National NEWSLETTER - Web Edition

September 2006

 Page 6
 

Region Reports

From British Columbia ….

- Linda Stewart

Linda Stewart - Director, BC RegionAll of our membership in British Columbia is deeply saddened by the death of Lionel Speller; Lionel was the long-time President of the HKVA in BC. His family was by his side. His daughter Carol and son Ross were both in town and helping their Mom. Carol said her Dad went peacefully. He was not awake at all for the last day or so. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to Ida, Ross and Carol, and all his family and comrades.

Jeff Bell, a Times Colonist staff reporter, interviewed Cliff Chadderton for his article entitled “A strong, committed man”. Jeff Bell wrote, in part, -- “Lionel Speller will be remembered for his passion for the lot of war veterans, his dedication to his family and more than six decades of service to the Royal Canadian Legion … Chadderton said his friend, who died April 30 at 86, was always strong-willed and committed to a cause – as he demonstrated to federal politicians. “I once had him in front of five parliamentary committees and said ‘OK Lionel, you’re my witness, you tell these people what it’s all about.’” Chadderton laughed and said, “Some of the language had to be struck from the record.” That straight-talking nature never left him, Chadderton said. “The last time I saw him he was in Broadmead Lodge, and he still had all the fight in his eye.” Chadderton said Speller’s determination was in evidence as he went off to war. “The army wouldn’t give him a motorcycle, and he was crazy about motorcycles. So he brought his own. How the hell he smuggled it on the troop ship, I don’t know.”

Among all the cars, there were three motorcycles in the funeral procession at Royal Oak Cemetery attended by close friends and family. A friend of his son Ross was riding in his Navy dress uniform and another friend rode his green vintage Harley Davidson, circa 1940. The third bike was mine, a black 600 Honda Shadow. On the gas tank and back fender is the HK emblem. I knew Lionel would like it if I rode my bike. I first got to know Lionel Speller in 2001 when I became Regional Director here in BC. I still remember the first time he found out that I rode a motorcycle. He said, with a huge grin on his face, “I knew there was something I liked about you!” We often talked about motorcycles when I visited him when he was at Broadmead Lodge. Weather permitting; I would ride my bike. He always got such a kick out of it when I would walk in wearing my leathers and carrying my helmet.

Following the funeral, there was a memorial service held at the Trafalgar/Pro Patria Legion in Victoria. The hall was filled with friends and family, Hong Kong veterans and commemorative members, and dozens of Legion members. Aubrey Flegg and Betty Waldenberger, Gerry and Ev Gerrard; and Arnie and Meta Parker were at the service.
Several HKVCA members (Kate Sarginson, Harvelyn McInnis, Murray Doull and David Anderson and his wife) and, Bridget Preston, the Director for Veterans Affairs in Victoria, were in attendance. I spoke on behalf of the HKVCA and passed on messages from Phil Doddridge and Carol Hadley to the family. The Legion was packed and Lionel received a wonderful tribute from all in attendance.

I spoke with Ida, on August 16th, the day that would have been their 54th wedding anniversary. She’s holding up well. Her children visit as often as they can and she’s had friends and relatives helping out. Months and months before Lionel had to go to Broadmead Lodge, she and Lionel had made an application to Immigration to have a Filipino girl come to stay with them to help them stay in their home as long as possible. Fortunately, Ida had also signed the forms along with Lionel and so she was able to continue the process. Julie arrived this past week and she moved into the suite in the basement. Ida was very pleased and her children are much relieved to know that someone is there with her. Julie’s aunt is a friend of Ida’s and lives just around the corner. It’s a wonderful situation for everyone. Ida asked me to tell you that she really appreciates all the cards and letters she received. When she’s feeling low she takes out the cards and letters and re-reads the kind messages that you’ve sent her.

We are extremely sorry to inform you of more deaths in the Hong Kong family in British Columbia.

Other recent deaths in the Hong Kong Family:

Condolences have been expressed by the HKVCA to the families.

It is difficult now to change gears and tell you of the wonderful gatherings we had at our traditional Spring lunches held in Vancouver and Victoria. All of us at the luncheons remembered those loved ones now gone. We shared stories and remembrances and also created new memories.

Aubrey Flegg, Jan Solecki, Dick Maze, Gerry Gerrard, John Lowe, Frank Brown, Will Allister (Murray Doull photo)
There were seven HK vets in attendance at the Vancouver Luncheon held on June 10th: Frank Brown (WG); Gerry Gerrard, (RCCS); Dick Maze, (WG); Will Allister, (RCCS); Aubrey Flegg (WG); Jan Solecki (HKVDC); and John Lowe (RRC). Three widows: Loretta Baty, widow of Arthur Baty (WG); Pearl MacPherson, widow of Don MacPherson (WG); and June Naylor, widow of Howard Naylor Sr., (RCCS). All told there were 41 in attendance. We were honoured to have Irene Lugsden, Vancouver District Director of Veterans’ Affairs Canada at the podium sharing information on the New Veterans’ Charter. She was a wonderful speaker and we thoroughly enjoyed having her as our guest. Following a delightful lunch and happy chatter we were regaled with song. Frank Brown started it off with his rendition of “The Galloping Grenadiers”. A number performed by Jan Solecki quickly followed. Jan was soon joined by Will Allister who shared a duet with us. Will Allister finished off the impromptu entertainment with a solo. It was simply quite wonderful.

