BIOGRAPHIES - STALKER 22
These are the Biographies of the Canadian Armed Forces members who were killed in the Stalker 822 helicopter crash off the coast of Greece in 2020. They have been memorialized in the Park by the planting of a tree. We thank the families for sharing these stories and allowing us all to remember these remarkable souls.
- Stalker 822 - MCpl. Matthew Cousins, Air Force (August 2, 1976 - April 29, 2020) Matthew is survived by wife Joanne and children Taylor and Aiden, Halifax N.S., his mother Margaret Cousins and sister Adrienne Schulze Amaranth, Ontario, brothers Paul Cousins Peterborough, Ontario and John Cousins (U.K.) Matthew was born in Delhi Hospital Guelph Ontario, but was raised mostly in the Shelburne, Ontario area. He attended St Peter and St Andrew R.C. Schools, Orangeville. He joined the Army Reserves in 1992 and the Regular Army in 2007. He served in overseas and Canadian Initiatives. However Matthew really wanted to work on helicopters, which the Cousins family attributed to a trip Matthew took with the Shelburne Ontario Air Cadets. On that trip the Cadets visited Camp Borden and were given the opportunity to fly in a helicopter. Matthew was also invited. When Matthew stepped out of the helicopter after it landed, the look of pure joy on his face said it all. In 2013 Matthew transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force and began his helicopter career. In 2015 he and his family relocated to Halifax N.S. Matthew loved his job and took great pride in doing that job to the best of his ability.
- Stalker 822 - Capt. Maxime Miron-Morin, Air Force (February 24, 1991 - April 29, 2020) Max was a genuine and patient soul; his authenticity and approachable demeanour instantly drew people to him. He had the time of day and then some for every person who crossed his path and was ready to help in any situation without hesitation. Life was instantly better with him around – with his infectious smile, bright eyes, and playful manner you could not help but smile along with him. He was a natural team player and loved connecting with people through sport, gaming, and adventure. A superb athlete who was lightning fast, he exceled at soccer, sprinting, cycling, skiing, badminton, ping-pong, and all outdoor activities. He had a rare ability to teach himself anything and was always eager to share his knowledge in the humblest way – a favourite was showing others how to solve a Rubik’s Cube or how to make the perfect cup of coffee; who knew so much math was involved? His research skills were legendary and fed his unrelenting curiosity. He relished in finding answers to every question he came across and it was known to look no further if an answer had come from him. That was Max, pursuing excellence in everything he did, no matter how small or large. Max grew up in Bécancour, Québec, in the Parish of Sainte-Gertrude. He attended elementary school at l’École Despins and high school at Saint-Léonard d’Aston. From a very young age, no question remained unanswered. He came back to a subject frequently, asking why this and why that, lending him the affectionate nickname “Mr. Why.” As the eldest of five children, Max instinctively knew how to be reassuring and made each person he met feel special and at ease. He was a child who loved spreading joy and happiness, was an extraordinary listener, and was able to see the best in everyone. As a teenager, Max joined the 817 Général JV Allard Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Nicolet, Québec. The Air Cadet program instilled discipline and a sense of duty within Max but above all, to believe that his dreams, including flying, were all possible. Following high school, Max enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and was accepted to the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) in 2008 to study aeronautical engineering. Max first attended the Saint-Jean, Québec campus and after two years transitioned to the Kingston, Ontario campus. While at RMC, Max held multiple leadership roles, was a member of the varsity track team, met lifelong friends and his sweetheart Kathryn. Graduating in 2013, Max received his commission as an Officer and shortly after was stationed in Comox, British Columbia. He was then posted to Winnipeg, Manitoba for his initial Air Combat Systems Officer training and most recently to Shearwater, Nova Scotia to join the Maritime Helicopter community. He had been based with his wife Kathryn in Dartmouth for the past five years. During his time awaiting training on the CH-148 Cyclone, Max’s thirst for knowledge and love of learning lead him to enrol in post-graduate studies at Dalhousie University, from which he graduated with a Master of Science (Oceanography) in 2018. His family, friends, and colleagues were continually impressed by his ability to produce a high calibre thesis in his second language. His paper titled, The Oceanographic Sensitivity of the Acoustic Channel in Shallow Water, has just recently been published in the Journal of Oceanic Engineering. Max was the loving and unfailingly supportive husband to Kathryn, son to Marie-Claude and Jean, and older brother to Michäel, Jonathan, Jessy, and Stéphanie. He was a cherished member of his extended families, and a dear friend to many.
