Neil Curry: RIP

In case you missed it, as I did, last May.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/lives-lived-neil-lawrence-currie-85/article18401601/

Lunch at the New Edinburgh Pub, Ottawa, Dec. 10, 2014 (Photos)

Mitch Vlad writes:

A group of trade commissioners, all in their 40's, discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because it wasn't far from work, the waitresses were young, good looking, showed lots of cleavage and wore short-shorts.

Ten years later, at age 50, the FTA proselytisers once again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because the food and service was good, they had many televisions to watch the games on, the beer selection was excellent, and they could ogle the servers.

Ten years later, at age 60, the bull sperm salesmen again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because there was plenty of parking, they could dine in peace, and it was good value for the money.

Ten years later, at age 70, the ex-used Candu promoters discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a toilet for the disabled.

Ten years later, at age 80, the aging bullsh*t artists discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because they had never been there before.

Click on the photos to see a larger version.

Mann, Poole (back), Furesz, Higham (back), Stolarik, Schumacher (back), Lee, Chan, Kohler, McKenzie (end) 

                                                                      Rick Mann

Tétu, Clendenning, Rose (back), Stewart, Scott (back), Colfer, Adam

Kohler, Schumacher

Higham, Poole

Wright, Dickson, Butler (back), Vlad, Shaw-Wood (back)

Wismer, Gorn, Wil.sdon (back)

               The gang on the Left Coast lunched on Dec. 3. John Treleaven sent this photo.

Lotto, Campbell, Godfrey, Welsh, Craig, Lambert, Ross, Price, Thomas, Roberts, Food

Clendenning Vernissage, Nov, 14, 21 & 28, 2014

David will exhibit at Nectar:

New Edinburgh Community & Arts Centre (NECTAR)
255 MacKay Street
Ottawa, K1M 2B6


613.745.2742
VERNISSAGE on Friday,  14 November.  6 - 9:30 pm
Artist will be on site during the solo exhibition on Friday evenings:November 14
November 21
November 28 

See his web site: http://www.clendenning.com/next-shows.html

Bob Clark: RIP

CLARK, Robert G

January 11, 1945 - September 24, 2014

Bob's last days were spent with his loving family by his side: his mother Evelyn, his wife Donna and his children Adam, Vanessa and David. There will be a Memorial at the Ottawa Beechwood Cemetery on Oct 18th, 2-4pm.

Hooray for Ambo Goldhawk

A nice letter of appreciation, from a German, of our people in Ulaanbaatar, mostly Greg Goldhawk.

Don Cheney: RIP

CHENEY, Donald Harry, DFC 
WWII, Lancaster Pilot, 
R.A.F. 617 (Dambusters) Squadron 

Our hero is finally at peace. It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Don, on August 26, 2014, age 92, after a brief illness. Predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Harry. Survived by Gladys, his loving wife, best friend and soul mate of almost 70 wonderful years. Dear and most devoted Dad to Allan (Nicole), Richard (Brenda), Janice (Patricia) and Jennifer (Donald), adored Grandpa to Aaron, Jaime and Talia (Larry), and most recently proudest Great Grandpa to Camden Donald. Born and raised in Ottawa, Don served in the R.C.A.F. during WWII and was assigned to R.A.F. Bomber Command 617 (Dambusters) Squadron, as a Lancaster pilot. At the end of his second tour of duty, Don's plane was shot down over Douarnenez (Bretagne), France, on August 5, 1944. Three members of his crew were killed. Risking their own lives, Don was rescued from the sea by local fishermen led by Corentin Buisson and was then hidden in the home of the local head of the French resistance, Aristide Québriac, during which time he was deemed by the R.A.F. as missing in action and presumed dead. Don was one of the last, if not the last, surviving Canadian life members of the Royal Air Forces Escaping Society. His remarkable escape from his Lancaster, Dark Victor, and his valiant attempt to save the lives of his wireless operator and other crew members before saving himself are well documented in the book The Dam Busters by Paul Brickhill. At the tender age of 22, Don was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and bravery. On his return from Europe, Don married his sweetheart and love of his life, Gladys Gardiner, on April 21, 1945. After completing a degree in Economics at Queens University, Don had a long and extremely distinguished career in Canada's foreign service (Trade Commissioner Service), which included posts in Trinidad, Peru, Boston, Chicago, Holland and Russia, retiring in 1977. But regardless of where he was in the world, Don's favourite place was the home that always travelled with him in his heart; the family cottage on the Gatineau River, near Larrimac, acquired by his father in 1936 and which remains in the family today. Don's interests were eclectic and numerous - an accomplished artist, storyteller extraordinaire, history and geography buff, as well as an avid gardener and a lover of music and dancing, to name but a few. And he never shied away from a good family debate on just about any subject. An eternal optimist, Don loved his family more than life itself and supported and encouraged all of us equally and unconditionally until he took his last breath. He was an incomparable role model, strikingly modest about himself but unabashedly boastful about the accomplishments of others, especially those of his children and grandchildren. He saw only the good in people and treated everyone he met with kindness, keen interest and exceptional respect. In return he was much loved by all who knew him and he will be missed beyond words; we are all so very fortunate to have had this extraordinary man in our lives for so long. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the kind and courageous people of Douarnenez, France, without whom everything that happened in Don's life after August 5, 1944 (including all of us), would not have been possible. The family will receive friends at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Home, Central Chapel, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Tuesday, September 2 from 4 to 6 p.m., and on Wednesday, September 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00, immediately followed by a celebration of Don's long and wonderful life. Following in the tradition of Don's enormous generosity and compassion, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be most appreciated.

