BIOGRAPHIES - AFGHANISTAN
Here you can find the Biographies of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members who have been recognized in the Park for their service in Afghanistan by the planting of a tree. The numbers correspond to the location of the tree on our Park Map. We thank the families for sharing their stories and allowing us all to remember these remarkable souls.
- 1 - Capt. Jefferson C. Francis (Nov. 11, 1970 - July 4, 2007) FRANCIS, Captain Jefferson Clifford On 04 July 2007, Captain Jefferson Clifford Francis, 36, died while serving with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan when his armored vehicle was destroyed by a large land mine. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sylvie Secours, son Ry Logan Secours-Francis, mother Marion Murray, father Russ Francis, sister Mica Francis and brother-in-law Aaron MacDonald; aunts Marilyn Murray and husband Mike Williams of Cambridge Narrows NB; Melanie Murray and sons Damian and Gabriel of Kelowna, BC; great-aunts Pearl Charman and Florence Waugh of Wallace and Malagash NS; grandfather Herbert Francis, aunt Peggy Francis, uncles Butch, Rocky and David Francis of Chilliwack, BC and many cousins; mother and father-in-law Diane and Gaetan Secours and brother-in-law Marc and nephew Dakota of Ottawa. Jeff obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, a Masters of Arts in Canadian Studies, and was pursuing a PhD at Carleton University when he was drawn to the Army in 2001. He was a serious student of world and military history, pop culture, philosophy and art history. Jeff loved participating in sports and physical challenges, especially the Army Mountain Man Competition and martial arts, Jujitsu and Grappling. Jeff loved his wife, son and family preferring to spend vacations with them in the Maritimes. Jeff had many military and civilian friends across Canada who will also miss him. His deep humanitarian beliefs inspired his commitment to provide the security needed to improve the lives of the people of Afghanistan.
- 2 - Capt. Jonathan S. Snyder (Dec. 20, 1981 - June 7, 2008) Mourned by his beloved fiancee Megan Stewart, his parents David B.J. and Anne Snyder, his brother Adam T. and the Stewart family. Predeceased by his grandparents Clifford and Margaret Snyder and Col. Malcolm and Frances Turner. Jonathan will be sorely missed by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and soldiers. Jonathan was active in many areas including competitive running and the arts. He was a handyman, an avid reader and dog lover.
- 3 - Pte. John M. Curwin (March 1, 1982 - Dec. 13, 2008) Private, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment based in Gagetown, New Brunswick. He was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He was deployed with the Canadian contingent of NATO forces in Afghanistan. He was killed with Cpl Thomas Hamilton and Pte Justin Jones, and another soldier injured, after a roadside bomb detonated near their armoured vehicle during a security patrol in the Arghandab District approximately 14 kilometres west of Kandahar City. Pte Curwin grew up in Mount Uniacke, NS where he loved to play hockey and was an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. He enjoyed fishing, Friday night poker games with his friends and the early Saturday morning golf games that followed. John married his childhood sweetheart, Laura, and was a dedicated dad to their three children Makayla, Jenna and Michael. He is also survived by his parents, Michael and Danita, brother Josh and other family and friends.
