2006
Name: Robert Cottrell - #035
Date of message : 31 December 2006
E-mail address : bobc29@hotmail.com
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:
Comments: Served from Nov. 1960 to Nov.1966, five of those years as an Airborne Medic. Last posting 2 Airborne at Sarcee Barracks, Calgary. Was to be part of the new Airborne Regiment in Edmonton but got out before its formation. Although very successful back in civilian life, missed the airborne and the comradery.
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Name: Claude Gratton [MB] - #034
Date of message : 6 November 2006
E-mail address : grattonc@videotron.ca
Website address :
Unit served: 1er Cdo
Present Location: Quebec City
Comments: I've just read Mike La Pierre Biography!! And YES, I knew him & now remember!! In the slides I just sent-U, Marlene!! There's a full-face of him, while having a Beer behind Ledra, beside the pool!! He was Adm-Clerk with-Us!! Remember-him quite well, as he knew-me!! RIP my friend, & may our Bigest Jump-Master of all give-you the GO, for your last-one! Soft-Landing and wait for me shortly!! We'll have a cold-one together, for all the missing-one! Say Hi!! to Gilbert & JC!!
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Name: Al (Vic) Ferris - #033
Date of message : 30 August 2006
E-mail address : aferris@rogers.com
Website address :
Unit served: 1 PPCLI 77-79 - 2 CDO 5 Pltn. 79-81
Present Location: Ottawa Police...
Comments: I joined the Regiment with Trooper Gillis back in 79. We didn't think he would make it past the Maroon Beret course....hahaha. Just kidding Ron!!
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Name: Marlene - #032
Date of message : 31 July 2006
E-mail address : airbornekitshop@sympatico.ca
Website address : www.airborneassociation.com
Unit served:
Present Location: National Capital Region, Ottawa/Gatineau
Comments:
Dear members of the Airborne Brotherhood:
Internment of LCol Mike Rafferty will occur at Beechwood Cemetery at 1030 hrs on 21 Aug. Mrs Leslie Rafferty and his daughter Maggie have asked that an invitation be extended to all members of the military community who have worked with Mike over the years and would like to attend.
Please ensure widest possible distribution.
Lt/Col RAFFERTY, Michael (Mike) Albert, BA, CD, PLog - Suddenly on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at the age of 58. Beloved husband of Leslie, and cherished father of Maggie. Much loved son of Bert and the late Margaret Rafferty of Winnipeg, and dear brother of Timothy and Patrick, also of Winnipeg. Dear son-in-law of Douglas and Margaret Littlewood, and brother-in-law to Jeffrey (Mary Jane) of Blenheim. Mike will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews as well as his dear friends. Mike had proudly served in the Canadian Forces for 34 years, in Gimli, Comox, 1 Service Battalion in Calgary, The Airborne Regiment in Petawawa, The Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics in Borden, Parachute Maintenance Depot in Edmonton, 2 Service Battalion in Petawawa, in EUCOM HQ in Stuttgart and he was still serving in Ottawa at the time of his death. Mike was particularly proud of having been the Chief Petty Officer of RCSCC John Travers Cornwell V.C. in Winnipeg, and Commanding Officer of both the Canadian Forces Parachute Maintenance Depot in Edmonton and of 28 Service Battalion in Ottawa. A long time coach of girls' soccer in Cumberland, many will remember fondly the times they spent on the field with "Coach Mike." Mike was a devoted family man, an exemplary officer and a true friend. He will be greatly missed.
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Name: D'Arcy Best - #031
Date of message : 16 July 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location: Manitoba & Northwest Ontario Branch, PPCLI Association
Comments: (Winnipeg Free Press, July 16, 2006)
RAYMOND (ANDY) ANDERSON On Friday, July 14, 2006, Andy, formerly of Sandy Hook, MB, died at the Poseidon Care Centre, at the age of 81 years. A longer obituary notice will follow. Andy's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 4665.
Andy (The Brow) served with 1 Can Para Bn during WWII, He jumped into Normandy on D-Day and took part in the Rhine drop in 1945. Following WWII, he joined PPCLI, serving in Korea and for many years after. He was a member of the Man/NW Ont Branch of the PPCLI Association for many years.