33rd Maddick Britton Tournament- Greyhawk Saturday September 13, 2014

The 33rd annual edition of this golf competition has been set for Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at the GreyHawk Golf Club, Talon course, east on 417 to 4999 Boundary Road (exit 96, turn left/north -1 km on right), followed by a buffet dinner at 7:30 PM. We hope that you will participate and help re-invigorate our annual competition between the Trade and the POLEC++ streams this year with stronger departmental participation.

The handsome silver trophy, donated by two trade commissioners: "Bubs" Britton and Mort Maddick, has been on display in the office of the political director for the last year - earned with their narrow 2013 win at Greensmere GC. Competition began in 1973, and the Trade Commissioners still have the edge with 18 victories. The trade captain is Bob Mason (his e-mail address is on the CC line); and, since I will be on a Turkish holiday in September, Craig Wilson will captain the political side. Please let Craig and Bob know if there are any other golfers in the three streams who should be invited and added to the distribution list, so we can encourage their participation.(.... We will be following up on further details and in-house DFAITD circulation ASAP; note the master list is divided in four, so you only see a quarter of the names).

One of our objectives this year, given the challenges faced by all golfers in our stressful digitized, smart phone age - beyond renewing old departmental friendships and with a thought to the usefulness of this diplomatic tool in foreign postings - is to encourage greater turnout from those still working. This year would be a good time to encourage participation from the recent additions on the development side, and also from younger, less experienced golfers interested to play a round in a less competitive atmosphere. Given the number of retirees playing Maddick-Britton each year, we are asking every one of you to reach out to encourage at least one former colleague still working to participate in this year's event. We are also looking at a charity challenge (putting, or beat the pro on a par 3) related to a donation to the United Way campaign, as well as the usual long drive and closest to the pin prizes - and duffers will be receiving free cartons of balls on course, to encourage more practice for next year! 

The Talon course is very open and relatively easy from the red and white tees. There will be a modified shotgun start at 1:30 PM - everyone departs in carts from the clubhouse at 1:15 PM - beverage service on course. A registration table will be set up at the Clubhouse entrance from 12:30, and you may go straight to the practice range on a shuttle with your clubs. GreyHawk is a Clublink course, with an excellent driving range and putting facility, free practice balls and tees are also complimentary; you may practice for as long as you like before tee-off. A shuttle takes you to the driving range, and brings you back to the Clubhouse for the 1:15 pm start. Carts will be lined up on the driveway roundabout, with group names and assigned starting hole on the cart sign. Marshals will lead carts to each starting hole on Talon. After the round, there are separate shower facilities in the Clubhouse, and the buffet will be available at 7:30 p.m. Spouses are always welcome for the meal afterwards.

