Deaths

Obituary of 19884 Kevin Andrew McNaughton RMC 1995

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kevin Andrew McNaughton, born in Ottawa on March 11, 1972.

Kevin was the son of Mary Christine Noonan and the late Robert Allan McNaughton, and was raised by his mother and father, Gordon “Sonny” McMillan.

Kevin attended St. John’s Elementary and High School before attending the Royal Military College of Canada, graduating in 1995 with a degree in English. While at RMC, he proudly played four years of hockey and served as captain in his final year. He went on to complete pilot training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where he was presented with his wings by his uncle, Retired Lieutenant General Don McNaughton.

In 1998, Kevin met Jessica Anne Rozdeba, and they married on April 24, 2000, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Together they moved to Cold Lake, Alberta, where Kevin completed his F-18 fighter course and joined 441 Operational Squadron. It was during this time that they welcomed their three children, Brock Allan John (2001), Brynn Christie (2004), and Brooklyn Anne (2007). Kevin also completed a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan from 2007 to 2008.

Kevin and his family eventually settled in Perth, Ontario, where he transitioned from military service into a career in airline aviation. In 2024, his love of flying took him to Cairo, Egypt, where he continued his aviation career before later working with CAE on a program supporting student pilots and instructors.

Kevin’s greatest joy was his family. He loved hunting with the McNaughton family, RMC hockey, fishing, and spending time at the lake. Kevin and Jessica had always dreamed of living on the water, and their home on Otty Lake became a place where he was happiest — surrounded by family and enjoying the lake life he loved so much.

Kevin will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his passion for aviation, his love of the outdoors, and most of all, his deep devotion to his family.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who loved him.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at the Blair & Son Funeral Home, 15 Gore St. W. Perth on Thursday, September 17th, 2026 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Kevin funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s United Church, 25 Gore St. W. Perth on Friday, September 18th, 2026 at 10:00am. A reception will follow the ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion in Perth. In honour of him, memorial contributions to the RMC – Alumni Association would be greatly appreciated.

3174 Peter Traves RRMC 1953

Captain (N)(Ret’d) Peter J A Traves – “Cherished Legend”

Peter John Anthony Traves died on September 22, 2026, two weeks short of his 95th Birthday. He was born in Oakville, the son of the late John Roswell and Nancy (Spicer) Traves. He was educated in Toronto at Malver Collegiate and entered Royal Roads Military College, Victoria, BC in 1949 and graduated in 1951. In 1957, the RCN sent him to McGill University in Montreal, PQ. where he obtained a BSc in Mathematics and Physics in 1959. In 1961, he attended the Royal Military College of Science at Strivenham, England to specialize in guided weapons. Captain (N) Traves served in HMCS Beacon Hill, Antigonish, Ontario, Haida, Swansea and Jonquiere. He commanded HMCS Saskatchewan in 1966. He was Director of Cadets and Vice Commandant at Royal Roads from 1967 to 1969 when he was promoted to Captain and served as Deputy SACLANTREPEUR at NATO in Brussels, Belgium for three years. He commanded HMCS Preserver in 1972 and CFB Halifax in 1974. In 1976, he served on the staff of SACLANT, Norfolk, VA, as Senior Canadian Officer and D/COS Personnel and Administration. On his return to Canada, he was posted as Director of Naval Reserves and Commander Naval Reserve Divisions. Upon retirement in 1986, he became a Financial Advisor with Midland Doherty and later with Midland Walwyn, Merrill Lynch and CIBC World Markets and considered his many clients his friends.

Peter was married to Lucy (Whitman) for 65 years until her passing on October 7, 2025. They shared a life of adventures including many trips to Europe, bare boat charters in the Caribbean and ski trips to Sunday River and Sugarloaf with their children and grandchildren. Despite his plan to “outlive everyone !!!!” Peter is survived by his children John (Carly), Michael (Patricia) and Heather (Mark) and his grandchildren Ross and Katharine, Will and Lucy and Victoria and Andrew (Nicole).

