15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2000
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2000
as at 21 July 2020
Sub-units
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
31st Field Battery, RCA
68th Field Battery, RCA
Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Key Appointments
Nominal Roll 20 June 2000
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen
Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant officer Mark J. Jackson
Honorary Colonel Brigadier-General (ret) Willaim (Bill) T. Wickett
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Major (ret) Vic Stevenson
Second in Command Major Dean B Drysdale
Adjutant: Captain David J Montrose
See more...
Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen
Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant officer Mark J. Jackson
Honorary Colonel Brigadier-General (ret) Willaim (Bill) T. Wickett
Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Major (ret) Vic Stevenson
Second in Command Major Dean B Drysdale
Adjutant: Captain David J Montrose
See more...
New Members
Captain Brent Purcell
Captain Brent A Purcell reenrolled in the Canadian Forces as a Captain with 15 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in September 2000 after retiring from the Regular Force in 1996. The process had taken a year.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant with the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in 1991 and deployed with the Regiment to Cyprus in 1992 as a Lieutenant. He returned with the unit which had been renamed to 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He was promoted to Captain in 1994 and posted to 5(BC) Field Artillery Regiment in Victoria, BC as the Regular Support Staff Officer.
Captain Brent A Purcell reenrolled in the Canadian Forces as a Captain with 15 Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in September 2000 after retiring from the Regular Force in 1996. The process had taken a year.
He was a 2nd Lieutenant with the 3rd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in 1991 and deployed with the Regiment to Cyprus in 1992 as a Lieutenant. He returned with the unit which had been renamed to 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. He was promoted to Captain in 1994 and posted to 5(BC) Field Artillery Regiment in Victoria, BC as the Regular Support Staff Officer.
Warrant Officer Chris Comars
Warrant Officer Chris Comars, CD was posted into the unit as the Unit Training Assistant in 2000. Warrant Officer Comars joined the Regular Force in 1980. He has served with both the 1st and 2nd Regiments Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Artillery School. Warrant Officer Comars deployed to Cyprus in August 1992 where he was employed as the Ops 'B' Warrant with 'Operations' Battery.
Warrant Officer Chris Comars, CD was posted into the unit as the Unit Training Assistant in 2000. Warrant Officer Comars joined the Regular Force in 1980. He has served with both the 1st and 2nd Regiments Royal Canadian Horse Artillery and the Artillery School. Warrant Officer Comars deployed to Cyprus in August 1992 where he was employed as the Ops 'B' Warrant with 'Operations' Battery.
Captain Jean Pierre Dorris
Captain Jean Pierre Dorris was posted into the unit as the Regular Support Staff officer in 2000. He joined the Regular Force in January 1988 as an Artillery Air Defense Officer. From 1990 to 1991 he was posted to 4th Air Defence Regiment, RCA in Lahr Germany where he was also promoted to Captain. He was then posted to the Air Defence Artillery School from 1992 to 1996 before landing at BC District Headquarters from 1997 to 1999. As a member of the UNSCOM verification Team he deployed to Iraq on several occasions in 1996.
Captain Jean Pierre Dorris was posted into the unit as the Regular Support Staff officer in 2000. He joined the Regular Force in January 1988 as an Artillery Air Defense Officer. From 1990 to 1991 he was posted to 4th Air Defence Regiment, RCA in Lahr Germany where he was also promoted to Captain. He was then posted to the Air Defence Artillery School from 1992 to 1996 before landing at BC District Headquarters from 1997 to 1999. As a member of the UNSCOM verification Team he deployed to Iraq on several occasions in 1996.
