Governor General's Horse Guards Association

07/22/2024

PASSING OF CAPT BOB BARNABAS
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of former GGHG Officer and Association Life Member, Capt. Bob Barnabas, who has left us on July 22, 2024.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, husband, uncle, soldier, friend and brother in Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Further announcements will be made very soon.

06/11/2024

05/25/2024

PASSING OF KATE DORFMAN
With much sadness, we announce the passing of Kate Rachael Dorfman on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Toronto. Kate was the daughter of former GGHG Commanding Officer, the late Col Jeffrey Dorfman and GGHG Association Member, Faye Dorfman and sister of Aubrey Dorfman (Sylvia) and Ruth Dorfman (Fred Sztabinsk).

For those of us who are long-serving members of the Regiment, Kate was an integral part of our Regimental Family and was often in attendance at regimental functions with her parents over the years. To Faye, Aubrey, Ruth and the entire Dorfman family, we offer our deepest condolences on the loss of their beloved Kate.

Memorial donations may be made to DANI (Developing and Nurturing Independence) for adults with developmental disabilities, 905-889- 3264, https://www.dani-toronto.com

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

At Benjamin's Park Memorial Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West (three lights west of Dufferin) for service on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 2:30 pm.

Interment: Shaarei Tzedec Section at Roselawn Cemetery.

Death Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Yahrzeit Date: 15 Iyar 5784
Funeral Date: Sunday, May 26, 2024
Funeral Time: 2:30 PM

Shiva information: Shiva visits following the interment. Monday and Tuesday from 2:00 to 5:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Evening services at 7:30 pm. Shiva will conclude Tuesday evening May 28th.

Shiva Address: 589 Glencairn Avenue,Toronto, Ontario,M6B 1Z3

04/18/2024

PASSING OF MR. TERENCE "TERRY" BIRKETT

Father of GGHG Sgt. Thomas Birkett, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the age of 78.

Loving husband of Paulette. Beloved father of Kimberly, Elizabeth (Kevin) and Thomas (Georgina). Dear brother of Pam (Fred). He will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Highland Funeral Home - Markham Chapel, on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 4-8 pm and a Memorial Service in the chapel on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior. Following the service, there will be a reception from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM.

In memory of Terry, please consider a donation to the Kidney Foundation or Parkinson Canada.

01/10/2024

PASSING OF REV. LIVINGSTONE YEARWOOD
22 Sep 1927 – 31 Dec 2023
Rev. Livingstone Yearwood, the father of former GGHG RSM Shawn Yearwood passed peacefully on Sunday Dec. 31, 2023, at the age of 96. The funeral will be on Sat. Jan.13th at 10am.

Link to details on Funeral home website:
https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/highland-scarborough/obituaries/rev-livingstone-yearwood/117477.html

01/04/2024

PAMELA ANNE MACDONALD

Passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, on Friday, December 29, 2023 at the age of 73 years. Pam was the sister of GGHG Association Vice-President Brian Macdonald. She joined the Cavalry Squadron in the late '60s, where she started as a civilian member and later, in 1970, she officially joined the Regiment as a clerk, dedicating herself until 1975. Her commitment to service continued as she transitioned to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a safety systems technician, serving for 18 years in the regular forces. After her release, she joined the Toronto Police Service as a civilian dispatcher, contributing until her retirement in 2015.

Interment with a full Legion service with family and invited guests will be held on Saturday, February 03, 2024, at St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium, 256 Kingston Road, Toronto, ON @ 11:00 am. Padre Bruce Hampson will be presiding.

Celebration of Pam’s life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Cedardale Church of the Nazarene, 471 Pefferlaw Rd., Pefferlaw ON. All are welcome.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

We will remember them.