Peter was an active farmer and enjoyed his orchards in Upper Falmouth. He was a member of the Monarchist League, the Halifax Club and the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron where he enjoyed Wednesday night racing with his sons John and Michael and made many new friends. He was active in the Conservative Party of Canada, the PC Party of Nova Scotia and St. Georges Church, Upper Falmouth. He was a Director of Lindwood Holdings and Falmouth Developments.

Over the past five years, Peter and Lucy enjoyed the comforts of Berkeley living and made many new friendships with both staff and residents. We are forever grateful for the friendship of Alfie Sullivan who endured with good humour Peter’s daily requests for companionship at meals, watching baseball games and sharing a good drink of rum. We are also indebted to The Berkeley on Pepperell staff for their support particularly the nursing and housekeeping staff– Parissa who cared for him with grace and dignity, to Melissa who navigated his requests for wine before meals and to the front desk staff for always answering his many requests. You truly are exceptional at what you do.

Funeral service to be held at St George’s Anglican Church, 465 Sangster Bridge Road Upper Falmouth on Saturday October 3^rd at 11 am. Reception to follow at Foc’sle Farm, 171 Castle Frederick Road. Arrangements entrusted to Atlantic Funeral home.

7691 Leif Schonberg RMC 1968

Suddenly after a short stay in hospital. Predeceased by his sister and brothers and his wife, Joy (née Payne). Survived by his children, Lance (Lesli) and Lise; grandchildren, Erik, Will, Mel and Amanda; brother-in-law Bill (Nancy); sisters-in-law Marion and Willene; and partner, Bonnie. There will not be a service at this time. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WDMH Foundation, University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation, Support Our Troops, or your local animal rescue organization.

5876 Donald Dalziel RRMC RMC 1963

It is with great sadness the family of Donald D. Dalziel aged 84 announces his passing on 7 August 2026 after a yearlong fight with cancer at Bruyere St. Vincent Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario.

He will be remembered with love by friends and family, including his wife Janice Lawson, his children, Tracy Brown, and Anthony Dalziel, and his grandchildren; Alina Brown and Dylan Dalziel-Zand.

Don will also be lovingly remembered by his sisters Lynn Dwosh (Issac) and Wendy Lumb (Ted) as well as his many niece’s nephews and extended family.

Don proudly served in the Canadian Armed Forces from 1959-1997 attending both RRMC and RMC graduating in 1963. He was honoured to serve with the Queens Own Rifles Regiment, the Airborne Regiment, and PPCLI. Don also attended the Military Staff College in Kingston, and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA. After spending three years at CFB Baden-Soellingen in Germany with three Mechanized Commandos, Don returned to Canada and worked on staff at the Canadian Forces College in Toronto before returning to Germany as the Base Administration and Technical Services Officer at CFB Baden for four years. He then spent three years as a Commanding Officer of the Airborne School in Edmonton, Alberta. Don spent the remainder of his career serving with the Canadian Defence Attaché program in Moscow, USSR, Washington DC, and at NDHQ in Ottawa, Ontario.

Upon his retirement, Don became “Chief Cook” and “Pool Boy” for his wife Janice in Miami, Florida before returning to Ottawa and becoming involved in a number of Associations and Charities, including the PPCLI Association, both locally in Ottawa, and nationally for over twenty years. Don will be fondly remembered for his dedicated service to others and generosity’s to causes he believed in.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at both the Ottawa General Hospital, and Bruyere St. Vincent Hospital for their care, compassion, and support over the past year.

A funeral service was held for Don at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa followed by interment in the National Military Cemetery on 8 September 2026.  Donations can be made in Don’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, The Canadian Veterans Services Society, or the PPCLI Association.