Cards and messages of condolence may be sent to:
The Anderson Family
c/o D & S Smith
82 Valley View Dr
Winnipeg MB R2Y 0R8
(204) 837-3580
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Name: William Pender - #030
Date of message : 16 June 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location: Salisbury, UK
Comments: I presently live in Salisbury, UK, and served in 1 Para Battery RCA as a Troop Commander from 1968 to 1970. Red MacLatchy was the Battery Commander, and Jerry Hirter the Battery Captain. I was stationed in Petawawa with 4 RCHA in May 1968 and vividly remember the tragic accident when a freak gust blew several paratroopers into the Ottawa River and, as a member of the Base Diving Club, was subsequently involved in the recovery of the bodies.
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Name: John McDermid - #029
Date of message : 13 June 2006
E-mail address : johnmcdermi2716@hotmail.com
Website address :
Unit served: 2716 Mayerathorpe Cadets/Ex-CFPMD Affilate
Present Location: Edmonton
Comments: I was just checking out this site when I read that L/Col Rafferty passed on. I knew him when he was a Maj at CFPMD/Edmonton. What was said about him here only reflects my positive memories of this charismatic man. Off the top of my head I remember his moustache with "handle bars", and his unique way of leading. From what I recall he seemed always positive, extremely supportive to the Cadet program, which was passed down to the members of CFPMD who provided excellent positive role models for young people. Yep after all these years he is one of the personalities I remember, and looked up to as a young man. If this can get passed on to his family I would be grateful.
From my family in Whitecourt,
Capt.Ian McDermid(Ret) CO of 2716 Mayerathorpe RCAC,
Mmy condolences. He made a difference in my life.
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Name: Jerry "Robbie" Robertson - #028
Date of message : 28 May 2006
E-mail address : jrobertson6849@rogers.com
Website address :
Unit served: 2 CDO D Coy & RECCE PL
Present Location: Holland Landing ON
Comments: Just jumping in and looking to contact jumpers that I served with.
Jerry Robbie Robertson
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Name: WO Mike Brown - #027
Date of message : 25 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location: Wainwright, AB. Fax: 1-780-842-1851
Comments: Good day, I just wanted to let those who know Sgt Gillis, Ronald A will be retiring from the CF on 30 Aug 06. Ron served with 2CDO from 1979-1983. He then served with the Canadian Parachute Centre from 1992-1996. I'm the OPI for Ron and wanted you all to know and would appreciate a good true story or two on Ron. Thx
Marlene at ARAC. WO Brown would prefer that people fax him any stories that they might have on Sgt Gillis.
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Name: Al Gaudet - #026
Date of message : 14 May 2006
E-mail address : agaudet@wanadoo.fr
Website address :
Unit served: 1st airborne commando
Present Location: Southern France
Comments: I would like to hear from fellows that served in 1st CDO from 73 to 76
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Name: Don Johnson - #025
Date of message : 11 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location: Victoria, BC
Comments: Good day, I'm not sure if this is the appropriate contact point but your name was pretty prominent at most of the sites I visited. Just wanted to pass this story on in case we want to pass it on to others. 1 Cdo jumper.
David Boivin (news article no longer available), former member of the Airborne Regiment found murdered in Victoria, BC. Members of the former airborne regiment to participate in memorial service.
Marlene at ARAC: Please see following note from Herb Pitts
Hello All,
You may be interested to know that the local Airborne Group "DZ - VI", learned of Dave's Airborne connection in time to attend his memorial service on Wed, 10 May at a local Legion. His wife, sons and brother felt comforted by the presence of about 15 Jumpers in medals and blazers. A Member, Mike Johnson, spoke on behalf of Dave's Comrades, concluding with the Airborne Creed. At the reception following, we had an opportunity to express our condolences and support should the family need further assistance. Danielle, Dave's wife, in conversation said she'd be returning in November for the trial of the persons responsible for Dave's murder. It is possible we'll see her again at that time.
