Vic Lotto: Oak Bay artist

Colleague Vic was recently featured in a Times Colonist article.

Anyone with an original Lotto cartoon or painting should have it appraised.

Finally!

Trade takes over!

"In a major report to be released Wednesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is instructed to “entrench the concept of ‘economic diplomacy’ as the driving force behind the Government of Canada’s activities through its international diplomatic network."

Globe article

At last the department has been given focus, and one that pursues Canadian interests rather than some fuzzy, ideal such as 'promote Canadian values abroad'.

Départ à la Retraite de Marie-Lucie Morin / Marie-Lucie Morin's Retirement

Chers collègues et amis de Marie-Lucie,

Certains d'entre vous savent peut-être que Marie-Lucie prendra sa retraite de la Banque Mondiale et de la Fonction publique du Canada le 31 décembre 2013 après 33 années de loyaux services.

Nous planifions une petite fête pour célébrer sa retraite le jeudi 12 décembre ici, à la Banque Mondiale à Washington, et nous aimerions pouvoir lui offrir une collection de messages de ses collègues et amis.  C'est pourquoi nous souhaitons recevoir vos voeux, anecdotes ou photos.

Je vous prie de bien vouloir me faire parvenir vos message pour Marie-Lucie à l'adresse aturcotte@worldbank.org au plus tard le vendredi 6 décembre.

N'hésitez pas à partager ce message avec ceux que j'aurais pu oublier de copier.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear colleagues and friends of Marie-Lucie,

As some of you may already know, Marie-Lucie will retire from the World Bank and the Public Service of Canada on December 31, 2013 after 33 years of loyal service.

We are planning to celebrate her retirement at the World Bank, here in Washington, on Thursday, December 12, and we would like to be able to offer her a book of messages from her colleagues and friends.  Any good wishes, anecdotes and photos you may want to share would be welcome.

I would be grateful to receive your messages for Marie-Lucie no later than Friday, December 6, at the following email address:aturcotte@worldbank.org.

Please do not hesitate to circulate this message to anyone I might have forgotten on the distribution list.

Merci beaucoup,

Anne

Anne Turcotte
Senior Executive Assistant
Office of the Executive Director for Canada, Ireland and the Caribbean
+ The World Bank, 1818 H St. NW, MC 12-179, Washington, D.C. 20433, USA
' (202) 473-9767 | 7 (202) 477-4155 | * aturcotte@worldbank.org

Ambassador Ken Taylor and PM Joe Clark at ByTowne

The filmmakers of Our Man In Tehran, Drew Taylor and Larry Weinstein, have helped us organize an amazing special event that will bring Ken Taylor and Joe Clark to the ByTowne for a panel discussion. During the 1980 Iran Hostage Crisis, Mr. Taylor was Canadian Ambassador to Iran and Mr. Clark was Prime Minister.

The film goes behind the scenes and uses previously classified information to reconstruct the whole story of Canadian involvement in the dramatic events of the hostage crisis, and sets the record straight on many points that were fictionalized in last year's Oscar-winning drama Argo.

At the screening of Our Man In Tehran on Sunday, November 17th at 6:20pm, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Clark, accompanied by the filmmakers, will participate in a panel discussion about their involvement, followed by an open question-and-answer session with the audience.

General admission to the film and panel discussion is $15, and $12 for ByTowne Members.

Advance tickets are available at the ByTowne box office only, starting Tuesday, November 12th. Box office will be open4:00 pm - 10:30 pm Tuesday to Friday, 11:45 am - 10:30 pm Saturday, and from 12:15 pm Sunday. And remember, the ByTowne doesn't take credit or debit cards (sorry!), so stop at an ATM on your way here to load up on cash. Thanks!

The film will also be presented, without panel discussion, on the 15th, 16th and 18th of November, at regular ByTowne prices. For more information on the film, click the title above.

Remembrance Day Lunch, Ottawa

Twenty showed up for lunch at the New Eddy on Nov. 11. The photos tell the story.