26494 Mitchell Jarrett Marquette RMC 2015

4674 Kenneth Hugh Barry Gallant CMR RMC 1960

5702 John Barton CMR RMC 1963

3460 James MacKeen RRMC RMC 1955

James Henry George “Jim” MacKeen was born on September 10, 1934, in York Township (Toronto), Ontario. He was the third child and only son of Harold DeForest MacKeen and Margaret McGhie (nee Watson). He spent the first 10 years of his life there, before his family moved to Calgary. Jim graduated from Central High School in 1951 and immediately went to military college at Royal Roads (Victoria). He continued his education at RMC (Kingston) and later at the U of A (Edmonton). From his time as a cadet, Jim maintained active status with the Royal Canadian Navy (Reserve) until “released” in the mid 1990’s as a Lieut-Commander RCN(R). After finishing university, he worked as a travelling salesman, life and general insurance agent, and realtor before qualifying to teach. He married in 1957 and welcomed a son that year and a daughter the next year. Jim was living in Calgary by 1960 and married again in 1961. He had welcomed another three children by 1971. Jim taught high school math and French and, starting in his 50s, acted in several Calgary-based productions. His roles included: “torch runner” for the 1988 Olympics Share the Flame campaign, a sympathetic member of the “International Alliance of Winter Sports” in Cool Runnings (1993), and Richard Crenna’s double in Heart Full of Rain (1997). Despite his gig work, teaching high school was a lasting role that served Jim best for 30 years. Jim met his wife, Virginiadean “Ginny”, in the late 1970s, and from then on, there was no one else but her. Together they travelled, made and kept good friends, and above all, treasured their families. He was heartbroken when he lost her two summers ago. Jim was predeceased by son, Douglas Arthur; daughter, Carol Anne; former spouses, Beverly Sherwood and Darlene Watson; sisters, Shirley Doe, Helen Egleston, and Nancy MacKeen; cousins, Tom Watson and Caroline Lester; and nephews, George A. Egleston and Harry Doe. Jim is survived by daughter, Karen, and son-in-law, Rod; daughter, Heather, and son-in-law, Greg; and son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law, Stephanie, and their children. Jim is also survived by Ginny’s children, Linda, Judy, Ross, and Mary. He was also special to many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, grandnieces, grandnephews, and “framily” throughout his blended family. Special thanks are owed to his doctor, Margot, for her excellent care during his lifetime. Jim chose to not have a service. His arrangements are being handled by Sands Arbor Memorial in Nanaimo, BC. Condolences can be left on their website.

Dr. George L. Parker Obituary

Alan Holland Brookbank

Captain Alan Holland Brookbank, age 96, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026.

Born on November 17, 1929, in Rosetown, Saskatchewan, Alan was a true son of the Great Depression. Growing up on the rugged Canadian prairie, his early education began in a modest two-room country schoolhouse—a foundation that sparked a lifelong pursuit of learning. He went on to graduate from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) in Mathematics and Physics.

Driven by a profound sense of duty during the Korean War, Alan joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1950, embarking on a distinguished thirty-year career as a Naval Officer. He served with honour aboard some 15 ships across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, eventually earning the distinct privilege of commanding HMC Ships Nipigon and Protector.

His expertise led to several prestigious shore postings, including postgraduate studies in Guided Weapons at the Royal Military College of Science in England, a role with the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and serving as Director of the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto.

Beyond his exemplary service to his country, Alan’s greatest devotion was to his family. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Patricia. He will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his four children, Nancy (Darrel), Karen (Ed), Michael (Janet), and Wendy (Andrew); his grandchildren Jordan (Aly), Alexander (Courtney), Simon and Caroline (Devin), Ben and Megan, Madeleine and Sam, Josephine and Emily and his four great-granchildren Sophia and Nylah Ross and Marley and Koa Haley-Ross.

Alan was a kind and gentle man with a great set of epic stories. His was a life well lived.

There will be no formal service but instead, private family memorials will be held to spread his ashes in his best loved places.

5164 Roger Beverley Blake RMC 1961

Roger B. Blake was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, on March 13, 1939, to Roy and Margaret Blake. He passed away peacefully in Victoria, BC, on August 7, 2026, two days after celebrating his 59th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Leena.

