Memorial Arch 90th Anniversary

June 25, 2013 marked the 90th Anniversary at a landmark of the Royal Military College of Canada. On 25 June 1923, as part of that year's Graduation Day activities the Governor-General of Canada, His Excellency Viscount Byng, of Vimy, officially laid the cornerstone of the Memorial Arch. Deposited within the stone, in a sealed copper box, were nominal rolls of Cadets and Staff, pamphlets concerning the Arch, the RMCC Review of May 1923, Canadian coins and stamps and the Roll of Honour of the College. Designed by architect J. M. Lyle, Esq., of Toronto and funded by the RMC Club of Canada with monies raised from ex-cadets and other friends of the College. The Memorial Arch, which in all its humble grace, stood completed in 1924. The Arch commemorates the ex-cadets who had lost their lives in the Great War as well as earlier conflicts. The stones around The Arch continue to bear the names of Cadets fallen in conflict, in peacekeeping or fallen to other causes while in service.

Remember 1975's how to 'Faint on Parade'

Vancouver Sun 1978 'By the left! Paaaaaasss ... out!'

Col (ret) Tim Ryley's background  Author's Reply

Chuck Oliverio Publishes Debut Novel

I have just published my fourth book and debut novel. The Cohort, has finally been released and is available on Amazon. For those here in Victoria, I will be doing a live launch of my book at the Small Gods Pub on 21 October beginning at 6 PM. Come and try one of their collection of hand-crafted brews. I will have a limited number of my books available (including previous books) for sale and will happily sign any book. (Unfortunately I will only be able to take cash.) If you purchase your book beforehand, bring it along and I will be pleased to sign it as well.
Now available on Amazon in paperback and kindle. 

Michel Maisonneuve:
Trudeau should apologize

He should make one more sweeping apology as he heads out the door
Published May 16, 2024

Many Canadians are well aware of the myriad of apologies that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has delivered throughout his time in office. Some half-hearted apologies were issued for his own behaviour; others have been for the ills and errors of his predecessors, with no explanation of the context in which they lived.
I never would have believed Id say this, but it occurred to me recently that he has one more apology to make to Canadians. One more heartfelt, tearful apology for his complete mismanagement of our country. And wouldnt it be fitting if he delivered it and then resigned in shame. That would show courage.
Lets look at his record, beginning by asking ourselves if were better off than we were in 2015. At that time, Canadians traded an experienced, able and credible prime minister for a youthful, inexperienced politician with colourful socks promising sunny ways.
Four years later, the novelty had worn off and voters handed Trudeau a minority government in 2019. So incredulous and so convinced that Canadians must have made a mistake, he called a needless election two years later in the middle of a global pandemic, which yielded the same result.
Desperate to hang onto power, he then entered into an agreement with the NDP, giving the fourth-place party in the House of Commons outsized control over government policy. That disgraceful alliance has harmed all facets of Canadian life, and continues to impede on provincial authority.
Trudeau should apologize for his fiscal mismanagement. From the beginning, the prime minister promised moderate deficits and that the budget would balance itself. Yet all of his budgets have produced enormous deficits, and our debt has more than doubled. We spend more on interest payments servicing the debt than we do on the entire defence budget.
Weve had the WE Charity scandal and the ArriveCan app debacle that cost taxpayers millions. Since 2015, the size of the public service has increased markedly, yet seems less efficient than ever. Veterans have faced obstacles getting benefits and long delays have been seen at passport offices. Yet these extra bureaucrats did had the time to redesign our passports, erasing our history and ridding them of any reference to our glorious past, our many heroes and our most prized monuments. We deserve an apology for that.
Today, almost nine years on, we are faced with an affordability crisis, a housing crisis and increased taxes. The carbon tax has not only increased the price of gas, it is making everything more expensive, while doing little to further reduce the inconsequential 1.5 per cent of the worlds greenhouse gases that Canada produces. Our resource sector is being sacrificed by Trudeaus obsessive fixation with climate change. The industries that employed thousands, raised our productivity and filled our coffers are due an apology.
We have a poorly thought out immigration policy, which has seen unprecedented numbers of refugees and immigrants welcomed to this country without any thought of what those numbers would do to our housing supply, our social services and our already overtaxed health-care system. Those who believed they were coming to a prosperous country to build a better life but are now homeless and unemployed are owed an apology, too. And some are regretting their decision to emigrate.
The Canadian Armed Forces are in worse shape today than during what Gen. Rick Hillier, Canadas former chief of defence staff, called the decade of darkness in the 1990s. The Armed Forces are short some 16,500 personnel, have capability gaps that render Canada unprotected and are unable to contribute to international operations. The recent defence policy update talks about exploring remedies. It is time to stop exploring and start fixing.
Meanwhile, Trudeau has not lived up to our NATO commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence, and has privately stated that he has no intention of meeting it. This basically amounts to a breach of contract. Its time to apologize to our men and women in uniform, and to our allies in NATO.
On the world stage, the prime minister invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak to the Canadian Parliament in the presence of a former Nazi. He promised equipment that was inexcusably delayed or never arrived at all. Due to Trudeaus view that theres no business case for Canadian natural gas, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was rebuffed and had to look elsewhere to replace the gas Germany got from Russia.
Canadians of the Jewish faith are dealing with the governments lack of courage in allowing the promotion of genocide by supporters of Palestine, not snuffing out antisemitism and not standing by Israel. He should apologize for his abhorrent behaviour.
Of course, Trudeau repeatedly apologized for his behaviour as a young man when he wore blackface. Yet he refused to apologize over allegations that he groped a female reporter decades ago, saying, I do not feel that I acted inappropriately in any way. But I respect the fact that someone else might have experienced that differently.
Since then, he has left many questioning his self-proclaimed feminist credentials. He pushed out his former attorney general, Jody Wilson-Raybould, an Indigenous woman who stood by her principles in the SNC-Lavalin affair. Former Treasury Board president Jane Philpott in turn stood by her colleague and resigned from cabinet over Trudeaus behaviour. And Celina Caesar-Chavanne, disillusioned by what the Liberal party had become under Trudeaus leadership, also left the fold. An apology from this fake feminist is long overdue.
Regardless of your views concerning the Freedom Convoy, it is a fact that the prime minister did not have the courage to meet with the protesters to hear their grievances, then called them fringe radicals and finally invoked a law to have these Canadians treated like terrorists.
Today he allows hate speech bellowed by terrorist supporters who march in our streets and threaten and intimidate anyone with a different opinion. All Jewish-Canadians, all peaceful protesters and all who practice true free speech without hate deserve an apology.
Because of the prime minister, our country cannot descend much lower in the eyes of Canadians and the rest of the world. As one of my friends pointed out, is it any surprise that talk of separation in my home province of Quebec is back in the news?
Never have Canadians been so divided and so devoid of hope. It is past time for new leadership who will be proud of Canada and its citizens, who will properly manage our country, its resources and its potential. We need leaders who will unite us and make us the proud and prosperous country we once were, and can be once more.
But first, lets start with this prime minister making one more sweeping apology for his mismanagement of our country as he heads out the door.

Lt.-Gen. (retd.) Michel Maisonneuve spent 35 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and 10 more as academic director of Royal Military College Saint-Jean. He was named the 30th annual laureate of the Vimy Award in 2020.

 

Michel Maisonneuve: NATO is Essential

National Post article 10 April 2024

Michel Maisonneuve: Neglected Reserves

National Post article 27 March 2024

Michel Maisonneuve: Canada doesn't matter

Michael Erdmann

Mike passed away in November 2023. Mike began experiencing really serious back problems after trying to shovel the heavy snow last year. He was being treated for pain and it was thought that the problem was osteoporosis. Sadly, it turned out to be much worse, and they only found out in early October of this year that in fact it was bone marrow cancer and he died exactly a month later. Bev did an amazing job of caring for him. His obituary on our Class page is here

Karmin McKay

Karmin passed away in November 2023 in Panama. Karmin's daughter said "The man that redefined the word "Hero".
He was the smartest, corkiest, loud, adventurous, risk taker of a man I knew". His obituary on our Class page is here

Anthony (Tony) Tasker

Another one of our classmates has passed away. Tony was quite ill last year but seemed to have been making a good recovery when he attended the CMR reunion in Ottawa before Christmas. His obituary on our Class page is here and the link to the funeral home is here.

