Message Board
The message board as we knew it has been discontinued. If you have messages send them to the EOOW and they will be posted on this page. Plans are in the works to implement a new message board and perhaps a chat room...Stay tuned!! EO's writer: For those *old timers* who remember Bill Tindell, I regret to inform them of his passing. In case they missed the obituary, I have it copied below. Hi. My name is Jack Hayward.I was a stoker from 1958 to 1968. I lost a dear friend CERA Bill Hatcher early this year. He was my Chief on the Chaudiere and stayed like a father to me 'til the day he died. At the start of my Navy career He took me under his wing and taught me how to survive. We stayed very close until the day he pasted. Almost 50 years He lived in Nova Scotia{Porters Lake} & I in Ontario [Ingersoll]but that never stopped Our friendship. Just added to arguing over what province was the best. I will never forget him or his family. Stay healthy Stokers!!! All the best Jack Hayward.. Good Evening, Help our Military and RCMP Veterans fix an injustice to their retirement security. Support Bill C-221 Chief,
I sailed with Bill Tindell on HMCS Annapolis between 1974-1977, and after retirement from the Navy, he worked in FMG in the Dockyard. Obviously, he was someone that stood out in my early stoker days, with his *kipper* accent and mannerisms. I remember when they could not find his *Ticket* from his transfer between the RCN and the Canadian Navy, and were not going to pay him the Spec Pay without proof of that certification. When the watchkeepers shook him for his next watch, he reminded them, that he HAD no ticket (no tickie, no watch), and they were not long in finding the missing information ;-)
TINDELL, Brian Frederick "Bill"
TINDELL, Brian Frederick "Bill" - 75. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Frederick Tindell, our beloved Grumpy, on Friday, October 3, in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Plymouth, England, he was a son of the late William and Phyllis (White) Tindell. He is survived by his daughters, Penny Charron (Bradley), Dartmouth; Carrie Cameron (Darrell), Lawrencetown; his son, Brian Tindell, Victoria, B.C.; granddaughters, Michelle (Tim), Alyssa; great-granddaughter, Hailey; grandsons, Dustin, Dean, Cullen, William; brother, Bruce Tindell (Liz), England; several sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet (McGrath); sisters, Betty, Norma. Bill was a member of the Royal Navy for 12 years and a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces. He was known for his love of fine cuisine. He will be forever loved and missed by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place with burial at a later date.
Tom Bond, CD
Central Registry Messenger
12 Wing Shearwater 720-9001
I was having a bit of a look around the system and found your page. I am ex RAN and did 9 years as a stoker paying off as a Leading Stoker (I got to be a leading stoker twice).
A couple of weeks ago I attended an “End of Steam” (the second one) reunion in Townsville. We mustered 540 ex Purple Empire gents and had an absolute ball. Some of us managed to get into some mischief which seemed to improve the atmosphere of the place. The End of Steam theme is for those of us who served in steam driven ships. The Navy today has gas turbine driven ships.
Your web site is great.
