Fallen Comrades (retired members)

[Old Sweat]

My sincere condolences to his family and his regimental family. He was a gentleman in the true meaning of the word.

He would not let me include the following story in Named by the Enemy:

This took place during the clearance of the Channel Ports. Norm was a platoon commander and took command of the company when the OC was killed by MG fire in the FUP. As the company crossed the start line [line of departure] he received a heavy blow in the chest which staggered him. His first thought was that the was dead, but soon realized he was still alive. On checking Norm found that a bullet had glanced off a large pocket watch he had attached to the end of his lanyard in his battledress breast pocket.

He also told the story of being at a cocktail party when he was commanding the regiment. A blonde (honest) said to him, "Colonel Donogh, you said you and your brother had both served in the regiment in Normandy and one of you was killed. Was that you or your brother?" "Oh," he replied, "that was my brother."

 

[Newt]

Norman Donogh was my great-uncle, although I only met him on a few occasions when I was younger.

The Donogh side of my family is part of what drives me to serve. His brother, Oliver, was named for their uncle Roland, who died 12 Apr 1917 while serving with the 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles. Their father, Wallace, served in the First World War as well.

Onward.

 

[Rifleman62]

http://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-216255/name-Norm__Donogh/date-range-all/keyword-donogh/order-publish_date|DESC,last_name|ASC,first_name|ASC/

NORM DONOGH

LT. COL (RET) NORM DONOGH It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Norm Donogh at Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 11, 2014. Both a loving husband and father, he was also an adoring Papa to his grandchildren. Family and friends were very important to Norm. Born in Winnipeg on April 9, 1923, second child to Rev Wallace Donogh and Mabel Ashworth, Norm grew up surrounded by love, music and a strong faith. He shared these gifts throughout his life time. During the Second World War, Norm served in the Royal Winnipeg Rifles, participating in the D-Day landings and the Liberation of Holland. Upon his return from overseas Norm completed his BA and worked as a teacher, then a reporter and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press. It was while working at the paper, he met the love of his life June (Cherry) they were married in May of 1952. Norm took a job with the Province of Manitoba, Dept. of Industry and Commerce in 1956. He was a dedicated civil servant; there was no question regarding protocol and procedure that Norm could not answer. During his time with the province he served as aide-de-camp for Lt Governor Pearl McGonigal. Retiring in 1988, Norm and June were able to travel, something they enjoyed thoroughly for many years. When Norm and June became grandparents they planned many wonderful experiences for "their girls". Every family get together was recorded for their memory project, a legacy that is appreciated. Norm was an active participant in compiling both regimental histories of the famed Little Black Devils, leaving a historically correct legacy for future generations. He was proud to have been part of the planning of the Regiment's 125th Anniversary. His dedication and work was honoured by their Colonel and Chief HRH Prince Charles in a personal message to Norm. Poor health prevented him from attending this year's 70 anniversary celebration of D-Day in Normandy. His last act of Remembrance was laying a wreath during the 70th anniversary of D-Day at Vimy Ridge Park on June 6 of this year. He will always be remembered as heavily involved in the regiment, teaching the younger generations the importance of the sacrifice made by so many young men. Norm had a keen mind and a ready wit. He was a long standing member of the Winnipeg Press Club, and The Manitoba Community Newspapers Association granted him a lifetime membership. Norm was extremely proud of being a member of the "Senators", curling at the Granite Curling Club. Norm is predeceased by his wife June, parents Wallace and Mabel, brothers Roland and Gordon and sister Lorraine. Norm is survived by his son Brian, wife Ellen and granddaughters Jacqueline, Shannon, Danielle, a sister Gwen Hewlett and many nieces and nephews. Respecting Norm's wishes, a private family interment has taken place at Thomson "In the Park" Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. A Memorial Service to celebrate Norm's life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests honouring Norm's memory through one of the following: the Victoria Hospital Foundation, the St. Boniface Hospital and Research Foundation or the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Foundation. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on August 16, 2014

 

[Edward Campbell]

This came in the mail today and it is, happily, a "tribute" rather than a memorial:

__________
All Royal Canadians will want to know that Mrs. Jean Snow of Fredericton, New Brunswick, the wife of Brigadier T.E.D'O. Snow, OBE, CM, CD, will be celebrating her 105th birthday today, 10 November 2011.