Harry Gyselman (r), Larry Stebbe (c), Gerry Gerrard (l), and Arnold Parker (sitting) (Murray Doull photo)There was a smaller but equally enchanting gathering in Victoria on May 27th. Four Hong Kong veterans attended: Gerry Gerrard (RCCS); Larry Stebbe (WG); Harry Gyselman (WG); and Arnold Parker (WG) and one widow, May Jakel (widow of Alton Jewers), along with several commemorative members and guests. Bridget Preston, Victoria District Director for Veterans Affairs Canada, gave us a very personal speech telling us how honoured she was to be invited to have lunch with the veterans and how proud she was of them.

Gerry’s daughter Pat created a photo album of Gerry and Ev’s trip to Hong Kong in December/05 and it was passed around the room. It was a real labour of love. Pat spent many, many hours putting it together. Everyone agreed it was a beautiful album.

Gerry Gerrard and his wife Ev with their daughter Pat White and her husband Dave. Pat made the memorabilia book for her Dad (Murray Doull photo)
We wish to extend our very best wishes to Walter and Jean Gray who will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on August 26. They have recently returned from visiting family in New Brunswick and were accompanied by their daughter Faith Elliot.

It’s hard to believe that we’re nearing the end of August with Christmas only four months away. I’d like to get this notice out there in case I don’t get another chance. We will be having our traditional wreath laying at the cenotaph in Victoria in front of the Legislative Buildings at 2 PM on Sunday, December 24th. We hope to see many of you there. It is an informal gathering but certainly an important opportunity to gather together to remember and honour The Hong Kong Veterans of Canada.

May God bless you and keep you.
Until we meet again, Linda.

From Alberta-Saskatchewan …

- Gail Richoz

Gail Richoz - Director Ab/Sask RegionWE’RE “ROPIN” YOU TO CALGARY
THE 2007 HKVCA CONVENTION

It’s a very exciting time in Calgary these days. On July 26, 2006 our one-millionth citizen was born at midnight. There’s more work than people to fill the jobs…yet everywhere you go our trademark Western Hospitality is in full swing!

On August 15 to 19 our 2007 HKVCA National Convention will be held in this beautiful city, and of course, in the Stampede tradition, there will be lots to see and do throughout the weekend.

We have booked the Hyatt Regency, a five star hotel in the heart of downtown with full spa, indoor pool and fabulous dining. The light rail transit C-TRAIN platform is immediately adjacent to the Hotel, which will whisk you to great shopping; the famous Calgary Zoo; or you can just ride the rails and sightsee.

The Hyatt was very generous with their rates and are offering all HKVCA delegates:
• $135 per night for single/double
• $170 per night for triple
• $205 per night for quad
• $195 for Regency Club
• $420 for One Bedroom Regency Suite
• $675 for One Bedroom Conference Suite

Full details of all the benefits of these rooms will be included in your registration packages. Expect to see them in March 2007.

We have reserved 75 rooms for August 15, so the National Executive of the HKV and HKVCA may carry out their business meetings on the morning of August 16. We’ll be in full swing by the afternoon of August 16, as we will be welcoming arriving delegates throughout the day. So be sure to set aside that weekend to share in the fun and fellowship that is a trademark of our conventions.

Oh, and one more thing… don’t forget to pack your jeans as well as your formal wear… you’re gonna need ‘em!

Patti Stebbe, Chairman
2007 HKVCA National Convention

From Manitoba ….

- Juliet Lafortune

Hello to one and all…

Well we have had a quiet summer here in Manitoba so there isn't really much to tell you.
I attended a Memorial for the Belgian Legion with Vince and Stan Lopata, our colour party. I laid a wreath on behalf of the HKVA as George Peterson was enjoying the Beach where we hear he caught his first fish off his dock.

We have had a hot summer here just like the rest of Canada. I was able to get away to Brantford Ontario to see my daughter Linda May, her husband Bill and most of all my grandchildren Liam and Sarah. My son Justin came with me. He is seven and he enjoyed his first airplane ride. We took in many activities while we were there – the 10 days went fast.

We have held very successful Tea & Tidbits (special lunches for the ladies in the Manitoba Branch). Our ladies like to visit, share stories and they look forward to the next one in September.

We had our VJ (Victory over Japan) Day celebration on August 13th at All Saints Church with approximately 80 people in attendance. We had a pictorial display of the Battle of Hong Kong, the special protocol service and tours of the Church as that is where the Winnipeg Grenadier Colours are hung and a memorial plaque with the Grenadiers that have died since the end of the war.

We are now working on our Reunion for October 21st, 2006. We hope many members and families will attend.

Well take care and God Bless.

From Ontario ….

