-2- CORRESPONDENTS Verna Rivard: " I just wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for the kind e-mails I received when Ron passed away. He truly loved and (was) proud of being a member of the First Canadian Guards and the contacts that he had with many of his buddies over the past years, thanks to the computer. He would check his e-mail every day because he enjoyed the connection with the Battalion. The jokes, old photos trying to guess who the people in them were, etc. I am so very happy that he was able to attend the Reunion that was held in Ottawa last year. He came home with lots of fond memories. Again, thanks to those who e-mailed their condolences. Like Ron would say, "A Mari Usque ad Mare". Yours truly, Verna Rivard." Bernie Skehen (Nfld): "Greetings from the final frontier. I believe we are still here and a part of Canada but the news media seems to have forgotten the fact. Day after day we hear, "All across Canada, from Victoria to Halifax." It has me wondering sometimes. Anyway my pride in serving with Canada’s Finest cannot be diminished by uneducated anchormen. I am paying up for another two years for no other reason than to receive the newsletter which I always await anxiously. It is not only expensive but almost dangerous to get involved in Association activities from this location but as long as I live I will be there in spirit. Good Luck to all. A Mari Usque ad Mare. B. Skehen 2 Coy 1st Bn." JAS Haley & Guardsnet: " He did it again!.....Burns Anderson finished "first" in the 65-69 age category in the October 17th Toronto Marathon. His official time for the 21.1 km distance was 1 hour, 56 minutes and 15.9 seconds. Burns tells me it was only a ½ marathon, and in case I was ever asked, a full marathon is 26 miles (plus) or 42.2 kms. Well done Burns! (Digger)"....and  "My Way".....no nothing to do with Viagra; but it seems amongst us there is a man of many talents. In addition to his written disclosure of colourful events, his painting accomplishments, and a recipient of the Guardair contest award&ldots;music can now be added to his achievements. The judges agreed, his rendition of ‘My Way’ blew them away. Check the national website http://www.canadianguards.ca/comments page under Ottawa Matinee Idol for the rest of the story". ( sorry all, but I don’t have the room for it here. ed) Roger McPherson - RCR Association: " Pipe Major Hugh MacPherson has published his new book " Pipers of the Canadian Regular Army 1950-2000". The book offers many details, in words and pictures, of our Pipe Bands in the Black Watch, Canadian Guards and Royal Canadian Regiment, including over 80 pipe tunes created by band members. There is also a CD of many of the tunes. The book cost is $30 and the CD is $15. Both may be purchased by sending a cheque or money order ( with your return address ) to H.D. MacPherson, 2144 Orient Park Drive, Ottawa ON K1B 4V9. ‘Harry’ Mayne - Chilliwack B.C.: Expressed his sadness at the loss of so many Family members with whom had he served in the 4th Battalion and other places. Noted that when Col Galloway came to the Battalion he made Harry feel a part of the 4th Battalion even though Harry was on extra-Regimental duty in England at the time. Space constraints do not permit the publication of your entire letter, Harry, but thanks for the update and for the cheque. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 4 OCTOBER 2004 Preamble -The President advised that General Rowley was doing "not too badly" although he is wheelchair bound. He also remarked that the funeral of Colonel Galloway had reminded him of the very great influence both the Colonel of The regiment, General Rowley, and Colonel Galloway had in maintaining the strength of the Association over the years since the Regiment was removed from the Order of Battle. A question was raised regarding whether or not we should consider future appointments of such nature. The shared opinion was that General Rowley and Colonel Galloway were appointed when the Regiment was active and that they cannot and should not be replaced. Financial -The Secretary-Treasurer reviewed the financial statements which indicated that the Association had $ 12, 642 in the bank, $6,000 in investments and Kit-Shop stock ( ties & flags ) valued at $ 1,780. The annual income of the Association is about $3,500 - mostly dues, and expenses about $ 3,000, - for the newsletter and minimal office supplies. The "Guards Collection", part of CFB Petawawa Museum accounts held by Base NPF, total approximately $ 14,000. As you can see, the Association and Museum finances are in reasonable shape, but there is still work to be done. The Postal Corp is raising rates by 3% in January, and those of you with computers can save the