The price for the golf, including cart, and buffet is $ 105.00 (includes all taxes and gratuities); for those who come only for the evening buffet, it is $ 35.00. 

With such a wide divergence of playing ability we need to set handicap levels so that matches are arranged with players of similar abilities. Competitors for Maddick-Britton, playing regularly at a club, should provide Craig their exact Handicap Index (e.g. 15.7). We will then be able to ascertain your handicap at GreyHawk; if you are a casual player, please provide Craig with an idea of your average score for 18 holes. This info is needed by September 6th - sand baggers will face their critics at dinner!

We look forward to seeing a strong contingent of current and former DFAITD colleagues in three and 1/2 weeks.

David Stockwell Bob Mason Craig Wilson

Randolph GHERSON: RIP

GHERSON, Randolph
After a brief battle, Randolph Gherson succumbed peacefully to cancer at the Ottawa Hospital on Saturday, June 28, 2014. His wife of 64 years, Joan (Slater), and daughter Diane and son Giles were at his bedside. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1928, Randolph earned degrees in international relations at the London School of Economics and international law at the Academy of International Law in The Hague. He worked as the International Wheat Board economist in London and Rome before emigrating to Canada with Winnipeg-born Joan and their two children in 1958 to join the federal Department of Trade and Commerce. In a distinguished career capped by the Governor General's Medal for Meritorious Service to Canada, he was appointed as Canada's deputy and acting head of mission to the European Economic Community in Brussels (1968), economic minister-counsellor in Washington (1972), ambassador to the OECD in Paris (1980), Canada's chief air negotiator (1986) and Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation (1991). Known for his keen intellect, unwavering integrity, warm sense of humour and ever-present charm, Randolph lived his life deliberately, richly and well. He will be sorely missed by his family, including granddaughters Nicola and Pippa, grandsons Duncan and James (Barile), son-in-law Doug, and daughter-in-law Heather MacTaggart , as well as his many friends, former colleagues and his comrades at the Rideau Club, where he spent many happy and fulfilling hours over many years. Thanks to the kind medical team at Ottawa Hospital. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held on July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Beechwood National Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON. Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodottawa.ca

Email: marlrigs@gmail.com

Obama-appointed Ambassador to Finland.

Paul Dingledine: donations to a scholarship fund

Colleagues of Paul will be interested to know that a donation to the Glyn R. Berry Memorial Scholarship at Dalhousie University in memory of Paul Dingledine has been made by his friends in the Monday Night Bridge Club of which he was a member.  

Paul Dingledine Obit

DINGLEDINE, Paul Stewart
Passed away June 12, 2014 suddenly at home in Ottawa. Paul is survived by his parents Bob and Betty Dingledine, sisters Barbara (Glen) Armstrong, and Susan (Denny) Mull. Also surviving are three nieces, one nephew, and six great-nieces and nephews. During his long and illustrious career with the Canadian Government Foreign Services, Paul served in numerous trade and diplomatic positions around the world. His last foreign appointment was as the Canadian Ambassador to Iran. Paul enjoyed his happiest moments at his beloved cottage near Kazabazua, QC, surrounded by friends and family or having peaceful time on his own. A private family Service will be held at Beechwood Funeral Cemetery and Cremation Services on Monday June 16, 2014.

Paul Dingledine: RIP

RHOMA just announced Paul's passing. Details when available.

Kathryn McCallion, continued

Obituary for Kathryn McCallion

Peacefully at her Ottawa home on June 1, 2014. Loved always by her sisters Sharon (Greg McClemont), Janet, Marguerite (Bruce Buller), brothers James (Jeannie Anderson) and Thomas, nieces Laura, Aleasha, Harmony, Seneca, Juniper, and nephews Elwin, Noah, Jason, Russel, Rylan, Sky and families. Kathryn will be greatly missed by her dear friend Barbara Burns and many wonderful friends, neighbours and colleagues. A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Kathryn held various positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 1973 to 2009 including postings to Mexico City, Boston, the OECD, and Jamaica where she served as Canada’s High Commissioner. Kathryn was an expert in international trade and foreign policy and a superb manager. She was a dedicated public servant, serving Canada tirelessly for over 35 years. An enthusiastic outdoor adventurer and world traveller, Kathryn gave her best to everything and set an example for us all. Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Saturday June 7th from 1:00 pm, with funeral service to follow at 2:30.