Michel Maisonneuve's National Post Response

Michel responded to the media criticism of his Vimy speech.
Opinion Piece in National Post (pdf) 

Michel Maisonneuve's Vimy Speech

Many of our classmates have seen the media coverage of Michel's speech, but it is important to see the entire speech before forming an opinion on what he said. Have a look:
Vimy Speech (pdf) 

Chuck Oliviero's Website

Chuck has created an interesting website titled The Enlightened Soldier complete with blogs and links to his books. Have a look:
theenlightenedsoldier.com 

Red White and You

Brian Kroeker was able to dig this 1972 video out of the NFB Archives and we have posted it for your viewing pleasure. It was shot during the recruit term for the Class of 1975 so the seniors were people we did not serve with at College. The '71 recruit class were one year ahead of us so we recognize lots of them
Red White and You (1972)

CLASS of '66 AFGHAN EVACUATION ACTION

Michel Maisonneuve passes on information from Clive Addy (Class of '66) who is getting different RMC/CMR classes to try and help the evacuation of Afghan interpreters and their families out of the Taliban controlled country. Mike is wondering if our Class of '76 could help in writing these letters to MPs etc. Below are links to English and French examples of letters that can be sent. Mike will be sending one to his MP.

English Letter (docx)    French Letter (docx)

Class of '76 entry into the Old Brigade

Our Class will be inducted into the Old Brigade on 17 September by VideoConference. Here is the link to the Convening Order.

Bill Rutledge - 10996

Mid afternoon, Wednesday, 17 June 2020, Bill Rutledge (aka Root - 10996) peacefully slipped away while at home with his wife (Joan), children and their significant others by his side. It was the culmination of a long and courageous 10 year battle with ALS.

Joan wanted his RMC buds to know that the Root Brigade ZOOM video call, held exactly one month ago, was a highlight for Bill and one of the last moments where he was happy, alert and pain free. Bill was requesting Joan to show him pics from the yearbook after the ZOOM conference and when the ZOOM recording was posted on our Class of 76 web page he (re)listened intently to all 2 1/2 hours of it.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions the funeral service will be small and attendance very restricted. The service will be streamed online with details to follow.

Inaugral Zoom Meeting - Root Brigade

So the inaugural ZOOM meeting of the ROOT Brigade is now history. And a good piece of history it was. Thank you everyone for taking part in it.

The ZOOM session was recorded for a couple of reasons:

a) So that those who couldnt attend in person would be able to virtually attend later

b) So that those who forgot about 50% of whatever was being said (or who werent paying attention, or were refilling their wine glass or were zoned out) would be able to rewind in time and take a second crack at it - kinda like supplemental exams.

This massive 1.6 GByte / 2 hr plus video file is available via the following link: zoom.rmc76.com

Centennial Class of '76 Class Secretary

Mes chers amis/Dear friends
After several decades of having had the honour to serve the Class of 76 as your secretary, I have decided to hang up my spurs. Jane and I have decided to join the gang in Victoria and I think it best that our secretary be in Kingston, close to the Club, Foundation and College.

To that end, 10980 Rick Nageleisen has volunteered to step up and become our secretary. I want to thank Rick for doing so and am certain that he will serve our class well in the coming years.

TDV

10982 Chuck Oliviero
 

Aprs plusieurs dcennies ayant eu l'honneur de servir la Classe de 76 en tant que secrtaire, j'ai dcid d'accrocher mes perons. Jane et moi avons dcid de nous joindre la gang de Victoria et je pense qu'il vaut mieux que notre secrtaire soit Kingston, prs du Club, de la Fondation et du Collge.

cette fin, 10980 Rick Nageleisen s'est port volontaire pour devenir notre secrtaire. Je tiens remercier Rick pour cela et je suis certain qu'il servira bien notre classe dans les annes venir.

VDV

10982 Chuck Oliviero

Centennial Class of '76 Endowment Fund Update

Congratulations and thank you to all of the members of our Class who have made donations to our Class Projects Endowment fund. As you can see from the attached chart, we now have over $131K in the fund. The increase in value of our endowment came from two sources. First and foremost, our Buds donated $29,202.70 to the fund during 2019. Well done. The second source of funds came from the RMC Foundation who added $13,957.47 from the interest attributed to the funds that we had in the account at the end of 2018 (15.7%). The Foundation has an admin fee of 1% for investing our money ($889.02), which is a small cost to pay for this type of return and addition to our endowment.

I am proud of our classmates for donating so generously this past year. Our class was in the top 4 classes for donations in the 2019 "Battle of the Classes Challenge/ la-bataille-des-promotions. The top 10 donors from our class were as follows with Rory Kilburn being a member of the New 18 Society https://rmcfoundation.ca/annual-giving/:

 

11099 Rory Kilburn

11114 Lee Matheson

11024 Phil Wall

11010 Paul Sunderland

11068 Leslie Falloon

11032 Tim Addison

10922 Doug Cargo

10905 David Armchuk

10967 David Martin

10987 Dave Pentney

It is only 20 months now until we enter the Old Brigade. We still have a long way to go before we reach our endowment goal of $500K. We need contributions from all of our classmates, so if you have yet to make a donation, please consider doing so.

Merci beaucoup pour votre soutien. / Thank you for your ongoing support. 

11002 Bill Sergeant
Centennial Class of '76 / Classe du Centenaire de 1976
Projects Committee Chair

Request for Roadents to Provide Obstacle Course Details

From: Ross Wuerth <ross_wuerth@yahoo.ca>
Subject: RRMC OBSTACLE COURSE
Date: February 10, 2020 at 1:40:18 PM EST
This is a call to all Roadents, seeking any information that may help me in gathering some details about the Recruit Obstacle Course that was run at RRMC. I hope to find, or create, a definitive map of the specific route(s) used that shows not only the path taken but the location and type of every obstacle. Realizing that there was some variations year-to-year, but the overall scheme of manoeuvre likely ran in a repeatedly similar manner throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s. For several months, I have corresponded with and spoken to many ex-cadets, former staff and current staff of Royal Roads University but so far have received only broad generalities about the obstacle course. Their recollections are not so consistent. RRU Archivist has dug deep into their files but has turned up nothing. I'm hoping that somebody might have kept a sketch or a map or perhaps the OPI memo to the Commandant or memo to the Staff Officer Careers & Military Training.
In the short term, my intent is to conduct a walk-through - a saunter without any mud - with our Class during the RRU Homecoming Weekend this coming September. Great opportunity to stroll the beautiful grounds, with spouses in tow, and relive some wonderful old memories about the water, mud, culverts, swamps, peacocks and of course the Hudson Flight slug pit. My long term goal though is to provide RRU and the Vancouver Island Ex-Cadet Club some details with which they might conduct such a walk-through annually during their Homecoming Weekends, and for any visiting Ex-Cadet at any time.
I would love to have contact with anybody who served as the Cadet OPI during their Second Year at RRMC.
In case you're wondering why I don't recall all the details myself - well, as you know, when you're busy participating, full of mud you just follow the Buds ahead of you, follow instructions of the course guides and maybe don't register what the route was. Forty years later, I have forgotten. I'm hoping that somebody kept records.
TDV
13811 Ross Wuerth
Barrie, Ontario
Secretary, RMC-CMR-RRMC Class of 1982
(Royal Roads 1978-1980)

Endowment Fund Update

 Good afternoon everyone, bonjour tout le monde:

The Centennial Class of ’76 Endowment Fund has almost reached 20% of its goal. For those of you who have not yet made your donation for the 2019 tax year to the fund yet, this is the time to do it. This is especially true considering the significant rate of returns on stocks, securities and other investments this year. If you wish to lock in those gains and not pay the CRA capital gains tax, then a donation to the Centennial Class of ’76 Endowment Fund is the way to go. It is a Win-Win situation for you and for the Class.