Members deployed
Feb 2000 OP PALLADIUM - 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry
Bombardier Tymothy Spruston
Bombardier William Martinez
Mar 2000 OP PALLADIUM – A Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Lieutenant Don Lamb
Bombardier Craig Burridge
Bombardier Chris Schulz
Gunner Kendall Shaw
Gunner Goran Kurtagic
Sep 2000 OP PALLADIUM - 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Lieutenant Elizabeth Skuce
Sep 2000 OP PALLADIUM – B Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Bombardier Lani Jakimchuk
Feb 2000 OP PALLADIUM - 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry
Bombardier Tymothy Spruston
Bombardier William Martinez
Mar 2000 OP PALLADIUM – A Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Lieutenant Don Lamb
Bombardier Craig Burridge
Bombardier Chris Schulz
Gunner Kendall Shaw
Gunner Goran Kurtagic
Sep 2000 OP PALLADIUM - 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Lieutenant Elizabeth Skuce
Sep 2000 OP PALLADIUM – B Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
Bombardier Lani Jakimchuk
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Order of Military Merit
Founded on July 1, 1972, the Order of Military Merit recognizes distinctive merit and exceptional service displayed by the men and women of the Canadian Forces, both Regular and Reserve. Many have demonstrated dedication and devotion beyond the call of duty, and the Order honours them for their commitment to Canada. 26 May 2000 Captain Richard Van Slyke MMM CD invested as a Member of the Order of Military Merit. See more... |
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Sniping Gun Trophy
This trophy is awarded annually to the most proficient gun detachment firing in the sniping gun role or in another role determined by the regular force support staff. It was originally created and presented by the detachment: Captain DB Harrison, Master Warrant Officer Fred H Rossi, Sergeant JYD Thiebert and Master Bombardier C McGinley. This year’s winner was 15B gun detachment commanded by Master Bombardier GP Klimek. |
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Most Proficient Detachment Commander of the Year
The BC Ex Artillery Sergeants Association provided this trophy for the Regiment to recognize their most proficient detachment commander for the year. This trophy is awarded annually by the firing battery’s leadership to the detachment commander that displayed the greatest overall proficiency throughout the year. This year’s winner was Sergeant Rob F Garrett. |
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Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. Memorial Trophy
The Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. memorial trophy was created by his close friends in the Regiment, Gunner Noel RR Dykes, Gunner Joseph C. Gauthier, Gunner R. Gerard, Gunner H. Harsch and Gunner V. Hughes after his untimely death in a vehicle accident in 1974. It is presented to the Gunner that most exemplifies the best characteristics of being a Gunner. This year’s award is presented to Gunner HF Jang. |
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Most Efficient Recruit 15th Field Regiment RCA
This award is presented to the most efficient recruit from the start of the training period in September of the previous year. This year’s winner of the trophy is Private (Recruit) CS Godsoe. |
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15th Field Regiment RCA Rifle Range Challenge Cup
Jun 2000 Awarded to Sergeant Brian Holt. |
Members Qualifications
Senior Officer Harassment Investigator
Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen CD
Senior Officer Harassment Investigator
Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen CD
Stabilization Force (SFOR)
Bombardier Martinez deployed with SFOR from September 1999 until September 2000 in a non-artillery role. The stated mission of SFOR was to "deter hostilities and stabilise the peace, contribute to a secure environment by providing a continued military presence in the Area Of Responsibility (AOR), target and co-ordinate SFOR support to key areas including primary civil implementation organisations, and progress towards a lasting consolidation of peace, without further need for NATO-led forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bombardier Martinez deployed with SFOR from September 1999 until September 2000 in a non-artillery role. The stated mission of SFOR was to "deter hostilities and stabilise the peace, contribute to a secure environment by providing a continued military presence in the Area Of Responsibility (AOR), target and co-ordinate SFOR support to key areas including primary civil implementation organisations, and progress towards a lasting consolidation of peace, without further need for NATO-led forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Regimental Training Plan
The regimental training plan and calendar issued in pocket size format for all ranks.
The regimental training plan and calendar issued in pocket size format for all ranks.
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Yakima Firing Centre
The Regiment deploys to the United States for a one week exercise while the remainder of the 39 Brigade deploys to Fort Lewis. The Commanding Officer endears himself to the brigade when asked during the planning sessions for this exercise,"The Brigade has an option between deploying to Ft Lewis or Yakima for Cougar Salvo. Colonel Jensen, we'll start with you, what location would you pick for 15th Field Regiment?" "Sir, whichever location the Brigade chooses, I would like to go to the other one!" "??" "Whenever we deploy to the same location as the Brigade we lose out on good artillery training value. Dog and Pony shows. Interference in the Artillery Safety Requirements. The list goes on and on." |
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Fraser Valley Dry Deployments
The Fraser Valley provides great training venues for exercising the battery in terrain that is very different than that found in live firing training areas. Range control procedures are quite different as the procedure changes from 'deploying in allocated areas' to 'Hello, would you mind if I deployed a battery of 2 1/2 ton 105mm howitzers in your acreage?' See more...