As well as having been married to one of the true giants of the Regiment, Mrs. Snow herself has been a member of the Regimental Family for an amazing 85 years (surely a record).

Born Jean Matthews on 10 November 1906, in 1926, she met and was courted by a young subaltern of the The Royal Canadian Regiment, Lieutenant Thomas Eric D'Oyly Snow. Lieutenant Snow was serving with ""C Company at Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario. Jean was 20 years of age, Eric was 21. In those days of meagre pay and benefits, young subalterns simply did not marry.
Nevertheless, despite the express disapproval of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel E.A. Seely Smith, Jean and Eric married on 14 August 1926. The couple forged an unbreakable bond and the marriage flourished for 69 years, until the death of Brigadier Snow in 1996.

T.E. Snow went on to become an inspirational and transformational Commanding Officer of The RCR during the Second World War, from 1941-1943.

Mrs. Snow has remained a stalwart member of the Regimental family and a passionate supporter of The Royal Canadian Regiment to this day. After the retirement of Brigadier Snow from the Regular army in 1960, the Snows remained very close to the Regiment. Living in Fredericton they were certainly well known and often seen by members of 2 RCR. Mrs. Jean Snow has been very active with The RCR Association and has always made a point of attending the 2 RCR Change of Command Parades. As recently as 2002, Mrs. Snow attended a reception hosted by 2 RCR in honour
of HRH prince Philip. To this day she is well known for her tremendous sense of humour and extremely positive attitude towards life. That eminent Royal
Canadian, Major-General J.H. Vance, himself a former CO of 2 RCR, has said this of Mrs. Jean Snow: "This wonderful lady is truly representative of the
spirit and endurance of the Regimental Family. I consider her one of our regimental treasures."

On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to wish Mrs. Snow a very happy 105th birthday. I know that the Command Team of 2 RCR, LCol Ruff and RSM Penton, will be visiting Mrs. Snow today to wish her many happy returns from the Regiment. They will also be bringing her letters of personal congratulations from many other Royal Canadians. I would not be at
all surprised if there was also not a Regimental Piper in attendance to play the "Brigadier T.E. Snow March."

Brigadier T.E. Snow is a Regimental icon. His tenure of command of The RCR is a watershed in the history of our Regiment. His life and career have had a huge impact on The Royal Canadian Regiment.
__________

Sadly, Mrs Jean Snow passed away. I received this from The Regiment:

    It is with the deepest regret that I must inform you of the passing of Mrs. Jean Snow of Fredericton, New Brunswick, wife of the late Brigadier T.E.D'O. Snow, OBE, CM, CD,  during the early hours of 30 August 2014.
    She had been undergoing palliative care at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton and died peacefully in her sleep. Born Jean Matthews on 10 November 1906, Mrs. Snow was 107 years of age.
    She was born at a time when The Royal Canadian Regiment was only 22 years old and Sir Wilfred Laurier was the Prime Minister of the Dominion of Canada. As well as having been married to one of the true giants of the Regiment,
    Brigadier Eric Snow, Mrs. Jean Snow herself was a Regimental icon and member of the Regimental Family for an extraordinary 88 years. Although she led a full, rich and happy life, sadly her passing marks the severing of
    a tangible link with our long and storied Regimental past.