Le Fonds de dotation de la Classe du Centenaire de 1976 approche à 20% de son but. Pour ceux qui songent à contribuer, c’est le moment de le faire, car on peut réduire son impôt pour 2019. Cette année, les taux de rendement d'actions et titres sont particulièrement bons, alors vous pouvez profiter de l'occasion en immobilisant ces gains et ainsi éviter de payer de l'impôt sur les gains de capital. Un tel don au Fonds de notre Classe serait avantageux et pour vous et pour notre Classe.

It is very quick and easy to make a donation via Securities to the RMC Foundation. Here are the steps below:

1. An email must be sent to Jennifer Jordan – Jennifer.Jordan@rmc.ca and include the named Security, the number of shares, and where you (the donor) would like funds to be directed once received. The Class of 1976 Endowment has two purposes: to fund the New Museum, or Charitable Purposes. Classmates can direct a value, or a shared amount to one or both of these purposes in their instructions to Jennifer.

2. Jennifer will have the named Security approved by the Foundation Treasurer, RAdm (Ret’d) Bryn Weadon. Once he approves she will send transfer instructions to you and include the Foundation’s Brokerage details as well as notify the brokerage company of the anticipated transfer.

3. Once the transfer hits the Foundation’s Brokerage account Jennifer will notify you with the final donation amount and a tax receipt will be issued accordingly.

C'est très facile de faire un don d'actions et titres. Voici quoi faire:

1. Envoyez un courriel à Jennifer Jordan – Jennifer.Jordan@rmc.ca, incluant le/les titre(s) de vos investissements, le nombre d'actions, et où vous voulez diriger votre don. Le Fonds de projet de la Classe du Centenaire de 1976 sera dirigé vers deux initiatives: (a) la construction d'un nouveau musée; et (b) appui aux initiatives caritatives des élèves-officiers. Si vous choisissez un don divisé, vous devez choisir les montants et ensuite aviser Jennifer.

2. Jennifer s'occupera d'obtenir l'approbation du contre-amiral Bryn Weadon, le trésorier de la Fondation des CMR. Des que votre don est approuvé, Jennifer vous enverra les coordonnées de la société de courtage de la Fondation, et les détails pour effectuer le transfert. Elle avisera aussi la société du don à venir.
3. Lorsque le transfert sera finalisé, Jennifer vous avisera du montant final du don, et vous fournira un reçu officiel pour l'impôt.

Of note- Jennifer does not typically deal with Brokers before she has clear instructions from donors. The donor must first contact Jennifer and advise her of their wishes and then she can deal with the Brokerage firms on the nitty gritty details.

Veuillez noter que Jennifer ne contactera pas votre société de courtage avant d'avoir reçu vos instructions. Ensuite, elle pourra s'occuper des détails.

Should you wish to contact Jennifer Jordan, RMC Foundation Fundraising Coordinator, she can be reached at 613-541-6000 ext 6807 or Jennifer.Jordan@rmc.ca

Vous pouvez appeler Jennifer Jordan au numéro 613-541-6000 x 6807, ou par courriel a Jennifer.Jordan@rmc.ca

Merci beaucoup pour votre soutien. If you have already made for donation to the Class Endowment Fund for this year, thank you very much for your support.

Meilleures salutations. / With best regards,

Bill Sergeant

Dean Brassington

Dean Gareth Jerome Brassington, 65, suffered a heart attack on Wednesday October 16th, and died on Saturday, October 19, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, CAPT Charlene Brassington, MSC, USN, (ret), his mother Joy Brassington, and his brother M Adrian Brassington of Hamilton, Ontario. He was preceded in death by his father Donald J. Brassington.
Dean was born in Coventry, England, and immigrated with his parents to Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada, when he was 4 years old. He graduated from Saltfleet High School and entered the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, where he was awarded a degree in Honors English and a commission as a Naval Officer in the Canadian Forces. His postings included the First Canadian Submarine Squadron, where he qualified as a diesel boat Submariner. He also had an exchange posting with the U.S. Navy at Commander Ocean Systems Command in Argentia, Newfoundland, and the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare School in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1985 and joined his Navy wife in Norfolk, Virginia. He achieved a Master of Education degree from Old Dominion University in 1996.
Dean had spent the last 30 years as a certified Financial Educator at various Navy Fleet and Family Service Centers, where he collected many friends and touched many lives. He enjoyed world travel and being at sea with the shipboard Return and Reunion trips. Dean was very active in numerous professional groups, especially serving as Secretary for the Financial Education Round Table of Hampton Roads. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Junius F. Lynch Post No. 35 for over 30 years, adjutant for the Royal Canadian Legion, Lord Louis Mountbatten, Earl of Burma Post 180 (U.S.A.) Virginia, and was a member and boating safety instructor for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotillas 54 and 57.
Dean was known to his friends and coworkers as a compassionate, generous, and empathetic man ready to help anyone anytime. He loved living on the beach in Cottage Line, and was the primary 'Food Giver Man' to numerous rescue cats. Donations to Cat Rescue, Inc. 1917 Benefit Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322, or at http://catrescueinc.com/, may be made in his honor. A celebration of his life here and in Ontario, Canada, will be announced at a later date. In his last selfless act, Dean saved lives as an organ donor. Dean's light, love, and kindness will be profoundly missed.

Class of '76 Projects - Update

Click on the image for a larger version

It's time to start thinking about making your tax savings donations for 2019. The Class of '76 Endowment is now over $91K, with a goal of $500K by the time we enter the Old Brigage in Sept 2021.
Un don en ligne est la façon la plus simple de contribuer au Fonds de dotation de notre Classe. Le site web de la Fondation donne les détails. Visitez :
English - https://rmcfoundation.ca/donor_form/1976/
Français - https://rmcfoundation.ca/fr/donor_form/1976/

Une fois sur le site, les options sont présentées : un don unique, récurrent, ou les deux. Une fois choisi, un menu donne les choix pour nos initiatives. Si vous choisissez un don divisé, vous devez choisir les montants et ensuite donner les détails dans les boîtes de textes plus bas. Pour un don par la poste, le formulaire en ligne peut être utilisé. Vous pouvez aussi appeler Jennifer Jordan au numéro 613-541-6000 x 6807. La Fondation accepte les dons d’actions et titres, en téléphonant à Jennifer.

Making an online gift is the easiest way for us to give to our Endowment. The RMC Foundation website makes it quite simple to give to either or both of our Endowment purposes . Visit this link:
English - https://rmcfoundation.ca/donor_form/1976/
French- https://rmcfoundation.ca/fr/donor_form/1976/

Once on that page, scroll down and you can choose option to give a one time gift, a recurring gift or both. Once you have selected your preferred option, there is a dropdown menu that lists Charitable Initiatives, Museum or Split Gifts (define amounts below). If you select Split Gifts (define amount below), you will need to select the full amount of the gift in the amount section, then define the dollar amount they want to give for each purpose in the text boxes below. For mail-in gifts, you can use the attached form and indicate which project(s) you wish to give to and the amounts. For call-in gifts, they can call Jennifer Jordan at 613-541-6000 x 6807. The Foundation certainly accept gifts of stocks and securities and the best way to make that type of gift is by calling Jennifer.

