7711 Dearl Forrest Alexander RRMC RMC 1968
It is with profound sadness that the family of Dearl Forrest Alexander announces his sudden passing on the morning of Saturday, October 24, 2026. Dearl was born to Forrest and Margaret Alexander on November 27, 1946, in Neepawa, Manitoba, and spent much of his childhood in Oberon. Oberon remained a special place to him throughout his life, reflected in the stories and memories he carried with him, and even in his enduring love of chokecherry syrup. Predeceased by his parents, Dearl is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Dianne Edgar and Sheila Davidson (Norm), and his cherished nieces and nephew.
Dearl proudly served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he built a distinguished career in air traffic control that took him and his family across Canada and overseas. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and went on to work as an Airspace and Procedures Specialist with Transport Canada and later NAV CANADA. Dearl retired from his professional career on September 26, 2002, but remained close to the military community and the many lifelong friends he made during his years of service.
Retirement offered Dearl more time for another great passion: sports. He loved hockey, curling and golf, whether he was attending a curling championship, watching the Ottawa Senators play, or heading out to the golf course himself, sports brought him great enjoyment throughout his life.
Golf became one of Dearl’s greatest joys, especially in his later years. As a member of the Metcalfe Golf Club, Tuesday and Thursday mornings were reserved for time on the course with his buddies, a routine he rarely missed. He took great pride in coordinating the Senior Men’s group and genuinely cared about the friendships he made there. Even from his hospital bed, Dearl was still making sure “the boys” were organized for the final days of the golf season, which was simply who he was.
Dad was friendly, outgoing and always ready with a joke or a little good-natured teasing. He made friends easily, loved his routines, and was famously organized, with a file folder or binder for just about everything. Those closest to him will also smile remembering how thoroughly he rinsed the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, leaving everyone wondering whether they were clean or dirty. Whether it was golf with the guys, Friday night poutine and a Keith’s Red at Broadways, or making someone laugh, it was these familiar, everyday things that made Dearl uniquely and unmistakably Dearl.
Dearl leaves behind Sharon, his loving wife of 57 years, with whom he built a life filled with family, friendship and countless memories. Dearl and Sharon were married on September 20, 1969. Together they raised their daughter Christa (Rob) and son Jason (Melissa) and later welcomed their five grandchildren who became his world.
Dearl’s greatest joy was his family, and there was nothing he treasured more than being Grandpa to Brayden, Ivan, Riley, Maxx and Eddy. They were truly the light of his life and could always bring a smile to his face. He was never simply a spectator in their lives. He was there for all of it: tutoring, taking them on PD days, driving to activities, shopping trips, bowling and movies, adventures to Valleyview and Saunders Farm, and nature walks.
Grandpa was their biggest fan. Whether standing along the boards at a hockey game, watching a soccer or baseball game, attending a dance recital or school event, Grandpa could be counted on to be there cheering from the sidelines, usually with a treat in tow for his “superstars.”
These are the moments that tell the story of a life: not only the places Dearl lived and the things he accomplished, but the people he loved, the friendships he nurtured, the laughter he created and the memories he leaves behind. Dearl will be remembered for his compassion and supportive nature, his sarcastic sense of humour, and dedication to family and the friendships he made wherever life took him.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Dearl will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered and forever carried in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
14040 Steve Kooistra RRMC 1983
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Major (Retired) Steven Kooistra on September 30th 2026.
The following was prepared by Col Ret’d Michael Pearson with great help from brother John Kooistra and Col Ret’d Acton Kilby, friends all.
According to his oldest brother, John, Steven Grant Kooistra was the youngest of six children, the beloved, happy-go-lucky, and cheeky little brother. He had a knack for technology, becoming the family’s TV repairman at age 12, one of many skills that he brought with him into the Army.
He was an active Army Cadet and at age 17, joined the Lincoln and Welland Regiment in St Catharines, Ontario before going to basic officer training in Chilliwack, BC in the summer of 1979. He spent a full four years at Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, taking an arts degree, interspersed with Infantry Officer training in the summers.