- Mike Babin

Mike Babin - Director, Ontario RegionPerhaps by the time you receive this newsletter the heat will have retreated and we’ll be enjoying more moderate temperatures than the record highs we’ve experienced in Ontario so far this summer. It’s been a scorcher!

As I wrote in the last newsletter, we in the Ontario HKVCA are strong believers in engaging students in the Hong Kong story as a way of ensuring that our heroes are not forgotten. Pat Turcotte and her team have been very busy distributing our Hong Kong lesson plans to schools across the country and setting up workshops for history teachers where they will learn about the Hong Kong story and how to teach it.

We’re also working on several other related initiatives. A very exciting one is an essay writing contest for high school students which will offer cash prizes for the best essays on the topic “Hong Kong 1941-1945”. We plan to announce this in the fall to schools across the country. Students will submit essays to a panel for judging, and be eligible to win prizes of up to $200!

George MacDonell was one of the six Veterans who traveled to Hong Kong last December to participate in the commemoration ceremonies at Sai Wan Cemetery and other locations. George has published a document with text and photographs that is a wonderful memento of his trip. With George’s permission we’re exploring how we might make use of his document to help further our mission of introducing the Hong Kong topic into school study programs.

One of the participants in our December trip to Hong Kong, Sandy Brain from Vancouver, was in Toronto recently to visit a relative (Sandy’s father was L/C Donald MacPherson - WG). Sandy had contacted one of the teachers responsible for organizing the school’s trip to HK, and several of us from the HKVCA - including Veteran Flash Clayton and his wife Jessie - ended up being invited to address a large group of students at the Courtice High School (about 40km east of Toronto). These were not students who had traveled to Hong Kong, so it enabled us to speak to a group not yet familiar with the Hong Kong Veterans’ story. Rogers TV recorded the event and did a few interviews.

The Canada Veterans Hall of Valour (CVHV) in Ottawa is a private association that honours veterans from all wars. Our North East Ontario Area Rep, Ron McGuire has worked tirelessly to ensure that Hong Kong Veterans are represented in the CVHC. His efforts so far have resulted in 5 members of “C Force” being inducted, with two more in the wings for 2007. You can visit the CVHV’s web site at
www.canadaveteranshallofvalour.com .

Finally, we plan to soon hold a general meeting of the HKVA and HKVCA membership in Toronto, to be followed by a luncheon. Ontario members should watch their mail for more details on date, time and location.

From Quebec ….

- Lucette Mailloux Muir

Hello all from Quebec Region.

Hope you all enjoyed a nice and joyful summer. Since we last had a chance to talk, we in Quebec have been quite busy with the regular business at hand. I attended the monthly National Online Meeting as often as possible.

We attended the Celebration of Life for Lancelot Ross in Ottawa and in August, his Internment at home on the Gaspe Coast. Lance is sadly missed by all his Comrades and everyone who had the chance to know him.

We visited Oswald Clark in hospital and then at the home. Ossie is doing much better and attended our recent reunion. Calls were made to other Veterans and Widows who live further away.

In June we held a Joint-Executive Meeting in New Richmond, QC. Present were Philip Doddridge, Henry Lyons, Arnold Ross, Jean Paul Dallain, Bob Barter, Richard Keays, Marcel Mondou, Allan Marshall, Debbie Batley Everett and yours truly. The meeting went very well. Following the meeting the spouses joined all the executive members for a lovely meal and a friendly chat.

From August 10 to 13, Granby was the host city for our Bi-Annual Reunion. Present were eleven HK Vets, Wives, Widows, Family members and Friends of the HK Family for a total of 83. We were sorry to miss four of our HK Vets who had to cancel at the last minute and one how who had to leave early, all due to sickness.

Six of our provinces were represented; it was a pleasure to feel the great interest. Friday morning we held our Joint General Meeting and the day closed with a real “Quebecois Meal”, music and dance. Saturday morning we held our Commemorative Celebrations and Parade and later our closing Banquet, including our drawings and dance. Sunday morning we had our “Farewell” breakfast as people started to think about their trip back home. It was just great to see the camaraderie of our veterans and seeing everyone fraternizing and catching up on all the news. Thank you all who attended and all who helped to make this Reunion a success with your participation.

Quebec Region also held their Elections. Your complete executive was re-elected and we would like to welcome our new Deputy Director, Renay Perrier. Renay is a busy retired person with great experience etc. and a friend of the Hong Kong Family. He has been very interested in all veterans and recently more and more in Hong Kong.
That is about it for this time.

All Quebec Region Members would also take this opportunity to wish you and yours Season Greetings and the Best for the New Year.

From the Atlantic ……

-Neil Darragh

A phone call with Neil informs us of the Atlantic Region holding their Reunion on September 8, 9 and 10th for the HKVA and HKVCA. These joint meetings will be held in Florenceville and they are expecting 6 or 7 veterans to be attending. Other special guests have been invited to make this a memorable occasion. If you need more information call Neil at 1-506-276-3638.

Special thoughts and prayers go out to Verna and Ken Pearson and to Neil’s mother as they face some health challenges. Please know that your burdens are lightened with our prayers.