1929 – 2026

Snuffy served during World War II as a member of the Merchant Navy, transferring to the Canadian Army in 1951. He then served during the Korean War and, subsequently, as part of the United Nations Emergency Force in Egypt. His service in Canada included postings in London, ON, Shilo, MB, and Edmonton, AB. Enrolled as a member of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps, he served as what would now be a Supply Technician, although he cross-trained as Safety Systems Technician (now a Parachute Rigger).

Snuffy served with such noteworthy units as the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, the 1st Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment, and as an operational parachutist with the Canadian Airborne Regiment. During his military service, he was both an active Scout and Rover Leader and District Commander with the Boy Scouts of Canada. He served as a first aid, swimming and lifeguard instructor for the Order of St. John, the YMCA, and Royal Lifesaving Society.

Snuffy was honourably released from the Canadian Forces in the rank of Sergeant in October,1973, and his decorations included the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, the Korea Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal for Korea, the United Nations Service Medal (Korea), the United Nations Emergency Force Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration with Clasp.

Following his retirement, he was awarded the Pacific Star, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp, and the War Medal 1939-1945 for service during WWII. In 2014, he was awarded the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador for Peace medal.

In retirement, Snuffy was a member of both the Korean Veterans and the Airborne Regiment Associations. He was a highly active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, and he also competed in the British Columbia Seniors’ Games as a cyclist. He held a wide variety of Legion appointments at the Branch and Zone levels, and, for his service in the interests of Veterans, he was awarded the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation.

Undeterred by old age, he continued to participate actively in the Chase Legion, travelling regularly by scooter to the lounge to visit with friends and for a “small dose of medicine.” He faithfully attended veterans’ dinners and represented veterans at school Remembrance Day ceremonies until the age of 95.

Predeceased by his wife, Beatrice and his son Jeff, he is survived by his son Richard, his daughter Joy, and his grandchildren.

The Memorial Service – Celebration of Life, is Wednesday, March 11 at 1:30 p.m. in the Chase Legion Branch No. 107. RIP. We Will Remember Them.

• Date : 2026-03-10
• Location : Chase