 

Class of 1976 Endowment Form - 2019 .pdf
Class of 1976 Donor Form - 2019 .doc

Request for Football Players to Connect

Class of '76 members of the football team:
This is from Jim Simpson
Managing Consultant
JML Associates International
P.O. Box 70
Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0
905-939-9229 Home
905-939-9449 Fax
416-271-7711 Cell

Doug Smith, a former RMC Redmen football team captain (1968), coach and Squadron Commander is being inducted to sit beside his two life mentors, namely Doug Hargreaves and Danny McLeod, on the AWOD wall. The formal announcements will start this week in e-Veritas.
In advance of the ceremony, I am attempting to reach out to some of Smitty’s players from the mid-70’s including the likes of Glen Tremblay, Bill Judd, Ed Loziak, and Ray Richardson to invite them to attend the ceremony to celebrate this honour being bestowed upon RMC’s most “giving” former football player. Smitty has been coaching CIS/NCAA football since 1973 as a volunteer coach while holding down senior management and general management roles in a number of companies here in Canada and the USA. Combined with his playing time and scouting duties performed for RMC in the early 70’s, he has accumulated over 54 years of dedication to amateur football and mentored thousands of scholar athletes along the way. A very deserving induction to AWOD for his lifetime commitment to football.
James Doherty and Craig Wood from the 1978 fourth year team will be in attendance but some of those listed above may want to attend as well. As Class Secretary of the Class of 1976 I was hoping that you could put me in touch with these former RMC Redmen so that I can extend an invitation on behalf of the Class of 1970 and the AWOD Selection Committee to attend this year’s event which once again is coupled to the RMC Varsity Sports Awards Ceremony.
Look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

Minutes of the Class of 76 Committee

Information for Class of '76 - our class Committee met via teleconference on Feb 11th, 2018 and discussed issues related to our Old Brigade entry in 2021 along with the status of Class of '76 donations.

Link to the Minutes

Bruce Lewis Retires!

Information for Class of '76 members living in the Ottawa area:
Subject: Retirement Gathering - Mr. G.B. Lewis - 26 Jan 2018 
The end of an era has arrived: Mr. Bruce ‘I live for AIMP’ Lewis has decided to hang up his hat after 44 years of service (the last 15 of which were in the Public Service).

You are invited to an informal – and undoubtedly entertaining – gathering at the RCAF Officers’ Mess (158 Gloucester Street) on Friday 26 January 2018, at 1600 hrs. Since Mr. Lewis’s extensive Rolodex is in his head, I ask that you please forward this info to anyone I may have missed – I’m sure there are many.
I will ensure ample opportunity for those who wish to make remarks – just let me know ahead of time. Anyone is welcome to send me photographs or bring in memorabilia. If you are unable to attend but wish to send any anecdotes along, please do so.
See you all there!
Fil Bohac
AIMP PM in waiting
-----
Bruce Lewis joined the Canadian Armed Forces in August 1972 from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He attended Royal Roads Military College and RMC graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1976. Following graduation, he trained as an air navigator and flew some 3700 hours on Argus, Sea King and Aurora aircraft from Summerside, Shearwater and Comox respectively. During his military career commanded two Sea King detachments, the Helicopter Test and Evaluation Facility (HOTEF) during the first Gulf war where five Sea Kings were modified, tested and deployed in two weeks and 407 Maritime Patrol Squadron. He also served as the Wing Operations Officer at 19 Wing Comox. Outside of flying, he served five years as technical support office at the Defence Research Establishment Atlantic focused on underwater acoustics in support of sonobuoy development, the operational test and evaluation of the new Aurora aircraft and the navy’s underwater warfare program. During his time at DREA, he obtained a Masters of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia. He also served in the NDHQ Secretariat as the Air Officer working directly for the VCDS following Staff College in the UK. Mr. Lewis has been the project manager for the Aurora modernization and life-extension since August 1997 and also served as the Maritime Director from December 2007 to July 2014 in addition to his Project Manager duties. He retired from the Canadian Forces in February 2002 and joined the Public Service. Along with his wife Elaine and his daughter Amanda, who works in paralegal and is an avid horse owner, he lives in Orleans.

LCol Fil Bohac
PMO Aurora Block IV Project Manager
National Defence / Government of Canada

From: Lewis B@ADM(Mat) DAEPM(M)@Ottawa-Hull
Sent: December-15-17 11:37 AM
Folks
After 20 plus years as the Project Manager for the Aurora aircraft, I am retiring in early 2018. My last day in the PMO will be the 26th of January 2018 on which a beer call will be arranged at the RCAF mess in order for me to say thank you for the support I have received from the ADM(Mat) and RCAF management team, the Aurora community and the great staff, who have supported me so excellently over the many years as the PM and the industry contributors to AIMP’s huge success. A formal announcement will follow with the details of my retirement plans and the transition plan for the PMO leadership. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to sharing a drink with you around the 26th of January.
Bruce Lewis
After my retirement, I can be reached at: projectmanageradvisor@outlook.com

 

2017 Latest Update on Class of '76 Project Funds

Thank you very much to the Buds who have made donations to the Class of '76 Projects Funds already. Here is a break down of where the donations have been designated by you.

Merci beaucoup à tous ceux qui ont déjà contribués au Fonds de notre classe.  Veuillez consulter le document ci-joint pour les détails d’affectations courants, enregistrés avec la Fondation des CMR.

For Class Members who are looking to make a donation, now is the time to do it to reduce the amount of tax that you will have to pay for 2017. Go to this link: https://rmcfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/  Enter our class '1976', check the 'Endowment Box' and in the comments section, specify which project you wish to support. Thanks.

Pour ceux qui songe contribuer, c’est le bon moment pour le faire, car on peut reduire son impôt pour 2017.  Veuillez visiter le site: https://rmcfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/ et choisisez “français“.  Inscrivez promotion “1976”, et cochez “Fonds de dotation”.  Dans la section pour les  commentaires, veuillez indiquer à quel project vous voulez allouer votre don.  Merci pour votre appui.

Class of '76 Endowment Agreement - Signed in 2017

Your Centennial Class of ’76 Projects Committee (CC76) has been active during the last month drafting and re-working an Endowment Agreement (EA) with the RMCC Foundation so that we can collect interest/dividends on the total amount in the CC76 Fund. After many iterations and amendments, the final document was signed off by your committee reps and the Foundation. You can read the EA by clicking on the document at the link below. 

Link to the signed EA:  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1hm0IZNsbAfph2XDclAwvy8UXqNl8QKQs

If you have not made your donation yet this year, there is still time to do it. Go to this link: https://rmcfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/  Enter our class '1976', check the 'Endowment Box' and in the comments section, specify which project you wish to support. Thanks.

2017 Office of the Auditor General Report on RMC - Class of 76 Representative Report

On Mon 11 Dec 2017, I was invited to participate in a two-hour national teleconference with class secretaries, RMC Club executives (including Rocky), regional club presidents and other interested parties.  The teleconference was initiated by an invitation by the Comdt (BGen Sebastien Bouchard) and the Principal (Dr Harry Kowal) to listen to a presentation by the two of them regarding the recent negative report in the press by the federal Office of the Auditor General (OAG).  First, the Comdt has placed a great deal of trust in the Club to include us all in his efforts.  This has not always been the case.  As for the OAG report, I will tell you quite frankly that it was not a fair or accurate report. Although true that RMC has problems (name an institution that is perfect), it seems from all that I have read and heard, that the OAG was looking for a scandal and when it did not find one, it tried hard to paint the College in a negative light. Mais le Cmdt et le Directeur d'Etudes ont pris la haute route morale. Plutôt que d'accuser le OAG d'une opinion biaisée, ils ont décidé de présenter les faits corrects lorsqu'ils sont «incorrects». They are now working hard to implement all positive recommendations and to correct any misconceptions. I will not attempt to tell you all that was discussed but I would like to summarize. Je veux vous dire que le Collège est entre de bonnes mains. Le Cmdt et le Directeur n'ont pas pris ce rapport à la légère. They have taken a positive and pro-active approach. They have an active and rigorous plan to address all of the issues raised by the OAG.

 

I recommend to all of you that you read both the report and the Comdt’s reply. (Les deux sont disponible ici: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_201711_06_e_42671.html 

and 

http://everitas.rmcclub.ca/commandant-principal-tells-us-what-the-ags-report-means-for-rmc-communique-du-cmdt-recteur-sur-le-rapport-du-vg/

Chuck

2017 Donation Status - Class of 76 Foundation

Thank you very much to the Buds who have made donations to the Class of '76 Projects Funds already. Here is a break down from the Foundation of where the donations have been allocated.

For Class Members who are looking to make a donation, now is the time to do it to reduce the amount of tax that you will have to pay for 2017. Go to this link:

https://rmcfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/ 
Enter our class '1976', check the 'Endowment Box' and in the comments section, specify which project you wish to support. Thanks.