Kathryn McCallion: update

Death of Kathryn McCallion

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Kathryn McCallion following her struggle with cancer. Kathryn was an icon for the international trade stream and a pioneer role model for many women in the Department as the first female Chief Trade Commissioner.

Kathryn began her career with the government of Canada in 1972 as a Trade Commissioner. Her career in the Canadian Foreign Service was rich, diverse and encompassed 36 years of exceptional leadership both in Canada and abroad, including postings in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. She served in Paris at our mission to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, as Head of Mission in Jamaica, and was recognized for her efforts in leading the establishment of Team Canada Inc. when she received the Clerk of the Privy Council Award for Excellence.

She will be missed dearly by family, friends and former colleagues.

Kathryn McCallion: RIP

RHOMA has notified us of the death on Sunday morning, of our colleague Kathryn McCallion.  We will circulate further information when available.

TCS Alumni Lunch in Oak Bay, BC

Prompted by the visit of Zen Burianyk.

Left to right: Vic Lotto, David Roberts, Art Fraser,  John Treleaven, Ed Price, Bill Ross, Zen Burianyk, Bob Turner, Jim Welsh. (sorry, cannot id the lady)

Cantata Singers, May 11

Hi there!

Want to let you know about the upcoming Cantata Singers’ concert. It takes place on May 11 at 3:00 pm in St. Joseph’s Church, 174  Wilbrod Street.

For the final concert of our 50th anniversary season, the Cantata Singers will be joined by Pro Coro Canada, one of Canada's premier professional choirs, to perform a selection of works linked by the theme "pathways".

This will be Michael Zaugg's farewell performance with the Cantata Singers after nine memorable seasons. He’s now Artistic Director of Pro Coro. So the joint concert will our sendoff.

The centrepiece of the concert will be a work by British composer Joby Talbot entitled “Santiago”. It’s the final movement of a longer work, “Path of Miracles” about the the pilgrimmage to Santiago di Compostela.  And it’s a fitting way to mark the new paths both Michael Zaugg and Cantata Singers will be taking. The programme also includes works by Mendelssohn, Mantijarvi, Whitacre, Rachmaninoff and Praulins.

It’s a lovely way to spend a spring Sunday afternoon! (and if you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, it would be a great gift too.)

Tickets at the door are:

            $30 for adults

            $25 for seniors

            $10 for students

NOTE: Adult and Seniors tickets are $5 off if you buy them in advance. Just let me know if you’d like to come and I’ll arrange to get tickets to you.

Hope to see lots of you there.

Cathy

P.S. Please pass this on to others you think would enjoy the concert.

This season finale concert will also feature music by Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and WhitacreTo mark the end of this path and the beginning of his exciting new musical journey with Pro Coro Canada, the two choirs will perform Joby Talbot's Path of Miracles, a remarkable work that follows a group of pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. British music critic Nick Breckenfield reviewed the 2005 premiere in glowing terms and described Talbot's ambitious composition as "little short of a musical miracle itself." 

This season finale concert will also feature music by Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and Whitacre.rs. To mark the end of this path and the beginning of his exciting new musical journey with Pro Coro Canada, the two choirs will perform Joby Talbot's Path of Miracles, a remarkable work that follows a group of pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela. British music critic Nick Breckenfield reviewed the 2005 premiere in glowing terms and described Talbot's ambitious composition as "little short of a musical miracle itself."

This season finale concert will also feature music by Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and Whitacre.

DFTAD Amalgamation Update

A letter from DMs to all staff.

Amalgamation Update

We are pleased to report that, since our October 18 message, good progress has been made in building a new, amalgamated department that provides greater international policy coherence. Your contributions through Agora, our new Departmental Consultative Group (DCG), and meetings with management in branches and at missions, have been central to this progress and have highlighted your enthusiasm and genuine commitment to building a new institution where excellence is at the forefront.