Report on the 2013 "Mike's Mug" Golf Outing

Greetings to all in "Mike's Mug" golf diaspora,

Here is a belated summary of our trip to Rome October 6 - 13, 2013:

One week before our trip 16 had confirmed their participation.  Unfortunately, health issues reduced our number to 12 at the last moment as DeMontigny Marchand came down with a bad back; Romano Curti (a friend from Windsor - and ex-President of Beach Grove GC - a Stanley Thompson course)  wound up in Intensive Care with pneumonia; and George Costaris from Windsor tore his MCL.  

With great cooperation from Castelgandolfo Golf Resort which did not charge any penalties for the last minute cancellations, the remainder of the group gamely carried on. It now comprised Bill Clarke, John Bell, Tom Greenberg (Men's Captain at my club - Larrimac) and his wife Sue: Jack Kepper; Bob Merner; Claudio Vallee and wife Louise; Marc Perron; Gabriel Lessard; and yours truly.

The group trickled in on Saturday and Sunday in a variety of vehicles, only 2 of which had GPS.  Even then, finding the Resort was not easy as the entrance gate is hidden off a small road climbing up the side of an old volcanic crater.  All agreed that the effort was worthwhile, however, as the main building with clubhouse and restaurant is a centuries-old villa constructed by a Bishop with a dramatic view of the course nestled in the crater below and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the horizon.   The accommodation was in a newer complex with even better views from large balconies.  The rooms were very large, clean and comfortable and no one complained even though TVs didn't function due to an electrical problem and hot water was occasionally in short supply.  The buffet breakfast offered a wide selection and left no doubt that the Italians make the best cappuccino in the world.  We enjoyed a fine dinner at the Resort and also found (with some navigation problems) other good ristoranti recommended to us. (See photos attached.  The Pope's Summer Residence is on top of the hill above the clubhouse.) 

The weather generally cooperated with temperatures in the low 20s although we played through afternoon showers on 3 days. There were 9 male contestants for Mike's Mug.  We each agreed to put 20 Euros in the pot with the winner of the most net skins each day to receive 20 Euros and the winner of Mike's Mug after 6 days based on daily adjusted handicaps and net  Stableford points to receive 60 Euros.

Day 1 began at Robert Trent Jones-designed Castelgandolfo where Jack (sandbagger?) Kepper lept to the lead with an unheard of 58 points followed by Marc with 38 and Claudio with 35.  Jack won the net skins with 5.

Day 2 was played at Fioranello Golf Club situated right by the Appia Antica and one of the original Roman acquaducts.  It poured rain during our way there and was very difficult to find without GPS (I know because I was driving without one!)  After play, (during which John Bell pushed a dead electric push cart for 13 holes - good work John!!), Claudio assumed the lead with a 2 day total of 72 points followed by Marc and Gabriel with 71.  Jack fell off to 62 thus proving he is not a sandbagger.  Gabriel won net skins with 3.

Day 3 dawned bright and sunny and by now we had figured out the navigation.  Claudio took Tom in his car aided by a Tom-Tom (perhaps it was a Tom-Tom-TOM!) and the rest of us followed in a Mercedes van intrepidly piloted by Bob Merner and guided by Tom Greenberg's Garmin.  We played at a relatively new Tom Fazio- designed course called Marco Simone which was excellent.  I managed 49 Stableford points and won the net skins with 4 (my hcp had ballooned by 10 points by then!) but my 3 day total was only 101 - far behind Gabriel with 111, Marc with 109 and Claudio with 108.

Day 4 was special as we played at the oldest, most establishmentarian course in Rome - Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta, just outside the walls of Rome.  Everyone played reasonably close to their handicaps but the steadiest after 4 days were Marc and Claudio with 145, Gabriel with 142 and Bill Clarke with 141.  The net skins prize was shared 3 ways by Bob, Bill, and me.  Jack Kepper met the President of the Club - Generale Commendatore Dottore Carlo Alfiero whe was very welcoming and charming.  Jack had an interesting discussion with him about the possibility of extending mutual privileges with the Royal Ottawa.  (Let us know how it goes Jack.)

