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The men and women from our region who served in the Armed Forces during a time of war or of peace, and those who are long term Legion members and supporters are remembered on this page.
Our deepest condolences.
The oldest and longest-serving veteran at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80, Midland, Gordon “Gord” Smith died Oct. 30, a couple of months shy of this 100th birthday.
Gord enlisted Dec. 12, 1942 at the age of 17, after telling the recruiter he was 18. Gordon served in the Second World War aboard the HMCS Algonquin (R17) a V-class destroyer. His service took him to Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Mediterranean Sea. The Algonquin and its sister ship HMCS Sioux took part in the bombing of German warship Tirpitz and later provided gunfire support to the landings on Juno Beach, France in 1944.Smith returned home and joined the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80 (Midland) in 1946.
Smith volunteered with the Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, he was a member of the Chamber of Commerce executive, he was on the United Church board, he was president of the church club, and also was involved with the Baptist church.
Ian served with the Royal Air Force from May 1958 to May 1960 as an Air Defence Radio Operator. Emigrating to Canada from Dundee, Scotland, in 1963, he was a Toronto police officer of nine years, worked at TRW for 35 years, a Legion member for 50 years, and a member of the Midland pipe band for 20 years. Ian was known for his contagious smile and big heart. After a short battle with cancer, Ian is survived by his wife Babette (Babs). Loving father of Evelyn (Peter), James (late), Susan (late)(Glen), Linda (Roy), and Heather (Terry). Stepfather of Ken (late)(Kelly) and Shaun (Jen). Cherished grandfather of Stuart, Samantha, Leazel (Ryan), Jennifer, Amanda, Natalie, Brody, Tanner, and Matheson.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert James Yateman, 90, of Midland, Ontario. Bob passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 7, 2023 at the Georgian Bay General Hospital of Midland.
Born August 4, 1932 in Port Credit, Ontario, Bob was the son of the late Edward and Marie (Hague) Yateman. Beloved husband of Doris (nee Smith), devoted father of Cheryl Seymour (Kevin). Proud Grampa to Lindsay Calver and Cory Calver (Kelsey). Cherished Great Grampa to Kannon, Elena and Ivy. Bob will be dearly missed by his sister Marie and by many extended family members and friends. Bob is predeceased by his brothers Jack, Charlie, Joe, Tom and George. Nothing was more important to Bob than spending time with his family and friends.
He beamed with pride whenever he spoke of his family. He made friends everywhere he went, most notably Midland’s A&W. Bob made a career trucking across Canada and the United States, and later in his retirement operated RJ’s Diner, a family style restaurant in Aylmer, Ontario. After settling in Midland, Ontario, Bob became a long time member of the Askennonia Senior Centre and the Midland Legion Branch 80, holding the title of Sgt.-at-Arms for many years. Bob also held the position of Deacon at the Calvary Baptist Church of Midland.