A truly collaborative corporate culture is our goal. To that end,  your suggestions have highlighted the value of a brief, clear internal vision statement to guide the way we work and reflecting who we are. With your input, we have agreed on the following:
Serving Canadians, promoting our values and interests, finding solutions to global challenges, bringing prosperity to Canada and the world.

This internal vision statement will guide our leadership, as we hope it inspires the vital work you do.
Amalgamation is a complex project that affects our people, the way we do business and the tools we use. We are happy to see the significant progress made so far, ranging from the practical (an ID card that works in our key buildings) to a new governance structure that has already improved our ability to further our integrated policy interests, and best-in-class business practices and tools that will enable the department to deliver effectively on the government’s priorities.

To ensure that we manage a project of this magnitude effectively, we have developed with all branches a Change Management Plan. Amalgamation provides us with an opportunity to undertake important reforms that will expand our capacity to deliver on the department’s widened mandate. Building on the energy that we have seen at the DCG, on Agora and in branch sessions, the spirit of amalgamation is something that we all need to live day to day, not something we do as an aside.

It cannot be said too often that people are the heart of the new department. How amalgamation impacts our workforce, as well as its renewal, is at the core of our Change Management Plan. Our objective is both to resolve long-standing issues and take advantage of amalgamation to build a more flexible workforce based on skills, not silos. We wish to offer a first instalment by announcing that almost all executive positions will be de-streamed. As a result, affected EXs will be afforded the opportunity to deploy to the rotational pool. Assignments will be based on the candidate’s experience and right fit, and no longer on their formal Trade/Political/Management Consular/Development stream designation. This will promote a more inclusive workforce that will allow for greater flexibility and career potential for all executives. At the same time, we are mindful of the need to ensure that we maintain strong subject expertise and will make sure that our training and assignment programs are adapted to the new reality.

Working better together is the key to amalgamation.  To that end, with the ADM team, and the support of the External Advisory Group (EAG), we have examined the organizational structure that was put into effect November 4, 2013 and have identified refinements.  These will increase overall policy coherence, while allowing each branch to deliver on its specific mandate and collaborate effectively with other parts of DFATD. ADMs are already implementing changes, recently discussed with members of their teams. For example, we are  testing a fully amalgamated geographic branch for Africa, a region that offers both the capacity and potential for integration in support of furthering political, development and trade interests. Through a governance structure linking the geographic bureaus, we will also promote the same integrated approach across the world. Given the significant role our heads of mission play in making amalgamation a reality, we are widening their accountability to support their role as executives leading the charge at our missions, as set out in a new policy.

Amalgamation is bringing a new and more coherent approach to international engagement, strengthening alignment between foreign policy, trade, and development objectives. It is enabling Canada to maximize its impact in a changing world. For example, the Global Markets Action Plan and our new focus on economic diplomacy are helping us build crosswalks between trade, foreign policy and development. We are also deepening innovation in diplomacy by capitalizing on an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world to engage a much wider range of non-state actors, supporting both political and commercial interests. And our development approach, with its focus on innovation, new tools and new partnerships, in particular with the private sector, will not only support Canada's efforts to reduce global poverty, but will reinforce our prosperity, security and values. We are also working together across the department to look at how best to engage with Canadians.
While this message confirms a number of decisions that will be implemented in coming months, we are also making progress on a number of other fronts. For example, on office accommodation, we have made hundreds of “briefcase moves” to bring staff together in their new bureaus. We are also sketching out options that could allow us to consolidate our headquarters footprint, moving from the current 11 locations to eventually two or three buildings, plus swing space. This in itself would both support our objective of promoting collaboration and also reduce costs. We have also received a number of suggestions from the DCG Innovation working group, and we hope to be able to leverage your ideas in promoting an environment that is receptive to innovation. Finally, in the context of our ongoing amalgamation, we have initiated work across the department to identify efficiencies that may eventually be reinvested in new departmental priorities.

Finally, we wanted to congratulate and thank you for your participation and contribution in making amalgamation a reality. On Agora, for example, more than 2,500 of you have joined theVoice-up group, a strong signal of your commitment to making amalgamation a success. We encourage you to continue using Agora as a platform for comments, questions and recommendations. The exchanges that we have had with employees at the DCG have been both informative and energizing. The coming months will be important as we continue to work together to move forward with amalgamation. Our commitment is to demonstrate through our actions that your contributions are genuinely making a difference.

