Editor’s Note: So far to date, 2 Squadron D Flight is the only Recruit Flight to have successfully contacted and be in touch with all original Rook members of the Flight. As part of Op Reconnect, Dwight, the D Flight rep, came up with a plan to get the guys to give a short update (two breaths) on where they are, where they have been and who their families are. The following mini-bios were submitted and are in alphabetical order:

JIM ALLISON

In keeping with a cherished military tradition of not leaving anyone behind, I graduated in 1980 with Lutz. Lutz and I have the special privilege of being part of two classes. Served in the Navy where my path crossed a number of times with our old squad boss, LCdr Davie. A hard working dedicated individual. Retired from the Public Service and continue to "consult" to this day. 

Married Liz, had two daughters and have two grandchildren. Playing hockey in Orleans, befriended a fellow named Steve Allison, nephew to our old squad boss proving that the world is small but even smaller as I also played hockey with Bob F's - my rook flight roomie - best childhood friend.  Bob and his friend are very similar, kind and highly intelligent.  Finally, my painful wait for my beloved Canucks to win the Stanley Cup is tempered by how those Leaf fans must feel.  

Cheers, 

Jim A 

ED BETH

 My fellow LaSalleons!

So glad to read your life stories that span closing in on a half century!  What a different world we live in today since our start at RMC that summer of 1975.

Like Nick Parker, I too departed for Chilliwack in 1976, and then had a 23 year career on fighter (CF-5), combat support (T-33) & trainer (Tutor) aircraft, including a USAF exchange tour (T-38). I also had one staff tour in NATO (AAFCE), just prior & during the fall of the Berlin Wall – indeed, it was an interesting time to be in Europe!  Following retirement in early 1998, I flew as a ‘training mercenary’ in the Middle East, teaching Saudi weapon systems officers on the PC9.  I returned to Canada, in late 2000, settled back in Moose Jaw near my son and family, getting myself ready for the airline industry.  Then Nine-One-One (911) changed my plans. Given the fragile nature of airline travel demands after the terrorist attack in New York, I decided to remain in Moose Jaw, and took a civilian military simulator instructor job at the airbase. I have been teaching students now on both the Harvard and Hawk flight training devices (FTDs) for almost 19 years.

I married in 1980 to my wonderful wife Rita, and have one great son, a surveyor working in the local area. We are fond of our two (now adult!)  grandchildren also nearby. I have mostly kept flying all these years (except for this one due to the pandemic), as a glider tow pilot with the air cadet programme here, and a couple of stints in Gimli.  We have been blessed with good health, and have lived in some interesting places such as Texas, Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Best wishes to you all!

Ed (‘the Kai runner’) rt'd maj

DWIGHT DAVIES

 Hey gang, I could not resist sending this to all 12 of us!  If my intel is correct, all 12 email addresses are current and in use...which means for the first time since we spread from that Fort Lasalle hallway to the wing and then off to the world, we are all in contact once again!  I know much of the life story of some of you, and little or nothing of the others....so here is my proposal: I invite each of you to write a 2 para, 2 breath resume of your career/life and share it with the others.  What do I mean: each para has to be short enough that you can read it aloud without taking a breath....try it..it is harder than you think.  

I would also like to shout out a warm welcome to Ed Beth, Mike Riley, and Nick Parker who have been out of contact with us for a while.  I was lucky enough to talk to Nick, the first time in 44 years, and what an interesting and satisfying life he has led so far.  Once we lick COVID and have a chance to gather, we won't have any voices left from all the catching up.

 Anyway here is my 2 para 2 breath resume:

 Career: After College I was a fighter pilot and flew CF-5's, F-16's and CF-18's.  I commanded a squadron, wing, and Task Force Aviano in combat.  I held a variety of staff assignments in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Colorado Springs, and retired as a BGen. 

Life: I married Julie in fourth year, we had 2 sons and a daughter: one is a plumber, one is a SAR helo pilot, and one works for Health Canada.  We moved 26 times over 31 years before settling in West Ottawa. We have 4 grandchildren. 

While I think I could have pushed a few more words out by inhaling a bit deeper....I think this is enough for my missive.

 Hope to hear from all of you... 

 Dwight

BOB FEHR

 I completed a Masters on LWOP then went on manage engine test facilities then jet engine programs in HQ, along with stints in Baden Soellingen and the US Naval Depot in San Diego supporting the CF-18.  I retired out of Moose Jaw in 1998 to implement the first ever DND outsourced technical contract; this being for CF-18 Avionics out of Calgary.  What a hoot!

 Cindy and I were married in 1980 and remain in Calgary.  We have a beautiful daughter Jenna working for Northern Health out of Terrace BC.  I am currently completing renovations on our retirement house in Peachland BC.  Please let us know if you are passing through Calgary or the Okanogan; we would love to catch up.