Roger came to Canada with his family in September 1939 on the last boat to leave the UK before the outbreak of war. The family settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 1946, they returned to the UK when his father was posted to the Canadian High Commission as Agriculture Attaché. Further moves followed—to Melbourne, Australia in 1950, and later to Port of Spain, Trinidad, where Roger lived until 1957.

Roger attended the Royal Military College, where he played soccer and football, captained the swim and water polo teams, and earned the Prince of Wales Trophy for best all-round athlete over four years. He graduated with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering and later completed his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alberta.

He served three years in the RCAF as an Armament Officer with postings in Bagotville, PQ, and Val d’Or before joining the Trade Commissioner Service in 1965. His first posting was in Los Angeles, where he met and married Leena. Together they lived around the world during postings to Cairo, Rio de Janeiro, Perth, and Sydney. After a leave of absence, Roger was appointed Vice President of Canadair. Upon retirement, he and Leena returned to Perth, Western Australia.

In Perth, Roger became the personal assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Murdoch University, served as Chairman of two companies, and sat on the boards of five others. He and Leena launched a bakery franchise, establishing 17 stores in 17 months. Roger also taught English to immigrants for more than 15 years and served on the Autism Board in Perth. A lifelong learner, he was a proud member of Mensa. In 2017, he returned to Canada to be closer to five of his seven grandchildren living in the United States.

Roger fulfilled one of his greatest ambitions—to lead a diverse and meaningful career. He served in the military, taught English, held senior government roles, led in the private sector, and became a successful entrepreneur. He was an avid golfer and a member of Royal Colwood Golf Club.

Roger is survived by his devoted wife, Leena, his three children Andrew, Robbie, and Tanja, his seven cherished grandchildren Blake, Toby, Tayla, Larry, Marcus, Addison and Cameron, and his brother Ian.

He will be remembered for his curiosity, his generosity, his sharp wit, his love for his family, and the deep friendships he nurtured throughout his life.

Private family cremation arrangements are entrusted to McCall Gardens.

SHEPHERD, John J. Born in Lancashire, England, 1929; died at the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital December 22, 2016. John earned his B.A. (Hons.) at London University, England, and his M.A. (Political Science) at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON. He received Honorary Doctorates from Carleton University (Engineering) Ottawa, ON and from The Royal Military College of Canada (Science) Kingston, ON and a Fellowship from Ryerson University (Technology and Business) Toronto. John was co-founder of Leigh Instruments Ltd., Vice-Chairman of The Science Council of Canada, founding Chairman of the Defence Science Advisory Board and a foreign member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden. His retirement years were spent in Midland, ON, where he took great pleasure in serving on the Board of the Wye Marsh, reading and visiting with his many friends. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Kathleen, his six children, William, Andrew, Adam, Kristin, Tory and Matthew, and his sister Margaret of New York. A celebration of John’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Wye Marsh, Midland, ON. John was a fine man, of great intelligence, humour, integrity and compassion. We will miss him greatly. Arrangements entrusted to LeClair Cremation Centre , Midland, ON.

5307 Herbert Widdifield RRMC RMC 1961

Saanichton, BC – Herbert Raymond Widdifield passed away peacefully at home on August 7, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born September 18, 1939, in Bienfait, Saskatchewan.

Herb attended Royal Roads Military College for 2 years and then the Royal Military College in Kingston, graduating in honours economics in 1962. He was a talented athlete and played rugby and football, but his passion was running as a member of the track and field team. After graduation he joined the PPCLI and was a paratrooper in the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton.

He left the armed forces in 1966 and made his way back to Victoria, BC, where he taught economics at Royal Roads for a year before joining the University of Victoria. He spent the next 36 years directing the development of computing facilities for students, researchers, and administration. As technology changed, he and his team evolved right along with it — from punch cards to today’s student computing labs, state-of-the-art admin and research systems, software development groups, and a high-speed campus network. In 1988, he was part of the team from BC’s universities that brought the internet to BC through BCNET, a research network they built together.