Association some money by receiving your newsletter electronically. In addition, the museum renewal is going to require some significant expenditure before it reopens in July, 2005, and those funds will need to be "topped up" over the next few years. Museum - Since the death of Dick Wallace no new Museum Director has been appointed, but Howard Clark and Wally Fowler have agreed to act as co-directors in the interim. John Clark and Tom Murphy have volunteered to do the carpentry work required for the new displays. The volunteers were given a large round of applause by those in attendance. Please see "Last Words" for more detail on the museum. Communications - Gerry Heffernan reported that the Canadian Guards National Web Site has been up and running for about a year and that we are now averaging about 238 "page views" per day, which indicates that 40-50 different persons are logging on to the site. We have had feedback from many locales in Canada, USA, Australia and Europe. The site has 13 ‘pages’ including "Home", " Comments", "Guards Help"and "Photo Albums". It is hoped that the photos now on file and/or on the site will be made into a CD and be available at the Mini-Reunion in Petawawa next July. A new page -"Canadian Guards Association Contact List" has been devised and is now on the site. It consists of the Membership Nominal roll with first name, last name and postal address. At the end of the line it indicates whether the member has an e-mail address. The latter information will only be published if the person wishes it to be known. ( for those members who have not checked the website recently, you can advise your wishes to guardsnet@canadianguards.ca. Here‘s an example: " John Barclay 806 Hot Springs Way Ottawa ON K1V 1R9 e-mail" It was also discussed whether or not the website should have a "promotions" page, in which those members of the Association who have a business/hobby they want people to know about, could advertise. This has already been done two or three times in the newsletter. It was agreed that it would be a good idea as long as submissions are accepted/approved on an individual basis by the Board before being published. Regimental History -2nd Edition - Bill Patterson presented the 2nd Edition to the meeting, copies of which were made available for purchase to those attending. Bill stated that errors found in the 1st edition were corrected, some new information was included and many new names were added to the nominal roll. A few of the photographs had been re-done and all the pictures had been ‘enhanced’ by the process of the 2nd printing. This edition is soft cover and slightly smaller than the original hard cover book. He acknowledged the support of Steve Brodsky in editing the new addition, JAS Haley for the addition of approximately 800 new names and Lew Grimshaw, who provided badges from his extensive collection for photographing. Bill announced that 100 copies had been produced but that more can be printed if sales warrant. The reissue is priced at $30.00 plus $0.52 for packaging, plus mailing costs. To order a copy, write to the Secretary at the Association’s address. When you receive the book, add the mailing costs to the $30.52 and return that amount, by cheque or money order, to the Secretary. The President thanked Bill for his dedication to the Regiment and for all his hard work in making the 2nd edition available in such a timely manner. Maybe we can get into a 3rd printing! Guards Help Programme - John Hunt reported that the Committee has dealt successfully with the cases with which it has been presented. It also has completed writing the Guidelines, which are now available on the website. Acting for the Committee, Bill MacIver, seconded by John Barclay, proposed a simple By-Law amendment, as follows, which was CARRIED.   Section 101.2 - "c." at the end of the line DELETE "and".   - "d" at the end of the line DELETE "Museum." and   ADD " Museum, and"   ADD sub-paragraph - " e. managing The Guards Help Programme." Appreciation: The meeting agreed that a ‘ Certificate of Appreciation’ be prepared for David Craig, in recognition of his 10 years service as auditor of the Association’s financial accounts. The Vice President agreed to prepare and frame the certificate for presentation, by Roger Corrigan, to David Craig at a suitable time and place. Executive: There were no new nominations for the Executive, therefore all members of the Executive were "acclaimed" and agreed to carry on in their same positions for the coming year. Adjournment: The meeting was preceded by a mixed lunch in the mess with about fifteen spouses in attendance. The President thanked all those attending, especially those who had made the trip from Petawawa, and the meeting was adjourned.

