15th Field Artillery Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2014
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
2014
as at 20 December 2022
The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery
Captain-General The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Colonel Commandant, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery - Brigadier-General (Ret’d) J.J Selbie, OMM
Senior Serving Gunner - Major-General J.G.E. Tremblay, CD
Director of Artillery - Colonel T.J Bishop, MSM, CD
Regimental Colonel - Colonel J.M.D. Bouchard, CD
Regimental Sergeant Major RCA - Chief Warrant Officer C.P. Rusk, MMM, MSM, CD
Captain-General The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Colonel Commandant, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery - Brigadier-General (Ret’d) J.J Selbie, OMM
Senior Serving Gunner - Major-General J.G.E. Tremblay, CD
Director of Artillery - Colonel T.J Bishop, MSM, CD
Regimental Colonel - Colonel J.M.D. Bouchard, CD
Regimental Sergeant Major RCA - Chief Warrant Officer C.P. Rusk, MMM, MSM, CD
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
Christmas 2014
Top Row - 2Lt Helina, Sgt Ken Keene, 3,4,5,6,7, Bdr William Martinez, 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, Goran Kurtagic,18
Third Row - 2Lt James Morrison, Sgt Konrad Skuce CD, 21,22, James Cooley, 24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33, Sgt Adam Coleman CD
Second row - Capt Conway Hui CD, Sgt Andrea Bond, 36,37,38,39, 40, 41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49, 50, OCdt, Sgt Donato Calogero CD
Front Row – Sgt Coté CD, WO Heath Porritt CD, Capt Baxter, WO Ian Smith CD, Capt Kevin Walker CD, Maj Pierre Lajoie CD, CWO George Dempsey, LCol Brent Purcell, HLCol Bill Rodgers, Maj Andrew Grieve, Capt Andrew Peters, MWO Rob Garrett, Capt Yoo, Capt Iska Scholl CD, Capt Don Lamb CD
Top Row - 2Lt Helina, Sgt Ken Keene, 3,4,5,6,7, Bdr William Martinez, 9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16, Goran Kurtagic,18
Third Row - 2Lt James Morrison, Sgt Konrad Skuce CD, 21,22, James Cooley, 24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33, Sgt Adam Coleman CD
Second row - Capt Conway Hui CD, Sgt Andrea Bond, 36,37,38,39, 40, 41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49, 50, OCdt, Sgt Donato Calogero CD
Front Row – Sgt Coté CD, WO Heath Porritt CD, Capt Baxter, WO Ian Smith CD, Capt Kevin Walker CD, Maj Pierre Lajoie CD, CWO George Dempsey, LCol Brent Purcell, HLCol Bill Rodgers, Maj Andrew Grieve, Capt Andrew Peters, MWO Rob Garrett, Capt Yoo, Capt Iska Scholl CD, Capt Don Lamb CD
Promotions and Appointments
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26 May 2014 - Major Brent Purcell, CD, AdeC promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and appointed Commanding Officer. |
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Captain Andrew Grieve promoted Major. |
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Warrant Officer Robert Garrett, CD promoted Master Warrant Officer.
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Gunner Andy Kit Law promoted Bombardier 24 May 2014
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Major Nick Watts, CD appointed Battery Commander 31 Battery.
Major Ian Watt appointed Battery Commander 68 Battery.
Major Ian Watt appointed Battery Commander 68 Battery.
Change of Command Parade – 25 May 2014
On Sunday, 25 May 2014, the Regiment held its Change of Command parade between Lieutenant-Colonel Kent A. Wickens, CD to Lieutenant-Colonel Brent A. Purcell, CD, AdeC. Two full Batteries were on parade along with the Regimental Band and affiliated army and air cadet corps.
See more...
On Sunday, 25 May 2014, the Regiment held its Change of Command parade between Lieutenant-Colonel Kent A. Wickens, CD to Lieutenant-Colonel Brent A. Purcell, CD, AdeC. Two full Batteries were on parade along with the Regimental Band and affiliated army and air cadet corps.
See more...
Nominal Roll
The nominal roll provides a snapshot of the personnel in the unit at a given time. They are invaluable in determining the names and ranks of individuals that have served with 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA over the years.
See more...