Day 5 was moving day and we played at Olgiata where I was a member in 1967 and 1968.  During that time Al Balding and George Knudson represented Canada in the World Cup at Olgiata.  The U.S. team of Julius Boros and Lee Trevino won the Cup but Al Balding won the individual title.  It was a wonderful, nostalgic, but rather sobering experience.  The pine trees had grown huge and on the 2nd hole, a 180 M par 3 where I used to hit 5 iron, I hit 4 iron from155 M and was still short.  Sic transit gloria.  Making the biggest moves on moving day were Gabriel with 46 points and Bob Merner with 43.  They shared the low net skins prize.  John Bell managed 41 points and Claudio had a steady 36.  So - heading into the final day Gabriel led with 188 followed by Marc and Claudio with 182, and John with 178.

Day 6, the final day, was back at Castelgandolfo, and the 4 leaders went off together.  It was quite a battle, but in the end, Gabriel faded with 32 points, Claudio was steady yet again with 38 but Marc made the big move with 40 points to win Mike's Mug with a total of 222, 2 more than both Claudio and Gabriel.  Bob Merner was 4th with 217 points and Tom Greenberg was 5th with 215.  Marc and Claudio split the net skins with 2 each.  FÉLICITATIONS MARC!!!

It should be pointed out that the BEST GOLFER, in other words the low gross winner, was Tom Greenberg who began with a hcp of 10 and saw it escalate to a high of 15.  But he shot mid 80s every day and managed a sterling 78 on the final day.  Amazing - given that he lost his wallet in London on the way over going through Security.  Perhaps, however, it only proves the old adage that behind every successful man stands a woman!  Good going Sue taking over all the financial and driving responsibilities.

One final item.  There was some discussion of future venues and it appears Louise Vallee will be putting forward a proposal to test interest in a trip to Jamaica during the winter.

I had a great time and I believe the others did as well.  Best wishes to all from this retired- forever Gentil Organizzatore and remember the old Roman proverb:  "Mangia bene, cacca forte e non aver' paura della morte!"

Don Wismer

Foreign Service Community Association Annual Art Exhibition

Foreign Service Community Association 28th Annual Art Exposition. Pearson Building, 125 Sussex Drive, November 5-7, 9-5pm. Oils and acrylics, plus photography, stained and fused glass, and sculptures. Government-issued photo ID is required. 613-944-5729. 

See David Clendenning's website: www.clendenning.com under Next Shows for further description. 

Speaker's Lunch, Nov. 7

Friend and colleague, George Haynal, has asked that Amigos members be made aware of a special luncheon to be held at the Rideau Club, Thursday, November 7, 2013, from 12 to 2 pm.  Anne Park (former colleague and Spouse of Gerry Shannon) will be giving a talk based on her book about the history of Canadians in Japan dating back to the first shipwreck intruder in the mid 19th century – see the Speakers Lunch detail provided below. Ambassador of Japan, Norihiro Okuda, will be joining Anne for this event and the lunch has been prepared by Ambassador Okuda’s personal chef. Cost is $50.69, including HST, payable at the door. those interested should call the Rideau Club at 613.233.7787 to reserve. 

Who's on first?

Cantata Singers Concert - Nov. 17

Cantata Singers of Ottawa is turning 50! Hard to imagine the choir’s been around for that long, isn’t it? Our first concert of the season will be a special one to celebrate the event. Here’s some information about it for you. Of course I have tickets. So if you’d like one – or more than one – please let me know.

“50^th Anniversary Concert - A Choral Celebration” will feature the Canadian premiere of Bob Chilcott's Salisbury Vespers, with guests Capital Brassworks and the Cantiamo Girls Choir. It’s a very beautiful work with lots of interesting, sometimes jazzy rhythms. Perfect for celebrating!

The concert will be followed by a Gala Reception to reminisce about the past 50 years and raise a glass to the future. (Please note a separate reception ticket is needed and must be purchased in advance.) After seeing the menu, it should be a gala indeed!

Date is Sunday November 17 at 3:00 pm

Location: Dominion Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street at O’Connor

Concert Ticket prices:

tickets from a choir member, CD Warehouse, Compact Music or The Leading Note.

Adults: $30 ($5 advance purchase discount)
Seniors: $25 ($5 advance purchase discount)
Students: $10
Gala Reception: $15 (available in advance only)Adults: $30 ($5 advance purchase discount)

Seniors: $25 ($5 advance purchase discount)

Students: $10

Gala Reception:

$15 (must be purchased in advance)

Really hope to see lots of you there. - Cathy Patton (cathy.patton@rogers.com)

Season tickets also offer incredible value with three concerts for the price of two. Click here for more details: http://cantatasingersottawa.ca/tickets.php

Hope to see you there for an afternoon of celebratory music!