Merci beaucoup à tous ceux qui ont déjà contribués au Fonds de notre classe.  Veuillez consulter le document ci-joint pour les détails d’affectations courants, enregistrés avec la Fondation des CMR.

Pour ceux qui songe contribuer, c’est le bon moment pour le faire, car on peut reduire son impôt pour 2017.  Veuillez visiter le site: https://rmcfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/ et choisisez “français“.  Inscrivez promotion “1976”, et cochez “Fonds de dotation”.  Dans la section pour les  commentaires, veuillez indiquer à quel project vous voulez allouer votre don.  Merci pour votre appui.

Passing of Matthew Amyotte - 28 January 2017 - son of Paul Amyotte

A donation to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada in memory of Matthew was made on behalf of our Class of 76.

His full obituary is posted here. 

Sollicitations de Dons - Projets de la Classe du Centenaire de 1976

Bonjour les copains de la Classe de 1976:

D’abord, un gros merci à tous ceux qui ont assistés à choisir les deux projets pour notre classe.   Il n’a pris que quarante ans pour le faire!  Mais, on est arrivé, et voilà les deux projets :

    Donneur principal pour un nouveau musée; et
    Initiative de charité aux deux collèges

Veuillez consulter les documents ci-joints pour de plus amples informations au regard de ces deux projets, et comment vous pouvez effectuer des dons.   Je voudrais aussi vous demander de songer à combien vous voudriez donner, et quand cela sera convenable.   L’lorsque vous avez décidé, veuillez remplir la formula ci-jointe et me l’envoyer par courriel (un scan suffira également).  Tous dons individuels seront gardés strictement en confidence.   Les sommes totales pour notre classe nous aideront à déterminer combien nous pouvons allouer à chaque projet en proportion egale.  La formula de gage contiens de plus amples détails en ce regard.

Encore une fois, merci beaucoup pour votre appui.  Joyeux Noël at Bonne et Heureuse Année. Je vous souhaite meilleurs vœux pour 2017.

Cordialement vôtre, TDV/VDV
Bill Sergeant
Président du Comité, Comité des fonds de projets de la Classe du Centenaire de 1976

Formulaire dengagement.doc

Demande de contributions.doc

Centennial Class of '76 - Request for Donations

Good evening gentlemen of the Centennial Class of '76:

First of all, a big thank you to all who participated in the selection of the Centennial Class of '76 Class Projects. It has only taken us 40 to agree on which projects to support, and they are: years since graduation
  • Lead Donor Class for a New CMCs Museum; and
  • Support for Charitable Initiatives by the Cadets.

I would ask that you read the attached documents for more information about the projects and about how to donate. I would also like to ask that you consider how much you would like to donate and when. Once you have done that, I would ask that you complete the attached pledge sheet and e-mail it (or a scanned copy of it) back to me at this e-mail address. All individual pledges will be kept in confidence. The total amounts pledged as a class will be used to determine the amount of support we can commit equally to each of the projects. More details about this process can be found in the pledge form.

Thank you once again for your support. Have a Merry Christmas and I wish you and your families all the best in 2017.

With best regards, TDV/VDV

Bill Sergeant

Chair, Centennial Class of '76 Projects Fund

Class of 1976 Projects Request for Donations Cover Letter.doc

Pledge Sheet - Contribution Commitment Form.doc

Read Paul Amyotte's 10 Reasons for Giving - and Donate NOW!

Not David Letterman, but read Paul's Top 10 in English
Les 10 raisons pourquoi faire un don aux projets de la Classe de 1976

Notice to all Class Members

The Class's Project Fund Committee has agreed that our class will be supporting the following two projects:
1.  Lead Donor Class for a New CMCs Museum; and
2.  Support for Charitable Initiatives of Cadets.

Notice - English .pdf   Note - francais .pdf

Third Vote Results - Class of '76 Project

The third round of voting finished on 7 November for our class project.

We had 99 classmates cast their votes. The 'Lead Donor Class for the Museum' project received 50 votes and the 'Support of Charitable Initiatives for the Cadets' project received 49. As such, the Class Project Committee met via teleconference on Sunday evening, 13 Nov, to discuss the way ahead. It was decided that a compromise was in order. As such, it is proposed that both projects will be kept as the class projects assuming that approval from the Cmdts of RMCC and CMRSJ will be forthcoming for the Charitable Initiatives project. The details of the proposals for each project are being worked out by members of the Class Project Committee and will be published to the Class at the end of November.

Class of '76 Centennial Fund - Support for Charitable Initiatives
Support for Charitable Initiatives

 Centennial Class of '76 - Lead Donor for a new CMCs Museum
Lead Donor for a new CMCs Museum

 

Second Vote - Class of '76 Project

The second round of voting for the Centennial Class of '76 Project will get underway on Monday, 10 October 2016 and will close at 2359 hours (EDST) on Monday, 17 October 2016. The 2nd round will be to select the project that the Centennial Class of '76 will support. Information about the three projects, some of which has been updated, can be found at the links below. A Survey Monkey e-mail will be sent out to all of the 'Buds' who have a current e-mail address on the RMC Class of 76 website. If you have not received an e-mail concerning the first round of voting, then contact the Class of 76 webmaster at swimbikerun@hotmail.ca to get your current e-mail address added to the list. He will contact Bill Sergeant who will send a 'Vote e-mail' via Survey Monkey to you for the second round of voting.

Class of '76 Centennial Fund - Support for Charitable Initiatives
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-l3xJUBQWAjTG9abVlGRE5iY2M

 Centennial Class of '76 - Display Cabinets for Baronial Hall - Update
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-l3xJUBQWAjRlJZdktUSS1yMzA

 Centennial Class of '76 - Lead Donor for a new CMCs Museum - Update
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-l3xJUBQWAjTHVDejZ4dFR2YjA

Friends of Point Frederick Descriptive Note Sep 2016
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-l3xJUBQWAjaHVNN2hURllUR3c

Bill Sergeant

Wrap up From 2016 Class of '76 Reunion Weekend

What a great weekend!  It was good to see so many of the Class return to “Capistrano” as it were.  C’était merveilleux de voir des confrères de partout au pays, de Victoria à Halifax et même certains de l'Europe et aussi loin que Belleville et Toronto!

Quelques statitistiques pour vous:

We had 12 attend (6 from the Class) the Legacy Dinner on Thursday evening.

We had 143 attend (82 from the Class) the Meet & Greet on Friday evening.

Nous avons eu 85 (47 à partir de la Classe) assister au Souper et Danse du Club le samedi soir.

We had 60 on parade on Sunday (a couple for the very first time since grad!).

 

In reality, because different Classmates went to different events, I estimate that we had close to 100 who returned for the weekend.  Well done!

On Saturday morning, Rocky McManus was re-elected to the Board of the Ex Cadet Club as our rep.  (excellent news).  Later that afternoon Bill Sergeant ran what was probably the best Class meeting we have ever had.  Proposals for our Class Project were described and Bill will soon give us all instructions on how we will proceed.  Thanks to Jim Pickell for connecting us with Bill Rutledge by way of his phone.  Bill is unwell and we all got a chance to wish him our best.

Pendant le défilé le dimanche, Jeff Poste m’avait suggéré que nous devrions acheter une pierre commémorative pour Tony Bowie.  It is an excellent idea and I was embarrassed not to have thought of it earlier.  I bought it this morning.  Since not all of the Class knew Tony, I paid for it and am happy to do so.  I knew Tony and consider it my privilege to buy his stone.  Once it is in place, I will write to his family and send a picture so Rocky can post it on our site.

Bien que tous les factures n'ont pas encore été payés, je suis certain qu'il y aura de l'argent qui reste.  Unless there are strong objections, I will use that money to top up our Class Bereavement Fund and also start the Old Brigade Coin Fund.  Tim Addison has volunteered to guide us in the creation of a unique Centennial Class coin for us to give the Rooks when we Old Brigade Rooks join the Old Brigade in 2021.  

Our Meet and Greet in 2021 will be in the Senior Staff Mess. Le mess est déjà reservé pour nous.  The rest of the details will come in due time.