Herb was a member of the Rotary Club of Victoria from 1974 to 1986. He loved young people, and for years directed the club’s international youth exchange program, welcoming exchange students into his home and family.

Herb and his family owned greenhouses in North Saanich, growing first tomatoes, and later flowers. Herb spent many weekends and evening hours working in the greenhouses. He was also co-owner of Brown’s the Florist, which Chris managed for 30 years until the business was sold in 2007.

Herb was an adventurer at heart, and mountains held a special place in his life. He and his partner Chris traveled widely together, hiking, climbing, and soaking up the food and culture of everywhere they went. He loved nothing more than telling stories of his mountain adventures.

After retiring, Herb finally had time to build his beautiful dream home overlooking the Mount Newton Valley — a place that became the backdrop for many gatherings with family and friends over the years.

He was predeceased by his wife, Pamela Adele. Herb leaves behind his partner of 53 years, Chris Dysart; his son, Lionel Widdifield; his daughter, Karen Charron; his grandson, Keith Wyatt; and his chosen family, Natasha and Brad Crawford, along with his beloved Carter.

Herb will be remembered for his kindness, love of life, positivity, and forward-thinking spirit.

As per Herb’s wishes, there will be no celebration of life.

11001 William Schultz RMC 1976

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Lieutenant-Colonel William (Bill) Frank Schultz (Retired), at the age of 73.

Bill Schultz joined the Canadian Armed Forces on August 10, 1972, in London, Ontario, to attend the Royal Military College of Canada. Following graduation, he was posted to Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) in Calgary. Over the course of his 39 years of military service, Bill served in Cyprus with the Regiment, Guatemala, and the United States. In 2008, he transferred to the Reserve Force and retired from military service in 2011.

Lieutenant-Colonel Schultz leaves behind a distinguished legacy within the Canadian Armed Forces. First and foremost, he was a leader. As Officer Commanding “City Squadron” in Nicosia, Cyprus, he led from the front while dealing with the many, and often violent, demonstrations along the Green Line. He was the first Commanding Officer of the Canadian Armed Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), and in 1998 deployed to La Ceiba, Honduras, as part of the relief effort following Hurricane Mitch. In 2001, Bill became Project Director and subsequently the first Commanding Officer of the Canadian Army Combat Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, Alberta. Above all, Bill was proud to be a Strathcona. In retirement, he continued to give back to the Regiment through his volunteer work with the Regimental Museum and Archives.

Bill had a distinguished career, but to those who knew him, he was much more than his accomplishments and rank. Known affectionately to his many friends as “Schultzy,” he was one of those rare characters whose personality and presence left a lasting impression. He had a terrific sense of humour and a passion for his pastimes. A lifelong firearms enthusiast, he possessed a personal collection that would have been the envy of any police force – or small army!

11109 George Bruce Lewis RRMC RMC 1976

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of the loving husband of Elaine and loving, devoted Dad to his daughter, Amanda.

Bruce was surrounded within the love of Elaine, Amanda, his brother Ronald and sister-in-law Debbie in his remaining days and final passing.

Bruce was born on November 4, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He was the first-born son of Gerald Frederick Lewis and Lois Jane Lewis who are both deceased. He is survived by brothers Grant Frederick, and Ronald James as well as nephews Gregory and Douglas in Sault Ste. Marie and Kevin and Mark in Alberta. He enjoyed a very special relationship with his grandparents who are also deceased.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine, and his beautiful, loving daughter, Amanda. We must include his 2-four-legged Shetland Sheepdogs, Kaylee and Cleo who also really loved their Daddy.

Bruce will be greatly missed by several brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews in Elaine’s east coast family.

Family meant everything to Bruce, and he always made sure we were all well taken care of, even though he had such a busy career.

Bruce graduated from Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Engineering In 1976. He went on to Winnipeg to gain his Air Navigator wings as a Lieutenant.

