in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1945 and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1948, where he trained as a pilot. He built a distinguished career as an investment dealer, working in Montreal with Collier, Norris and Quinlan, in London with Kitcat and Aitken, and in New York with Bache & Co. Among his many accomplishments, John was instrumental in bringing the Alcan Aquarium Dolphin Show to Expo 67, founded the Montreal Zoological Society, and established the Falcon Golf Course in Hudson, QC. He also created PJ Pet Centres, expanding to 40 locations from Edmonton to Boston, and developed Alstonvale, a high-end residential community on 30,000 sq. ft. lots in Hudson. John will be remembered for his wit, charm, and legendary one-liners, which could turn any moment into a laugh and leave a lasting impression on all who met him. Always the perfect gentleman, he carried himself with grace and warmth, making everyone feel valued and welcome. His unique sense of humour, quick intelligence, and sparkling personality lit up every room he entered, and he was adored by his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of John’s life will be held in August in St. Andrews, NB, when all of his family can be present.
Jean Latrémouille CMR RMC 1972
Au CHUS Fleurimont, le 2 avril 2026, entouré des siens, à l’âge de 76 ans, est décédé Jean Latrémouille, époux de Carole Pigeon.
Outre son épouse, Jean laisse dans le deuil ses enfants Julie (Sébastien) et Ian (Andrée-Ann), ses petits-enfants Nicolas, Olivier, Marguerite, Florence, Éléonore, Édouard et Benjamin, ses frères et soeurs et leurs familles ainsi que plusieurs amis.
La famille recevra les condoléances le 26 avril 2026 de 12h00 à 15h00 au Complexe funéraire Yves Légaré de Longueuil, 2750, Boul. Marie-Victorin Est, Longueuil, J4G 1P5. Une cérémonie sera célébrée à 15h00, en la chapelle du complexe funéraire.
La famille tient à remercier tout le personnel du CHUS, particulièrement le Dr Charles-Éric Rivest, l’équipe d’oncologie et des soins intensifs pour les bons soins prodigués ainsi que le personnel de l’Hôtellerie Parallèle pour leur soutien.
Vos témoignages de sympathie peuvent se traduire par un don à la Fondation Québécoise du Cancer en la mémoire de Jean Latrémouille.