The Fraser Valley provides great training venues for exercising the battery in terrain that is very different than that found in live firing training areas. Range control procedures are quite different as the procedure changes from 'deploying in allocated areas' to 'Hello, would you mind if I deployed a battery of 2 1/2 ton 105mm howitzers in your acreage?' See more...
Abbotsford Air Show
It took a lot of discussion with the management of the Air Show to allow an Army unit to display at the annual event. They finally relented and the Guns were able to set up a display for the weekend. There are still tales to be told about 'Runway 13' but we'll leave those for another time. See more...
It took a lot of discussion with the management of the Air Show to allow an Army unit to display at the annual event. They finally relented and the Guns were able to set up a display for the weekend. There are still tales to be told about 'Runway 13' but we'll leave those for another time. See more...
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Vancouver Sun, Malcolm Parry
The public relations campaign for the Military Ball starts with a mention in the 7 January edition. |
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Hollywood North
Aliens take over Bessborough Armoury! Actually it's a television series production shoot that's rented the Armoury as the background for an alien science laboratory. The producers are only allowed to use the building if there is none other in the city that meets with their requirement. The building may not be in competition with other commercial ventures. They pay full costs for the use of the building based on government collections which is usually lower than commercial establishments. The Commanding Officer provides other facilities such as the Messes that allows the production company to spend to their full budget with payments other than to the Receiver General.
Aliens take over Bessborough Armoury! Actually it's a television series production shoot that's rented the Armoury as the background for an alien science laboratory. The producers are only allowed to use the building if there is none other in the city that meets with their requirement. The building may not be in competition with other commercial ventures. They pay full costs for the use of the building based on government collections which is usually lower than commercial establishments. The Commanding Officer provides other facilities such as the Messes that allows the production company to spend to their full budget with payments other than to the Receiver General.
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Lieutenant-Governor Invite
A great luncheon with the other members of the military in British Columbia. |
Hong Kong Lunar New Year Celebration
Meanwhile the Band was touring Hong Kong with a large contingent of Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Partially funded by Veterans’ Affairs, the visit included commemorative events to honour Canadian fallen. See more...
Meanwhile the Band was touring Hong Kong with a large contingent of Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Partially funded by Veterans’ Affairs, the visit included commemorative events to honour Canadian fallen. See more...
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Reno, Nevada
The Regimental Band is so awesome they even get rave reviews from other participating bandsmen…absolutely top-notch…each member comported him or herself with the utmost of professionalism City of Sacramento Pipe Band |
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Patrol Squadron FORTY Change of Command
… sincere appreciation for your participation…can-do attitude…flawless performance…drew rave reviews from all in attendance CO. |
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Electronic Attack Squadron 13
…was enjoyed by all…The professionalism and pride of the Band…was evident in every aspect of your performance…Thank you for making the event extra special! …your group is OUTSTANDING . |
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Change of Command and retirement Ceremony
…sincere appreciation for your participation…The Band performed tremendously and truly heightened the dignity of this special day…spirited arrangement and meticulous attention to detail…Comments from guests and military personnel alike were of the highest magnitude…CO. |
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Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 Change of Command
...sincere thanks…hearty “well done”… outstanding … you added class and poignancy to the celebrations. Commander |
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55th Annual Military Ball
…appreciation for all of the work that you and the members of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment Band did …members …deserve special recognition…would not have been possible without the assistance provided by you and your band…has been greatly appreciated… Well done!!! Commander |
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Change of Command Land Force Western Area Training Centre
The unit may be starved for training resources and yet the Area Commander can still send out invites for Vancouver Commanding Officers to attend in Alberta. Nil return from 15 Field Artillery Regiment. |
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Fifth Asia-Pacific Conference on Disaster Medicine
…First class musical entertainment…are a credit to the Canadian Forces and to Canada… President |
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Open House
Anyone have photos of the actual event? |
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Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Members in other units
Major-General Stuart T McDonald, CMM, CD Chief of Reserves and Cadets at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON. Retires for second time in September 2000.
Jun-Dec 2000 Master Warrant Officer Colin V Norris CD CSM Training Support Company (Training/Simulation) G3 Training, 1 Area Support Group Edmonton, AB
Former Members now in Regular Force
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB.
Captain Chris DM Byrne posted to Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Sergeant George M Dempsey promoted to Warrant Officer, posted to C Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, CFB Shilo, MB.
Master Bombardier PG Dolomont 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Shilo MB.
Captain Noel RR Dykes CD Recruiting Detachment, Edmonton AB; Employed as Military Career Counsellor.