Bob

BRIAN GRAYSTONE

After graduation, I served as a Logistics Officer in transportation and finance at Camp Borden, with the Special Service Force in Petawawa and in Winnipeg with the RCR and PPCLI. I completed a peacekeeping tour in Cyprus with the PPCLI. Afterward, I completed my MBA and moved to B.C. where I worked in the private sector and then established a consultancy in strategy, operations and supply chain which continues to this day. I supported the RMC Club by serving on the Board in the Red and White cadet recruiting role and as Audit Chair for two years. I also taught in the MBA programs at RMC and for the Sauder School of Business at UBC.

I married Deborah in 1982 and we have one son, Andrew, who graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc. Currently, Deborah and I split our time between Vancouver and Predator Ridge Golf Resort in the Okanagan Valley where we built a cabin. Over the years, I earned my glider pilot wings and learned to ride horses and even learned to jump. My golf game is a form of continuous improvement which is a never ending saga (sigh!). More recently I have been a chef and cooked at a homeless shelter and a hospice and volunteered in Tanzania.

Best of the season to everyone and good health.

Brian Graystone, MBA, CMC, P.Log
Vancouver and Vernon, Canada

PETER KELLY

 First of all, thanks Dwight for this initiative. Its great catching up with all you ol’ buds. It’s interesting to see what everyone has done and is doing – quite a lot of different paths where life has led us.

 Somehow I always knew that my expanded lung capacity (from years of competitive swimming) would come in handy later in life. So far it’s been a god-send in helping to chase grandchildren around…and now this!

 After leaving RMC, and with the insistence of LCDR Davie, I immediately transferred to the Naval Reserve (MARS). Once I graduated from York University I joined the Miller Paving / McAsphalt Industries group of companies which specializes in road construction and asphalt products. I began in the asphalt lab, then advanced to operations, sales and eventually management. In 1993 the company bought Sterling Fuels in Windsor and I found myself moving back to my home town. Now I fuel ships for a living in Windsor, Hamilton, Sarnia, and up until last year, Halifax (included all DND and CCG vessels).

Having stayed with the same company for 42 years, I also remained in the NRes, serving at HMCS YORK, PREVOST (helped start it up), and HUNTER. After Command at HUNTER, I was with the CF Liaison Council in the early years of the Afghanistan mission, and retired in 2008. It was a good run and met some great people.

 Now for the best part – I met Theresa in the NRes (she was a “Master Wren”) and we are now celebrating 40 years of marital bliss. We had 3 fabulous and beautiful daughters – good thing they got their looks from their mother. We’ve been blessed with 5 grandchildren, two local, two in Halifax, and our six year old granddaughter lives with us. Boy they keep us young!!

 Theresa and I and Mackenzie now live in Harrow, so I guess I can’t poke fun at people from Paisley or Coniston anymore (LOL Lutz and Jim). One of these days I’m looking forward to spending more time at Costco, being an official sample taster. Life is good….

Stay well everyone,

 Pete

 TOM LAWSON

 Hey guys, anybody remember our cheer? "We're Number Two...Who Wants to be Number One!" Thanks to Bobbie for that...

 I flew Starfighters, Hornets, Challengers, Airbuses and King Airs. Took a sidestep to go back to RMC to get a Master's in 85 and then teach for a while. Got back to RMC two decades after that as Commandant and finally got to see (legally) how to climb the Mackenzie Building clock tower that Dwight and I hung the 2 Squadron rook pennant from during rook camp. Did some time at NORAD and then got the CDS job. Yeah, I was as surprised as you, LCdr Davie! Saw Nick Parker and Pete Kelly at mess dinners during my tour as Chief. Got out five years ago and bought the family cottage in Muskoka. Now pouring every dollar we earn into repairs.

 Kelly and I got engaged at the Xmas Ball in IV year. Since then, we've gathered three boys and two beagles along the way. Have to ask Jim Allison to remind me why anyone would ever have a beagle? Eldest and youngest boys are in the RCAF, middle boy got in early at Shopify and seems to be relaxing now. Kelly works alongside Donna McCarthy as a transeditor at the House of Commons. We have a grandson from the family of the eldest, and another one on the way from the middle guy, in January. Play golf with Kevin and Dwight with some regularity, and correspond with Bobbie every couple of months.

 Seem to remember enjoying being with all you guys in LaSalle, but wouldn't want to do it again too soon!

 Tom

 KEVIN MCCARTHY

 This is great to hear from everyone. While I'm certainly familiar with the stories of those with whom I stayed in contact with, the rest of the mini bios are interesting reads. Keep them coming.

 I flew a variety of transport aircraft (Dakota, Buffalo, Challenger and Herc), a stint on the Musketeer teaching basic flying training, ground jobs as an Aircraft Accident Investigator and in the Air Force capital equipment acquisition program before finally finishing up my regular force career at NORAD in Colorado Springs.  Other side jobs included Deputy Commander of the Recruit School in St Jean and Staff College.  I then did three years in the Reserves working on the future of pilot training culminating a 38 year career.