Regards & best wishes
Rocky Rankin
Former LME & EOW
SAVARD, Normand Joseph Edouard "Norm"- 39, Dartmouth, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2008. Born in Parent, Que., he was a son of Raymonde Duchene and the late Michel Savard. Norm served 20 years in the Canadian Navy. He continued his career with the Department of National Defence at FMF Cape Scott. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (Seward); his pride and joy, son, Mathieu; brothers, Maurice (Nicole Boilie), Robveral, Que.; Clement (Stephanie Dugay), Bangkok, Thailand, and grandfather, Edouard Duchene, La Tuque, Que. Norm enjoyed constantly being surrounded by his family and friends. His passion for life was only surpassed by his love for Michelle and Mathieu. His love of the outdoors included the adventures of hunting, fishing, low riding on his motorcycle, carving the ski hill, and everything from birdies to bogeys on the golf course. Despite having heart complications, his heart remained larger than life. Everyone who knew Norm felt their life had been touched by such an amazing man. His compassion, positive attitude, and contagious laughter will forever remain with us. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 2, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, where funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3. Reception to follow in the funeral home reception centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation. On-line condolences available at: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com
Ray Aubé, P. Eng
Mechanical Engineering Team Leader
Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott
Halifax, Nova Scotia
It's with great sadness that I heard about Chris. I was in Boston and could not attend the service.We had some great times on the tanker. Chris served under me while I was the CERA and, as everyone knew, Chris was someone who could get the job done. He had a vast experience on the RAS deck, and I relied on him to keep Ronnie Peach out of the shit. We had some deep discussions in the mess during Swiss Air and drank alot of beer. I remember Chris coming to me and getting some beer for the divers during this time as I was the Bar Manager. Chris bagged it up and out the back door it went just as the Cox'n entered the mess ( sorry George). Chris was someone who cared about others even though he put on a hard front. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
BR>
Keith Crocket
I was interested to pass some information along regarding the untimely demise of an old friend and former ship mate, PO2ER (Ret'd) Chris Jones. Chris passed sometime in the early morning of Thursday 7 Feb 2008. There will be an obituary in the Sunday Daily News as well as Monday’s issue of the Halifax Chronicle Herald. There will be a visitation Tuesday 12 Feb from 7pm till 9pm at The Dartmouth Funeral Home on Queen Street and a Funeral service at Christ Church located at the intersection of Octerlony St and Wentworth St in Dartmouth Wednesday 13 Feb at 3 pm. This probably won't be very helpful to get the word out in a timely manner but just wanted to inform all his friends and former shipmates of his passing. Chris joined the military in the fall of 1977 and retired in summer of 2003. Although he spent his initial years at sea on the Nipigon and eventually recertified 3E on the TORONTO during a NATO deployment to the ADRIATIC in 98, Chris thoroughly enjoyed many years serving in various positions on the AOR's and was proud of his status as a Tanker man. Chris retired due to medical circumstances and experienced further medical complications which significantly curtailed his activities and travel options but he continued to live life his way and with no exceptions he was Chris Jones to the end. Chris will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all that knew him.
Ken Watts.
Obituary
It is with tremendous sadness that we grieve the unexpected death of
Christopher Bryce Jones, PO2 (retired) RCN, the beloved husband of Anne
Marie (Lorincz), loving father to Ivy Rose and Justice Dylan, on February 7,
2008 at home. Chris was born in England on May 16th 1957 and arrived in
Canada at the ripe old age of three months. Chris proudly served 25 years in
the Royal Canadian Navy. He loved his family, his friends, fly fishing,
football and the great outdoors. He also had a great passion for his
motorcycle and enjoyed riding all year. Chris was a member of the East Coast
Gun Run during the Nova Scotia Tattoo. He enjoyed a good joke, and could
tell a good story. He will be remembered for being kind hearted, generous,
and a wonderful friend. His lifelong love of the arts and reading was
carried on to his children. Chris was always eager to share wisdom and life
lessons, as well as tales of his adventures. He taught us that the frailty
of the body can be overcome by the strength of the heart. He is survived by
his parents Deryk and Josephine (Waterman) Jones, sisters Gloria and Mary
Kay, brother Graeme (Lori) and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and
cousins. Christopher will also be sadly missed by his in-laws Joe and Diane
(Stolzman) Lorincz, Nandor, Amy, Lorraine (Frank) and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held 7-9 PM February 12th at Dartmouth Funeral Home,
Queen Street, Dartmouth. Funeral service will be held 3 PM at Christ Church,
Ochterloney Street, Dartmouth. Burial will be at sea at a later date. Anne,
Ivy and Justice would like to thank all the Doctors and Nurses in the
Dialysis Unit, for their dedication, patience, and care of Chris, these past
few years. It is greatly appreciated. Family flowers only please. Donations
may be made in his memory to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, The CNIB and
The Canadian Cancer Society.
Compassion is something I have a lot of, because I've been through a lot of
pain in my life. Anybody who has suffered a lot of pain has a lot of
compassion.
Johnny Cash
A very sad day today, Chris Jones past away this date 7 February 2008. Please pass the word, I will try and keep you up to date on the where and when of services.