Andrew Griffith's Book Launch

Excerpt:

My intent in writing the book was three-fold:

• First, provoke an informed discussion on the relationship between the government and the public service, and the challenges that both the government and the public service faced in implementing major changes in government policies.
• Secondly, provide some context for the “friends and enemies” language with respect to public servants. The Conservative government came in with a strong conservative ideology, in addition to viewing itself as an “outsider”. Meanwhile, most public servants had a middle of the road, small “l”, liberal ideology, evidenced by the fact that we choose government work because we largely believe that government can be a force for good.
• Thirdly, I hoped to show that there are no heroes or villains here. Both sides are sincere in their belief of the public good and in their desire to build a stronger Canada. But fundamental distrust on both sides, disagreements over what is the public good and a stronger Canada, made us sometimes lose sight of that common interest.

Read the whole thing here.

And have a look at Andrew's blog: here.

John Kneale's Latest Book

Roger Belanger 8:11pm Sep 20 Christian Lapointe a attiré mon attention sur le plus récent livre de John Kneale. Merci Christian. “Volcano Rising: An Ambassador’s Diary” by John Kneale | Books On Beechwood www.booksonbeechwood.ca “Volcano Rising: An Ambassador’s Diary” by John Kneale This is a concise, well-written account of what it was like to be Canadian Ambassador to Ecuador during three of its most turbulent years... http://www.booksonbeechwood.ca/?p=1093

Andrew Griffith's Book

(copied from Roger's post in Facebook) Roger Belanger posted in Ex-TCS/SDC (2012) Roger Belanger 10:34pm Sep 17 Andrew Griffith's new book is now available at Amazon. Official book launch is on Sept 23rd. http://www.amazon.ca/Policy-Arrogance-Innocent-Bias-ebook/dp/B00F2P9JXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379471574&sr=1-1&keywords=andrew+griffith Policy Arrogance or Innocent Bias: Resetting Citizenship and Multiculturalism www.amazon.ca Canada is known for its inclusive citizenship and multiculturalism policies that have been largely s...

Strike Updates

Striking diplomats confident they have 'slam dunk' case

Union seeking forced arbitration with government at labour board hearing

- article

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Ken Taylor says Ottawa 'mischievous' in diplomats strike

- article

Diplomatic Appointments

August 23, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced the following diplomatic appointments:

Shawn Barber becomes High Commissioner in the Republic of Mozambique.

Perry Calderwood becomes High Commissioner in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Permanent Observer to the Economic Community of West African States, with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.

Marie Gervais-Vidricaire becomes Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany.

Otto Jelinek becomes Ambassador to the Czech Republic.

John R. Kur becomes Ambassador to the Russian Federation, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Armenia.

Joanne Lemay becomes Ambassador to Romania, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Bulgaria.

Wayne Robson becomes Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City.

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2013/08/23c.aspx?lang=eng

Diplomatic Appointment

Richard Fernandez in PJmedia.com comments on the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as ambassador to Japan.

Perhaps the saddest headline in the last week belongs to the Wall Street Journal: A Primer on Japan for Caroline Kennedy. “President Obama’s choice as ambassador may find herself dealing with a Beijing-Tokyo military confrontation.” What’s wrong with the picture of an American ambassador to Japan, on her way to one of the hottest troublespots on earth, being offered a tutorial titled “Japan 101″? Why nothing. Nothing at all that the Obama administration will notice. What can be wrong in a world where knowledge is nothing and forgetfulness is everything?

Sun: Fat Cats on Strike

Brian Lilley has no sympathy.

http://www.edmontonsun.com/2013/07/30/these-strikers-hard-done-by-hardly

TCS Class of 1931-32

Dana Wilgress, a manager pictured here in 1931, joined TCS just before WW1. His first posting was to Omsk, Siberia where he hoped to sell farm and forestry equipment. When the Canadian Army and a detachment of RCMP were dispatched to Vladivostok late in 1918 to support the allied invasion of the Soviet Union, Wilgress was ordered to find billets for them. He took the Trans-Siberian Railway thither and found the necessary billets, including one in the local jail for Canadian Army Private Raymond Massey (see photo in Massey's autobiography). Wilgress eventually became High Commissioner to London. A copy of his autobiography is available in the DFTAD library (formerly DFAIT).

