Obituaries
MWO Stuart (Stu) William Seki
It is with great sadness I am sharing the news of MWO Stuart (Stu) Seki’s passing. He passed away tragically on 10 June 2023.
This may be a great shock to you as MWO Stu Seki was a great friend, proud RCEME soldier, and longstanding member of 32 Svc Bn since 1989. He was a respected leader and passionate about the unit and our team.
Stu will be remembered by his sister Joan and the many friends he had while employed with the Ontario Provincial Police and throughout his career with the CAF.
His obituary can be found here.
Sgt Sheldon Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sgt Sheldon Johnson on July 16, 2023. Sgt Johnson was a Vehicle Technician and employed as IC of Vehicle Maintenance at 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment, 6th Canadian Combat Support Brigade (6 CCSB), 5 Canadian Division based in Kingston, Ontario. He was a member of the Canadian Forces for 21 years. Sheldon passed away in a gondola crash at the Mont-Tremblant resort.
His brother stated that “he was a generous military member who was devoted to his family” and described the 50-year-old as a loving father to three children — one “angel in heaven he is now cuddling,” and two surviving children “who are missing him terribly.” Loved dearly, he will be greatly missed by his current partner Mirichu Gadong-Gleyo and her daughter Stephanie along with his ex-Melanie Poulin, daughter Ryle and son Hunter, as well as his brother Shawn and many extended family members, Co-workers and friends. He will be remembered for his humility and selflessness. When talking about Sheldon’s demeanor, it is impossible to avoid mentioning the exceptional personality that he possessed. Sheldon was an unapologetically great individual who had a powerful influence on the people he interacted with and worked around.
Sheldon was laid to rest on September 18th, 2023, at Beachwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services in Ottawa, ON with full Military honours.
Sgt Johnson`s family has not currently released an obituary.
MCpl Reginald Chabassol
It is with great sadness that the RCEME Corps announces the passing of Master Corporal Reginald Chabassol, on 26 April 2023.
Reggie will be greatly missed by his wife, Cassandra and his 4 year old daughter Nadia as well as many extended family members, colleagues and friends.
He joined the CAF in 2012 as a Weapons Technician and spent much of his career in Gagetown and St John NB serving with units in 5 CDSG and 37 CBG.
Reggie is resting at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, NS where visitation will take place on Tuesday, 2 May from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, 3 May at Holy Name Church, 1664 N Main St, Westville, NS B0K 2A0 at 11:00 am.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
His obituary can be found here.
Col (ret’d) Thomas John Temple
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Colonel (retired) Thomas John Temple, who passed away suddenly from natural causes at age 63 on Saturday, February 11th, 2023 in São Paulo, Brazil, while travelling on vacation with his cherished spouse of over 30 years, Marie-Claude Lussier. Loving father to Catherine Temple (Clarisse Désiré)
Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, PQ and Camille Temple, Embrun, Tom leaves to mourn a large family and many friends. Brother to his siblings in British Columbia: Walter (Sandra), Barbara (Richard) Morgan, Catherine, David (Cindy), Monica (Norman) Judd, Rosemary (Greg), and Patricia (Doug) Greenwood. Also, cherished and missed by his mother-in-law Camille Brisebois, Ottawa, and Marie-Claude’s siblings Brigitte Lussier, Gatineau, Laurent, San José, California and Frederick (Nadine) of Montcerf-Lytton, PQ as well as 14 nieces and nephews and 8 great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON, on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023 commencing at 1p.m. in the Sacred Space, followed by a Reception. The family will be available to receive condolences at the Memorial Centre beginning at 12-noon. Burial of Ashes will take place at a later date. The service will be live-streamed, registration can be completed at the following link : Livestreaming Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the RCEME Foundation, the Ottawa Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Col Thomas John Temple’s full obituary can be found here
Apprentice Megan McGovern
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pte Megan McGovern on 30 Nov 2022.
After six years of dedicated and loyal service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and to the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME), Pte McGovern lost their battle to health issues and passed away at the Moncton City Hospital.