Bill McClung
Hello,
I am writing to you at the request of a friend who is in search of information or a way to obtain information on the aforementioned person, Yvon Emond. Please read the entire message and reply to indicate if you can be of assistance with the query.
The following lists the information regarding Mr. Emond, from which we are seeking to locate the individual or relatives of the same:
· Mr. Emond was born between 1945-1950.
· It is believed he was born in Quebec.
· He is/was francophone.
· He served on the HMCS Ottawa in 1968.
· He lived on Kent St, Halifax with other sailors in 1968.
· He is believed to be an engineer.
· It is believed that Mr. Emond is deceased, having passed away 7-10 years or so ago while living in Levis, QC
· He was thought to have been employed at the Mil Davies Shipyard in Quebec City during the 1990’s, specifically from 1990-92.
Any and all information or assistance that you can provide or leads to the same would be greatly appreciated.
(ED Note: Please pass any and all information to the EOOW through the website. It will be then be passed on to the requesting person(s))
Hello to all;
Especially to those of you who made it to the BBQ at the Fleet Club on June 22nd. The turnout was pretty good, although we were being optimistic in seeing more. Still seems like the younger stokers in the crowd can't seem to make it out, even on a Friday afternoon. Nonetheless, we had a great BBQ/Meet and Greet with some 100 of the faithfull out to enjoy the sun and the food. How we managed to be the only sunny spot in all of Metro on that mostly overcast day, I don't know, but lets just say that God and Mother Nature love us Stokers.
I want to extend a big thanks to those of you who generously volunteered to help put things together. You all know who you are. Based on that sort of participation and helping hands, I will definitely go with another BBQ next year. The food was pretty tasty, if I don't say myself, but a cold Keith's will smoothen out the roughest growlies. The Fleet Club is booked for the last Thursday in June, just before the long weekend, so check your calendars for that date.
One continuing bone of contention for several involves getting the word out to as many people as possible. We did make a pitch to advertise via the Legion HQ website, but received no response there. Word of mouth still seems to be the alternate to the Stoker site and fleet-wide E mails, but this is hit or miss. I'm open to suggestions or help with regards to getting a more widespread message for these events. If anyone has specific contacts that I can add to the list, feel free to E mail me at Leblanc.GA@forces.gc.ca
The next get together, of course, will be the pre-Christmas bash, on the first Thursday in Dec, likely around the time of the CM visits. Rest assured that I will post further news of this event later in the fall. In the meantime, any feedback on this recent event or others to come is welcomed.
CPO2 George A. LeBlanc
NDQAR MSE Rep
425-2531
STOKER'S SUPER FRIDAY
SUMMER BBQ BEER BASH AT THE FLEET CLUB
This years summer stokers event was held at the Fleet Club and was well attended by a fine variety of Canada's pride and joy of it's Senior Service "The Stoker Branch". I have attended these events with very few exceptions for many years and it has always been a pleasure. There were of course many old salty faces not in attendance perhaps due to the summer time commitments or health reasons all of which are quite acceptable albeit sadly missed in the gathering of stories of times on the deck plates.
The weatherman had predicted a downpour followed by a water-washing but it appeared the weatherman had forgotten where he stored his "Sellers Gear" so the sun quickly took front stage trumpeted by drifts of fog. As for the outside casing crew they stoked the fires with buglers and dogs wrapped in the laughter and stories that only a stoker could appreciate.
Looking back over many years of Naval Life I thought how fortunate I was to have served with so many gallant men and a few women in the Engineering Branch. Naval bashes are unique in the fact the atmosphere is more than friendly as work is lelf in the engineering spaces and those who are ashore dare not complain having a jammy job away from the sea they so long to return to.
It is especially interesting to chat with several recent retired Engineers who have found employment ashore in civiy land in areas, such as: watchkeeping in small steam plants, small business, schools, hospitals, bus driving and even as a ferry engineer (?). I have been asked what is the difference between marine engineers and others, I tell them the difference is we see in Technicolor while others see in black and white. Taking with some older and new stokers things have not change, we are indeed a special breed having served at sea under trying circumstances providing the blood lines to the ship makes our BBQ conversation and thirst for yet another bunch a beer interesting.