Howard Campbell: RIP

Obit in the Citizen, April 5, 2014.

Howard Edward Campbell

Howard Edward Campbell December 28, 1920 - March 28, 2014 Passed away peacefully on the morning of March 28, 2014 with Marilyn, his loving wife of over 30 years, by his side. His easy smile, his optimism, his joy in friends and family, his vibrant sense of humor and his warmth and generosity will be missed by those who knew him, spread across many continents.

Howard was born on December 28, 1920, in Nelson, B.C., from where he landed hockey and lacrosse scholarships from UCLA. There he met his future wife, Jean Joy Irving, before his studies were interrupted by his volunteer service as a navigator in the RCAF 405 Pathfinder Squadron in Bomber Command with his pilot friend Tom Dailey. Returning to Canada, Howard married Jean, completed his studies at McGill and joined the foreign service as a trade commissioner in 1947. He served with distinction for over 38 years in New York, S. Africa, Jamaica, Germany, Switzerland, Philadelphia, New Zealand and Costa Rica, before retiring to Almonte, Ontario. 

Howard was predeceased by Jean, loving mother of their seven children, as well as his siblings Helen Dorothy and Harvey Kenneth. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his children Kim (Letycia), Howard (Wendy), Rory (Carol), Cherie, Gina (Roger), Casey (Jenny), Patrick, stepchildren Kimberly (Richard) and Kevin, grandchildren Douglas (Heather), Daniel (Emina), David (Marie-Laurence), Kate, Arlin and Val, and newly arrived and cherished great-granddaughter Nathalie. 

Howard's life will be celebrated at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Almonte General Hospital or The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre, to whom the family is grateful for exceptional care provided. Veterans' Affairs' valued support is also acknowledged. Howard's spirit lives on.

Vic Lotto Plugs Art Gallery Victoria

Victor Victoria here.

Rob Bull: Obit

ROB BULL

Obituary ROB BULL November 22, 1941 - March 7, 2014 Robert George Bull, 72, born in Weston, Ontario, died peacefully March 7, 2014 at the Montreal General Hospital. Son of the late George Warden Bull, a lawyer and politician, and Hilda Esther Henderson, a musician and teacher, brother to David Bull (Irma), Helen Miller (David) and to the late Elizabeth Pashby (William). Rob is survived by his only daughter, Melissa Elizabeth Bull. He is fondly remembered by his stepchildren, Pascale, Alain, Samia and Bruno and by his nieces and nephew Kathy, Melanie, Christie, Susan, Karen, Katie and Dan. Rob was a print and broadcast journalist, a charismatic storyteller, an advocate for the homeless, an alleyway wanderer, a hymn whistler, a choral singer, a punster, a connoisseur of the arts and an avid historian. A graduate of Glendon College and Carleton University, he served in the Royal Canadian Navy and with the Cameron Highlanders. His memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 22 at 1 PM, at Saint James United Church. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Saint James Drop-In Centre: stjamescentre.ca.

Robbie Bull: RIP

Members of the TCS Class of '66 will be saddened to learn of Rob Bull's passing. Rob helped us get through a sometimes dismal training year with songs and stories many of us have never forgotten. He succumbed to a brain tumour on March 7. A memorial will be held on March 22 in Montreal. Contact for details: melissa.bull@gmail.com

Jill Burianyk: RIP

Friends of Jill and Zen Burianyk will be sorry to learn that Jill has passed away after several months of illness. A celebration of Jill's life will take place in Toronto in the summer.