10/15/2023

MEMORIAL FOR WO (RET'D) CHRISTOPHER LAM

It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of WO (Ret’d) Christopher Lam on Saturday October 7, 2023 at 60 years of age. Chris enrolled in the CAF in 1984, serving as an Admin clerk, armoured crewman, Resource Management and Human Resources Clerks. Chris held many different positions in his 39 years of service, retiring on 04 September 2023. He served with many different Regiments, most notably with the Governor General’s Horse Guards, and the Toronto Scottish Regiment. He had more than a few stints at CFSAL/CFLTC teaching our newest administrators. During his distinguished career, Chris deployed to Afghanistan and to Bosnia twice. Chris was very proud of his military service and his commitment to duty was second to none. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

Chris was predeceased by his father Ken and is survived by his mother Cheryl and his sister Margaret. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Denison Armoury, Sr. NCO’s Mess on Friday October 27th, 2023, from 1430-1700hrs.

09/25/2023

GGHG 60TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DINNER

This year's Memorial Dinner will be held in the Paradise Banquet Hall, an upscale event venue located in Vaughan.

09/23/2023

Passing of Cpl Ricardo "Rick" DeCandido

Celebrate the life of Ricardo "Rick" DeCandido, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Andrews Community Funeral Centre - Bramalea Chapel.

08/09/2023

PASSING OF PAMELA AHRENS, wife of GGHG Association Life Member and former Officer of the Regiment, Major Clayton "Ernie" Ahrens

Share Memories of Pamela & Support the Ahrens Family

07/26/2023

PASSING OF MR. LUCIANO VIAN

We share the sad news of Mr. Luciano Vian, father of GGHG Association Member Joanne Jeffery (Carlo), who on July18th passed away peacefully at the age of eighty-nine. He is survived by his wife Giussepina, his children Joanne (Carlo) and Susan (Tony) and an extended family of brothers and sisters.

A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday July 24th at St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Woodbridge followed by entombment at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Etobicoke. On behalf of the Members of the Governor General's Horse Guards Association, we send our sincere condolences to Joanne, Carlo and all the members of their families, as they mourn the loss of the family patriarch.

If so desired, donations in memory of Luciano may be made to the Canadian Cancer Association or the Sunnybrook Foundation.

07/20/2023

PASSING OF CWO JOE DEVOGEL
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of former Regimental Sergeant Major and GGHG Association Life Member, Joe DeVogel, on July 16, 2023, at the age of sixty-nine, following a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was proud to have served for three decades with Toronto Police Service, and the Governor General's Horse Guards.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; children James (Rebecca), Amanda (Jake), Virginia (Michael), Charlene (William).

Services will be held at Glen Oaks Funeral Home (3164 Ninth Line, Oakville). Visitation on Tuesday, July 25 from 5pm - 8pm, and funeral service on Wednesday, July 26, starting at 1pm.

07/05/2023

CANADA'S FORGOTTEN SOLDIERS
A film celebrating the contribution of Chinese Canadians in the Canadian military, particularly the families of those Chinese Canadians that had ancestors serve in WW2 and in Force 136 special forces behind Japanese lines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vud9P36PIWg&t=286s

The story of Chinese Canadian Special Forces Soldiers in World War II. Directed and Edited By Steven Hu Produced by Robert and Leo Chan In order of Appearanc...

07/02/2023

PASSING OF TPR ROSS RENNIE
1928 -2023
GGHG Association Life Member and former Association Executive Member Ross Rennie, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 28th surrounded by family and friends. Prior to World War II, Ross was a Horse Guard Cadet and reconnected with the Regiment in the late 90's. He served as the Association's Health and Welfare representative and was well known for his dedication to taking care of the needs of our Veterans.

Ross' health was in decline over the past few months, but he accepted the end of his life in true 'Roscoe' fashion, by requesting a beer and a cheeseburger just before he left us.

Interment will take place in the fall at a date to be announced later.

03/31/2023

Passing of Dorothy Jolly, Mother-In-Law of GGHG Association Executive Member Sgt (Ret'd) Helen Jolly.

Celebrate the life of Dorothy Jolly, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of .

03/18/2023

A wonderful afternoon of music by the Regimental Band as they paid tribute to the Regiment's 200 years of Cavalry Tradition and Service to Canada,
https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAvCEz

A concert by the GGHG Regimental Band to celebrate 200 years of Cavalry Tradition and service to Canada. Held in the RBC Auditorium at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre.