    In 1926, Jean Matthews met and was courted by a young subaltern of The Royal Canadian Regiment, Lieutenant Thomas Eric D'Oyly Snow. Lieutenant Snow was serving with "C” Company at Wolseley Barracks, London, Ontario.
    Jean was 20 years of age, Eric was 21. In those days of meagre pay and benefits, young subalterns simply did not marry. Nevertheless, despite the express disapproval of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel E.A. Seely Smith,
    Jean and Eric married on 14 August 1926. The couple forged an unbreakable bond and the marriage flourished for 69 years, until the death of Brigadier Snow in 1996. T.E. Snow went on to become an inspirational and transformational
    Commanding Officer of The RCR during the Second World War, from 1941-1943. His tenure of command of The RCR was a watershed in the history of our Regiment. His life and career had a huge impact on The Royal Canadian Regiment
    and he was the Royal most readily identified with our unofficial motto, “Never Pass a Fault”.

    Mrs. Snow remained a stalwart member of the Regimental family and a passionate supporter of The Royal Canadian Regiment to the end of her life. After the retirement of Brigadier Snow from the Regular Army in 1960,
    the Snows remained very close to the Regiment. Living in Fredericton they were certainly well known and often seen by members of 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment. Mrs. Jean Snow was very active with
    The RCR Association and always made a point of attending the 2 RCR Change of Command parades. As recently as 2002, Mrs. Snow attended a reception hosted by 2 RCR in honour of HRH Prince Philip. She was always well
    known for her tremendous sense of humour and extremely positive attitude towards life. That eminent Royal Canadian, Lieutenant-General J.H. Vance, himself a former CO of 2 RCR, has said this of Mrs. Jean Snow:
    "This wonderful lady is truly representative of the spirit and endurance of the Regimental Family. I consider her one of our regimental treasures."

    On behalf of Regimental Headquarters I would like to express my sincere sympathies to the family and many friends of Mrs. Jean Snow. They are in the thought and prayers of all Royal Canadians. Jean Snow was a truly
    a remarkable and great lady.

 

[OldSolduer]

Ray Sheppard, 2 PPCLI and 2 Commando passed away last week.

RIP Ray 

 

[Old Sweat]

Brigadier General HE (Ted) Brown passed away in Toronto, aged 102. His obituary from the Toronto Star is reproduced under the Fair Dealing provision of the Copyright Act.

HAROLD EDWARD BROWN

Brigadier General (Retired)

At The Bradgate Arms Retirement Residence on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 in his 103rd year. Predeceased by his loving wife Julia DeLacey Prindiville (d. June 1999). He is survived by his daughters Susan Kohn (Carl) and Janet Williams (Robert) and son Peter (Cindy) of Ardrossan, Alberta, and his sister Shirley Park (Grier) of Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was the proud and devoted grandfather of Tracey May (James), Mark Soteroff (Natalie), James Cartan (Kelly), Elizabeth Cartan (Warren) and Alex Brown; and loving great-grandfather of Jack and Madeleine May, Mikayla Soteroff, Brooke Smith and Cole and Rhys Cartan. Brigadier General Brown served in WWII with the 17th Field Regiment R.C.A., and as Commanding Officer of 1st Field Regiment R.C.H.A. in Italy and North West Europe. His post-war service was as Commander, Canadian Contingent, United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt in 1957; Commander, Central Ontario Area 1960-64, and as Senior Military Adviser, Military Component, Canadian Delegation, with the International Commission for Supervision and Control, Indo-China, 1964-65. He was also Honorary Lt. Colonel and Honorary Colonel of 7 Toronto Regiment R.C.A. from 1986-91. He was President of the Fort York Branch, Royal Canadian Legion in 1984, a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Military Institute, and a member of the Soldiers' Tower Committee, University of Toronto. The family will receive visitors at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, October 23rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Blessed Sacrament Church, 24 Cheritan Avenue, at Yonge Street, one block south of Lawrence Avenue, on Saturday, October 25th at 10:00 a.m. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Missions in Canada, 1155 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto M4T 1W2, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=harold-brown&pid=172852375&fhid=9911&FBNF=ShareObitAt#.VEJGJ3Yx0u8.facebook

 

[vonGarvin]

Colonel (Retired) Maurice Chilson "Chet" Randall

It is with great sadness that the family of Maurice Chilson "Chet" Randall announce his passing on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at his home in Oromocto, NB.