Bruce flew on the old Argus, Anti-Submarine aircraft from CFB Summerside with his fellow “Gophers”. He was promoted to Captain in 1979 and was posted to CFB Shearwater where he crewed aboard Sikorsky Sea King helicopters. He deployed to sea quite regularly with our navy. While at Shearwater, he commanded the Helicopter Operation and Test Flight Evaluation Unit (HOTEF) and also undertook a Masters of Applied Science at Nova Scotia Technical College and received his degree in 1986. He was promoted to Major In 1987.

In 1988, Bruce’s little girl, Amanda was born and Bruce literally walked on water for weeks. Amanda and her Dad have always been “‘Partners in Crime” and Elaine never knew what they were going to spring on her. Bruce also completed many courses over his career and excelled at all.

In 1991, Bruce attended the British Staff College course in Bracknell, England for one year which included a large number of British and international officers. Upon completion, he was posted to DND Ottawa where he worked with the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff’s Secretariat for 18 months and was promoted to L. Colonel. He was then posted to CFB Comox in 1994 where he commanded 407 Squadron, CP140 Auroras for 3 years. Bruce returned to Ottawa as Project Manager of the CP 140 Aurora implemental Upgrade Program in 1997. Bruce spent almost 20 years developing, obtaining approvals and completing Ill of IV block upgrades. During that time, he was appointed Director of the unit in addition to his duties as Project Manager, which in itself was a challenging position but Bruce took it on and excelled in this double role for approximately 6 years. The Aurora Update Program was the highlight of Bruce’s career and he was so very proud of the men and women who supported and worked with him.

Bruce retired from the Canadian Air Force in October 2012 from which he had had an amazing career. Bruce went on to enjoy several consulting positions in private industry.

Although our hearts are heavy with grief, we take great comfort in the number of lives Bruce touched. We have wonderful memories to sustain us. Bruce will be greatly missed every minute of every day, and we will carry his happy spirit with us forever.

8133 Geoff Hodgson RRMC RMC 1969

Geoff, at the age of 79, passed away in the early hours of August 6, 2026, in his ocean-side home with his loving wife of 56 years, Linda Diane Hodgson. He is survived by his wife and beloved children, Penelope (Arlen), Sean (Jeni) and Sharon and his ever so cherished grandchildren Adley (8) and Wells (6).

Geoffrey was born in Prestbury, England, to the late Frances Enid Hodgson and Wallace Edward Hodgson. When Geoff was 2 years old, they relocated to Canada. He grew up in Port Maitland, Nova Scotia, and then lived in Weymouth and Digby. He was the oldest of four siblings: Eric (Linda), Mark (Lorraine), and Jennifer (Ian) and was an uncle to many nephews and nieces.

Geoff served in the military with the Royal Canadian Air Force for 26 years and retired a decorated Lieutenant-Colonel. He then pursued his engineering passion at SED Systems in Saskatoon – so his children could have a stable home while attending school. With his children moving on to higher education and upon retirement at SED, he built his ocean-side dream home back in Port Maitland with his wife and started their next adventure. If you know Geoff, you know that he will never be retired. He started his next engineering job in San Bernadino, California, where he and Linda had many adventures and fun prior to settling down in Port Maitland full time.

He was an active Port Maitland Volunteer Firefighter until the day he died – for 25 years – and even contemplated if he should go to the 10:00pm fire call the evening before he died.

Geoff was active in his church (New Heights Baptist) where he served as a deacon. He sang in the choir and taught Sunday School alongside his wife Linda. Geoff was a quiet, hard-working, extremely kind, loving, and intelligent man who spent his free time helping others, always volunteering. This world was a better place because of him. He was greatly loved by his family and friends and will always be remembered.

Although our loss is heavy, we can rejoice and celebrate his arrival in Heaven alongside our Heavenly Father.