The nominal roll provides a snapshot of the personnel in the unit at a given time. They are invaluable in determining the names and ranks of individuals that have served with 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA over the years.
See more...
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Decorations for Bravery
Decorations for Bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect another. The Decorations were created by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1972. The governor general personally presents the Decorations in ceremonies held at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, or at La Citadelle, in Québec City. They consist of the Cross of Valour, the Star of Courage and the Medal of Bravery. See more... |
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Lieutenant Bill Martyn Memorial Sword
Lieutenant Conway Hui received the Lieutenant Bill Martyn Memorial Sword for the Subaltern of the Year.
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Colonel Commandant’s Commendation
Major (Ret’d) Robert E Mugford awarded Colonel Commandant’s Commendation.
Lieutenant Conway Hui received the Lieutenant Bill Martyn Memorial Sword for the Subaltern of the Year.
Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery Colonel Commandant’s Commendation
Major (Ret’d) Robert E Mugford awarded Colonel Commandant’s Commendation.
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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. The winner for 2014 is Master Bombardier |
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Most Proficient Corporal of the Year
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Most Efficient Recruit
This award is presented to the most efficient recruit of the year in The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA. The winner for 2014 is Private (Recruit) R Cavanagh. |
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The Gunner Douglas Corsor Jr. Memorial Trophy
This trophy is presented to the Gunner that most exemplifies the best characteristics of being a Gunner. It was created by Gunner Corsor's 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. The award for 2014 is presented to Gunner TG McGee. |
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Commanding Officer's Last Round
Lieutenant-Colonel Kent Wickens poses with the gun detachment and other key personnel after firing his last round. Back Row: Lieutenant-Colonel Kent Wickens, Troop Sergeant Major Sergeant Ollie Young (TSM), Regimental Sergeant Major Chief Warrant Officer George Dempsey, Major Brent Purcell, Battery Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Rob Garrett, Sergeant David Lu Front Row: Bombardier ?, Bombardier Stephan Hilbich, Bombardier Yoon Choi, Bombardier Stewart, Master Bombardier Dan Taylor (Detachment 2IC) |
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Hearth and Fire; A Holiday Celebration
The Band of the 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA performed with the British Columbia Girls Choir, played at the Michael J. Fox Theatre on 13 December bringing in the holiday season. See more... |
Remembrance Day – 11 November 2014
On November 11th, 2014 Canadians across the nation gathered to remember the sacrifices and achievements of the service men and women that stand bravely to defend the Nation’s rights and freedoms.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA arrived at Portside Park in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia at 10:30 a.m. to mark the two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. with a round from the 105mm C3 Howitzer followed by the 21-gun salute. See more...
On November 11th, 2014 Canadians across the nation gathered to remember the sacrifices and achievements of the service men and women that stand bravely to defend the Nation’s rights and freedoms.
The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA arrived at Portside Park in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia at 10:30 a.m. to mark the two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. with a round from the 105mm C3 Howitzer followed by the 21-gun salute. See more...
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Remembrance Day - Ottawa, ON
Lieutenant (retired) George Lenis CD represents Air Canada at the National Capital Ceremony. |
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With Glowing Hearts
The Band of The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA with the Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir performed a concert in honour of the Remembrance Day commemorations. See more...
The Band of The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA with the Vancouver Welsh Men's Choir performed a concert in honour of the Remembrance Day commemorations. See more...
Ex CLAYMORE STEEL 17-19 October 2014
The first artillery exercise after the summer was held at the Yakima Training Center in order to practice battery fire planning as well as high tempo fire and movement.
The first artillery exercise after the summer was held at the Yakima Training Center in order to practice battery fire planning as well as high tempo fire and movement.
75th Anniversary of 31st Coast Battery at Ferguson Point
The Regiment also celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the manning of the guns of the 31st Coast Battery at Ferguson Point on the west side of Stanley Park with an honour guard, band performance and a gun salute on Friday, 26 September 2014. A round was fired for each year the fort was manned during World War II. See more...
The Regiment also celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the manning of the guns of the 31st Coast Battery at Ferguson Point on the west side of Stanley Park with an honour guard, band performance and a gun salute on Friday, 26 September 2014. A round was fired for each year the fort was manned during World War II. See more...