My last ship as C/ERA was the " Skeena" and although I enjoyed many others that ship was a thrill, a fine ship's company with full support from all branches, so when I attend a stoker bash and ex "Skeena Le chats" are present my heart warms with fond memories.
For those responsible thanks and for those in service much thanks and for the retired who shared in stories from as far back as WW II many thanks. When all is said and done, and when the chips are down and you are in need of a helping hand a stoker will be their if asked. See y'all in December with some good luck.
David Bakody
C/ERA ret'd
Hello to all in the Stoker community;
Summer is coming - see those friggin dandelions in the ditch, soon to be on everyone's lawn? All it takes to get us out in the yard is a few warm rays like we had this past weekend.
When we had the pre-Christmas function, I announced that we would have a summer BBQ and posted that as part of my post-party comments on the site. We are now within two months of the target date for the BBQ and the Fleet Club is booked for June 22, PM. Got to keep it tied to Sliders, right?
Earlier BBQs were not always so well attended, I believe party due to the timing. Once people head off on leave or out to their cottages and camps, its hard to get em in for such things, even one as fun as our BBQ or other get togethers. So, we will try out June 22 this year, in hopes that before all head out for much deserved summer leave, we will get a good turnout.
It will remain essentially a no frills sort of event, with BBQ'd burgers and hot dogs offerred up, at minimal cost and perhpas a few side salads, with plenty of berverages available and all of the free cameraderie you can handle. I'm in discussions with the Fleet Club as to what sort of arrangements they can help us with, in terms of the food. I am guesstimating 100 to 150 attendees, again based on previous events, so this is where you all come in. I will need a few helpers to make it go smoothly - a lack of help was a main reason why the summer BBQ has not been a regular event, but we enjoy these events too much not to make the effort. There's nothing too taxing, i.e.helping set up, a few BBQ 'chefs' if req'd, a bit of cleanup and selling 50/50 tickets. Get the word out! It was suggested that I post something at the local Legions, in order to get as many ret'd stokers as possible and cover those who may not be on line. I will take that for action shortly.
So, I am optimistic that we will get good response, especially given its a Friday afternoon and before leave period starts up. There are a number of recent and soon to be retirees who will hopefully be there, particularly those who might be leaving the area after they hang up their spanner, so, again, lets do our best to get the word out.
I am looking forward to meeting and greeting as many of you as possible on June 22nd at the Fleet Club.
George A. LeBlanc
FMF CS TSS DI
Senior Diesel Inspector
427-6041
I was an MSEO and I've never been to Disneyland. I don't appreciate your joke!
Ray
(Ed note: You certainly have had a hard life Ray!! It must be very difficult admitting both of these earth shattering facts in one short sentence....... This reminds me of an old saying about cabinet makers!! Hopefully the next segment of your life will be more rewarding and that you find yourself, at least once, at the annual MSEO reunion in Disneyland. It really is a magical place!!)
STOKER CHRISTMAS BASH 2006 CPO2 George Leblanc
From my perspective as the unofficial, non-elected planner for our
December event, the Stoker Meet and Greet last Thursday was a hit and
was very well attended, by an enthusiastic and noisy crowd of a couple
hundred stokers. My semi-successful efforts to be heard amongst the
rabble attest to the spirited atmosphere at the Fleet Club. Not even
Wallie Brake could have been heard over that noise. It was music to my
ears. Once again, many old friends got to get reacquainted and more
than a few old stories were told and retold.
The success of this event is of course entirely due to the large
crowd that keeps showing up for this fun session. No frills is the main
thrust of our annual get together and from many of the opinions that
came my way, that is the way to keep it. I will take that to heart,
rest assured, as I make plans for the next time around. So barring any
objections, I am booking the Fleet Club for same time next Dec. It will
be posted plenty early as well, as long as the website provider is on
stable footing. A suggestion that came from Stan Horton (the old one)
to post these events at the various legions is also a valid idea that I
will do my best to make happen.
Its also my mindset as I make arrangements for a summer event,
which will likely be a meet and greet BBQ, again at the Fleet Club.