Chet served 32 proud years as a fighter pilot in the RCAF and held many positions including Base Commander at CFB Chatham before retiring to his childhood homestead in Lakeville Corner, NB where he enjoyed the past 25 years. He was well known for his community service particularly with the Knights of Columbus. 

Born in Fredericton on February 6, 1939, he was the devoted son of the late Maurice and Effie (Burns) Randall and the loving husband of Jacqueline (MacDonald).

Chet is survived by his loving wife of  53 years, Jacqueline; sons John (Darla) of Lakeville Corner and Jim (Meg) of Ottawa; his brother Alden (Margie) of Lakeville Corner; his sister Linda Morris (Greg) of Miramichi; his grandchildren Scott, Paul, Marie, Krissy , Kathy, Michael, Rob and Jenn as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chet was predeceased by his infant son Joseph Anthony and his sister Caryl Blackmore.

Resting at the Oromocto Funeral Home (108 Winnebago Street, Oromocto, NB) with visitation on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM.  The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Oromocto, NB followed by a reception in the parish hall.

His interment will be conducted in the Byno Community Cemetery, Lakeville Corner, after the reception.

Donations in Chet’s memory may be made to the Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Church or to the charity of your choice.


NB: Chet flew both F-86 Sabres and CF-104 Starfighters. 

 

[MedCorps]

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Allan D. Scott, CD, RCMS
1938 - 2014

Al Scott was raised and attended school in rural Manitoba. At the earliest opportunity (in February 1955) he joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps as a Private, Medical Assistant. Over the next 13 years he was posted to a number of airborne units including 2 PPCLI and 1 Airborne Medical Platoon. As a Sergeant, he underwent Parachute Instructor training and was employed as a Jump Master whenever his unit parachuted. During that period, he progressed in rank to Staff Sergeant (now Warrant Officer) and in trade. In 1967 while on his Group 4 Course (now 6B) he was selected for commissioning.

After, completing officer’s training, he was posted to the field ambulance in Calgary. During the next 22 years, he underwent all of the available CF Medical Services training as well as Army and Canadian Forces staff training. Postings included two tours as a field ambulance training officer, three tours as a hospital administrative officer, a posting to Army HQs and one to CF Europe HQ in Lahr Germany. During this period he progressed in rank to Lieutenant Colonel and ended his Regular Force career in 1989, as Chief Administrative Officer at the National Defence Medical Centre in Ottawa.

In the fall of 1989, he moved to Victoria, and in 1990 he joined the CF Reserves with 11 (Victoria) Medical Company (now 11 (Victoria) Field Ambulance). He served in the unit for 4 years retiring as the Commanding Officer in 1993.

Even after leaving the military he remained interested in the Canadian Forces and the CF Heath Services in particular. During retirement, he was a member of the Defence Medical Association of Canada and the Conference of Defence Associations. He was also instrumental in the creation of the CF Health Services Trust, now known as the Royal Canadian Medical Services Association. Throughout much of this time, he was a volunteer with the BC Paramedic Academy and promoted its training for CF medical assistants. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a plan to become actively involved in politics- but changed his mind. He believed it was more productive to spend his time improving his golf game and enjoying the outdoors.

His commitment and loyalty to the Medical Services remained unwavering He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 11 (Victoria) Field Ambulance in 2004 and assumed the duties of Honorary Colonel in 2008. The dedication to his duties and to the well being all members of the unit was admired by all. He retired as the HCol in January 2014 but maintained his membership as a unit trustee and the unit historian.

Al passed away peacefully December 2nd at the Victoria Hospice, family and loved ones by his side. He accepted his date with destiny with dignity and grace. He leaves behind many friends, all of whom are better for knowing him.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Received moments ago:

Dragoons and Friends,

We gave recently received word that General Withers an Honorary Life member
of the RCD Association passed away peacefully on the night of 23/24 December
2014.  Unfortunately, we have no details at this time, but we will do our
best to get the information to you as it comes in or published in the
newspapers.