03/18/2023

Celebrating the life of Sean Van Rooyen
https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/mLyovkGtARa5Jbi5yMmDV/pp_g/88edac9ff322caef8622f62051fd4f1592205363?utm_content=media&utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=rsvp_confirmation_v3&fbclid=IwAR1PB5dPre62e7pL1_8fnZ_VemHXsfAtqS_Vtb2FzuSVaUjosF5R-jDGwn0

02/22/2023

PASSING OF CPL PAUL ANDRES MENA
With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Cpl Paul Andres Mena, who passed away on February 13, 2023, at the age of forty-two. Paul formerly served in the Governor General's Horse Guards until his release in February 2007 and is the brother of Cpl Christian Mena of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, who is currently posted to the GGHG.

A funeral service was held on Sunday, February 19th at the Bernardo Funeral Home in Toronto.

01/08/2023

https://www.cmfmag.ca/policy/caf-to-undertake-largest-and-most-significant-reconstitution-efforts/

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) will be undertaking “one of the largest and most significant reconstitution efforts in recent memory” in the coming future in order to recruit and retain more members while strengthening the CAF overall. In a statement to the entire defence team, the Chief of the ...

12/27/2022

PASSING OF TROOPER SEAN BURTON

With shock and sadness, we share the news that Tpr Sean Burton passed away on December 15th, 2022, at the age of forty-six. He was the son of Capt. James Burton of Ridgeway, Ontario, and Mrs. Barbara Caine (Michael) of Oakville, Ontario. He leaves behind his sister, Jennifer Sampson (Hank) of Peterborough, and his many friends spread throughout Canada who have expressed their grief over his passing.

Sean served in the Governor General’s Horse Guards from 1994 to 1995 and completed QL3. He was immensely proud of his time spent in the ranks and remembered his service in the military with fondness. While still in high school at Appleby College in Oakville, he drove many evenings, and in all kinds of weather, to attend parades and training.

Although his service was brief, Sean went as far as he could in all training phases and was especially proud to serve in a regiment where his father was a trustee and his grandfather, LCol G. Allan Burton was Honorary Lieutenant Colonel. A short video he made for the Regiment’s 200th Anniversary was a clear statement of Horse Guard pride.

Sean also had a lengthy career in the film industry. He worked extremely hard to get where he was and had worked on many high profile and challenging shows. He was just starting to work as a gaffer, the highest position in his department and he was immensely proud of that.

There will be a private family interment on January 7th, followed by a Memorial Service for all, at St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Oakville, at 3 pm on the same day.

11/06/2022

MEMORIAL COMMEMORATION PARADE
The Governor General's Horse Guards will this year be holding its Annual Remembrance Commemoration Parade at St. James Cathedral

The Regiment will be departing from Denison Armoury at 12:00 Noon for Moss Park Armoury where they will form up for a parade to St. James Cathedral. Association Members seeking transportation from Denison Armoury will need to be there no later than 11:30 am.

The Parade will form up at Moss Park Armoury at 1:15 PM and depart for St. James Cathedral at 1:30 PM.

The Commemoration at St. James will begin at 2:00PM following which, the Regiment will form up on the East side of the Church in Column of route for a parade around the block ending on Church Street.

Following the parade, there will be a reception at 3:00 PM at Snell Hall which is in the building adjacent to St. James Cathedral.

For those who travelled in the bus from Denison Armoury, it will be departing from ST. James at 4:00 PM

Dress for Association Members: Blazer – Flannels – Medals – Regimental Ties – Berets – White Gloves.

Association Members, please indicate if you plan to be part of the Association's marching Troop.
https://youtu.be/GYrXyeCgK9E

10/31/2022

LAST CALL: 59TH ANNUAL GGHG MEMORIAL DINNER

This is yet another reminder of the 59TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DINNER this Friday November 4.

Many have indicated that they plan to attend the dinner but have not yet registered or purchased a ticket.

If you will be attending but plan to pay at the door, please advise as soon as possible, if you have not yet done so, in order that we can provide the caterer with confirmation of the number of attendees that meals will be required for.