Captain Glen R Hamilton-Brown 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
15 Jan 2000 Master Warrant Officer Colin V Norris CD retires from the Regular Force.
Captain John P Pulchny Land Force Atlantic Area Headquarters, Halifax, NS.
Captain Lee Hammond member 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Captain Dennis Rintjema Canadian Forces Base Kingston/ASU Kingston, ON.
Warrant Officer Randy L Sedgewick PPCLI Battle School.
Warrant Officer Paul A Stewart Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Members in other units
Major-General Stuart T McDonald, CMM, CD Chief of Reserves and Cadets at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, ON. Retires for second time in September 2000.
Jun-Dec 2000 Master Warrant Officer Colin V Norris CD CSM Training Support Company (Training/Simulation) G3 Training, 1 Area Support Group Edmonton, AB
Former Members now in Regular Force
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB.
Captain Chris DM Byrne posted to Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Sergeant George M Dempsey promoted to Warrant Officer, posted to C Battery, 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, CFB Shilo, MB.
Master Bombardier PG Dolomont 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Shilo MB.
Captain Noel RR Dykes CD Recruiting Detachment, Edmonton AB; Employed as Military Career Counsellor.
Captain Glen R Hamilton-Brown 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
15 Jan 2000 Master Warrant Officer Colin V Norris CD retires from the Regular Force.
Captain John P Pulchny Land Force Atlantic Area Headquarters, Halifax, NS.
Captain Lee Hammond member 2nd Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Petawawa, ON.
Captain Dennis Rintjema Canadian Forces Base Kingston/ASU Kingston, ON.
Warrant Officer Randy L Sedgewick PPCLI Battle School.
Warrant Officer Paul A Stewart Royal Canadian Artillery School, Gagetown, NB.
Armoury Tour
The beginning of a new millennium appears to be an appropriate time for a tour of the Bessborough Armoury. It's a great opportunity to catch the way the armoury looks at this point in time. It certainly appears to be more colourful than it was when originally constructed. See more...
The beginning of a new millennium appears to be an appropriate time for a tour of the Bessborough Armoury. It's a great opportunity to catch the way the armoury looks at this point in time. It certainly appears to be more colourful than it was when originally constructed. See more...
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Militia Training Support Centre
The Commanding Officer was not enamoured with the Militia Training Support Centre as vehicles and Equipment was being removed from units for placement in Wainwright for the use of units to be flown in 2-3 times per year. |
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Officers' Mess
Saint Barbara’s Dining In
Alas, the date may not be accurate. Can you remember if this was 1999 or 2000? email [email protected]
Alas, the date may not be accurate. Can you remember if this was 1999 or 2000? email [email protected]
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Name that location!
The Commanding Officer having a drink in an unidentified location. |
Subalterns' Pizza Night
What better way to spend a Saturday night than with beer, pizza and your fellow subalterns in the Officers' Mess.
What better way to spend a Saturday night than with beer, pizza and your fellow subalterns in the Officers' Mess.
Lt Don Lamb, Lt Isaak Skuce, Lt Rob Tyler, Lt Doug Gayton, Lt Dave Scott, Capt Chris Byrne, Capt Grayson McCready, Capt Nick Watts, Capt Ron Mathews
Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess
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The Brigadier DuMoulin Trophy
This trophy is awarded to the most efficient member of the Sergeants’ Mess as determined by the displayed rating system. It is awarded at the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants’ Mess Annual Mess Dinner for their activities in the previous year. The winner for his service in 1999 is Sergeant Ken HK Chiu. |
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Name That Event!
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Leon Jensen, shares a laugh with Warrant Officer (ret'd) Al Yelland. |
New Years' Day Levee
A quick tour of the Warrant Officers' and Sergeant's Mess in January of 2000.
A quick tour of the Warrant Officers' and Sergeant's Mess in January of 2000.
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Season's Greetings
A Merry Christmas from all the members of the Warrant Officer's and Sergeants' Mess |
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15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum and Archives
Regimental Museum
The museum’s summer intern, Rebecca Legge edited and enhanced the first draft of Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History, adding an index, appendix, writing some of the later chapters, compiling and scanning the photographs that are a visual record of the building , and organizing the evidence.
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stenson; page 10
The museum’s summer intern, Rebecca Legge edited and enhanced the first draft of Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History, adding an index, appendix, writing some of the later chapters, compiling and scanning the photographs that are a visual record of the building , and organizing the evidence.