Donna and I married in 1978 and had four kids.  She got both Arts and teaching degrees concurrent with being a full time mom. Donna taught for a few years and is now a transeditor with the House of Commons.  Sarah studied Chem Eng and is an elementary school teacher, Douglas obtained a PhD in immunology and is a medical scientist, James is apprenticing as a plumber and Steven is a also a transeditor for the House of Commons.  We have three grandkids. 

Life has been and continues to be good!  Golf not so much!

 Okay, so it's three paragraphs and maybe two breaths would be a stretch - you can put me on BETA - wouldn't be the first time!

 Regards

Kevin McCarthy

Robert North

Since RMC, I, Robert Charles North, RMC #12221, have only had a string of menial jobs starting with Camp Driver for a Children’s’ Summer camp in Quebec and ending as a clerk in the finished parts storeroom area of Bombardier Aerospace’s Challenger Jet production line. Mental illness put an end to that job and landed me on disability payments for decades since. I wish there was more to my “career” but there isn’t.

I have three stepdaughters and one son from my first marriage to Nay Hiek Pan from Cambodia. I am now married to Karen and together we care as best we can, with a lot of government help, for my autistic son from my first marriage. My stepdaughters are doing well on their own. I am autistic myself though I didn’t know it when I attended RMC and I didn’t find out for decades what was really wrong with me. I am alive only by Jesus’s grace delivered through kind people He raised up and I have tried to help others myself. If I have actually done any good for anyone only Jesus knows and only He did it through me. 

 Although, as you can see, my life has not been easy nor overly career-oriented, still I find myself now with a loving partner, a cherished son to care for, and people around me with whom I share interests, faith and discussion - some of these even former classmates. By God’s grace, I have much to be thankful for.

NICK PARKER

It seems like eons since I departed RMC sometime after Christmas that first year, with my tail between my legs as the one who could not cope with physics, calculus, and mono! Nevertheless, after basic in Chilliwack, I went on to become a Mars Officer, only to leave, for university.  Two costly degrees later, I become an ordained Anglican cleric and entered the ministry.  During my theological training, I switched from being Navy to the Chaplaincy branch, while at the same time becoming jump-qualified to then serve two summers as a relief Padre in Baden, before ending my lofty military career as a two-ringer. 

I married a BC girl (Sandi), helped produce four wonderful offspring (Minister, RCR sniper, Restaurant Manager, and a Musician) and now play ‘Loans Officer’ to the lot!  I became skilled at resurrecting struggling parishes, fulfilled a decade as a Dean of a Diocese and cathedral, receive an Honorary Doctorate from Wycliffe College, U of T, served as Senior Port Chaplain to the Mission to Seafarers in the Port of Vancouver and finally helped rejuvenate a parish in Squamish for fun and my sanity.  Currently,  I am living on the Sunshine Coast, kayaking, motorcycling, cycling, learning golf and being Mr. Fixit, while writing each day for my blog (njparker.com).  Life is great -  from your short lived, yet eternal RMC Rookie #12223.  

 Nick J. Parker (Nice Jolly Parson)

 MIKE RILEY

 If I'd known that you were looking for me, I would have covered my tracks better 🤓.  Just saw the picture of the 79ers at the last reunion (on the website).  Wow, you guys are looking old!

 After RMC, I spent my military career as a CELE officer at a couple of radar sites (Gypsumville, Goose Bay), Greenwood, Trenton, Halifax, and, of course, NDHQ.  I took my release in 1999, and worked for a Canadian IT Services company for 14 years, providing Information Security services to public and private clients across North America. Mostly in Ottawa, but a short stint in Arizona, too.

 I met my wife in Goose Bay, and we have been together 38 years. We have 3 daughters, two living in Ottawa and the third living in New Zealand (a real world traveller). I'm "semi-retired" and living just outside Smith's Falls, ON since 2013, occasionally doing part-time consulting, but mostly living the Life of Riley, taking care of 2 acres and 2 dogs.

I'm happy to say that my wife and I have managed to refrain from killing each other during the last 8 months of semi-isolation.  Hopefully, there will be an end to this new reality soon.

Mike Riley

 LUTZ SUKSTORF

 OK - Since my old roomie has fired out after finding him, I'll follow up.

 Left the Forces in 2013 to take civilian job with Intelligence Command (oxymoron) - Spent most my my career in the East (Montreal, Cornwallis, Barrington & Greenwood) & further east Italy and Croatia with final the chunk in Ottawa. Pretty much anywhere I could play hockey or referee soccer. Will retire from working when my spouse allows it 

Met my spouse Debbie in Cornwallis, where she was a Naval officer. We have 3 boys, one in Treasury Board with long hair, one in the Air Force via RMC and one in the Army (of course). We have two daughter-in-laws but no grandchildren. Fingers crossed!

 I'm badly out of shape don't have much breath

 Cheers, Lutz