Again, you can purchase your ticket through Eventbrite or by e-Transfer to [email protected]

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

REGISTER: https://gghgmemorialdinner.eventbrite.com

The 59th Annual GGHG Memorial Dinner will for the first time in 2 years, be held in person this year at Denison Armoury.

09/27/2022

PASSING OF DOUGLAS "DOUG" MASSIE, BROTHER OF LT. CHRIS MASSIE
https://www.wardfuneralhomes.com/memorials/doug-massie/5028684/index.php

Share Memories of Doug & Support the Massie Family

08/22/2022

PASSING OF MWO JAMES 'JIM' FISHER
MWO Jim Fisher passed away earlier today (August 21, 2022) in the Barrie Hospital after a prolonged period of Illness. He was 79 years old.

Although Jim had Joined the military in 1962, he transferred into the Regiment as a Corporal in 1964 and was a life-long Horse Guard, retiring in 1997 and until a few years ago, served as the Membership Chairman for the GGHG Association.

A funeral service will be held this Thursday (August 25th) following which, there will be a funeral lunch

Funeral Details
W. John Thomas Funeral Home
244 Victoria Street East , Box 309
Alliston, ON L9R 1V6

Visitation:
Thursday, August 25, 2022
10:00AM - 11:00AM

Service:
Thursday, August 25, 2022
11:00AM

08/09/2022

HONORARY COLONEL WILLIAM CARVEL GRAHAM DEAD AT 83
It is with sadness we learn that our former Honorary Colonel, Bill Graham, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 7 at age 83, after a period of illness. His passing will be deeply felt by many since his last public appearance was as recent as the Trooping of the Standard on May 1st.

Colonel Graham was not only a skillful politician, having served as Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs, but also a lawyer and law professor and a little-known fact is that he also served in the Naval Reserves.

As details of his funeral arrangements become available, they will be shared with you.

Nulli Secundus!

08/04/2022

PASSING OF GGHG VETERAN CPL WILLIAM 'BILL' COPE
Today, we report the passing of our oldest surviving Veteran, William "Bill" Cope, on May 26 at the age of 102, in Errington BC where he resided. According to his daughter Zoe He was strong right till the end with full cognitive ability, having survived a heart attack, a week in hospital then home again.

Born in Ontario, Bill enlisted with the Ontario Regiment in September 1941 at age 21, then shipped out to Europe nine months later on Christmas Day 1942 and was transferred to the Governor General’s Horse Guards. He left behind his pregnant young bride to keep the home fires burning until he returned four years later after the War was over. Twelve years after returning home he again enlisted with the RCAF and would spend 16 years working in ground transport in the Air Force, much of it stationed in Germany. Full details of his service can be found in the fall 2020 issue of Regimental Lines. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OqW0jrwt1zBedVm76dyWDu0fVymCt7Vk/view?usp=sharing

A memorial gathering for Bill will be held later this month in Errington, BC.

07/15/2022

CALLING ALL ASSOCIATION MEMBERS!!

Fellow Horse Guards:

This Call-Out is to all able-bodied Members of the GGHG Association and former members of the Regiment.

To celebrate its two hundred years of Cavalry Tradition, the Governor General's Horse Guards will play a lead role in this year's Warriors' Day Parade at the Canadian National Exhibition on Saturday August 20. We are asking any member of the Association who is able, to join the Association Troop in the Warriors' Day Parade at this once in a lifetime event for the Regiment. The parade route which goes from Gore Park, outside the Princes' Gates into the CNE grounds has been significantly shortened over the years so the parade itself will not be a major time commitment.

If you are interested in joining the parade, please send a note to [email protected] or call (416) 566-0398. For participants, entry into the CNE is free. However, if family members are interested in going to the EX for the parade and other events that day, information on how you can get free family passes are available at http://www.thewarriorsdayparade.ca/Parade_Info_Veterans_CNE_Tickets.htm

Nulli Secundus

Capt (Ret'd) Brian MacDonald
President
GGHG Association

06/02/2022

PASSING OF MCPL SEAN DAVID ANTHONY VAN ROOYEN

For those of us who served in the early 90’s with Sean, we no doubt remember him well as his personality was larger than life. Rest In Peace Horse Guard.

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