His first posting was to the Second Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment where he commanded a platoon and had the extraordinarily good fortune to meet and marry the love of his life, Jayne Orser. Together they were posted around the country and the world for more than twenty years to operational work in The RCR, and to training appointments in Borden, Chilliwack and at the Infantry School in Gagetown. They were soon blessed with a daughter, Emma Jayne, of whom they were incredibly proud.
Steve Kooistra served the Royal Canadian Regiment with honour, devotion, and unwavering commitment. A trusted friend and respected officer, he exemplified the Regiment’s values through his professionalism, steady leadership, and deep dedication to operational excellence. He inspired pride and purpose in those who served alongside him, fostering the joy and meaning of service to Canada. His memory endures in the Regiment he faithfully served and in the lives of the soldiers he guided with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength.
He served in all three battalions of The Regiment, commanding at every level, culminating in his distinguished career as the Acting Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion. His leadership was marked by steadiness, humility, and an unwavering dedication to the soldiers under his charge. He was a true Royal Canadian who upheld the standards that define the RCR.
Again, according to his brother John, Steven had a rucksack full of wonderful stories about his many deployments and adventures with the RCR, concluding with an assignment to HQ Allied Force Command at Heidelberg, Germany. After Steven retired from that appointment, he and Jayne and Emma returned to Canada via The Queen Mary, one of a few cruises they made over the years on that famous ship. Jayne’s death in 2015 devastated Steven and Emma. In the years afterwards he built a remarkable life for himself on the farm. He grew grapes and garlic, did long walks with the dogs and was a kind host to several barn cats.
Steven had a difficult final year. He struggled with illness and the loss of Jayne. I had a personal connection with him for more than 45 years. We were in that same basic training platoon in Chilliwack back in 1979, were in the same Squadron at Royal Roads, in the same Regiment, The RCR, and at times in the same battalion, and when he retired to what he called the OK Farm (Orser – Kooistra) in Carleton County, we became New Brunswick neighbours. I will deeply miss my friend.
May he rest in peace. Pro Patria
John Kenneth Grove
With regret I inform you that another Strathcona has passed – Lieutenant (Retired) John Kenneth (Ken) Grove died on October 23rd, 2026.
A graduate of Royal Military College, Ken joined the Regiment in Calgary in March 1952. He was assigned to D Squadron and served with them from 1954 to 1956 at Fort Anne in Werl, West Germany. D Squadron was the armoured support to 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. In Dec 54, while home in Calgary on leave, he married his wife, Kay. In February 1956, Ken was posted to the “I and A Cadre” of Western Command in Calgary.
Lieutenant Grove was a popular and active member of the Regiment and Officers’ Mess. A Centurion Tank Troop Leader, Lieutenant Grove was noted for his skill on the tennis court, as a navigator in a Belgium road rally, and his command of “Operation Boulder” – the extraction with Centurion tank of a 3.5-ton boulder from a German river so the town of Putensen could create a war memorial with it.
The Regiment’s deepest sympathies go out to his family in their difficult time. A funeral will be held for Ken Grove at 10 AM, November 10th at Christ Church Anglican Calgary, In Elbow Park, Calgary – all members of the Regimental Family are welcome.
Official Obituary John Kenneth (Ken) Grove Obituary:
John Kenneth (Ken) Grove of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the age of 97 years.
Ken was born in Edmonton, AB, on December 20, 1928. He served two tours in Germany with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) as a member of the occupying forces, achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
He married Kathleen (Kay) on Dec 30, 1954, while he was a Lieutenant in the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians). After resigning from the Canadian Armed Forces, Ken entered a long career in the energy industry, first with Standard Oil of Indiana, followed by Dome, United Beta, Quasar, Temagami, and Mount Royal Petroleums.