TCS Class of 1930-31

There are two class photos for this group  -- extra good-looking, perhaps.

TCS Class of 1921-22

Looking for George Shannon

Does anyone have a contact point for George Shannon?

If so, please let me know (johnhughlang@gmail.com) - jl

HOM Appointments

July 12, 2013 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today announced the following diplomatic appointments:

Philippe Beaulne becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal.

Andrée Cooligan becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Finland.

David Devine becomes Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Yves Gagnon becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba.

Nicole Giles becomes High Commissioner in the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Representative to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), with concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Republic of Suriname.

Lisa Helfand becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary.

Deborah Lyons becomes Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Jennifer MacIntyre becomes Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation.

Peter McGovern becomes Ambassador to the Italian Republic and Permanent Representative to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Food Programme and the International Fund for Agricultural Development, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of San Marino, and High Commissioner in the Republic of Malta.

Isabelle Poupart becomes Ambassador to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, in Vienna.

Neil Reeder becomes Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines.

Bruno Saccomani becomes Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Iraq.

Stuart Savage becomes Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala, with concurrent accreditation as High Commissioner in Belize.

Biographical notes on the appointees follow.

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2013/07/12b.aspx

Our Condolences to colleague, Peter Furesz

"Dina Vargas Price passed away on July 6, 2013 in Santiago, Chile, at the age of 47. Dina was the spouse of Peter Furesz, Trade Program Manager at the Embassy of Canada in Santiago (STAGO).

Dina was a woman of great strength, optimism and warmth, who always knew how to overcome her inevitable fate of fragile health. STAGO colleagues are deeply saddened by the passing of Dina who will leave a great void among them.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcomed at the Chilean institution Hogar de Niñas, Las Creches (in Spanish) or sending an email to eliana@lascreches.cl."

Goodbye DFAIT; Hello DFATD

Roger Belanger says it's official.

Treat Foreign Service Fairly

Letter to Citizen from a FS spouse. Here.

No wonder diplomats are on strike: The foreign service needs fixing

Colin Robertson in the Globe, here.

The Decline and Fall of the Foreign Service

Writing in the Dorchester Review, Terrance Storms says Canada's foreign service no longer really exists. Not really news.

Article here.

New Chief Trade Commissioner Appointed

A new Chief Trade Commissioner at DFAIT (from a Broadcast Message).

Susan Bincoletto, currently ADM and Chief Financial Officer at Industry Canada, will be joining the department. Upon Peter McGovern’s expected departure on posting, she will be assigned to the Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister, International Business Development, Innovation and Asia role.

Susan Bincoletto is currently ADM and Chief Financial Officer at Industry Canada. Susan previously held ADM-level positions in two branches of Industry Canada: Strategic Policy Branch and Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Branch. Over the years, Susan has led many important economic policy initiatives, such as the successful reform of the Copyright Act, which brought Canada’s copyright regime in line with those of its international partners, and the development of the first guidelines on State-Owned Enterprises under the Investment Canada Act. She was responsible for implementing the Red Wilson Panel’s recommendations on the Competition Act and Investment Canada Act amendments, for the Vancouver Olympics bill, as well as for amendments to the Patented Medicines Regulations and the review of the Canadian Access to Medicines regime, which she helped negotiate at the WTO.

Susan has also had a range of international and trade experience. She was a part of the Canadian delegation during the OECD discussions of a Multilateral Agreement on Investment; led Canada’s position in the WTO European Union and U.S. pharmaceutical challenges to Canada’s patent regime, and the passage of Bill S-17, which implemented the WTO ruling; and supported the Canada-EU wine and spirits negotiations in relation to trademarks and geographical indications, implementing the regulatory package enabling the coming into force of the agreement. Susan spent three years working for UNICEF in Brazil and Italy. In addition to being fluently bilingual in our two official languages, she speaks Italian, Spanish and some Portuguese. Susan holds a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa and recently completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Bob Speers: RIP

Bob's daughter Tracy reports that her father passed away on Friday, June 7. Following his wish, there will be no funeral.