- 4 - Sgt. James P. MacNeil (July 17, 1981 - June 21, 2010) We the family of the late Sgt. James (Little Jimmy) MacNeil, killed in Afghanistan June 21, 2010, wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our relatives, friends and neighbors for the kindness shown to us during our most difficult time. To all who visited, phoned, brought food, sent cards, offered masses and sent monetary gifts, we thank you. We would like to thank everyone in the Canadian Forces who participated in the service, particularly the Funeral Party who came from Jimmy's Unit in Petawawa, Ontario, the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2CER). A special thanks to a special friend, MCpl Kevin Chaisson for escorting Jimmy home to us accompanied by Cpl Augustine, in the final leg, to Cpl Richard Burns (Army Big Brother), to Capt Jim Ferguson, our Assisting Officer, who was with us every step of the way. Thank you to Bishop Brian Dunn for the beautiful service, with Fr. Daniel Boudreau, Fr. Patrick O'Neil. Fr. Conrad Edwards and Fr. Leo Boone, to Immaculate Conception Parish Choir and Mr. Eddie Parris for his singing "Precious Lord", it touched our hears. Thanks to the Honourary Pall Bearers, Ernel Turnbull Jr., B.J. O'Brien, Murdock MacLean, Chris Isenor, Fabian Stubbard, Steven (Diggy) Sutherland, Calvin MacNeil Jr. and Matther McNeil, the Readers, Shaylene Moore and Joanne MacKinnon. To Seaside Commuication for facilitating the video feed to the church basement and to Schwartz for the big screen TV, so that so many could attend the service. Thank you to everyone who came out with flags and signs and stood along the "Highway of Heroes" for the airpost to the funeral home. The local Fire Departments and the tremendous assistance from the Cape Breton Regional Police Service, the support was truly overwhelming. To Helen's friends and co-workers from Signature Styles, for their love and support, to the Army Navy and Airforce Unit 217, New Waterford for their donation and to New Waterford Home Care. A very special thank you to Barbara Whynot, who traveled from Halifax to look after Mom (Jean) all week. Thank you to the CWL of Immaculate Conception Parish and the ladies from Br 78 legion and local community, for hosting the reception after the funeral. thank you to all the local Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion for their Honour Guards. We are also grateful for the professional service provided by Kenny and staff at McGillivray's Funeral Home, you went above and beyond. To anyone we may have overlooked, we thank you. Jimmy MacNeil, Helen (Step-mother), Jean MacLean (Step-grandmother)
- 5 - Cpl. Thomas J. Hamilton (April 13, 1982 - Dec. 13, 2008) Cpl. Thomas James Hamilton was killed while on security patrol around 9 a.m. local time approximately 14 kilometres west of Kandahar City. Cpl. Hamilton was from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment from CFB Gagetown, N.B., and served as a member of the Force Protection Company of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team.
- 6 - MCpl. C. Paul Stannix (June 11, 1982 - April 8, 2007) A nation joins friends and family in mourning the loss of Cpl. Christopher Paul Stannix, a reservist from the Princess Louise Fusiliers, based in Halifax. Stannix died April 8, 2007, while serving his country in Afghanistan. He was born in North Bay, ON but lived in Cole Harbour, NS and attended St. Mary's University prior to deployment in January 2007. He was one of six Canadian soldiers killed after a roadside bomb exploded near their light-armoured vehicle 75 km west of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. Four soldiers survived the attack, although one had serious injuries. They were serving with NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in a major offensive against the Taliban. It was the largest single-day combat death toll suffered by Canadian troops since the Korean War. MCpl Stannix joined the army reserves in 2000 and was on his first tour. Six months earlier, he trained with U.S. marines and Navy Seals in Virginia to prepare for his voluntary deployment. He also accepted a temporary reduction in rank to Corporal to serve with the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment battle group. He is survived by his spouse Candice Ziolkowski; parents Kenneth and Kathy (Little) Stannix; sisters Lesley Sunderland, Meaghan Stannix; nephew Ryan Sunderland; niece Faith Sunderland, grandmothers Thelma Stannix and Hilda Little; aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by paternal grandfather Paul Stannix and maternal grandfather Raymond Little.
- 7 - Cpl. R. Kevin Megeney (1982 - March 6, 2007) Born in New Glasgow, he was the son of Dexter and Karen (MacLeod) Megeney. He attended G.R. Saunders Elementary School, and was in the graduating class of 2000, Stellarton High School. Kevin followed his dream and joined the Nova Scotia Highlanders at age 17, training in Pictou, Halifax, CFB Gagetown, CFB Aldershot, and CFB Wainwright. He also trained with the U.S. Marines in February of 2004. Kevin will be sadly missed by his parents, Karen and Dexter, Stellarton; sisters, Sherrie (Simon), Stellarton; Lisa (Jason), Westville; nieces: Brittany, Nadia and Christie; nephew; Bradley; soulmate, Wendy, Merigomish; paternal grandmother; Elizabeth Megeney, Stellarton. As well as many aunts, uncles and cousins, and many close friends considered family at heart. He was predeceased by paternal grandfather, George Megeney; maternal grandparents, Major Douglas and Annie MacLeod; aunts, Heather MacDonald, Nancy Sinclair; uncle and godfather, Doug MacLeod; cousin; Levi Cyr.