Ken is survived by his sons, John, Ted, and Happy Grove; their partners, Debbie Grove, Jane Chamberlin, and Adrian Stimson; his grandsons, Kenny, Liam, and Edison Grove; their partners, Amy Lauzier, Keawna Grove, and Daisy Dai; and Happy and Adrian’s extended family, Bianca Scott, Nigel Scott, Dakota (Jordan, Blake) Scott, and Nian (Kevin, Quinton, Rowan) Laroque.
He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne (Alvina), Gerald, and Gordon; and sisters, Vivian, Cheron, and Jackie (Jerry); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Kathleen Grove, and his brother, Sidney Grove.
Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Grove’s service streamed live on the day of the service at www.MHFH.com. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be available for 30 days.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ken’s family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Ken Grove, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
12756 Lonnie McNeill CMR 1975/1976 | RMC 1980
In Loving Memory of Lonnie Edward McNeill
24 February 1957 – 27 October 2026
“Do not mourn me, celebrate me.”
Lonnie passed away far too early on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at the age of 69. His life left a positive mark on everyone he spent time with. His life was first and foremost about his wife, family and friends. He will be fondly remembered reading, playing around and running wild with his grandchildren. When Lonnie wasn’t playing, he was pursuing his passions: running, golf and hockey. It brings a certain comfort knowing that he passed doing something he loved.
Lonnie was born on February 24, 1957 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was born into the military lifestyle which he adopted into his adult life serving 34 proud years as an Officer of the Royal Canadian Navy. Hard working and dedicated, he continued to leverage his professional acumen with DFO and subsequently with the consulting firm CAPSJ, where he revelled working with long time best friend and comrade in arms Peter Johnston.
Active in his community, he was a devout supporter of the Special Olympics, Clare Mutual, Clare Golf and Country Club, and he was a reliable reader at mass. Regardless of whether he was employed or volunteering he applied the exact same level of commitment, ensuring things were completed to the highest of standards.
His contagious laughter will forever be missed. A benign comment or scene would frequently bring him into an uninhibited wheezing hysteria, which was a delight to witness. He was a soulful dancer, happy to express himself on the dance floor. Lonnie was predisposed to ruminate (dwelling McNeills), despite this he was relentless in his optimism, often able to stay playful and goofy. His unending patience and steady hand were available to all be it advice on the ice, help with homework, or filing income tax returns for his “rotten kids.”
Lonnie would not wish for a prolonged mourning period. He’d prefer a celebration; despite the solemn goodbye, a glass would be raised, with stories and laughter shared. We are forever grateful to him for the litany of treasured memories, and we will carry his loving, joyful spirit in our hearts forever.
Loved deeply by his family, Lonnie McNeill is survived by his wife Faith. Loving father to: Derek (Kayla) of Church Point, Dominique (David Moser) of Bridgewater, Garret (Caitlin Mason) of Halifax, and Samuel (Karley Rossignol) of Edmonton. Pops to his grandchildren: Connor, Alice, Uma, Warren, Violet, Claire and Maya. He is survived by Siblings: Carmen McCracken of Richmond, Timothy McNeill (Caroline) of Sarnia, Paula Vanderburg (Gary) of Sarnia, and Nancy Sonier (Glenn) of Corunna. His father and mother-in-law Bucky and Medora Dahlgren, Aunt Dorothy McNeill, numerous nieces and nephews, his lifelong friends Peter and Sue-Ellen Johnston with their children, brother and sisters-in-law Glenn and Karen, Sherry and Dave, Joan and Phil. Predeceased by parents Edward McNeill and Wilma (nee Jenkins) McNeill.
Funeral Service to be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Weymouth on Saturday November 7th at 11:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life at the Clare Golf and Country Club, Comeauville to follow at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia https:\\www.heartandstroke.ca/.
As we learn to live without him, we will navigate this loss each in our own way, and as Lonnie would say
“Everyone walks their own camino.”