Too many unpleasant add ons, monetary wise, to hold it at the C&POs
(hands in my pocket, hands in my pocket). Also, not as out of sight,
out of mind, as the Fleet Club is. I'm looking at the latter part of
June 07, before people take off for summer vacations. I am certainly
open to suggestions from the community and also welcome any assistance
in the planning and execution of such an event. I know lack of help was
a sore spot for previous members who tried to make such a gathering
happen in recent years, so hopefully it can gain some help and momentum.
So once again, thank you to all of you who make it a point on your
calendars to come out each December. Its a great event. Stay tuned for
updates on the summer BBQ and other news on our website, which is a
great thing and needs continued support from all to thrive.BR>
George A. LeBlanc
FMF CS TSS DI
Senior Diesel Inspector
427-6041
STOKER CHRISTMAS BASH 2006 CPO (ret'd) David Bakody
A smashing good time was held by all at this years Fleet Club Christmas Folly featuring Canada's Finest Stokers in God's Country "Slackers". Then again would anyone expect less from such a gaggle of good looking, talented and hard working engineering savvy minded sailors? Yes indeed, because stokers are sailors first, and there is nothing they can not handle aboard a fighting warship but I digress. The changing of guard as I mentioned last year was evident as many now old time CERA's who joined in the late 50's and early 60's were in attendance and quite a good looking lot if I say so myself. Of course there still were some others who looked even better for all their early years at sea in wartime ships and long watches in hard working Engine Rooms.
During this time I was reminded of a killick stoker with a wild and wooly repartition who I sailed with on the "Bonnie" and was a bit late for his afternoon watch having sipped to long on his tot? Wanting some gowlies in his belly he stopped by the back door of the galley scooped a big plastic plate of beefaroni. He then took off to the aft machinery space and as he went down the ladder to the vaps he noticed one of our most favorite EO's standing on the Vap platform. Being a quick thinker and not wanting to be questioned, he kinda tripped on the top grading above his head and spilled all the beefaroni plate and all over his white hat and white coveralls. The shock of it all caused this EO to say many things none of them fit for even X rated TV, told him he was in the rattle and then stormed out of machinery space to return to his cabin, Unfortunately he had to pass by the Wardroom Area where other officers broke out in laughter that could be heard on the moon for sure.
This killick stoker received only a $25 fine from the Jimmy
(A three ringer who could not keep a straight face during his colorful explanation of events) for taking a plate out of the galley to wit this well know EO was not pleased with.
To all who take time to turn out for these events thanks, and to those who sit at home even in retirement come out you will be glad you did, need a drive ask, because it is really is a hoot. There are many untold salty dips in the coal bins of stoker's minds, and it is at these special occasions we have a chance to share. For us old timers who attend these bashes it is both heart warming and an honor to be invited.
My thanks to CPO LeBlanc for his organization skills and his willingness to hold a summer barbecue stoker bash. For all those I met I wish you continued good times on the plates and for old time good buddies I wish you well. See you in summer and spread the word.
Cheers
David Bakody
C/ERA ret'd
Pass on to your military friends....Message from Tom Price
Subject: POLICY UPDATE - CFSA CLAW BACK AT AGE 65
----- 1. The following is an update to the CFSA claw back initiative for CFSA annuitants who turn 65 year's of age. The NDP Member of Parliament from Sackville-Eastern Shore in the Maritimes; Mr Peter Stoffer will be re-introducing a private member's bill during the next sitting of the new Government and House of Commons; requesting that the present policy be abolished and cancelled; whereby CFSA annuitants have their CFSA pension benefits reduced at age 65 upon their entitlement and receipt of Canada Pension Plan benefits.
2. Also there is a court challenge to Bill C-78 which is presently in front of the courts regarding the $30.2 Billion surplus taken from the Canadian Forces (CF), the Public Service (PS) and the RCMP pension accounts. On 23 December 2005, 128 internal government documents were entered into evidence that support the argument that pension plan members legitimately consider that the government, as their employer and sole administrator of the pension plans should have acted according to their best interests based on its trust and fiduciary obligations. These documents support the contention that the government instead used the surplus in the early 90s to pay down the national debt. The three pension plans are seeking to have this surplus returned to the applicable pension accounts. The results of this court case could have a far reaching significant impact on the CFSA claw back initiative as some of these surplus CFSA funds could be used to pay down the additional CPP contributions that would be required on behalf of all present serving and retired CF members should the CFSA claw back initiative be successful.