Best Regards to all. Have a Good One ! .. Herb
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Name: Scott Fuller - #024
Date of message : 11 May 2006
E-mail address :
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location: National Capital Region
Comments: Lieutenant Colonel Mike Rafferty died suddenly on Saturday May 6th at the age of 58. Among his many career postings, were service with The Canadian Airborne Regiment and the Canadian Force Parachute Maintenance Depot. Friends may pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 2370 St. Joseph Boulevard, ORLEANS today (Thursday May 11th) between the hours of 7 and 9 pm. A separate memorial service will be held for MIKE at the Holland Armouries, 2100 Walkley Road, Ottawa on Friday May 12th at 1pm. Mike was a true Airborne Soldier in all aspects, mentoring many who ventured "under canopy" and into an Airborne career themselves ....I among the many............ The Canadian Airborne Brotherhood will remember MIKE, his ready wit and quick smile, his sound leadership and his dedication to this nation. Gentle Winds to Mike and profound sympathy to his family......
Marlene at ARAC: An on-line guest book has been set up at the "Ottawa Citizen" newspaper. Leave a note to the family. http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=17713263
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Name: Claude Gratton "Panky" - #023
Date of message : 10 May 2006
E-mail address : grattonc@videotron.ca
Website address :
Unit served: Navy HMCS Margaree, 1 Cdo Edm, 3 R22eR
Present Location: Quebec City
Comments: I've read about WO Lanteigne and damn proud of it!! When I met Rock Lanteigne last summer at RV-05, the day he jumped with the Sky-hawk's we had Breakfast together cause "He recognised-me, but not ME"!!! Like he said "Jeez when I got to the AB Rgmnt, you where with RECCE PLT and I was looking-up too you-guy's" and NOW I'm the ONE looking-up to what He managed too do soo-far!! Great performance there Rock! from your buddy, Panky or Pancrass!!
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Name: John Martin - #022
Date of message : 8 May 2006
E-mail address : jdmar60@rogers.com
Website address :
Unit served: Svc Cdo Tpt
Present Location: Wasaga Beach Ont
Comments: This week end I lost one of my best friends. Mike Rafferty who was my boss in Tpt Svc Cdo passed away. He was one of the best officers I ever worked with a real people person. He will be remembered by all.
Marlene at ARAC: Thank you John. LCol (Ret'd) Mike Rafferty was a former Log Officer who has served with the AB School ALSTW and CO of CFPMD and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. Mike was the CO of 28 Svc Bn until this past November 2005. ARAC would like to express their deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who have known him.
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Name: Mike St.George - #021
Date of message : 6 May 2006
E-mail address : stgeorge82abn@adelphia.net
Website address :
Unit served: 82nd.Abn.Div.
Present Location: Westminster,Maryland U.S.A.
Comments: Born & raised in Ottawa. Joined U.S. Army to be a PARATROOPER! by God. Why U.S. Army? Because I had seen/read a lot about U.S. Airborne but didn't even know that Canada had Paras! Says something about Canada and the military compared to the U.S., doesn't it? I'm member 82nd Assn.,CAFA, and Associate member ARAC. Attended Airborne RV last July when home visiting relatives. It was great! Do it every year! AIRBORNE! to Joe Drouin, Michel Cleroux, Louis Lemire & Marc Menard - all members of the 82nd.Assn. All Canparas are welcome. Contact me. Airborne! Fiers Nous Sommes!
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Name: Claude Gratton [MB] #020
Date of message : 16 April 2006
E-mail address : grattonc@videotron.ca
Website address :
Unit served: Navy HMCS Margaree, 1 Cdo Edm, 3R22eR
Present Location: Québec City
Comments: What Seem's to be the problem!!?? I've read all the History on this Site!! And I'm very disappointed that our 1st Mission as peacekeeper's doesn't figure in OUR History!! "CYPRUS 1974"!! A "coup d'état" on the 15-07-74 followed by the "Invasion of Turkish Forces five (5) days later on 20-07-74!! During that Mission, WE had TWO (2) Killed= Trooper Gilbert Perron in August & Trooper Jean-Claude Berger in September & over Thirty (30) wounded's.. Two (2) Stars of "Courages"=Capt Alain Forand, & Trooper Michel Plouffe!! Seven (7) medal's of Bravery= Starting by Trooper Michel Gingras & myself Cpl Claude Gratton on Invasion Day followed by Capt Normand Blaquière, Cpl Mike Wheland, Cpl Mike Belley, Col ? Lessard and one (1) I forget!! Plus Several's "Good conduct's !! IT SHOULD BE PART OF HISTORY !!??