We have lost a great Friend and a great Dragoon.

Bill Smith, Secretary NC R Chapter, RCD Association

"General Ramsey Muir Withers, CMM, CD (born July 28, 1930) is the oldest living past Chief of the Defence Staff, the highest ranking position in the Canadian Forces.

From Wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramsey_Muir_Withers

Military career

Born in Scarborough, Ontario to Scottish immigrant parents, Withers spent 35 years in uniform, serving in the Korean War and in command and staff positions throughout Canada and overseas. He became Vice Chief of the Defence Staff in 1977 and then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 1980 before retiring in 1983.

From his retirement as CDS in 1983 until 1988, Withers served as Deputy Minister of Transport, during which time he was awarded the Commissioner's Award of the Northwest Territories and the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada.

Withers is a professional engineer and a Fellow of Georgian College, holding earned degrees from the Royal Military College of Canada (student # 2951) and Queen's University. He is a graduate of the Canadian Army Staff College and Britain's Joint Services Staff College.

After retirement, Withers became president of a government relations firm, director of an aerospace technology company, a consultant to the Office of the Auditor General and Chairman of the Industry Government Relations Group.

He also continued to be active in volunteer work. In addition to chairing a committee that reviewed the undergraduate program at the Royal Military College of Canada (culminating in the Withers Report), Ramsey is the honorary director of the Canadian War Museum. He is a former Trustee of the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Chairman of the Canadian War Museum Committee, former Director of the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies, and an Honorary Vice-President of the Boy Scouts of Canada.

General Withers is married, and he and his wife Allison (née Saunders) have three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Honours

He was awarded the Commissioner's Award of the Northwest Territories and the Outstanding Achievement Award of the Public Service of Canada. He is the winner of the Queen’s University Alumni Achievement Award. He is an honorary graduate of the National Defence College and the NATO Defense College. Withers holds two honorary doctorates. Archie Cairns composed the General Ramsey M. Withers (3/4 Retreat March 2003) for bagpipes in his honour. "

Audax et Celer

 

[Edward Campbell]

Gen (Ret'd) Ramsey Muir Withers

I just received word that Gen (ret'd) Ramsey Withers, late of the RCCS and a former CDS, dies last night, of a massive hear attack. He was 84 years old.

I had the pleasure of knowing Gen (ret'd) Withers, not really well but better than most, I suppose ... I will miss him, so will his Corps and his country.
 

 

 

 

Gen (ret'd) Withers as a cadet in RMC in 1950, as a subaltern - signal officer with the R22R - in Korea, as CDS and as a volunteer at the War Museum (with another old chum, 'Digger' MacDougall)

 

[Old and Tired]

Had to pass this news on to my Dad, Cal Lindsey (LCol, CD Ret, RCASC)  He and the General we get chums and friends for all their career's.  My Mm used to Baby sit the generals Kids when he was a newly promoted Capt, many, many years ago.  We also have a picture of General Wither and Dad when he was CDS visiting Dad's camp in Aldershot Nova Scotia in the summer of 1982.

A truly gracious Gentleman and Soldier.

 

 

[OldSolduer]

RIP sir

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Update:

Dragoons and Friends ,

The following is the text of the known details of the Visitation and Funeral arrangements for General Ramsey M. Withers as advised by the Colonel Commandant of the Communications and Electronics Branch.

Colleagues,

The current information indicates that the Withers family will plan for a
Visitation 9 January 2015, 1700-2100 hrs and 1100-1300 hrs and for 10
January a  Service Celebration of Life  1300-1400 hrs and Internment at 1400 hrs. I believe this will all be at Beechwood  Military Cemetery.