Andrew Kniewasser: RIP

KNIEWASSER, Andrew Graham O.C. 
September 9, 1926 – November 8, 2013 
Passed away peacefully in his 88th year after a rich and fulfilling life. Sadly missed by his wife of 62 years, Jacqueline (née Delaney), children Peter (Nancy Gale), David (Astrid Golinski), John (Michael Soye) and Andrea (David Magahey), grandchildren, Alexandra, Max, Paul, Lauren and Julia, great-grandson Lucius, his sister Barbara (Frank Oakes) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Dr. Andrew Vernon Kniewasser and his mother Helen Cooch and his sister Betty Anne (John Smith). Andy was born in Ottawa where he attended Lisgar Collegiate before going on to study Economics at Queen's University where he excelled both academically and in sports, in particular football, where he was rookie of the year. 
Andy, with Jacqueline at his side, began his career in the Foreign Service after his graduation. His postings would take him and his family to Athens, Beirut, Cairo, and Caracas and then four years in Paris as Canada's Commercial Counsellor. In 1963, Andy returned to Canada as General Manager of Expo 67 The World's Fair in Montreal. The management group for Expo became known as Les Durs - the tough guys - in charge of creating, building and managing Expo. Andy had a reputation as a straight shooter. He remained in the public service after Expo and worked in Ottawa where he was named Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce, then Senior Deputy Minister. In 1972 Andy left the public service to become the President and CEO of the Investment Dealers Association of Canada where he remained for 20 years. During his tenure with the Investment Dealers Association Andy advocated for the securities industry and provided expert advice to numerous governments on securities and regulatory markets. 
Whether working for Canada abroad or at home, Andy was a passionate Canadian who felt a great gratitude and responsibility towards his country. 
An avid outdoorsman, Andy enjoyed fishing and hunting trips all across Canada. In every small town or remote location that Andy would visit, he made a point of meeting and chatting with people. He continued to shoot skeet and did so better than his sons for the rest of his life. He went hunting in Saskatchewan in his 87th year. He gave up downhill skiing after one too many broken legs and instead worked the bush on his country property and regularly involved friends and family in tree cutting forays. Throughout their lives together Andy and Jacqueline would travel the world, speaking many languages and making friends abroad. After retirement and extensive travel, Andy and Jacqueline settled in the countryside in Blackstock, Ontario and moved back to Ottawa in 2005 choosing to spend winters in Clearwater, Florida.
In recognition of his great contribution to the immense success of Expo '67 Andy was awarded The Order of Canada and, in recognition of his contribution to the investment industry, he was awarded the Investment Industry Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. 
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and doctors of the Elisabeth Bruyère Hospital for the compassionate care Andy received in his final days. 
A celebration of Andrew's life will be held on November 23rd, 2013. The family will receive friends at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, on Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 from 1pm until the Funeral Service in the Chapel at 2 p.m. A reception for friends and family will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in memory of Andrew G. Kniewasser to The Salvation Army or the Bruyère Continuing Care. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ottawacitizen/obituary.aspx?pid=168018072#sthash.eNarv5fg.dpuf

Norm Guérin: RIP

GUÉRIN, J. Normand
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Norm Guérin of Arnprior Ontario, Tuesday Dec. 31, 2013, after a very courageous and dignified fight with pulmonary fibrosis and cancer, He will be missed by his daughters Anne Guérin- Desjardins (Louis) of Ottawa, and Michele Smith (Wesley) of Kingston and his sons Philippe Guérin (Danielle) of Ottawa and Christophe Guérin of Vancouver. Dear brother of Francine Carswell (Bryan) of McNab Braeside. Also survived by 7 grandchildren; Rebecca (Paul), Richard (Nancy), Sean (Lynette), Joshua, Scott (Sarah), Laura (Noel), and Krista (Alex) as well as 4 great grandchildren; Danica, Keir, Nathaniel and Molly and a nephew Christian Carswell. Born in Ottawa to the late Joseph M. Guérin and the late Gabrielle Mondoux. Norm's successful career began with General Foods. He then joined the Fisheries Dept. and travelled across Canada. Moving on to the Department of Foreign affairs for numerous assignments as Trade Commissioner in Japan, Paris,France (twice, second time as Consul in Lyon), Cameroon, Barbados, New York and Kuwait. Norm loved life; representing Canada overseas as a diplomat, as well as cottage life at Sand Point where many friends and family will remember him always behind the grill. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior on Sunday, January 5th from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m. A Funeral Liturgy will be follow in the Pilon Family Chapel at 2 o'clock. Cremation will take place. In memory of Norm, a donation to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation would be appreciated by his family.