3. The basic argument for abolishment of the CFSA claw back for CFSA annuitants at age 65 is that when the CPP came into being in 1966, individual military members were not properly briefed; specifically personnel were not informed that by virtue of "integrating" the CFSA and CPP all future pensioners would be subject to a CFSA benefit reduction at age 65. Members were not informed, nor more importantly given an option that by "stacking" the CPP with the CFSA we could have paid both our total CFSA contributions and the new CPP levy. Personnel were not informed of the implication of this policy in that their CFSA pension would be reduced when a member became eligible and received CPP benefits at age 65. At the very least, the individual members had a right to and should have been given the option for making contributions to both pension plans. I dare say that even today, the majority of regular force members who are currently serving do not have any idea nor any appreciation of the fate that awaits them in that their CFSA pension will be reduced when they retire and turn 65 years of age.
4. It is very clear that members of the Canadian Forces, both past and presently serving have been unfairly dealt with by the unilateral decision to integrate their CFSA and CPP contributions rather than stacking the two pension plans or at the very least allowing individual members to chose between integrating or stacking.
5. Presently, DND and the Canadian Forces are enjoying an unprecedented level of support from the Government and all Canadians. As a consequence, there is probably no better time than the present for having this discriminatory policy abolished with respect to retired members of the military having their CFSA benefits clawed back at age 65. All personnel should be acutely aware of the impact this policy will have on their personal lifestyle, their family and loved ones, once they retire from the military and reach the age of 65. Everyone is encouraged to regularly visit the following website:
http://www.rcmpvetsnb.ca/Vetsinfo/General/Pension/Pension65/pension65summary20Jun06.php
Article on Clawback LCol Lumsden April 2006.htm>>
(ed: no attachment received)
Please take the time to read it, it is very enlightening. In addition, the following website is called Veteran Voice.Info and provides a forum for all Canadian veterans, serving members and their families to have access to information pertaining to veteran rights:
Veteranvoice.info
7. You are requested to give this information the widest distribution and encourage any and all personnel, both regular force and reserve, to contact their individual member's of parliament and ask them to show their support for this very worthwhile endeavor. Remember this claw back has or will affect everyone; both presently serving members and all retired folks.
8. The claw back of CFSA benefits is a bad policy that needs to be rescinded and abolished. If we are to be successful in this endeavour, we will need the full support of all serving and retired members. Take a stand, the potential financial benefits for us all are well worth the few moments of your time to voice your support. You will be kept informed on a regular basis on any new developments.
M.E. Arnett
Major
Comptroller
RCSU (Pacific)
250-363-0902
Can you check this out and put a link on the website? www3.ns.sympatico.ca/military.pension. We all have a stake
stake in this fight and if we all show some support the politicians might
pay attention. We represent a lot of votes.
Dick Budge
I have posted some information on the Kootenay explosion on my website, http://www.forposterityssake.ca,
and thought it might
be of interest to those who visit your website. You
can view the info by clicking on the link above.
Cheers.....Garry
The 50th Annual MARPAC ERA's Function was held at the C&PO's Mess, CFB Esquimalt, on
Thursday the 01 Dec 05. Stay tuned for pictures of the event in the next few days. Love to hear how it went as well, if someone from the west is inclined, please forward the information to post on the site.