Pte McGovern was born on the 16 Jan 1992 in Orillia, ON. They joined the Canadian Armed Forces on 19 Mar 2015 as Wpns Tech 00130. They were posted to 5 CDSG Gagetown, Maintenance Company in June 2018.
Pte McGovern was survived by their spouse, MCpl Sean McGovern and their two children: Ava (9), and Connor (3). The family has decided to hold a civilian style funeral at St Mary’s Chapel Bldg G1 on base in 5 CDSB Gagetown Thursday 7 Dec 22 at 1100. Although attendance will be somewhat limited due to space, following the funeral service, a celebration of life will be held at 1200 7 Dec 22 at the Warrant Officer’s and Sergeant’s Mess, building A9. All are invited to attend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and their loved ones in their time of deep sorrow.
An obituary of Megan Lee-Anne Michele McGovern can be found here.
Maj Jessica Ross
It is with the deepest sorrow that we inform you, Major Jessica Zane Ross passed away peacefully, in the arms of her husband and children, after her struggle with Colon Cancer. Jessica was an inspiring leader within The Corps of RCEME and the wider CAF, and a brilliant academic.
Jessica was a loving and proud mother of Clive and Vesper, and the beloved wife to LCol Eric Ross. She is survived by her mother, Regina Michaelis, and father, David Webb. Dear sister of Miles Michaelis, Holden Michaelis, and Marita Michaelis. Jessica will be missed by her in-laws, Cameron and Laura Ross, as well as brothers-in-law, Thomas (Emily Ross), and Alexander (Kelsey Greer). Jessica was also a proud aunt of Oliver and Ruby Ross. Jessica will also missed by Chad Stevens, Jennifer Mathison, Sam and Cole Stevens, in addition to extended family and many friends.
We are heart-broken by the loss of Jessica whose unsurpassed energy, kindness, and grace left a mark on all the lives she touched. She was a wonderful person. Rest in peace Jessica – we love you.
Friends and Family are invited to visit at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on Friday, October 7th, 2022 from 1800 to 2000hrs and on Saturday, October 8th, 2022 from 1200 to 1400hrs in the Hall of Colours of Beechwood. A Funeral Service will be held – due to limited capacity of seating, the family will be sending a private invitation for those to attend the funeral in person. To all others, you are invited to register for the Livestreaming of Jessica’s Funeral at https://foveo.stream/beechwood/major-jessica-ross. A Burial Service with Full Military Honours will be held at the National Military Cemetery of Canada within Beechwood Cemetery at 1500hrs. Serving Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are invited to wear their uniforms (DEU 1A).
To those that wish to share photos of Jessica to be displayed during her visitation service, please share your photos to this link by 1500 hrs on Wednesday, October 5th. Photos can also be emailed along with any written letters or memories for the family to memoriesofjessross@gmail.com.
Maj Ross’ full obituary can be found here.
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Cpl David Goulet
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Cpl David Goulet on 3 July 2022.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Jean-Marc Goulet and Mrs. Monique Lagrange, and his brother, Jérémie, Cpl Goulet is also survived by his uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Cpl Goulet’s funeral will be celebrated on Friday, 22 July 2022 at 1400 hrs in the Saint-Anselme Church, Saint-Anselme, QC, where the family will be present to receive condolences from 1230 hrs.
To read Cpl Goulet’s full obituary and send your messages of condolence to the family, please click here.
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MCpl Sheldon Gouthro
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of MCpl Sheldon Gouthro, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on 11 July 2022.
MCpl Gouthro served 34 years with the CAF, including 16 years with The Corps of RCEME. He joined the CAF on 3 November 1988 as a Mobile Support Equipment Operator Class A Reservist and has served all over the East Coast from Pictou to Halifax to Sydney, NS. In October 1998, MCpl Gouthro transferred to the Construction Technician trade and in March 2006, he transferred to the Regular Forces and joined The Corps of RCEME as a Vehicle Technician. He had postings to Petawawa, Halifax, and Gagetown and he served overseas in Afghanistan from May to November 2010.