ARAC: Thank you for the reminder Claude. This is one of the many projects that we at ARAC are working on to make this web site better. (Decorations awarded to members of the Canadian Airborne Regiment can be seen here - including yours Claude ;^)
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Name: Mark Denim - #019
Date of message : March 21, 2006
E-mail address : check650@hotmail .com
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:
Comments: (Comments removed at request of Mr. Denim)
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Name: Richard Law - #018
Date of message : March 17, 2006
E-mail address : small_man4u@hotmail.com
Website address :
Unit served: 1er CDO
Present Location:
Comments: My uncle died in 84 coming back from Shilo, and was a member of 1er CDO. I never had the opportunity to meet him as I was born 3 years later but I'm always trying to find out stories, anecdotes or pictures of him. His name was Cpl Richard Fournier (PPF, Skyhawk), if you have anything to help me out it'd be grealy appreciated. Thanks in advance and I look forward hearing back from you! Fair winds, soft landings!
Ric
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Name: Emanuel Soares - #017
Date of message : March 06, 2006
E-mail address : boinasverde@sapo.pt
Website address : http://www.greenberet.no.sapo.pt/metal.htm
Unit served:
Present Location: Portugal
Comments: great site... congratulations to all paratroopers in the world..im from portugal im a paratrooper can visit my site and i collect para wing if inerrested contact me... best regards
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Name: Bill Sinclair - #016
Date of message : March 05, 2006
E-mail address : w_sinclair@shaw.ca
Website address : www3.ns.sympatico.ca/military.pension/
Unit served:
Present Location:
Comments: Hi To All To all members of this assicoation here is a web site that you all should go to. It has to deal with the governments claw back of our Military/RCMP pensions that we all pay into during our careers. But when we all reach 65 and start drawing CCP the fine government claws back from our pensions. This effects all of us whether we are still srving or retired. It also effects our families, so have a look. Airborne
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Name: Jeffrey Ski MCRecon - #015
Date of message : February 23, 2006
E-mail address : glenda_h@hotmail.com
Website address :
Unit served: AB Pathfinders
Present Location:
Comments: Looking to hear from ex-Recon members. -AB Pathfinders.
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Name: Philip Ryan - #014
Date of message : February 01, 2006
E-mail address : pryan99@shaw.ca
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:
Comments: Urgent HELP needed if you can
Hi My name is Phil Ryan ( known as the Tas ) I served with the Airborne with both I Airborne Battery and then E Battery Para from Nov. 75 to June 79 and I am looking for some help !!
I am presently looking to find anyone who also served with I Airborne Battery and that may remember me. More than that, may remember a jump in Edmonton which I believe would have been in the summer of 77 and remember where I ended up getting my legs and feet caught up in my risers and my spiraling to the ground. The reason I am asking is that I have just applied for a DVA Pension after having to have vertebras in my neck fused which according to the MRI I had, could have been caused by this Jump. I would note that the application for this pension was started by a DVA doctor that I seen for a review of a DVA pension I already receive as he felt the Medical Evidence showed that even though I did not have a problem at that time it could have been caused by this jump. I would note that I had to have emergency surgery in Sept. 04 to prevent me from becoming a paraplegic and that even with the surgery I am unable to work to support my family and have been since June 89 as the medical problem I was having was misdiagnosed. one more thing, would you possibly know any other sites I can check to see if I can find any one? Some Names I remember are Ken Webster? Linkie Peppon Reaspeck Terry Wells I am not sure if I got the spelling right or not. Any way, sorry for the length of this letter but I just found out that my DVA hearing is going to be on FEb. 20, 06 and thank you for any help you may be able to give me.
Tas
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Name: Greg Allen - #013
Date of message : January 18, 2006
E-mail address : greg.jamie@btopenworld.com
Website address :
Unit served:
Present Location:
Comments: I served 24 years in the British Parachute Regiment, I left in 2000 as a Warrant Officer. I'm trying to track down an old friend Paul Gladstone who was attached to the Canadian Airborne in the 90's at Petawawa, he went to Rowanada with you guys and then left the British Army and settled in Canada with his wife Julie and children, does anybody now of his where abouts?
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