A Stokers Christmas Bash
These years gathering of Naval Engineers were held at the Fleet Club, December 1st 2005. What a wonderful day to start yet another festive season with a proud bunch of sailor's who go below to make things go. This gathering has been taking place for many years in one form or another, modern times have seen the www.stokers.ca host the event. My thanks go out all those who stood on the deck plates to pull this off. Things have changed over the years but never the ability of a gaggle of sailors to stand in front of bar and have a good time. Looking around the crowd I recognize many faces from past years and I was pleased to see them, of course there were many ode steamer pals who names appeared on the same steaming list as mine and many more stokers and ERA's where are paths past in the sea of engineering knowledge over our decades of service. Events remain firmly planted in my memory especially as sit her in my naval room tapping away on this modern communication machine. For those who have supported this gathering for years I would like to extent very special thanks and for others please plan to attend next year "give your head a shake sailor" and mark your calendar and check the web site now and then. Speaking of which I have received many favorable comments on the site from old stokers filling in some spare time from across the country. Now for the real practical aspects of the bash, this year I noticed that there has been a changing of guard so to speak, many of the older fokes were not present, this bunch of course would be post WW II & Korea vets. I was most fortunate as were many others to have had sailed, steamed and worked for these no nonsense types. I remain forever grateful for the passing of their experience and patients to enhance my naval career. It now appears that void has been filled by my generation. This does not mean to say we are the ancient bunch it just means we still can walk and talk a lot ha ha, especially that motley bunch of ode submariners, and a fine crew they are. The ability for sailors to gather for a wet or two is by no means accidental; it is Naval Tradition and for those selected view who have sailed the seas before us had to practice, for it is an art, and all artist must practice their art to be good hence Artificer, now you know eh. Civvies have no clue how to do it, drinking is one thing but being able to recall in detail, each and every humorous event spanning our Naval career is indeed an art recognized around the world. Engineers as you are well aware see things in Technicolor while dibbs see only in black and white, hell they just do not know much and never will. I recently was out with an ode winger who is several years older than me and he mentioned that he missed having some old shipmates around, even though he knew a few civvies over the years the bonding was never as great. I mentioned to him how could you, we worked, ate and slept close to each other and treated each other with self-respect, on civiy street they would never understand especially that sleeping part with a couple of dozen or so close by. So when we get a chance to gather for an event that brings all those wonderful times back. As I listened and chatted albeit me being the shy and soft-spoken person that I am I am fully convinced stokers tot time stories are getting better like good aging dark run. Speaking of which for those of you who think I have forgotten about tots owed to me, you need not worry my memory is WW.
David Bakody
CERA ret
Well it's all over for this year. Thanks to the Stokers and friends of Eric's, he was top earner again. Online donations alone were $940.00 and we collected another $615.00 offline around this area. The GRAND total was $1555.00 which, was more than we ever imagined we would raise. It was Truro's second annual run so there wasn't a big crowd there but it willgrow!! I pushed Eric the two km and we took our dog to walk with us. Thank god she's only twenty pounds as she only got half way around the route and had to sit on Eric's lap. I ended up giving them both a ride. I guess I'm a little out of shape and I'm still tired today. The route was bit rough we had to go over three sets of train tracks the main thing was that I never lost Eric in the ruts!!! The weather stayed dry until after the run so that was good, Eric doesn't do rain well, too cold on him. Also Eric recived an online donation for $100.00 and we think a wrong button was pushed somewhere because the reminder we got when a pledge is made, said Eric Heighton pledged Eric Heighton so we don't know who sent that one maybe someone will say. Last but not least a great big THANK-YOU, from Eric and I, to each and everyone who was so generous in supporting our cause. You are too kind. We will keep in touch, thanks again!!
Sincerely,
Eric & Maxine
Hi
I've just matched your $100 donation, good to see the WEB page doing something good for our stoker community.
Looking forward to the summer BBQ, has the date been set yet.
Chris Andrew Thanks for the email Chris, no word on the summer BBQ yet but looking into it.
Matched yours and Dickie Budge's donation.
Challenge to all members of the branch...can we show support for one of our own? f.w.&f.s. to the staff.....
Don Cale
Let's get on the band wagon and help Eric out. I'm matching your $100.00. It's a good cause and if all of us that can afford it help we can we should be able to raise a lot more than the $1000.00 that he needs.
Dick Budge
Hello,
My name is Eric Heighton some of you folks may know me, some of you may not. I am asking the chief of the watch to post this on your stoker site. I am a Stoker who retired in 2002. Shortly after I retired I had a bad accident when, sleep walking I fell down my basement stairs ended up paralized from the neck down. My mission now is to do all I can to find a cure so myself and others like me 'WILL" walk again. I need All the help I can get!!!!!!! So please give to this worthy cause. I thank you in advance.