 

Vérité Devoir Vaillance

Chuck

Final Details for our Friday Meet and Greet - Fort Frontenac

Timings: bar opens at 1800, finger food comes out at 1900
Dress: collared shirt and slacks (golf shirts acceptable)
Location: we are in the Keg Room (main lounge)
Bar: cash
Parking: TIGHT. Plan on parking across the highway behind Normandy Hall (training facility) and take the underpass from the parking lot to inside the Fort. Better, use the municipal lot across from the gas station and walk the 100 meters. Crossing Hiway 2 in the curve is dangerous, so avoid.

There will not be someone signing you in. Just arrive and enjoy. If you owe me money (Harv) bring it with you.

See you Fri night

Chuck

Class of '76 Centennial Fund - Six Potential Initiatives

Our 40th reunion weekend is fast approaching and the Centennial Class of '76 Project Committee has been refining its selection of six projects for members of the class to consider as the project to represent our legacy to the CMCs. The projects reflect the wishes expressed by various class members over the years. Although we have not been able to come to a consensus yet, it is time to bite the bullet and agree on one.
There will be a Class meeting in Massey Library Room 7 (ML 7) at 1300 hrs, on Saturday, 24 September 2016. This should give everyone time to watch the parade that morning and grab a bite to eat prior to it. It will be a relatively short meeting (hopefully about an hour) where each of the projects will be presented and the class will have an opportunity to discuss them and ask questions. We will post some of the Q and A on line for everyone's info and flesh out or clarify the final write-ups if necessary. 
We are hoping for a good turnout at the reunion (30-40 percent of the class). To ensure that we give as many of our classmates the chance to select the class project, there will be two sets of 'on-line votes' to select the class project. The first will take place about a week after the reunion. Classmates will be asked to vote for their top three (3) choices of the six projects that are being considered. A week after the vote goes live, the votes will be tallied and the results published on the Class of '76 Website and the FaceBook page. The write ups for the top three projects will be updated again and re-published on these sites. The second, and final, vote will be called a week after that. Every member of the class will once again have a week to vote for their top pick for the Class Project. This way everyone gets the chance to participate regardless of whether they actually attend the reunion and have time for the meeting. The winning project will be researched in more detail and the class given more information about it.
 

Bill Sergeant 11002

Contributing to the Centennial Class of '76 Project

Gentlemen, many of you have been donating to the RMC Fund or the RMC Foundation since graduation.

To date, there has been a total of over $65K donated by numerous buds from our Class. These funds have contributed to various projects over the years in support a program of excellence for the Cadets at each of the Colleges. Currently we have $16K in our Class Fund, which has been invested as an endowment with the RMC Foundation at a good rate of return. I would ask that those of you who wish to donate to the Class Fund this year, do so prior to the reunion. This will enable members of our Class to announce this year's contribution at the Legacy Dinner on 22 September 2016. These funds will go to the Class Project, which will be selected before year's end.

Online contributions can be made at this link: https://www.rmcfoundation.ca/index.php/ways-to-give/donate-now/ When donating using this link, in the centre of the page, please specify that you are a member of "Class of 76 Fund" by clicking on the Class box, entering '1976' next to it and checking off the 'Endowment' box.

Thank you in advance for your support of the Centennial Class of '76 Project.

Bill Sergeant
11002

Update on the Foundation Dinner and Stones

The four remaining seats at the second Class of 76 table are now up for general seating, so if any more classmates wish to attend the Foundation Legacy Dinner, they should reserve NOW with Jennifer.

The RMC Foundation is using money from the Wurtele Bequest to regroup the Memorial Stones that surround the Arch and place them such that Class members are together. This will also clean up the weeds that have grown between the stones. Should anyone has been considering purchasing a stone, now would be the best time to do so. They can order the stones through the following link.

Minutes of Teleconference - Project Committee Teleconference - 14 August 2016

All of our classmates from Class of 76 are encouraged to read the minutes to understand our relationship with the RMC Foundation. The minutes are posted here.

Class of '76 Centennial Monument: It was unanimously approved by the committee to have the monument moved from the former Cataraqui Cadet Mess to a more prominent area near the corner of Fort Lasalle on the Valour Drive side and next to the parade square.  Funds from the $14K in the Class of 76 fund will be used.

Documentation from a Classmate on dealing with Veteran Affairs Canada

One of our classmates has prepared an aide-memoire on dealing with VAC.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, send me and email at swimbikerun@hotmail.ca.

40th Reunion  - September 2016

Thursday, 22 September
19th Legacy Dinner. This event is hosted by the RMC Foundation. If you wish to discuss any aspect with the EVP, including the option to book a Class table, please contact Rod McDonald. If you would like to make a reservation, contact Jennifer Jordan at (613) 541-6000 ext 6807 or toll free 1-888-386-3762. The Class of 76 has booked 2 tables. Cost is $200 per person with a modest amount being tax receiptable for personal attendance or a full receipt if you choose to sponsor a Cadet. Dress is Mess Kit/Black tie. The Chasse Galerie members will be featured prominently during this evening. The dinner is almost sold out.
Friday, 23 September
Golf Tournament - 2nd Annual Reunion Weekend Fall Classic. This was added last year and more than 100 golfers enjoyed a 18 hole scramble tournament with carts at the nearby Garrison Golf and Curling Club. There will be a raffle for all early bird individual and team registrants that are received by 1 September 2016. The tournament Chair is Jim Simpson who is seeking a golf captain nomination from your class. http://rmcalumni.ca/events/2016-club-reunion-weekend-golf-classic-le-classique-de-golf-du-club/
RMC Foundation AGM. This meeting will take place in the Commandant's Conference Room which is located across from the new Gym in Yeo Hall at 1330 hours.
Obstacle Course. The first years form-up on the square at 1400 hrs and the event kicks-off at 1430 hours and concludes at approximately 1630 hrs on the parade square. Upon completion of the obstacle course, the recruits will be coined by members of the Old Brigade.
Class Meet and Greet. Our Class of 76 event is at Fort Frontenac with cost to be $25 if paid in advance and $30 if paid at the door..
Saturday, 24 September
RMC Club Annual General Meeting. Currie Hall at 0830 hours
The Badging Parade. The parade starts at 1000 hours on the square and includes members of the Old Brigade presenting cap badges to the first year Cadets who are then formally welcomed into the Cadet Wing.
Ex-cadet Luncheon. All ex-cadets are invited to take lunch at the Cadet Dining Hall for members of the Old Brigade and the Cadet Formal Mess/New Gym for all other ex-Cadets and their families and friends. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members with advance tickets and $20 at the door for all.
Wall of Honour. The induction ceremony commences at 1400 hours. The Class of 1963 is the sponsor of the Wall and ceremony. This year's inductees are: Jim Leech, Gilles Lamontagne, General Guy Simonds.
Red and White Sports challenge. This annual event pits ex-Cadets and Cadets against each other on Saturday afternoon. The Winning team will be awarded the Pyper Cup on Sunday morning post Arch parade. Last year, sailing was added which was very popular with the ex-cadets.
Club Dinner Dance. This year the Club Dinner Dance will be held at the Fort Frontenac Officers' Mess. Seating is limited to 175 and priority seating will be accorded to the Classes of 76 and 81 which have committed to this event. The dinner cost is $75 a person for members and their guests and $85 for non-members. There will also be a DJ for dancing post dinner. There will also be a short performance from the College Pipes and Drums supported by some Highland Dancers. Menu: The dinner will be served in three courses commencing with a salad of greens with cucumber, tomato & balsamic dressing, a main of Prime Rib and a Vegetarian option, concluding with a deconstructed lemon tart with coffee and tea service. Here is the link to purchase tickets
Reunion Weekend Speaker Series. New this year, the RMC Commandant intends to enhance the weekend through the addition of a Speakers Series which will occur on Saturday afternoon featuring not to be missed speakers.
Sunday, 25 September
March to the Arch Parade and Memorial Service. All classes are requested to RV at Panet House at 0930 for coffee. Classes will then be marshalled onto the square commencing at 1000 hours. At 1015, markers will be called and all classes will form up on the square initially by class. Once on the square, all classes will be formed into 6 guards. The Old Brigade will comprise 1 Squadron, the Class of 66 will form 2 Sqn and the Old Brigade Recruit Class (1971) will comprise 3 Sqn. The Classes of 76 and 81 will be grouped under the guidance of Class of 76 as 4 Sqn while the remainder of the classes will be grouped together as 5 and 6 Sqns under the guidance of the Class of 86 and 96. Dress: Club blazer or jacket and ex-cadet tie for gentlemen and ex-cadet scarf and equivalent for ladies. Serving officers may choose to wear DEU. Medals are to be worn by all. The parade will step off at 1030 and arrive by 1050 for the Arch memorial service. The parade will return to the Square for the presentation of the Pyper Cup and the Goddard and Dawe memorial swords concluding by 1200.