Bob will be missed by all who knew him.

Ken Ramsay: RIP

Kenneth Gordon Ramsay

Kenneth Gordon Ramsay October 26, 1919 - May 16, 2013 RAMSAY, Kenneth Gordon (retired Canadian Trade Commissioner and founder of the Trade Facilitation Office). Born October 26, 1919 in Toronto. Kenneth was predeceased by his wife Gerda (née Ferwerda) and his son Gordon and daughter Sheila (married to Jamie Cameron). Father of Roger, Chantal (married to John Parkes) and Jennifer. He was predeceased by his sister Sheila Ramsay Fowler and brother-in-law Robert MacLaren Fowler and his brother Roger Gordon Ramsay (married to Denise Ramsay (née Sullivan)). Grandfather to Michael and Christina Cameron, Jessica, Dennis and Alexandra Parkes and Malcolm and Nicole Ramsay. Kenneth passed away peacefully on May 16, 2013 in Ottawa. Remains will be cremated. A remembrance ceremony will be held in Ottawa later this summer and there will also have a graveside ceremony in Toronto - both to celebrate his wonderful life!

Dips on Strike

Canadian diplomats in Africa strike during Governor-General’s visit

Foreign service officers at four of Canada’s missions in Africa refused to show up for work Monday morning to protest a lack of progress on labour negotiations with the government of Canada.

Political staff and trade officers at Canada’s missions in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are staying home or volunteering elsewhere and refusing to respond to work-related e-mails and phone calls. They were joined by the Africa bureau staff at the Department of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Ottawa and immigration officers in Mexico City.

G&M article

Service for Paul Donohue

[Paul's daughter] Shelagh advises of the Burial Service for Paul which will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00 am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetary( south eastern corner of the cemetary) on Plains Road  in Burlington, Ontario. A reception  will follow at the  chapel on site second floor in

She drew my attention to the Obituary published in yesterday's Ottawa Citizen

Paul David Donohue July 25, 1932 - March 20, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul on March 20, 2013 in New Port Richey, Florida. Born in Hamilton Ontario, Paul was the son of the late Horace and Winnifred Donohue. Paul leaves behind his daughters Shelagh and Barbara (Linda) and son James. Paul is also survived by the mother of his children Shirley Robey Donohue. Burial Service will take place on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00 am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Burlington, Ontario followed by a reception. No flowers please. Donations may be sent directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association, Kidney Foundation or Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

May3 update: Further note from Shelagh.

You take the 401 West to 403 Hamilton to QEW Hamilton to Waterdown Road exit, turn left towards lake, turn right on  Plains Rd. W, for 3 or 4 lights OR 401 West to 403 Hamilton to 407 West Hamilton to Waterdown exit, turn left towards lake, turn right on Plains Rd W.  If you cross Botanical Dr. you've gone too far .  Holy Sepulchre Cemetery is on left side.  Turn left at 1st driveway (you can see headstones), go towards back of cemetery.  You will see an old chapel at the back, keep on the driveway to the left of it (East side).  You will see a small white mausoleum.  The name on it is Cullen.  Donohue headstone is in next row north of mausoleum facing Plains Rd. and is 4th headstone in from the roadway.  The graveside service will be there for Paul Saturday May 4th @ 10am followed by reception on site, on 2nd floor of large newer chapel/mausoleum @ 10:30am.

For those of you who knew my mother Shirley,  sadly she passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton April 30th @ 8:45pm (April 17, 1934 - April 30, 2013) following pneumonia after her 79th birthday.  Funeral is Monday May 6th @ Dodsworth and Brown funeral home, Robinson chapel at 15 West Ave. N. (King St./West Ave.).  Visitation is 11am to 1pm followed by funeral service @ 1pm and then cremation.  Burial yet to be determined.  Directions above are the same except you pass Waterdown Rd. exit and take York Blvd.  West Ave. follows Wellington.  Turn right on West Ave, past 2 stop signs.  Funeral home is on the right with parking.  Eastbound directions - take 401 East towards Toronto to 403 East Hamilton, exit Main St. East (1 way) past West Ave., take next left turn, to King St. W., back to West Ave., turn right.  Funeral home will be on left side.