Sheldon Gouthro is survived by his wife, Audrey, his children, Daniel, Jacob, Laura, and Nathan, and his brother, Raphael. There will be a funeral on Friday, 15 July 22 at 1300 hrs at the St. Mary’s Chapel, CFB Gagetown. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, 15 July 22 at 1500 hrs at the Warrant Officer’s and Sergeant’s Mess, CFB Gagetown. Anyone who wishes to attend the funeral, please contact MWO Mabey at Matthew.Mabey@forces.gc.ca due to limited seating. Dress for both events is DEUs with medals or appropriate civilian attire.
MCpl Gouthro’s full obituary can be found here.
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Cpl Yoan Poudrier
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Corporal Yoan Poudrier at his home in St-Hubert, on May 8, 2022.
In addition to his mother Nadine Méthot and his father Michel Poudrier, Mr. Poudrier is survived by his sister Marie-Êve (Éric Chartrand), his godson Hunter Chartrand, his great friend Masson Collin, his uncles and aunts, cousins and several other relatives. and friends.
Corporal Poudrier will rest at the J.N. Donais complex, funeral cooperative, 191 rue Lindsay, Drummondville, on Sunday, May 22 from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. as well as on Monday, May 23 from 9 to 10:45 a.m. to receive expressions of sympathy. Corporal Poudrier’s funeral will be celebrated on Monday, May 23 at 11 a.m. at the St-Frédéric Basilica in Drummondville.
Also in mourning are his 2nd family, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, based at Montreal Garrison, CFB Longue Pointe.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Quebec Association for Suicide Prevention would be greatly appreciated by the family.
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MWO Alban Levesque
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of MWO Alban Levesque of Burton, NB on May 14th, 2022 at Hospice House Fredericton.
MWO Levesque joined the Canadian Armed Forces in January 1985, and had postings to Lahr, Chatham, Petawawa, Borden, and Gagetown. He served overseas in Iran-Iraq, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan during his career. He retired from the Reg Force in 2013, and moved back to Burton, NB where he served with 37 Svc Bn in Saint John, NB., until the time of his death. In 37 Service Battalion, MWO Levesque brought his wealth of experience and ability to the reserves, where he was a trusted advisor and mentor to many, and participated in numerous high-profile activities, including many trips to Labrador. MWO Levesque’s concern for the well-being of his soldiers was unparalleled.
MWO Levesque is survived by his loving life partner, Heather, his two stepsons, Michael (Meagan), Matthew (Jillian). He is also survived by his mother, Marina of Edmundston, his brothers, Sylvain (France), and Pierre, special niece, Audrey, sister, Donna, mother-in-law Audry Furniss (Herbert), brothers-in-law Jim Lamont (Linda), and Steven Lamont (Judy), as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 19th, 2022 at Oromocto Funeral Home from 6 – 8 pm. A funeral mass will take place at St. Mary’s Chapel, CFB Gagetown, on Friday, May 20th, 2022, at 11 am. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the Mass will be available at the following link: https://vimeo.com/710470413. In the event of technical issues, a recording of the service will be available the following day at the same link. A private family interment will be held at the Oromocto Pioneer Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice House Fredericton or Soldier On would be appreciated. MWO Levesque’s full obituary can be found here.
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Sgt Jamie Mathieu
Sgt Jamie Mathieu enrolled into the Canadian Armed Forces on 25 Jun 03 as an Electronic Optronic Technician Land (EO Tech L). He received a recruit school bypass and headed straight to CFB Borden, CFSEME, for trades training on Jun 03 then on his POET course in CFB Kingston.
Upon completion of his QL3 (DP1), he was posted to 1 General Support Battalion (1 GS Bn) at Edmonton Garrison on 28 Nov 05, where he was promoted to the rank of Cpl. He then completed his QL4 training package followed by his QL5A (DP2) on 31 Oct 2007.
As a newly qualified DP2 technician, he was posted to the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) (LdSH(RC)) from 01 Feb 2008 to 19 Jun 2012. While at that unit, he deployed to Afghanistan from 01 Oct 09 to 15 May 10 as a T-LAV MRT Technician. In Jun 12, Cpl Mathieu was promoted to MCpl and posted to 1 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Bn (1 PPCLI), where he was employed as an MRT Commander. While serving with 1 PPCLE, MCpl Mathieu would deploy on Op LENTUS twice, in 2013 to assist with flooding in southern Alberta and again in 2015 to the wildfires in Saskatchewan.