Passing of Katharine Allen - 2 July 2016 - wife of Paul Allen

A donation to Parkinson Canada in memory of Katharine was made on behalf of our Class of 76. The response from Parkinson Canada is posted here.

Her full obituary is posted here. 

Passing of Lorraine Stephens - 9 May 2016 - wife of Rob Stephens

A donation to the Hospice of Dayton in memory of Lorraine was made on behalf of our Class of 76.

Her full obituary is posted here. 

The Class of 76 is now on Facebook.  Join our Group now!
Facebook Group RMC - Class of '76

Class of '76 40th Reunion 22-25 Sep 2016 - Last one before Entering the Old Brigade

While in Kingston for our 40th reunion, several of us are going to go attend the RMC Foundation Annual Dinner on Thursday 22 Sep. Chuck Oliviero reserved a table for our Class of '76, and as of Feb 25th  4 of the 8 seats are already taken. Chuck told me that 4 more of our classmates have indicated that they plan to attend but they have not yet paid their $200. So Chuck has spoken to the organizer, Jennifer, and we have another table of 8 to fill. Don't delay - there are a limited number of seats available and when they are gone, you won't be dining with us. Reservation Details can be found on the Foundation Website under news and events : http://www.rmcfoundation.ca/index.php/news-events/ and the email contact is Jennifer.Jordan@rmc.ca

The Class of '76 invites all members to get together in Kingston.  Details will be finalized in the near future, but for planning purposes, here is a rough outline of events:
Thursday 22 Sep - Foundation Dinner
Friday 23 Sep - Golf Tournament, Recruit Obstacle Course, and Class of '76 Meet and Greet at Fort Frontenac Officers' Mess.
Saturday 24 Sep - Cadet Parade when the Recruits join the Wing, get 'badged', and receive coins from the Old Brigade.  Our Class of 76 will join the RMC Club dinner at the Senior Staff Mess.
Sunday 25 Sep - Ex-Cadet Parade where we will marching as Senior Class that has not joined the Old Brigade.

Karmin McKay wants everyone to know about Outward Bound

Outward Bound offers a variety of courses for vets (means anyone from class of 76). They are free of charge. I recently attended the mountain hiking course and it was very rewarding, challenging as well as interesting. My course contained 5 women, 3 men with both serving and retired CF personnel across all 3 services. I will apply for next years sea kayaking course.
Some courses are not fully subscribed and it only takes 15 minutes to complete the application form.
 
Outward Bound

So DB, get out west to climb mountains again. Anyone coming out West is entitled to a free steak dinner chez McKay.

Karmin

Coining the Rookies Upon Entering the Old Brigade

The Class of '71 (those old guys we form up beside every 5 years and make comments like "We will look much better than them in 5 years) are starting their planning for their entrance into the Old Brigade in 2016. They are wondering if they should continue the recent tradition of coining the rookies so they are gathering feedback from follow on classes that will be affected. I will paste in their email sent to Class Secretaries and Webmasters. I would ask you to read it and post your thoughts on our FB page or send me an email. For your info, I have also attached the replies that Chuck and I sent to Geoff Bennett, but do not be constrained by our personal opinion.
******************************************
RMC COIN TRADITION
To secretaries and webmasters of RMC Classes from the seventies
From 8788 Geoff Bennett, Class of 1971
In recent years a new "tradition" has appeared at RMC. After the Recruit Obstacle Course members of the Old Brigade present RMC coins to all recruits. The cost of the coins is approximately $3,200 and is paid for by the Class entering the Old Brigade. I'm not sure how the tradition began but it may have been an initiative of the Class of 1966 with support from Al Roberts (former OB Adjutant) and Gerry Stowe (current OB Adjutant). Note that the Class of 1966 has donated more money to the Foundation than any other.
When Ray Hook, our Class Secretary, and I asked Gerry Stowe if the Class of 1971 could opt out of the coin tradition, he said that the coins would still be distributed but that the cost would have to come out of the OB account, the balance of which would be cut in half.
We asked one of our classmates to do a random sample of cadets to find out if this tradition is meaningful to them. Surprisingly, about 75% of first year cadets appreciated the coin and did not view it as a mere souvenir. Older cadets and recent Ex-Cadets also value the coins and often bring them to Mess functions along with other regimental coins.
In my opinion our class money would be better spent on donations to the Foundation or other worthwhile projects. We are currently planning to contribute to the Danny McLeod Athletic Endowment Fund when our class enters the OB in 2016. Most of our classmates are unaware of the coin tradition and may not be too happy about another request for money.
According to "a reliable source" at RMC, the Class of 1969 was reluctant to continue this tradition but in the end they decided to go along with it.
So Ray and I are in a bit of a quandary. We are not happy that another class has instigated this rather expensive tradition, thus committing all younger classes without consulting them. We thought that it might be a good idea to canvass your opinions to see if there is a united feeling one way or the other.
Accordingly, could I ask you for a Yes or No response plus any comments you might have. Kindly reply to me and I'll summarize the results for everyone's benefit later.
TDV,
Geoff
PS This coin tradition is not to be confused with the badging ceremony after the Saturday parade, which is paid by Her Majesty.
****************************************************

  Click here for the response from Chuck and John.

Paul Amyotte named President of Engineers Canada

Engineers Canada is pleased to welcome Paul Amyotte, FEC, P.Eng., as its president for the 2014-2015 term. Dr. Amyotte will lead the Engineers Canada Board in support of the provincial and territorial engineering regulatory bodies to advance the engineering profession and its self-regulation in the public interest.  Click here for the news release.

Passing of for Annette Payne - 7 Apr 2014 - wife of Rick Payne

A donation to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Annette was made on behalf of our Class of 76.

Her full obituary is posted here. 

Request from the Class of 63 to the Class of 76

On the occasion of its entry into the Old Brigade in 2009, the Class of 63 created and donated to the College the RMC Wall of Honour "To recognize ex-cadets of the Royal Military Colleges (RMC, RRMC, CMR), and others with College numbers, for outstanding achievements and contributions to Canada or the World, and to inspire cadets thereby". The original agreement between the Class of 63, the Foundation and RMC states that "within ten years, the Class of 63 will have identified another class or classes to assume the leadership and management of the Wall..."

The letter to the Classes of 73 to 93 is posted here.  If you think that this is something that our Class of 76 should participate in, please contact Bill Sergeant.

Mike More's son Rob

Mike More's son Rob was one of the victims of the OC Transpo-train crash. I have posted an Ottawa Sun article about Rob here.  Mike has informed us that the service will be at Capital Memorial Gardens, 3700 Prince of Wales, Ottawa. Visitation will be 5-8pm Wed Sep 25th and again noon to 1pm on Thurs 26th with service to follow.