PICTON BRANCH - SPECIAL REPORT It was with mixed emotions that I travelled to Pembroke this past November 5th. It was a pleasure to have dinner with the Petawawa Branch and their ladies, but it was tinged with sadness as I was also there to accept the return of the Picton Branch Charter on behalf of the Association. I had had the pleasure of receiving the Picton Branch application for Charter in 1987 and took part in the preparation of the Charter and its presentation in 1990. It was fitting that the President of the Branch, then and now, is Roger St. Jean. To Roger, Bill, Marie and the many, many others who made Picton - "Guards Town" - for those 18 years, congratulations, thanks for a job well done and my personal thanks for all your many kindnesses to me. Always remember, Charter or not, you are all still an integral part of the Guards Family, and always will be.   John Barclay AMUAM.

ATLANTIC BRANCH The reunion this year was held a week later than the Regimental Birthday due to the unavailability of the Legion in Port Hawkesbury on that date. The Reunion Committee was chaired by Rick and Mary George assisted by Tom and Heather Plumridge and Art and Linda Bouchard. In all, there were about 170 people in attendance, some for the first time, and it was evident that a good time was had by all. It was especially nice to see a strong contingent from the Petawawa Branch and so many new faces from Newfoundland, along with the many members from the other Maritime Provinces. The AGM was held on Saturday and the following were elected/acclaimed as Executive for the coming year. Atlantic President - Terry Dexter; NB VP - Henry Gerhardt; NS VP - Ralph Currie; Treasurer - Bob Christenson; Secretary - Marion Dexter; Past President - Ted MacDonald; Constitutional Committee - Milton Gregg, Ken Zinck and Rey Kynock; Atlantic Webmaster - Robie Woodworth. Robie Woodworth presented Ted MacDonald with an appreciation award for Ted’s outstanding service as the Atlantic Branch President over the past few years. Following the "great turkey dinner, with all the trimmings!" and the various toasts, Milton Gregg was appointed "Patron" of the Atlantic Branch and two ‘Life’ memberships were awarded to Ken Zinck and Wally Adams. Wally had taken a number of members on a tour of his old stamping grounds of West Arachat, which gave a whole new meaning to the phrase, " I lived so far OUT I had to come IN to hunt!" Following the dinner and presentations, the dancing went on far into the night. Approximately 150 members and wives attended a ‘farewell’ breakfast at the Legion and bid fond farewell until ‘next time’ - for many that may be the "Mini Reunion" in Petawawa in July 2005. For all you ‘aways’, the next Atlantic Reunion will be held at the Rodd Resort in Mill River PEI, 14-16 October, 2005. Joe Skerry will preside with a Committee of Charlie and Betty Warren and George Mansfield. The 2006 reunion will be in Bathurst NB, chaired by Dan and Wilma Murphy.

As noted earlier, the Petawawa Branch held a very successful dinner dance at the Pembroke Legion on Friday, 5 November. Unfortunately, Branch President Ambrose Dwyer and his wife were unable to attend. On the way home from the Atlantic Reunion they were involved in a car accident and Ambrose had not yet recovered sufficiently from his injuries to make the trip home. As of this writing, Ambrose is at home in Pembroke and recovering nicely. We all send our thanks for his safe return and best wishes for his recovery. PETAWAWA BRANCH Petawawa Branch, under the direction of President Ambrose Dwyer, have come up with a program for the "Mini-Reunion" in conjunction with the 100th birthday and Homecoming of "Camp Petawawa, 1 July to 3July, 2005. All events (unless otherwise noted) take place at the Reichwald Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess in CFB Petawawa. ( This was the 2nd Battalion Canadian Guards WOs and Sgts Mess.) Friday - 1 July. 1200 : Parade, in company with Base Troops and other Associations, from Base to Town Hall.   1600: Opening of refurbished Base Museum 1600: Meet and Greet 1700 - 1800: Finger food Saturday - 2 July. 1800 - Cocktails 1900 - Dinner 2100 - Dancing (live music) Sunday - 3 July. 1200 to 1400 - Farewells To register for this event, send your membership number, name, and address to: Petawawa Branch, The Canadian Guards Association, Secretary Jean Campbell, @ 774 Pinegrove Crescent, Pembroke, ON K8A 7E4. Costs: Registration - $5 per person: Meet & Greet - $5 per person, and Dinner & Dance - $20 per person. Please indicate how many tickets for each event you require and enclose a cheque or money order for the total amount. Also advise number of name tags required with what names (please print). Because we do not have a monopoly on this event, rooms will be at a premium. You must make your own reservations. Best Western Pembroke Inn, 1-800-567-2378: Comfort Inn, 1-877-289-9008: Pembroke Travelodge, 1-800-578-7878: Hillside Inn, 1-877-543-8883: Bayview Inn, (613) 732-3359: Sleepy Haven Inn, (613) 732-8818: Copeland Motor Inn/Champlain Motor Hotel, 1-866-214-1826: Colonial Fireside Inn, 1-888-468-8882: Travellers Inn, 1-877-470-4033.