5482 Jim Furlong RMC 1962

There are lives determined by early circumstances, and there are lives shaped by early circumstances and resolve. Jim’s was the latter. Born in Guelph to a mother who was unable to care for him, Jim was placed in foster care as an infant. He moved to an orphanage at age 12 before being sent to work on a farm near Belwood, where he stayed for five years. At 17, a serious winter sledding accident left him with multiple fractures in one leg and unable to earn his keep, he had to leave the farm. Rather than a setback, it was a turning point: a teacher took him in for his final year of high school and became the first of several mentors whose belief in Jim, paired with his own tenacity and decision-making, moved him forward. It was a pattern that would repeat throughout Jim’s life: one hard, good decision after another, each moving him further from where he started and closer to the life, and the family, he would go on to build for himself.

After a year working at the uranium mines in Elliot Lake and completing Grade 13 in Sault Ste. Marie, Jim earned a place at the Royal Military College of Canada, graduating in 1962. Commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, he was posted to Victoria, BC, where he met Heather. A couple of months after meeting her, with his posting to Germany suddenly delayed, he phoned and proposed. They married three weeks later and spent three years overseas, where their first child was born.

Once back in Canada, Jim retired from the Canadian Forces as a Captain, earned his degree at the University of Waterloo, watched his family grow to three children, and began a career as an educator. He was a teacher, coach, and mentor at Forest Heights Collegiate before his 11-year tenure as principal of Elmira District Secondary School. For years, Jim’s children have been approached by former students who share the ways in which he shaped their life.

Jim brought that same spirit to summers at Camp Tawingo. Over the course of a decade, it was a family affair: Jim taught outdoor skills and led canoe trips, Heather worked as a nurse in the health center, and the kids lived the camper life alongside them.

In retirement, Jim was an avid bridge player and volunteered with Golf Ontario as a rules official and Board member, becoming an Honorary Director and receiving the Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award.

Heather was his constant companion for fifty years, until her passing in 2014. Her absence was something he carried, quietly, for the twelve years that followed. Jim leaves behind his children, Deb Duimering (Richard), Brock (Jill), and Scott (Nonie Lesaux); grandchildren Connor, Emily Glaze (Cameron), and Jacob (Kennon Moon); Hannah Duimering (Cooper Page) and John Duimering; Morgan and Charlie; and great-granddaughters Sophia Heather and Violet Louise Glaze.

Jim also leaves his cousin, Darlene Furlong, and his sister, Marie Bouwknegt. Following a relatively recent search of his birth records, Jim was introduced to Darlene, who helped him meet Marie. Jim and Marie felt an instant connection and have enjoyed a wonderful 5-year friendship.

The family will hold private remembrances. Jim’s grandchildren will forever remember their Papa’s (lengthy!) stories, unsolicited advice, bad jokes, and life lessons. So that the next generations of Furlongs can carry forward Jim’s remarkable journey – one of turning adversity into purpose and connection.

3146 Ken McCrimmon RRMC RMC 1953

9277 Robert Milburn RMC 1972

Your life took off with athletic grace and academic fire. The Royal Military College shaped you into a disciplined man and a civil engineer. You managed projects where people could be connected, supported, and safe. You were a father to two exceptional people, Jocelyn and Geoffrey, but then a shadow stepped forward, and Parkinson’s began its slow theft. Through every struggle, your loving partner, Arlene, friends, neighbours, and the medical community held you with steady hands. On July 8, 2026, after a rapid, painful two-week decline, you slipped away.

Retired brigadier-general William Shane “Bill” Richard, a former commander of CFB Kingston

Retired brigadier-general William Shane “Bill” Richard, a former commander of CFB Kingston whose influence stretched far beyond the military, is being remembered as a community builder whose leadership helped transform both the city and some of its most important institutions.

Richard, who died July 7 at age 77, spent nearly four decades in the Canadian Armed Forces before dedicating much of his retirement to health care, education and community service in Kingston, his adopted hometown. He is survived by his wife, Shirlene, their children, Shane, Chad and Candice, and three grandchildren.