The family requests that the military be involved in the service ,
particularly the Celebration of Life. Individuals who can contribute to
this Celebration of Life with stories and or photos are requested to  advise
me and I can coordinate with the OPI.  I have already received  some
anecdotes  from colleagues (Webber, Simpson. Leech, Arnold, etc). I request
more. The Military C&E Museum will also be asked to assist.

More  detail to follow when available.



Bill

William S. Richard

BGen (retd)

Colonel Commandant

Communications and Electronics Branch

Tel 1-613-530-1249

 

[Good2Golf]

Master Warrant Officer (Retired), MMM, CD, Marcel 'Benny' Lemarbre, July 27, 1940 - December 24, 2014.

Initially serving with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, then the CF, MWO (Ret'd) MMM, CD, Marcel "Benny" Lemarbre completed his service to country in 4 Service Battalion after having served as the Squadron Warrant Officer (SWO) of 450 (Transport) Helicopter Squadron between 1986-1988.  Deeply respected by all in both Tactical Aviation and the Army's Transport Branch, Benny leaves us with the legacy of a senior [non-commisioned member] of the highest calibre, providing exemplary leadership to younger NCMs and valuable and wise advice to officers.  A central figure in the 'Old Guard' of 450 Squadron post-service, serving as a central focal point for maintaining the spirit of the Squadron for all those who served the unit in the past.

RIP Benny - Keep on Truckin' 

Marcel Joseph Benjamin “Benny” Lemarbre

Benny passed peacefully but yet unexpectedly at the Ottawa Heart Institute on Christmas Eve at the age of 74. Loving husband of Christa for 50 years. Dear father of Sabine, Kiki (Steve) and Michael. Cherished opa to Kristyna, Jake, Zack, Kyle, Seth and great-opa to Emily and Julian. Loving brother of Pierrette (Yves), Yvette (Jean), Lise (Jean), Claude (Helene) and Murielle (Yves).  Benny will also be missed by his extended family in Germany and his many, many friends throughout the world in Australia, Belgium, Holland, Greece, Cuba and the United States. Benny was very involved in the Veterans Association for many years and his wish would be for this to carry on.  To all my family and friends don’t be sad be happy its gods will and time, nothing anyone can do so carry on and live a full life like I did. Special thanks to all the staff at the Ottawa Heart Institute for all their exceptional care. Friends may visit at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Road (between Baseline Rd and Bayshore Dr.) on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 11 a.m. until service time in the chapel at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated.

 

[PMedMoe]

Clarence was my parents' neighbour for over 30 years. I went to high school with his son Michael.

Clarance Gauvin - Obituary

Clarence was employed for 25 years with the Canadian Armed Forces and a former employee with the Corps of Commissioners and Brinks Canada. He served in Korea from 1951-52 with the 2nd Battalion Royal 22nd Regiment.

 

[vonGarvin]

This just came through on the regimental net of The RCR:

              Regimental Headquarters was notified this morning of the tragic and completely unexpected passing of Chief Warrant Officer Ernest Joseph “Ernie” Hall, MMM, MSM, CD (Ret’d). Chief Warrant Officer Hall was one of three pedestrians struck and injured by a motor vehicle on Sunday night, 11 January, at approximately 9:00 PM on Lake Street, Pembroke, Ontario near the Pembroke Memorial Centre. Ernie Hall had been attending a Pembroke Lumber Kings hockey game at the Pembroke Memorial Centre, which had just concluded when the accident occurred (please see Pembroke Observer news release below). Severely injured, he was eventually transported to a medical facility in Ottawa. Ernie Hall passed away peacefully in hospital late last night, 12 January 2015, at 10:10 PM, with family and close friends at his side. This sudden loss, tragically sad under any circumstances, is especially poignant as Chief Warrant Officer Hall had only recently retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after a long and distinguished career.