Regards,
Shelagh Donohue

Got something to get it off your chest?

Unpublished is an innovative new site that provides a forum for sharing letters with friends, colleagues and community. Have a go.

http://www.unpublishedottawa.com/

Morley Bryon Bursey: RIP

Morley Bryon Bursey

Obituary:

Passed away peacefully on April 21, 2013 at the Health Sciences Complex in St. John’s, NFLD aged 101. Predeceased by wives Catherine and Mary, his daughter Edith, brothers Harold and Lester, sisters Blanche and Sadie and grandson John. Left to mourn are sons and daughters-in-law Morley (Derick) and Maxine in St. John’s, and James and Kate in Ancaster, grandsons Paul, Peter, Wayne, Lauren and Mark, great-grandchildren Katie, Mathew, and Rebecca, sisters Joan Herder and Jenny Doughty, and a large number of relatives and friends around the world. Morley was one of Newfoundland’s most distinguished citizens, having been a member of the Commission of Government in the 1930s, after which he represented Newfoundland in Jamaica and New York. During the war he represented the British Empire at the Allied Food Commission, following which he was Newfoundland Representative to the United States in New York. Upon Newfoundland joining Canada in 1949, he transferred to the Canadian Diplomatic Service, representing Canada for the next twenty-seven years in New York, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, Norway, Argentina, Greece and Turkey, Sweden, Chicago and Detroit, as Commercial Councillor, Consul General, High Commissioner or Ambassador. After his retirement in 1976, he began a fourteen-year second career representing the Canadian Automotive Parts industry as Executive Director of the APMA, and with this responsibility was heavily involved in framing the automotive portion of NAFTA, and the growth of the Japanese automotive manufacturing industry in Canada. He has continued to represent the Canadian automotive parts industry as APMA Honourary Executive Director. A proud member of the McGill University Hockey Team, he was also the longest serving member of the Whiteway Masonic Lodge. An avid golfer and sailor, he will be remembered by many in Norway and Sweden for building significant good will through his volunteer activities at both the Royal Swedish and Norwegian Yacht Clubs. Politically active in retirement, he will be missed by his friends at the Albany Club in Toronto. His Family thanks the staff at Tiffany Retirement Village, where he resided since Dec., 2011, for their kindness to him and to the Nursing staff at Health Sciences 5NA, for their attention to his needs while in Hospital. After a life filled with adventure he will be greatly missed by us all! Visitations will be at Barrett’s Funeral Home, 328 Hamilton Ave., St. John’s on Tuesday, April 23 at 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral service on Wednesday, April 24 at 2pm from Barrett’s Chapel. Morley will be interred in Ontario, where a service of remembrance will be held in early May. Please visitwww.barretts.ca to sign the memorial guest book.

A medal a Day Keeps the Coup at Bay

DFAIT needs to take a lesson from Kim Jong-un -- rewards encourage performance, and loyalty. Mind you, one powerful electromagnet would wipe out their entire General Staff. 

Mountie > Ambo

BY MARK KENNEDY, POSTMEDIA NEWS APRIL 18, 2013

The Mountie who heads Prime Minister Stephen Harper's personal security detail will be appointed Canada's ambassador to Jordan.

The appointment of RCMP Supt. Bruno Saccomani will likely raise eyebrows in the diplomatic community and prompt questions from opposition parties about why the job isn't going to a career diplomat.

Article here.

Embassy Auto-reply

Thank you for your message. Following a breakdown in contract negotiations with the Government of Canada, members of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers are now in a legal strike position and are working to rule. As a result, there may be a noticeable delay in responding to your inquiry. We regret any inconvenience. For more information, please see http://www.pafso.com/fs_action.php.

Merci de votre message. Après une rupture des négociations collectives avec le gouvernement du Canada, les membres de l’Association professionnelle des agents du Service extérieur sont désormais en situation de grève légale et ils travaillent strictement dans le cadre de leurs conditions d’emploi. Ainsi, la réponse à votre demande de renseignements pourrait tarder quelque peu. Nous regrettons tout inconvénient que cela pourrait occasionner. Pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter http://www.pafso.com/fs_action_fr.php.