To many residents, Richard became one of the city’s most recognizable civic leaders, serving as chair of Kingston General Hospital’s board of directors, teaching at Queen’s University, leading community organizations and championing partnerships between military and civilian institutions. But his son, Chad, said his father’s greatest legacy may be his role in ensuring the future of CFB Kingston.

“My father’s time in Kingston was marked with a number of contributions to the community that had a transformative impact,” Chad Richard said.

Born in Charlottetown, P.E.I., on July 19, 1948, Richard first arrived in Kingston as an officer cadet in 1969 to undertake signals officer training at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics. After returning briefly as a young lieutenant in 1973, he deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions in the Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula.

Fifteen years later, he returned to Kingston as commandant of the communications and electronics school. Aside from postings in Ottawa and London, England, he would spend most of the remainder of his professional and personal life in the Limestone City.

Military colleagues remembered him as a thoughtful leader who combined operational experience with a strong interest in education and public policy. Richard earned master’s degrees in mathematics and public administration and later completed an executive fellowship at Queen’s University.

His most consequential work may have come after becoming commander of CFB Kingston in 1993.

At the time, the Canadian military was facing significant budget reductions following the end of the Cold War. According to Chad Richard, CFB Kingston was among installations facing uncertainty as Ottawa examined potential closures.

“My father assumed command at a time when the base was slated to be closed as part of a nationwide program to reduce defence spending,” he said.

Rather than treating the issue solely as a military problem, Richard looked outward.

Chad Richard said his father worked to forge stronger connections between the military and the broader community, strengthening relationships with Queen’s University, Kingston General Hospital and municipal leaders. He also helped establish partnerships linking the base with local economic development organizations.

Those efforts helped demonstrate the strategic and economic value of the installation while positioning Kingston as a centre for military education and training, his son said.

Today, CFB Kingston remains a major training hub for the Canadian Armed Forces and serves as home to several military schools and organizations, including the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics.

Richard’s efforts were recognized by the Greater Kingston Chamber of Commerce, which awarded him its President’s Award in 1996.

But his influence did not end with his military career.

After retiring from the Armed Forces following 37 years of service and attaining the rank of brigadier-general, Richard increasingly focused on public service within the community. He joined the board of Kingston General Hospital and later became its chair, helping guide one of the region’s most important health-care institutions through significant change.

At Queen’s University, he taught in the School of Policy Studies and helped lead an executive master’s program in public administration aimed at developing public-sector leaders.

His son said Richard believed strongly in bringing institutions together to solve common problems.

That approach helped lead to one of his proudest accomplishments outside the military.

“In this capacity, he sought to bring the Canadian Forces, KGH and RMC together for the establishment of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research,” Chad Richard said.

The organization was created to advance research supporting military personnel, veterans and their families, particularly as Canada grappled with the long-term effects of deployments to Afghanistan and growing awareness of post-traumatic stress injuries among returning service members.

Richard also remained deeply committed to preserving military heritage.

During his tenure as commandant of the communications and electronics school, he helped spearhead the creation of Kingston’s Communications and Electronics Museum. The museum documents the history of Canada’s Signals branch and honours generations of military communicators whose work often occurred far from public attention.

His efforts reflected a longstanding belief that institutions could only move forward by understanding their history, colleagues said.

Over the years, Richard received numerous honours recognizing both his military and community contributions. His obituary noted that he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Paul Henderson Award for Community Service and the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area’s Community Builder Award.

For Chad Richard, however, the awards tell only part of his father’s story.

He said his father viewed leadership as service and spent much of his life working to connect people and organizations that might otherwise have operated independently.

Whether leading soldiers, supporting local hospitals, teaching future public servants or advocating for veterans, he consistently focused on building partnerships that could strengthen the community as a whole, his son said.

That legacy remains visible across Kingston today, from the continued growth of CFB Kingston to the institutions and organizations he helped shape.

“He sought to bring people together,” Chad Richard said. “I believe he succeeded.”