- 8 - Sgt. Darcy Tedford (August 12, 1974 - October. 14, 2006) Born in Calgary, AB in 1976, he and his parents and younger brother made their way to beautiful Nova Scotia. While living in Earltown, Darcy attended Tatamagouche Elementary graduating from Tatamagouche High School in 1992, at which point Darcy answered the call to join the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Navy. Following the completion of his training at CF Recruit Center at Cornwallis, N.S., Darcy moved to CFNES Detachment, St. John’s NFLD. From St. John’s, Darcy moved on to join the RCR Infantry Battle School in Petawawa, Ontario where on the 28th of August 1992, he was promoted to Cpl. Darcy was able, willing, and ready for the tasks before him and in January 1998, he was deployed to Bosnia Herzegovina with CCCIBH INF.BAT, returning in July of that year. In December of 1999 to May of 2000 Darcy bravely faced his second deployment with Task Force Kosovo INF.BAT, Pristina, Serbia, Montenegro. Following that tour, in May of 2001, Darcy was promoted to MCpl. From there, in August of 2003, Darcy’s esteemed career took him to task Force Kabul INF.BAT Group, Camp Julien, Afghanistan, returning to Canada, February 2004. Darcy was duly promoted to the rank of Sgt. November 2005 at 1RCR Garrison Petawawa. Darcy’s final deployment was with 1RCR Petawawa to Afghanistan, commencing 01 August 2006, and where on that fateful day of 14 August, 2006, Darcy courageously made the ultimate sacrifice for Canada, the country he love and vowed to protect. Darcy left behind his wife Charmaine, two beautifully delightful daughters, Kaeleigh, and Julia. His loss was immensely felt by his Mom, Paulette, and his Dad, Robin, his only brother Jody, and Jody’s wife Isabelle. In spite of our loss and continual grief, we moved forward with the surety that Darcy’s love of Canada, and the strength demonstrated through his sacrifice, made a difference in this world. His memory, laughs and the good times shared continue to sustain us. He is missed beyond words by family and colleagues alike. Our world though forever changed, is a better place because Darcy Tedford, and good men and women like him, chose selflessness as a way to live and serve.
- 9 - W.O. Frank R. Mellish (February 10, 1968 - Sept. 3, 2006) Born in Truro, Nova Scotia. Frank served with the 1 RCR then in London, Ontario, and moved with them to Petawawa where he also served with the Canadian Airborne Unit in Petawawa. There he eared his Canadian and British Airborne jump wings. On the 50th anniversary of D-Day, Frank jumped into Normandy France with the Airborne unit out of Petawawa. There, he was so proud to make acquaintances with some WWII vets. He often spoke so fondly of those brave heroes. It seemed from a very young age Frank was destined to be in uniform. He started with Cubs in Truro, then Boy Scouts after his dad was posted to Summerside, PEI with the RCMP. It was while in Summerside, Frank changed his uniform for Air Force Blue when he joined 53 Sqn. Air Cadets out of CFB Summerside, PEI. Frank was commissioned with the Air Cadets but relinquished his commission upon his joining the CAF Reg Force. During his 18 years of service Frank was deployed seven times to include Cyprus, Somalia, Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, and twice to Afghanistan. On September 03, 2006, during his second deployment to Afghanistan, Frank, and 3 of his comrades in arms were ambushed and killed by the Taliban in the Panjwai district of Kandahar Province during ‘Operation Medusa’. Along with his parents Barry and Sandra (Sandy) Mellish, Frank left behind his wife, Kendra, two sons, Matthew, (13 at the time), Koven, (11 at the time), a sister, Tanya Mellish (Schiefer),and numerous brothers in arms who to this day remember, and often speak of him with the utmost respect. Though gone from our physical presence, Frank remains a huge part of our conversations, our pride, and our hearts. He loved, and was loved. Never to be forgotten.