Neil Currie: RIP

CURRIE, Neil Lawrence
February 28, 1928 - December 27, 2013

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of dearest Neil peacefully at Toronto Grace Hospital on December 27, 2013 at age 85, after a lengthy struggle with heart disease. He leaves his cherished wife Margaret, his son Tom (Heather Boyd), daughter Naomi (Hank Glogowski), son John (Sandra Deonarine) and daughter Anne (Chris Epp); and five grandchildren (Jessie, Ethan, Alyssa, Laurel and Conner) and his sister Edna Halliwell. He is predeceased by his brothers Roy and Ralph.

Neil: Writer, photographer, born engineer and inventor, a constant example of 'lending a hand' and a welcoming home. His mother (Hilda Jantenen) was an immigrant from Finland, who arrived in Canada via Ellis Island, New York. Neil retraced her steps from the port in Finland; but, was unable to see her farm which is now part of Russia. His father was born in Neepawa, Manitoba originally of Scottish descent. Neil's parents settled in Turtleford, bringing up their family in a one-room log cabin until moving 'to town' where Neil's father ran the power plant. Neil was born in Turtleford, Saskatchewan on February 28, 1928. Small town, prairie culture ethics of hard work, the value of frugality were a way of life in the early days in Saskatchewan. This formed Neil's character of hard work, honesty, self-reliance and resourcefulness.


Neil left home at 18, after Grade 12 and went by bus - arriving in Toronto with the money he had earned in the harvest, driving a team of horses - doing the job of men who were away at war. Soon he was driving a delivery truck for Eaton's department store. He left Toronto to work with London Life in London, Ontario and supported himself as a cub reporter and photographer for the London Free Press while pursuing a degree in Economics at the University of Western Ontario. Too young to go to war, he was in the Naval Reserve as a Lieutenant in the Executive Branch. While serving in the Navy he met his wife: Margaret May Thornton Samuel, who was interning as an occupational-physical therapist (U of T) at Stadacona naval base, Halifax. One year later (1957) they both graduated and were married.


Before marrying in 1957 Neil joined the Government of Canada's Foreign Service as a Trade Commissioner, competing with hundreds of applicants. He served with distinction as Consul and Trade Commissioner for over 30 years in Bogota, Cleveland, Chicago, Lagos (during Biafran War), Ottawa, Johannesburg (introducing sanctions against the apartheid government), Dallas and Toronto with short assignments in the Middle East and China.


Neil's mum Hilda lived with the family for 30 years of their nearly 60 years of marriage. Throughout his life his favourite place on earth was the cottage on Lake Chandos in the Kawartha's, which he designed and built himself. He began building the cottage in 1961, while living in Chicago and continued to have an endless supply of domestic and creative projects 'on the go', at any one time. Neil was great at fixing things and able to repair anything. He was a meticulous handyman and mechanic on all the family cars.
  
His interests centered on family, ongoing improvements to the cottage and reading. Shortly after retiring, Neil went back to his roots in northern Saskatchewan (1987 - 1997) to be elected as the Liberal candidate for his home riding. Although successful in winning the Liberal nomination, he had a consistent record of defeat at the polls while enjoying the process of getting to know the people in the extensive riding of North Battleford - Meadow Lakes District. Besides his ongoing improvements to the cottage, he constantly read about Canadian politics for a book in progress about the Canadian English/French challenge. Neil also researched the Currie family tree and organized more than one family reunion including Australians, Canadians and Americans.
  
From 1996 until 2012, Margaret and Neil split their time between Sanibel Island, the cottage and family whether in Ottawa, Thimphu, Dhaka, Regina or Toronto. They traveled extensively to Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Finland, Russia, Australia and all over North America. They drove annually to Sanibel Island, Florida and spent their summers at Lake Chandos before re- locating to Toronto in 2012. After Labour Day in 2010 he wrote a poem entitled 'The Silence of The Lake'. The lake is silent. The chickadee told me personally. The raven cast it wide over the treetops. And the loon has reclaimed the night.'
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses for their wonderful care. According to his wishes there will be no funeral. A memorial gathering with his family will be held at the cottage this summer to scatter his ashes, with a gravestone marker in the family plot in Turtleford. Condolences can be made on-line under Memorials at Turner and Porter. (www. turnerporter.ca).