Vancouver’s Bessborough Armoury, A History; R. Victor Stenson; page 10
Field Artillery Tractor (FAT) restoration
I have photographs of the restoration but I do need more of the early FAT history. Where was it found? Who did we acquire it from? Where was it in service? Drop me a line if you can help me fill in the story.
This was the state of the FAT in 2000 when Bombardier Barry MacLeod approached the Commanding Officer to ask for funds to restore it. Of course he was denied as the CO only had funding available for training and not historical restoration. See more...
I have photographs of the restoration but I do need more of the early FAT history. Where was it found? Who did we acquire it from? Where was it in service? Drop me a line if you can help me fill in the story.
This was the state of the FAT in 2000 when Bombardier Barry MacLeod approached the Commanding Officer to ask for funds to restore it. Of course he was denied as the CO only had funding available for training and not historical restoration. See more...
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Camp Warwick, Bermuda
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment Museum & Archives tries, unsuccessfully, to acquire a 6" gun from the Bermuda Department of Parks. The Museum used the good offices of the Director of History and Heritage in Ottawa to assist in their request. |
Obituaries
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Bombardier Leonard Callow
Peacefully at Royal Columbian Hospital on November 13th, 2000 aged 80 years.Predeceased by his wife, Mildred (nee Navid). Lovingly remembered by his children, daughter Rita Saville and son Edward Callow. No service by request. Cremation. Bombardier Callow joined 15th Coast Regiment, RCA 1 December 1947 after his wartime service with 16th Battery, 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA. He released 21 March 1953. |
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Gunner Percy Sydney Fox
Born June 19, 1921 in Vancouver, B.C., passed away peacefully at the Lillooet Hospital on October 3, 2000 at the age of 79. Percy was predeceased by his wife Eileen in 1992. He is survived by is son Bernard (Chris); daughter Gina (Roger); 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 2 brothers. A private service was held according to his wishes. May he rest in peace. Gunner Fox was a member of the 85th Heavy Battery, 15th (Vancouver) Coast Brigade, RCA. He volunteered for overseas and served with 3rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA. He was wounded at Dieppe. |
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Sergeant Victor Phillip Hawes
Longtime Terrace optometrist Victor P. Hawes died suddenly from a heart attack February 1, 10 days before his 54th birthday. Hawes was born in Vancouver, where he was adopted by Conrad and Louis Hawes. They would later move to Surrey, where Hawes completed grade school and joined the 85th Battery of the 15th Field Regiment of the Canadian Militia, rising to the rank of Sergeant. Hawes then trained as an optometrist at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, graduating in 1971, the year he wed his first wife, Donna. That year he also moved to Terrace to open his first optometric practice, Style Eyes Optical., in the old medical building on Greig Avenue. See more... |
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Lieutenant Joseph Ernest Anthony Kania
Dr. Joseph E. A. Kania, P. Eng., BASc., and MASc., (UBC) PhD (MIT), born 1 March 1901, died peacefully on 6 August. He is survived by second wife Florence and children Richard and Patricia and their families. Joe was a long time active member of the YMCA on the Board of Governors and International Committee, Council of Vancouver Board of Trade, Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Symphony, UBC Senate, Vancouver Club and a member of Sigma XI. During WW2 he served in the reserves as an artillery officer, headed the B.C. Lieutenant Kania was a member of 202 Battery 11th (Reserve) Anti-Aircraft Regiment in 1945. See more... |
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Master Warrant Officer Heinz Joseph Winter
Passed away 4 May, 2000 at the age of 65. Survived by his wife Beverley Ann and his three children Don, Christine (Rod), Steven (Angela), his cherished grandchildren Jake, Emma and Andrea, his mother Helen, brother Hans (Edith), sister Margaret (John) and many nieces and nephews. Valued longtime friendships will never be forgotten. A man who loved his family, always lived life to its fullest, and had a song for every precious moment. A great man that left behind a great legacy. Master Warrant Officer Winter was a member of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA from 26 October 1961 until 4 January 1975. See more... |
Lists - The following pages contain information relating to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page
Honours and Awards
Trophies
Commanding Officers and Regimental Sergeants Major
Honoraries
Battery Commanders and Battery Sergeants Major
Band Appointments
Nominal Roll
Guns of the Regiment
Memorial Page