Airborne Regiment
Association of Canada

Capt. (Ret'd) John Clee.  It is with much sadness that I advise you of the passing of my dear friend and brother in law, John Clee.  He was a couple of months shy of his 80^th birthday. 

Barb found him lying on the bathroom floor today and paramedics were summoned.   It was too late to save him.  It appears that cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a future date.  I will keep you posted.

Tena will fly to Victoria tomorrow to be with Barb.

John was a great soldier with a very keen mind.  He was a very proud of the regiments he served with, namely: the Royal Artillery, the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.   We will never see another quite like him.  Airborne trials and evaluations will never be the same!

It is with great regrets and profound sadness that I must inform you of the death of one of the most known members of CFLAWC, WO Mike (Hammy) Hamilton. 

WO Hamilton was on a tasking in Cold Lake last week and was involved in a car accident as a passenger around 22h30 MST Friday.  He was hospitalized in the intensive care unit of the Royal Hospital in Edmonton.  He passed away on the operations table at 14h41 Sunday.

WO Hamilton was born in Halifax and leaves behind his wife, a daughter, three sons, and a grandchild.  You will find attached some info on him.

For those that would like to attend the various ceremonies, here are the rough timings:

Interment: Saturday 28 Feb, 1530, Beechwood National Military Cemetary at 280 Beachwood Avenue, Ottawa. Dress: DEUs with MEDALS. VIPs are asked to let us know if they intend to attend.

As a part of the 1 st Btn., he served in WWII in North Africa and in the glider borne invasion of Sicily. In March 1944, he was assigned to the First Airborne Reece Sqn. and fought in the Battle of Arnhem. After the war, Geoff went to Burma as an Officer with the Burma Frontier Force, later becoming Superintendent of Police and a rubber planter in both Burma and Malaya where he met his beloved wife Betty. They were married in Singapore on March 18th, 1950.

Having been rescued from Arnhem by Canadians, Geoff proudly enlisted with the 3rd Btn. PPCLI in 1951 and served in Korea. In 1952, he began his career with the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada stationed in Germany and Canada. Betty and Geoff made many household moves in this time period but finally settled in Victoria, their home for the past 28 years. He led a full and wonderful life. He was a true gentleman until the end.

We will miss his twinkling blue eyes and great sense of humour. Geoff is survived by Betty, his best friend and wife of 58 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Tim (Brenda) of Wellington, NZ and Nigel (Janet) of Calgary, his beloved grandsons Geoff, Derek, Michael and Ben and by many nieces and nephews. Details for a Celebration of Geoff's life will be made at a later date. If so desired, donations may be made in Geoff's memory to Victoria Hospice, 1510 Fort St., V8S 5J2 "So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. " 528362

Passing of Laurent Lancette who served with the Royal 22 e Regiment  and the Airborne Regiment  1 CDO  in Edmonton during the 70's. 

He served in Cyprus 1974 during the crisis.   He passed away the 5th of February in Val Belair, Quebec, of a pulmonary embolism at the age of 67 years. 

Passing of Real Gagnon who served with the Royal 22 e Regiment  and the Airborne Regiment  1 CDO  in Edmonton during the 70's and 80’s. He served in Cyprus 1974 during the crisis.  

There will be a memorial service at 19.00 hrs on Sat 7 Feb 09 at Cooperative Funeraire de l’Outaouis,  1369 boulevard La Verendrye, Gatineau, QC  J8T 8K2   Web Site: www.cfo.coop  

Passing of HARB, Charles Ganim "Charlie"

65, New Glasgow, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009. Born in New Glasgow, he was a son of the late Charles Ganim and Josephine Cecelia (MacKay) Harb. He served from 1962-1982 in the Black Watch, completing 570 jumps in the Airborne, serving in Cyprus and retiring with the rank of Sergeant. He later obtained the rank of Master Warrant Officer serving with the Militia. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28, Stellarton and the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Black Watch. He was inducted into the Pictou County Sports Heritage Hall of Fame in July 28, 2007 for amateur boxing. He enjoyed fishing with his wife, gardening and writing cards. Charlie was a dedicated worker, readily applying himself to the task at hand. Surviving are his wife, Dorothy Louise (MacGillivray) Harb; sons, Stephen (Lisa) Harb, Charles (Jackie) Harb, Edmonton; grandchildren, Jessica and Stephanie; sisters, Shirley (Mike) Zahara, Alberta; Marie Harb, Halifax; Connie (Hussan) Durbes, Weymouth, Mass; Zeana MacLeod, Abercrombie; brother, John (Frances) Harb, Abercrombie; Wayne (Marcella) Harb, Stellarton; stepdaughter, Michele Mascola, New Jersey stepsons, Michael (Lisa) Mascola, New Jersey; Kevin (Laura) Mascola, New Glasgow; stepgrandchildren, Michael, Jordan and Joey; numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Nagzie. The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and Royal Canadian Legion Tribute Service 6:30 p.m., all Wednesday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday in the chapel with Rev. Gary MacPherson presiding. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in his memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. www.pkmacdonald.ca

Passing of Hockett,  Charles Edward 6 June 1933 - 12 December 2008

Chuck died peacefully at noon 12 Dec 2008.  He is survived by his wife Vivienne, son David (wife Debbie), daughter Sara, son Andrew (wife Corrine), granddaughter Louise, grandson Joshua, granddaughter Alicia and grandson Kyle.  Sgt Hockett was a member of the British Army for three years and the Canadian Army for 23 years; as a member of the Black Watch (RHR), Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) and the Canadian Airborne Regiment (2 Commando).  He served two 6-month peacekeeping tours in Cyprus, and postings in Gagetown, Germany and Edmonton.  A celebration of Chuck's life will take place at 1 p.m. on 17 Dec 08 at St John the Baptist Anglican Church, Cobble Hill, Rev Scott Pittendrigh officiating.  Reception to follow.  No flowers please, but a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated.- - - -

Vivienne Hockett

32 - 912 Brulette Pl

Mill Bay BC    V0R 2P2

250-743-3125

email: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=1819