Two years later, MCpl Mathieu deployed to Latvia on OP REASSURANCE Roto 8 from 14 Jun to 18 Jan 17. He continued on with 1 PPCLI as Ancil MRT Comd until he was promoted to the his current rank, the rank of Sgt with posting that saw his return to 1 Svc Bn on 2 Jul 19 where he managed production as an EO Section Commander. On 15 Jul 21, he was posted to 1 RCHA in Shilo to be employed as the EO Section Commander.
Throughout his career, Mathieu has provided excellent mentorship to junior EO techs, established a positive working environment for his section and gained trust from his peers and subordinates through his dependability and leadership.<
Sgt Jamie Mathieu passed away on 18 Oct 21 in Brandon, MB. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time of sudden loss.
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19 May 1933 – 20 October 2020
Tribute to our dear Col Cmdt 1991-2004
This book is a collection of stories and photos from members (past and present) of The Corps of RCEME whose lives, in one way or another, were influenced by Col (Ret’d) Murray Johnston.
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20 February 1966 – 11 June 2020
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Cpl Aaron Michael St James
Corporal Aaron St James was born 20 April 1995 in Vancouver, British Columbia. He began his 7 year service to Canada on 26 March 2014. Following Basic training, he was posted first to the RCEME School at Canadian Forces Base Borden, and then to 1 Service Battalion at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, to complete his Vehicle Technician training. Upon achieving his trade qualifications, Corporal St James was posted to the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry in Shilo, Manitoba in 2018. In June of 2019 he deployed to Latvia with the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Rotation 19-02.
Throughout his career, Corporal St James proudly served the Army of the West. His pride in the RCEME Corps and his personal pride of serving the nation was evident to all who served with and knew him. The military and especially the RCEME Corps were more than a career to Corporal St James; his fellow soldiers were truly an extended family to him.
Corporal St James passed away on 27 April 2020 and is survived by his wife Joanna St James and his brother Special Constable Matthew St James.
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Sgt Kathryn Elisabeth Howard
After 29 years of loyal service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME), Sgt Kathryn Elisabeth Howard passed away suddenly on 14 April 2020.
Sgt Kathryn Howard was born in Smith Falls, Ontario. She joined the CAF in August of 1991 as an EGS Technician and attended basic training at the CF Recruit School Cornwallis. Upon successful completion of her training she was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, NB where she voluntarily transferred to the RCEME corps as a Vehicle Technician. She was posted to 1 Svc Bn, Edmonton in October of 1992 after passing her QL3 training and spent the next 4 years honing her skills as a technician.
Sgt Howard married her wife Jonna in August of 1995 and three short years later welcomed their beautiful son Dylan into the world in January of 1998. She completed her QL5 training in the early months of 1996 and was posted shortly after to the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Petawawa, Ontario. While in Petawawa, Sgt Howard deployed on two separate tours of duty. One was with Task Force Golan on OP DENACA in 1997 and the other was with the Infantry Battle Group on OP PALLADIUM to Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2003.
She was posted to CFB Cold Lake in December of 2004 and bounced between 4 Construction Engineering Squadron and 4 Air Combat Service Support. She attended the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver with OP PODIUM and was deployed to Afghanistan in the same year on ROTO 11.
In the summer of 2016, Sgt Howard was posted to 1 CER in Edmonton as the B-Veh Section commander. While on IR she spent countless hours on the road between Edmonton and Cold Lake visiting her family whenever she could. When a position opened up in the summer of 2017 in Cold Lake she jumped at the chance to get home and become the Maint IC for 4 CES.
Sgt Howard had several hobbies ranging from making chainmail to 3D printing various objects. She enjoyed tinkering with electronics and using her virtual reality which she brought in to the unit for some morale days. She was a very caring and empathetic person that would do anything she could to help someone in need and will be missed dearly by everyone who knew her.
“Arte et Marte”