BAND CORRESPONDENT Brian Williams (Trombonist), born in England, came to the Guards from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Band and Kneller Hall Military School of Music. He served in the Guards Band from 1962 to 1968 and then had postings to Victoria (School of Music), Kingston (Vimy Band and Air Transport Band), Gagetown (RCR Band as CWO, Assistant Director). Afterwards he was posted to Kingston, again, for six years and finally to Ottawa with the Central Band. In 1992 Brian retired to St. Catharines, Ontario. He now plays electric bass in local bands and conducts the Fort Erie Legion Concert Band and the Thorold Reed Concert Band. Until last year he also conducted the Niagara Falls Concert Band. Brian continues making music with local musicians and makes great wine!  From the desk of Bob Bertuzzi. To Ian Inrig: I do not have space to include all of your great letter regarding the death of Davie Roche, but I would like to share the final sentiment. "Davie, you are not alone. If I may, we are all "characters" in the fabric of which the Regiment was made and which has bound us all together all these years. We are blessed to be part of that fabric and we are blessed to have known and experienced all the characters within it." Many thanks to George Randall who visited Thailand to check on Dave’s condition and who brought the sad news to us via e-mail.

LAST WORDS It is with great pleasure that I wish all members of our Regimental Family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We have enjoyed a most prosperous year in this great country of ours and I hope that things are going equally well with you all. I am happy to report that my new, bionic, knee is working well and I no longer need crutches or cane, but I do make a lot of noise going through airport security! I spoke with Ambrose Dwyer today and he tells me he is on the mend from his accident, although not yet 100%. The Atlantic Branch reported that they all had a great time at its Reunion and I’m sorry to have missed Hugh Briand’s rendition of "Black Bear". But I am really looking forward to seeing everyone at the 1 July "Mini-Reunion" in CFB Petawawa. The Museum Committee spent a good and fruitful day in Petawawa on 30 November, working on the new exhibits to be opened on 1 July, 2005. Our historian, Bill Patterson, ceremonial "guru" Gerry Wharton and I were joined by Wally Fowler and John Clark, who are the lead workers on the scene. Bill MacIver, who is conducting a study on how we should structure our Guards Collection finances to ensure perpetual funding, accompanied us. The story line for the new exhibits places emphasis on the Depot as the " Heart and Soul" of the Regiment. It will be exciting to enter the new space via a Sentry Box, " a la Public Duties" and venture into a comprehensive display area featuring the human side of soldiering in the Regiment. We need your input: how did the Depot affect you? Do you have stories of your Depot days? They can be serious, light, short, long, sad, ironic or anything betwixt and between those criteria. Such as one from recently retired MGen Bob Gaudreau who went through our Depot in the early 60s as a Signal Corps recruit. Seems our Steve Gannon was right, "....Gaudreau would seem to have some leadership potential..." he wrote in his report. What about you? What did the Depot mean to you? And do you have any pictures that might help your story? If so, let us know through the Association Secretary - he’ll get the message out to the Museum Committee and Curator. As you can see, I’m very much encouraged by the direction being taken by the Museum Committee and Anne Lindsay the Museum Curator. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated people working on our collection. As we approach the end of another year I can only think of how lucky we are to have our Association - it keeps us together and allows us to bask in the warmth of that which is true friendship. As I get older, my early days in The Regiment become more important to me; the relationships we established with one another, the work we did and how we had such a positive impact on the peace and security of our great land. Ian Douglas, President A Mari Usque ad Mare