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Yorke Island 75th Anniversary
On 13 September 2014, ten members of the Regiment made their way to attend ceremonies marking the 75th Anniversary of the manning of the 85th Coast Battery on Yorke Island, BC. The trip was made on a very limited budget with some of the meals funded by the Regimental Association. Lodging was in five man tents on a campground with space donated by a former member of the Regiment, Private Terry Burnett (retired), who owns and runs the Fisherboy Park in Seyward, BC. See more... |
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Abbotsford Airshow
On the 8th, 9th and 10th of August, members of The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA participated in the weekend long 2014 Abbotsford International Airshow. See more... |
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Exercise Kootenay Cougar
The highlight of the year was Ex KOOTENAY COUGAR 14. It was 39 Canadian Brigade Group’s major training event for the year. The exercise was a military skills competition which challenged Army Reserve soldiers in the first principles of 'shoot, move, and communicate'. The exercise confirmed the readiness capability of the soldiers and 39 Canadian Brigade Group as a whole if required to respond in support of Canadian Armed Forces assistance during domestic emergencies or expeditionary operations.
The Canadian Gunner 2014, Volume 49, March 2015
The highlight of the year was Ex KOOTENAY COUGAR 14. It was 39 Canadian Brigade Group’s major training event for the year. The exercise was a military skills competition which challenged Army Reserve soldiers in the first principles of 'shoot, move, and communicate'. The exercise confirmed the readiness capability of the soldiers and 39 Canadian Brigade Group as a whole if required to respond in support of Canadian Armed Forces assistance during domestic emergencies or expeditionary operations.
The Canadian Gunner 2014, Volume 49, March 2015
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Commissioning Scroll
Captain Rob Wishnicki receives his commissioning scroll after his return from Afghanistan. The award was presented by Lieutenant-Colonel Dave Awalt, Director for Regional Liaison Program on behalf of the Brigade Commander 39 CBG at the Rocky Mountain Rangers mess dinner held in Prince George. The RLOs were in town conducting one of their monthly recces. |
The Commanding Officers’ Advisory Board Meeting
BESSBOROUGH ARMOURY CLASSROOM
21 May 2014 1930-2030 HRS
AGENDA: See more...
BESSBOROUGH ARMOURY CLASSROOM
21 May 2014 1930-2030 HRS
AGENDA: See more...
2014 Vancouver Ride to Live
The Regiment provided a gun detachment to start the Ride to Live event, a fundraiser for prostate cancer awareness and research. The gun detachment this year included Master Bombardier Yuriy Bolgak, Master Bombardier Coles, Master Bombardier Dyke and Bombardier Yoon Choi. See more...
The Regiment provided a gun detachment to start the Ride to Live event, a fundraiser for prostate cancer awareness and research. The gun detachment this year included Master Bombardier Yuriy Bolgak, Master Bombardier Coles, Master Bombardier Dyke and Bombardier Yoon Choi. See more...
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EX CHILLIWACK COUGAR
On Saturday April 25, the 15 Fd Artillery Regiment hosted three “Friends of the Regiment” at the Vokes Range. They observed the soldiers doing the PWT3 course, enjoyed an IMP lunch, and did a little familiarization training on the C7. See more... |
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EX ROLLING THUNDER 13-16 March 2014
This exercise took place in Yakima Training Center (YTC), WA and was focused on the Battle Task Standards (BTS) required for an Artillery Battery; to deploy and fire in the indirect fire role, and specifically on those skills that can only be practiced and tested during a live fire exercise.
This exercise took place in Yakima Training Center (YTC), WA and was focused on the Battle Task Standards (BTS) required for an Artillery Battery; to deploy and fire in the indirect fire role, and specifically on those skills that can only be practiced and tested during a live fire exercise.
EX CAUSTIC SHOCK 14 18-25 February 2014
This exercise was held at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), WA.
This exercise was held at Joint Base Lewis McChord (JBLM), WA.
Robbie Burns Dinner
This year’s Robbie Burns dinner, in support of the 15th Field Regimental Society, took place in the hangar of London Air Services at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport on 29 January 2014. This year’s theme was “The Big Shake”, which was designed to expose the guests of the dinner to a small sample of the conditions, which would accompany a catastrophic earth quake in the area. See more...