              Ernie Hall enrolled in the Regular Force on 14 August 1975, serving initially with 3rd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment (3 RCR) at Petawawa, Ontario. Following a peacekeeping tour with 3 RCR in Cyprus in 1977, he was posted to 2 Commando, Canadian Airborne Regiment at Petawawa, also in 1977. Chief Warrant Officer Hall would serve in the Airborne Regiment until 1986, including time as a Pathfinder Recce Det 2IC and as a Section Commander with 3 Commando. He completed another tour in Cyprus in 1981, was promoted to Master Corporal in 1982 and to the rank of Sergeant in 1986. Ernie Hall served with The RCR Battle School at Petawawa from 1986-87 and was then posted to 3 RCR at Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1987. In 1988 he was posted to Baden Soellingen, Germany with Mortar Platoon, 3 RCR as a Mortar Fire Controller (MFC). Chief Warrant Hall remained in Germany with 3 RCR until 1993. During this period he served in the Gulf, during the Gulf War in 1990, with M Company, 3 RCR; and deployed to Croatia in 1991 as a Platoon Warrant Officer in November Company, 3 RCR, part of the Royal 22ieme Regiment Battle Group. Ernie Hall was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer following his return from the Gulf in 1990. Posted to 2 RCR in 1993 he was subsequently employed as Intelligence Warrant Officer; Mortar Platoon Warrant Officer; Rifle Company CQMS; CQMS Admin Company; and Operations Warrant Officer. Chief Warrant Officer Hall completed a tour in Bosnia with 2 RCR in 1999. Promoted to Master Warrant Officer in 2001, he served as the Sergeant-Major of Hotel Company, 2 RCR, including a deployment to Eritrea as part of Task Force East Africa.

              Following the tour in Eritrea, Chief Warrant Officer Hall was posted to NDHQ Ottawa as The RCR Career Manager. After promotion to Chief Warrant Officer in 2005 he subsequently became the Infantry Corps Career Manager. Chief Warrant Officer Hall was appointed Regimental Sergeant-Major of 3 RCR on 16 December 2006. His tenure of appointment would last until 16 June 2009. During this time he was also RSM of the 3 RCR Battle Group (Task Force 3-08) in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan from September 2008 – April 2009. In June 2009 Chief Warrant Officer Hall returned to NDHQ Ottawa as the Army Chief Warrant Officer Career Manager. In January 2011 he was appointed the Regimental Sergeant-Major of 42 Field Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment), Royal Canadian Artillery, at Pembroke, Ontario. Ernie Hall retired in 2014 at the conclusion of a career that spanned more than 38 years and that was typified by loyal, devoted and outstanding service. He was invested as a Member of the Order of Military Merit in 2005 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in June 2010.

              The thoughts and prayers of all Royal Canadians are with the family and friends of Chief Warrant Officer Ernie Hall at this most difficult time. His sudden and tragic loss will be a particularly cruel blow; he will be deeply missed.

              At his time I do not have information pertaining to funeral or memorial services for Chief Warrant Officer Hall. As soon as I do I will be sure to pass such news on to the Regiment right away.

 

[OldSolduer]

This just came through on the regimental net of The RCR:

RIP RSM. 

 

[AmmoTech90]

RIP Ernie.

 

[Good2Golf]

Very sad news.  Mr. Hall was amongst the finest, most respected RSMs with whom I have had the honour of working with. 

RIP RSM Hall. 
EX COELIS, PRO PATRIA

 

[Danjanou]

I have been remiss in posting this in here. I was waiting for the family to post the official obituary  and now that they've done so.

WO (Ret'd) Douglas Cohoon CD Pictou Highlanders of Canada and Royal Canadian Signal Corps
December 5, 1926 - December 22, 2014

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/vancouversun/obituary.aspx?pid=173800093

http://www.thememoryproject.com/stories/987:douglas-cohoon/

Rest in Peace Uncle Doug.  I'll always remember you coming over and showing a then brand new Army Cadet how to properly roll and wear puttees and Battle Dress  so I'd be okay on my first Parade. I still have your old Drill Cane in a safe place and it will be passed on to the next member of the family who someday puts the uniform on.  I'm sure the salmon fishing is fine where you are now.