- 10 - Christopher Jonathan Reid (21 September 1971 - 3 September 2006) Christopher was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia and his hometown was Truro, Nova Scotia. Christopher was the son of Thomas (Tom) and Angela Reid and big brother to sister Rachel, as well as a friend to many. Prior to entering the regular Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Christopher was a member of the Nova Scotia Highlanders, training at the Armouries on Willow Street, Truro until the bug to join the Reg. Force hit him and he joined the Princes Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (1PPCLI)-C Company. There he was trained as a LAVIII Driver, a trade he relished. From December 1989 to 3 August 2006, Christopher served his country well in many areas. Sadly, while deployed to Afghanistan with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) tragedy struck, and on 3 September, 2006, Christopher was KIA in the Pasmul District of Afghanistan. During his career Christopher was awarded the Canadian Decoration (CD), Mention in Dispatches(MiD), Commander-in-Chief-Unit Commendation 1PPCLI, and the United States Combat Badge (USCIB). During his esteemed career, Christopher was deployed to the Former Yugoslavia (2Tours) Kosovo, and Afghanistan. He also enjoyed a chilly posting to CFS Alert. Christopher leaves his parents, Tom and Angela Reid of Truro, Nova Scotia. He was predeceased by his younger sister, Rachel. From a young age, Christopher was a ‘force’ to be reckoned with (pun intended)! He loved the outdoors, nature, mountain biking, hiking, and repelling from places ‘where no man had dared to go before.’ Christopher had many friends and one of his best friends and mountain biking buddies was WO Michael McNeil; who sadly succumbed to the brokenness caused by many deployments. Though Christopher is gone from our presence, he remains always in our hearts and we now can recall his memory with smiles and gratitude, and pride for his gift of service to Canada. Lest We Forget
- 11 - Cpl. Paul James Davis (Dec. 19, 1977 - March 02, 2006) Born in Bridgewater, NS, Paul was a proud member of 2 PPCLI. He left behind a wife, Melanie and two young daughters, Julia and Malia. Father, Jim Davis and step mother, Sharon live in Bridgewater. Mother, Constance Avery.
- 12 - Pte. Nathan Smith (June 28, 1975 - April 17, 2002) Son of Lloyd and Charlotte Lynn Smith (2003 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother) of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. Private Smith grew up in the Musquodoboit area of the province and attended many schools in the area, including Gatez Brook Junior High School and Eastern Shore District High School. He attended Seneca College in Newmarket, Ontario and graduated with high honours from the commercial diving course in 1997. He received the Norm Halliday Award as the most outstanding student in underwater skills, selected by his peers. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in September 1998. Assigned to the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), he was posted to the Regiment’s third battalion and went with it to Afghanistan, where he was later killed during a live fire exercise in the theatre of operations. Private Smith received the Royal Canadian Legion Comradeship Award at the end of his basic training. He also graduated as the top student in his class at the Battle School in Wainwright, Alberta, prior to his posting to his unit. In December 1998, he became engaged to Jodi Carter.
- 13 - Pte. Richard Green (May 26, 1980 - April 17, 2002) Son of Mrs. Doreen Janet Coolen (2002 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother) of Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Graduate of Forest Heights Community School in Chester Grant, Nova Scotia. A plaque bearing the names of Sgt. Marc Léger, Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer, Pte. Richard Green and Pte Nathan Smith lies on a floodlit memorial beside the Canadian headquarters at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Private Green was commemorated, February 2003, on the Rakkasan Memorial Wall at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Private Green died as a result of a friendly fire incident on April 17, 2002 while serving in Afghanistan.