This year’s Robbie Burns dinner, in support of the 15th Field Regimental Society, took place in the hangar of London Air Services at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport on 29 January 2014. This year’s theme was “The Big Shake”, which was designed to expose the guests of the dinner to a small sample of the conditions, which would accompany a catastrophic earth quake in the area. See more...
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Reservists hope to shake up image
Artillery regiment organizing earthquake drill fundraiser Members of 15th Field Artillery including Honorary Lt.-Col. William Rodgers (L) and Honorary Col. Grant Smith are preparing for a massive earthquake drill. Vancouver’s civilian soldiers want their upcoming participation in a massive earthquake drill to showcase what they would do for the city in an emergency. See more... |
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Members Extra-Regimentally Employed
Members in other units
Captain Robert G. Wishnicki CD, on post tour leave until starting with Regional Liaison Officer program in March, Joint Task Force Pacific, Vancouver, BC.
Former Members now in Regular Force
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee Hammond promoted Colonel, posted to Strategic Joint Staff, Ottawa, ON.
Major Jean Pierre FL Dorris posted to 5 Canadian Division, Valcartier, QC.
Major Glen R Hamilton-Brown NATO affiliated organization.
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre, Toronto, ON.
Captain Paul A Stewart, Director General International Security Policy Ottawa, ON.
Major Rob Tyler, 450 Helicopter Squadron, Petawawa ON
Warrant Officer PG Dolomont 3 Canadian Division Training Centre Detachment, Shilo, MB.
Members in other units
Captain Robert G. Wishnicki CD, on post tour leave until starting with Regional Liaison Officer program in March, Joint Task Force Pacific, Vancouver, BC.
Former Members now in Regular Force
Lieutenant-Colonel Lee Hammond promoted Colonel, posted to Strategic Joint Staff, Ottawa, ON.
Major Jean Pierre FL Dorris posted to 5 Canadian Division, Valcartier, QC.
Major Glen R Hamilton-Brown NATO affiliated organization.
Captain Rob J Bower Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre, Toronto, ON.
Captain Paul A Stewart, Director General International Security Policy Ottawa, ON.
Major Rob Tyler, 450 Helicopter Squadron, Petawawa ON
Warrant Officer PG Dolomont 3 Canadian Division Training Centre Detachment, Shilo, MB.
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Major Rob Tyler
Check out the linked article and catch up on what our former Lieutenant Rob Tyler is up to these days. Vertical Magazine Well done, Rob! |
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Retired Members
Leon Jensen OMM CD 3rd Year student Conflict Studies (Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization), St Pauls University, Ottawa ON. Even in retirement there is work to do! Modeling the latest options for future Army uniforms! Not really, just hanging with the re-enactors at the Army Ball in Ottawa. David Warner worked on the TV movie Only Human as the Gaffer. |
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Members Qualifications
Basic Military Qualification (BMQ Land)
81 mm Mortar
Command Post Technician
MSVS and MSVS Artillery Tow
Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR)
CIMIC
Other specialized courses
Basic Military Qualification (BMQ Land)
81 mm Mortar
Command Post Technician
MSVS and MSVS Artillery Tow
Light Urban Search and Rescue (LUSAR)
CIMIC
Other specialized courses
Officers' Mess
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St Barbara's Special Dining In
The Three Captains - Captain (ret) Noel Dykes, CD; Captain (ret) Douglas Gayton, MMM, CD and Captain (ret) Richard Van Slyke, MMM, CD |
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BC Army Gala
The BC Army Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel on 10 May 2014 celebrating a Legacy of Service.
The BC Army Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency hotel on 10 May 2014 celebrating a Legacy of Service.