Eric and Maxine Heighton
I'm taking part in the 3rd Annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion event on Sunday, June 12, 2005 where people of all ages and abilities will wheel, bike, skate, run or walk along a designated course in communities across Canada to raise funds and help improve the quality of life of people living with a spinal cord injury.
I want to make a difference in the lives of others, and you can help me by pledging your support. Please click on the link on the bottom of this page to donate on my behalf.
Half of the net proceeds raised are directed to priority needs identified to improve the quality of life of people living with a spinal cord injury in event communities. The other half is directed towards research that improves everyday life and ultimately leads to a cure.
A spinal cord injury can happen in a moment, but the effects can last a lifetime so please support me so that we can help to keep Rick Hansen's dream alive and make a difference in the lives of others.
Thank you,
Eric
"If you believe in a dream and have the courage to try,
great things can be accomplished. Anything is possible." - Rick Hansen
A joy it is once again to view the good old deck plate, this coupled with some fine watchkeepers is indeed a fine sight for me eyes. I will of course be scribing some notes in the near future before I launch "CERTA CITO" at the DYC. As for our Christmas Party it was a good afternoon to say the least, I had some problems finding out the time and place and did spread the word the best I could. To be a stoker in any sense of the word is a gift not only to our heart and soul but to all those around us especially the gals, I remember telling many civies I had a chance to play in the NHL ha ha but I heard how much fun it was to be a killick stoker so I went for it and oh what smart move I made....! but I digress, the atmosphere at the Fleet Club was most enjoyable and it was good to see so many turn out. A stokers Christmas Bash is a joy to behold and to see old faces from the past is good albeit mine is one of them old ones now days, hmmm then again there's Robbie and Rosy. As I mingled amongst the hard working, talented good looking lot we are I felt at home. Of course I would have liked to see many more old timers but I was very pleased to see many that I have not seen for some time. These gathering do bring people out of the wood work and the best way to enjoy the event is to make arrangements to come in groups such as the boys from Sackville Legion did one year. It matters not at what rank we finished up our career because the fact remains we all started at the bottom being yelled at by some old Chief and saying when I make Chief I am going to be nice guy, yea right.... but in the end we will do remember the good times and of course the praise and support we got after we finished a hard task to make something work once again under less than favorable circumstances made it all worth while. The runs ashore, funny messmates and unbelievable tot time stories is what it is all about gets better with age believe me. So this past Christmas at our bash was just one of those fine afternoons that memories are made of, and life is like that , it just stokers have fonder memories because damn it we are the blood of the Navy......
David Bakody
C/ERA ret'd
Hear!! Hear!! Thats what we all are about...It was always about the unique people who made/make up our trade and the sweat and the beers that we have shared. Please pass the word along about our site and the annual bashes that we have. Thank you for your letter and your excellent past support for our site...we look forward to hearing more from you.
As far as I know (and I am the Project Manager for the Steamers' Disposal)
there are three remaining whose fate has yet to be determined.
HMCS ANNAPOLIS is still in Esquimalt.
HMCS GATINEAU and TERRA NOVA are still in Halifax. (The sale of GATINEAU to
Kingston must have fell through before my time here).
The ships were prepared for disposal (demilitarized, scavanged for spares,
environmental certificates obtained, etc) when it was discovered that the
PolyChlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) content of the water-blocking compound within
some of the electrical cables is, depending on whose estimate you believe,
5000 times the legal limit. The cost of a comprehensive survey and removal
of the offending cable (as well as the proper destruction of the PCBs) was
estimated at more then we wanted to pay. It appears that the complete
decabling of the vessels (forget trying to identify exactly which cables are
dirty - take 'em all) will be cheaper, about a third the survey cost.
However, as I write this, we are currently un-funded for this project and so
the Statement of Work will not be put out to industry until the funding is
provided.
The three remaining steamers will remain where they are for a while yet.
J.R.C. Logan
LCdr
EO ANNAPOLIS '83-'86
EO SASKATCHEWAN '89-'91
Thanks for the input. Love to hear any updates/news about the remaining steamers.