35th Reunion & Eventual Class Gift - October 2011

Our Class members started meeting each other at Friday's obstacle course. We enjoyed seeing the way the recruit flights worked together to get tasks done - like using strategy in getting everyone over the high wall. It contrasted strongly with the style of race we had which was much more individualistic and the goal was simply to get yourself to the end as fast as possible. Friday evening, we got together at the Cadet Mess and got a chance to chat with everybody to catch up on what was going on in everyone's life. On Saturday morning, we were able to witness the 'badging' of the Recruits by the Old Brigade entry class (1966) and got to see the new 1st year cadets join the Cadet Wing. Saturday afternoon was dedicated to sports - some events were intercollegiate and there were 7 competitions between Ex-Cadets vs Cadets. On Sunday morning, we formed up on parade under the direction of Chuck Oliviero. We looked very sharp on parade in the mist and rain as we treked out to the Arch for the annual service for fallen comrades. While the comments from the group were quite entertaining, the best quote was attributed to Cole Tokei after they read off the list of RMC Grads who passed away in the past year. Cole said "If you are going to die, make sure you do it in the year preceding one of our 5-year reunions so our boys will be on parade to hear your name called". On the return to the parade square, the presentation of the Piiper Challenge Cup was presented. The tradition calls for the RMC CWC to accept the trophy if RMC wins, or the senior Ex-cadet from a winning team if the Ex-cadets win. Most of the games were close, but the Ex-cadets won 4-3 so our Class of 76 was honoured to have the most senior ex-cadets participating and both were on winning teams. John McManus (Water Polo) and Dave Harvie (Rugby) marched out to accept the trophy.

Class Gift to RMC Foundation

For Class of 76 members, this link is a good start. You can read about some of the ongoing projects available and they may spur your creativity in choosing a 'Class of 76' endeavour. This is part of the Foundation website which is easy to navigate through.

rmcclubfoundation.ca/YourGiftsatWork

Take a moment to look through the whole site - under the heading "Ways to give" you will see how to ensure your donations go directly to our class fund or a specific project. I think this will ensure future donations do not end up in a project not of the donor's choosing. From the left hand side menu you can go directly to make an online donation. For those of you who did so on the weekend - again - thank you very much! From our meeting in ML7 (where the seats were not as comfortable as the theatre seats from the 70s), Bill Sergeant received about 6 volunteers to join the steering committee to come up with a 'Class of 76' plan. Bill suggested some initial guidelines which included drafting a framework document by the end of November 2011 that defines the guiding principles for the selection of a class project. Some of the terms that were bantered about at the meeting were: teamwork (Tony Bowie); visibility; focus; Centennial class; unique. This is not meant to be an inclusive list, rather one to get us all thinking. The framework should also include how many classmates constitute a quorum to approve the potential project, who or what positions (i.e. class secretary, committee chair, elected officials) will be given authority to commit funds for the project, who will oversee the implementation of the project, and what should happen to any remaining funds once all class members have departed this life.

Tragedy strikes John Rose - 1 June 2010

TO: THE GENTLEMEN CADETS OF RMC, CLASS OF '76
FROM: #11018 COLEMAN TOKEI
SUBJECT: JOHN ROSE FUNERAL SERVICE - 5 JUNE 2010, INVERMERE, BC
 

Dear Comrades, Our Classmate John Rose shone on the sports field, was a loyal teammate and friend, and was personally very popular at RMC. Therefore, it should surprise no one then, that last Saturday afternoon, in scenic lakeside Invermere, a bright and shining sun pushed back the relentless rain that had, to now, been our B.C. Spring..........and revealed that over ten percent of the town's population of 3600 had come out to pay their final respects to their departed town doctor, colleague, and friend. Clearly Dr. Johnson Albert Rose was well loved and respected by the townsfolk of Invermere. Besides the sheer numbers that swelled Christ Church Trinity that day, the constant sound of attending ladies' sniffles, throughout the three Eulogies offered up, underscored the deep sadness and grief that gripped the entire town. Indeed, even prior to my arriving at the Church, while assisting the two middle-aged owners of Invermere's Canterbury Florists, Joanne and Sandy, with the final touches on our Class of '76 floral arrangement, both ladies choked up when speaking of Dr. Johnson Rose, and the tragic accident that took him all too soon.

At Ray Ray's Pub, overlooking Invermere Beach, where I lunched and changed into my suit, the patrons I talked to all knew our Classmate, and all mourned his loss. "Shocking" and "tragic" were the common adjectives most used, with one man cursing the rail line that split the town and impeded town peoples' progress. The Service was simple and dignified as Paul Rose, the oldest surviving brother, was introduced by the Anglican Parson, and delivered a heartfelt and poignant Eulogy highlighting Johnson's many accomplishments, interests, and passions. Johnson, Paul told us, was the best oldest brother any boy could've had, and that Johnson had always wanted to be a doctor. Apparently, historical dealings with "the four Rose boys" growing up in nearby Cranbrook, included the concept of picking a fight with one, meant taking on the other three as well. Paul spoke of the enormous pride and love Johnson held for his wife Denise, her skills and efforts as a great wife and mother.........and in her considerable Art talent and accomplishments. On two occasions, Paul emphasized the enormous level of Johnson's pride in his two sons Trevor, 20 and James 18.......and their tremendous accomplishments as two local area sports phenoms. I remember thinking then that "the apples didn't fall far from the tree." Paul lightened the sombreness a tad by referring to Johnson's penchant for British high-performance Sports Cars, his reluctance to operate them at less than their maximum rated speeds.........and "the account" he paid-off (over some time) with the local RCMP.

The second Eulogy was from an elderly physician who had recruited our Classmate as a young UBC Medical School Graduate, to intern there in the Columbia Valley. He spoke of John's determination on the ice, as he led the local area doctors to a Medical Association Hockey Championship over teams of MDs from much larger urban areas. That determination, zeal and passion was even stronger, he reported, when Dr. Johnson Rose took on the Provincial Health bureaucracy to obtain important and expensive resources for their local Hospital. In Johnson's soft-spoken manner, evidently visiting BC Healthcare reps would describe a long-awaited item in great detail.........John would politely let them finish.......and then say two words........"but, WHEN??!!!" Apparently the Dr. Rose "But When??!!" procurement methodology worked very well, as Invermere has more medical hardware today per capita than any other berg in Southeast BC!!

The final Eulogy was from a lady physician who was Johnson's Medical Practice partner. She was a little shaky at the beginning, but recovered very well to entertain us with stories of John's affinity for exceedingly strong coffee, his dry sense of humour, his off-the-wall observations...........and his ability to silently disappear out the office backdoor (usually down to the Hospital to check on a patient) without being noticed. A reception followed, and I was able to meet John's lovely wife Denise, and his sons, Trevor and James. I also met John's three brothers, Paul, Kevin and Derek. I explained (to all of them) that I had known John (and it was "John" at RMC, and not Johnson, because everything in the military is abbreviated)........and that John had been the Rugby star from Royal Roads who became the fastest player on the RMC Redmen Football team, our starting halfback, and just a guy who was a naturally gifted athlete.........but more than that, John had been truly a great Cadet, comrade, Classmate, and buddy. No one had ever, I reported, nobody at RMC, staff or cadet, had ever had a bad word to say about John. The young John Rose had possessed a quiet confidence about him, soft-spoken yet very witty, with a instant and infectious laugh. He was a very easy guy to like, I said. I made a point of emphasizing that I was there representing all 200-plus Class of '76 comrades of John's, and that many emails about John had gone around Canada, from coast to coast to coast, those past few days. Denise was particularly moved by our Floral Tribute, complete with one RMC insignia front & centre (could be alleged from a pre-worn RMC polo shirt I brought along in the car) and was most appreciative that our Class, from all those decades ago, would remember John so fondly and vividly. I told his sons that their dad was proud and confident, but never vain.........a fiery competitor on the sports field, yet easy-going in everyday situations. John had so many great traits and also strong values like loyalty, toughness, and courage. It was obvious, I said to his sons, that the good people of Invermere knew that Johnson was a great man, and that I was there to tell them, in all honesty and sincerity, that John had also been a great guy as a young man just starting out. In the end, like the town of Invermere, our Class of '76 is poorer today than we were one week ago. This was a shocking and tragic accident which befell a Community Leader, a healer, a devoted husband and father, and an esteemed and valued comrade to us. As Paul Rose said in his heartfelt Eulogy......... "we are all richer for having known Johnson Albert Rose!"
R.I.P. John Rose

Cole