The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess
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Mess Executive
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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 2013 is Warrant Officer HL Porritt. |
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Annual Mess Dinner
12 Apr 2014 Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Dinner. Additional photos here.
12 Apr 2014 Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Dinner. Additional photos here.
Regimental Museum & Archives
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15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA Museum & Archives
The Museum is a member of the Organization of Military Museums of Canada. |
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Building Andy’s Range: The History of the Blair Rifle Range in North Vancouver
The unknown story of the Blair Rifle Range and its place in Canadian history. Donna Sacuta provides a detailed look at the construction of the Blair rifle range in North Vancouver. Expropriated by the Department of National Defence from the District of North Vancouver in 1927, the Range was formally opened in 1930 and named in honour of Major R.M Blair from the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada. It was expanded upon during the depression with the establishment of an Unemployed Relief Camp from 1933 until 1936. Used extensively throughout the Second World War, the range was transferred to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 1968 as residential development closed in. The site remains undeveloped as discussion continues as to the best use for the land. |
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Obituaries
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Captain Steven RGW Burridge CD
1940 -2014 Steven, beloved husband of Katherine, passed away suddenly at home on Feb. 7, 2014. He served as a navigator in Comox, B.C. Once retired from the air force, he joined the 15th Field Artillery unit, where he served as a weekend soldier for many years. Following a short career in sales, he became a C.A. and practiced in Coquitlam. See more... |
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Reverend Joseph Patrick Carney
1929 - 2014 The Rev. Joseph Carney passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Aug. 19, at the age of 84. He was born in Vancouver, B.C. and attended various schools before graduating from Vancouver College Prep School in 1948. He then pursued his long-time desire to enter the priesthood by enrolling in the Roman Catholic Seminary of Christ the King in Mission, B.C. He was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and a Degree in Theology in 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 6, 1957. He served in various Vancouver area parishes as assistant priest, editor of the Diocesan newspaper of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and padre to the 15th Field Artillery Regiment. |
Gunner Michael John Kot
Passed away peacefully on June 11th, 2014 in Vancouver, BC, at the age of 94. Predeceased by his son Philip and daughter Beverly; survived by his wife of seventy years Josephine; brother Steven (Kay); son Alan; son Ronald (Karen); with granddaughters Megan (Kris); and Nadine. Michael served in the Royal Canadian Artillery from 1941 to 1944. He then became a Tax Auditor Supervisor for the Provincial Government, then a Retail Furniture Business Owner, then a Business and Personal Tax Consultant. He assisted the Immaculate Conception Parish in general, and with their accounting. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling and gardening. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 20th, 2014 at 2pm at Kearney Funeral Chapel, 450 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, with Father Paul of Immaculate Conception Parish. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn, Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged to Canadian Cancer Society.
Passed away peacefully on June 11th, 2014 in Vancouver, BC, at the age of 94. Predeceased by his son Philip and daughter Beverly; survived by his wife of seventy years Josephine; brother Steven (Kay); son Alan; son Ronald (Karen); with granddaughters Megan (Kris); and Nadine. Michael served in the Royal Canadian Artillery from 1941 to 1944. He then became a Tax Auditor Supervisor for the Provincial Government, then a Retail Furniture Business Owner, then a Business and Personal Tax Consultant. He assisted the Immaculate Conception Parish in general, and with their accounting. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling and gardening. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 20th, 2014 at 2pm at Kearney Funeral Chapel, 450 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, with Father Paul of Immaculate Conception Parish. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn, Burnaby. In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully acknowledged to Canadian Cancer Society.
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Corporal Robert James Sutherland CD
On December 28, 2014 Robert James Sutherland exited after having fought his final battle. He leaves behind family, friends, dozens of weeping lovers and his beloved cat Binky. His glory is in the legacy of stories about his humour, his ability to bring any vehicle back to life, and his generous nature toward his friends. See more... |
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Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Peter FW Veuger
June 1932 – January 2014 Peter died peacefully on New Year’s Day. He was born and raised in Utrecht, the Netherlands and emigrated to Canada in April 1952. In 1993 Peter was made an Honorary Life Member of R.V.Y.C. of which he was very proud. Peter was a member of the Canadian Force Liaison Committee and subsequently was appointed Hon Lt. Colonel of 15 Field Regiment, RCA. See more... |
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Master Warrant Officer George R Wood CD
6 September 1944 – 5 April 2014 Born September 6, 1950 in Vancouver, passed away peacefully April 5, 2014 after a brave fight with cancer. Retired Police Sergeant with the Vancouver Police Department, having served 32 years. Achieved the rank of MWO with the 15th Field Artillery. Graduated from John Oliver Secondary School in 1968 and later earned a diploma from BCIT. A man of uniform since childhood, George was also an avid Boy Scout and successful athlete. See more... |
Lists - The following pages contain lists of 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