Governor General's Horse Guards Association

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Governor General's Horse Guards Association

A place for updates on events and activities in the Governor General's Horse Guards Association

07/07/2025

WARRIORS’ DAY PARADE
Canadian National Exhibition – Saturday, August 16, 2025

JOIN YOUR REGIMENTAL FAMILY ON PARADE!
The GGHG Association is proud to once again march in this year’s Warriors’ Day Parade. This annual tradition honours the brave men and women who have served and continues to showcase our enduring regimental pride.

We’re calling on all members to volunteer and march with the Association Troop.

🎖️ Show your support
🎖️ Celebrate our history
🎖️ Connect with fellow Horse Guards

NEW – SUMMER DRESS OPTION!
In response to high summer temperatures, the traditional blazer and tie will be replaced with a short-sleeved white dress shirt with epaulettes.

✔ Available for both men and women
✔ Cost: $70.00
✔ Designed for comfort and professionalism

To order your shirt, please register below and include:
- Shirt size
- Neck size
- Chest and waist measurements

📋 REGISTER NOW!
https://forms.gle/5TY5tKqwRqWXGThf7
Please register early to help us plan for a strong and coordinated turnout.

📞 For more information, contact:
President Daniele Mariani
📱 (647) 679-7516

Let’s make this year’s parade a proud moment for the Regiment.

Up the Guards!

The 2025 Warriors' Day Parade Saturday, August 16, 2025 10:30am The Canadian National Exhibition Toronto, Ontario, Canada

05/29/2025

🎓 NOW OPEN: 2025 King Family – GGHG Bursary!

Are you (or someone you know) a child or grandchild of a GGHG member? Apply now for the 2025 King Family – GGHG Bursary to help fund your post-secondary education!

This bursary honours the service of Sgt (Ret’d) Malcolm King (GGHG) and Squadron Leader Ralph G.B. King (RAF/RCAF, WWII), and supports students attending university, college, trade school, or accredited career programs.

📅 Deadline to Apply: July 10, 2025
✅ New eligibility criteria for 2025 – check before applying!

🔗 View Eligibility Criteria:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aUYHHC0xbLPwgHr4j7vWh1XTfs3CgcdQ/view?usp=drive_link

📝 Download Application Form:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HyYGJiHncDbQkmOXV559wZCmBRz8ocsG/view?usp=drive_link

📬 Help us spread the word to our Regimental Family!

05/10/2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Captain Albert James “Jim” Davis on May 5, 2025, at the age of 93.

Jim proudly served with the Governor General’s Horse Guards from 1950 to 1984, rising from Senior NCO to Regimental Sergeant Major and later Captain & Regimental Transport Officer. He was also a respected Officer with the Toronto Police Mounted Unit, known for his legendary horse Barney and his international work as a horse trainer.

Jim was a beloved husband to Linda, a dedicated friend, and a true gentleman who will be deeply missed.

On behalf of all members of the GGHG, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Linda and her family.

Rest in peace, Jim — your service and spirit will never be forgotten.

Linda will be keeping Jim’s page active for those who wish to stay connected.

04/07/2025

PASSING OF SGT JOHN CHARLES BENNETT
Fellow Horse Guards,
It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of World War II Veteran and former member of the Governor General’s Horse Guards, Sergeant John Charles Bennett, who passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, following a brief illness. He was 101 years old.

In his final hours, John was surrounded by the love of his family—a fitting close to a life defined by service, resilience, and devotion. He enlisted in the British Royal Navy at the remarkable age of 15 and served throughout the Second World War. After immigrating to Canada, he continued his dedication to country by joining the Governor General’s Horse Guards, where he remained a beloved part of our extended Regimental family.

We had the great honour of interviewing John just two months ago for our Regimental Lines newsletter. Meeting him in person was a moving experience—one that left you with a lasting impression. His warmth, humility, and sharp memory were remarkable, and his passing is deeply felt.

To his children—John, Ellen, Kathleen, and Thomas—and to all members of the Bennett Family, we extend, on behalf of the entire Regiment, our deepest and most heartfelt condolences. We are proud to have counted John among us and are grateful for the memories and legacy he leaves behind. A detailed account of his extraordinary life can be found in his obituary linked below.
Obituary – https://www.humphreymiles.com/obituaries/John-Charles-Bennett?obId=41518467

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in John’s memory to:
• The Governor General’s Horse Guards Foundation
• The Sunnybrook Veterans Centre – Designation: Veterans Program

Visitation
----------
Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles-Newbigging Chapel Limited
1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8
Monday, April 14, 2025 – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Memorial Service
-------------------
Monday, April 14, 2025 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Rest in peace, Sergeant Bennett. Your courage and service will never be forgotten.

Nulli Secundus!

12/11/2024

THE GGHG ASSOCIATION ONLINE KIT SHOP NOW OPEN!
The Governor General's Horse Guards Association is thrilled to announce the launch of our official online Kit Shop! 🎉

Now, you can proudly show your GGHG spirit with a variety of clothing and accessories!

💻 Visit the Kit Shop today at https://www.gghgassociation.com

Place your order now and wear your GGHG pride wherever you go!

Feel free to share this news with friends, family, and fellow supporters. Let’s spread the word!

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.

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.

Address

Toronto, ON

Website

http://www.gghgassociation.com/

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The Governor General’s Horse Guards Association

When the Active Regiment demobilized in 1946, many Horse Guards were anxious to form some sort of organization so that the comradeship and good feeling that existed between all ranks while on active service could be maintained and carried on into the future. In November 1949, The Governor General's Horse Guards Association was formed and is open to all active and former members of the Governor General's Horse Guards Regiment, officers and NCOs alike as well as friends of the Regiment. The Association exists to keep former members informed and in touch with each other and the Regiment.

During the years 1950 and 1951, the Association encountered and overcame many difficulties but today it remains one of the most active and strongest group of its kind with a membership that can be found in Canada from coast to coast and in the United States and England.

Throughout the year, the Association endeavours to get members together as much as possible and hosts a number of social events such as the Annual Darts Night, D-Day Dodgers Dinner, the Annual Memorial Dinner and the End of Year Get-Together each December, all aimed at promoting camaraderie among its members.

The Association publishes a quarterly newsletter, Regimental Lines, which is the envy of other organizations and maintains an Internet online presence through its website and on this page.