In Memoriam

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.

Neil Craig

June 3, 1943 – May 10, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Neil Alexander Craig on the evening of Saturday May 10, 2025 at Hospice Huronia, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Born in Crayford, Kent, England, Neil emigrated to Canada with his family in 1947, settling in Midland, Ontario, where he spent much of his youth. He is lovingly remembered by his cherished wife Jan, their precious golden retriever Lily, his sons Myles (Joelle) and Bryan (Cindy), and his treasured grandchildren Matthew, Andrew, and Aiden. He was predeceased by his parents John (Alec) and Iris Craig (née Hawkes), and his brother Keith.

At age 12, Neil was recruited to the Midland Brass Band who he played with for a number of years, and soon after also joined the local Sea Cadet Corps (RCSCC Huron) playing lead drum in the Corps’ bugle band. Neil also played kit drums with a number of local bands during his teenage years, but his high school experience led him to the French Horn and a love of classical music. Neil maintained this love for classical music throughout his life, enjoying both choral and instrumental music from the Baroque period.

Neil joined the Royal Canada Navy in 1962, training at both HMCS Cornwallis and HMCS Gloucester, and served mostly in the far North at HMCS Churchill (Manitoba) during the Cold War, monitoring Russian radio communications. After retiring from the Navy in 1965, Neil stayed on in Churchill, working for Pan-American Airways at the Churchill Research Range as an Electronic Technician.

Neil obtained his private and commercial pilots license in 1968, and he worked for a short period soon after as a Flying Instructor and Charter Pilot at Collingwood Air Services, flying out of Huronia Airport. After retirement, Neil and Jan eventually returned to the Midland area, and in 2007 relocated to nearby Wyevale, Ontario.

Neil’s deep connection to pipe band music spanned more than 50 years, and he shared his amazing talents on the snare drum with many people during this time. Starting in the early 1970s, Neil played with the Midland Legion Branch 80 Pipes and Drums. While living in Michigan he played first with the Birmingham Pipe Band and then with St. Andrews Pipe Band (a Grade 3 competition band). Upon his return to the Midland area, Neil rejoined the Midland Legion Branch 80 Pipes and Drums and played with them as a Drum Sergeant for many years, retiring from band life in January 2025. During this latter period Neil also spent

15 years playing with the Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums of the Ontario Provincial Police, a musical accomplishment he was particularly proud of.

Gord Smith

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 Donaldson

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.

In Memoriam

Neil Craig

Gord Smith

Ian Donaldson

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