- Stalker 822 - SLt. Matthew Pyke, Navy (1986 - April 29, 2020) Matthew was the light force of so many. His contagious smile could light up any room, and you cannot forget that laugh! Matthew is survived by his fiancée, Helen Hines, Grand Lake; mother, Kelly May Custance, Bible Hill; father, David Pyke, Valley, Colchester County; brother, Michael (Tamara Hennigar) Custance, Valley, Colchester County; niece, Octavia Custance, Valley, Colchester County; step grandmother, Carole; aunts and uncles, Sonja Hart, Randy (Marlene) Custance, Danny Custance, William Custance, Sherry (Steve) Heron, Darrell (Susan) Pyke, Randy (Angie) Pyke, Doug Pyke; cousins, Keith, Jamie, Chrissy, Skyler, Keegan, Madison; special cousin, Corey Toole and many others; best friends, Mason and Ruth Power. Predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Fred Custance; paternal grandmother, Norma Pyke; aunt, Diane Pyke; other grandfather, Terry Mackenzie. Posthumously by maternal grandmother, Betty McKenzie and paternal grandfather, Donald Pyke. Matthew was a volunteer fire fighter for 15 years at Rawdon District Volunteer Fire Department and Gore District Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed lots of time on his four wheeler also loved to hunt and fish. He lived his dream of joining the Royal Canadian Navy late in life where he was a proud Naval Warfare Officer, Bridge Watch Keeper, "Bull Sub" and assistant navigator.
- Stalker 822 - Capt. Kevin Hager, Air Force (July 7, 1989 – April 29, 2020) Kevin was born in Nanaimo, BC. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his mother Lynn (Bill), father Steffen (Tessa), brother Kyle, and sister Christie. Also left to mourn are his Opa, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as a large group of friends and military colleagues from coast to coast. Kevin could enter a room and brighten it with his smile, his mannerism, or just his presence. Always first to offer support and a helping hand to anyone in need, Kevin will be fondly remembered for his loyal dedication, compassion, and generosity to his family, friends, and military comrades. To simply say that Kevin was determined, and perhaps even stubborn at times, would be an understatement. His passion for flying came at an early age and he had a very strong work ethic. When asked to complete a personal planning worksheet in elementary school, he wrote then that he wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force. This was a goal he would set out to achieve by first joining 848 Royal Roads Air Cadet Squadron at the age of 13. In 2005 he reached his first level of flight training by receiving his Gliders pilot license. He went on to achieve his private pilot’s license in 2007. That same year, Kevin graduated with honours from Lambrick Park Secondary School and enrolled with the Canadian Armed Forces to attend the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario where he would go on to complete his Bachelor Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2011. That led to helicopter training, and on December 6, 2013, Kevin was presented with the Gos Goulding Award at his Wings Graduation Ceremony, having finished at the top of his class. Following this, Kevin was posted to RCAF 12-Wing Shearwater in Nova Scotia where he would continue with his flight training as a pilot on the CH-124 Sea King helicopter and subsequently the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. Having started as an Officer Cadet in 2007, Kevin was promoted on various occasions reaching his standing rank of Captain on May 1, 2014. Kevin was detailed in all that he did. His choice to follow through with a career as a pilot in the RCAF was a natural fit for him. Aside from his passion for flying, Kevin also loved nature and outdoor adventures with family and friends, hiking various mountains in his home Province of British Columbia, traveling, running, cooking, and his home improvement projects. Kevin also had a lot of love to give, not only to his family and friends but also for his dog Ryker. Kevin was a dog lover ever since he was a small child and even inherited personality traits from the family dogs. He was loyal, playful, and compassionate. He was also sensitive, down to earth, friendly, and genuinely interested in the well being of all those fortunate to have known him. No matter where Kevin was in the world, he always made a point of reaching out to his family to check in. He took time to ask questions and understand people on a deep, emotional level. He worked tirelessly in leadership roles and all of his many positive attributes made him easily approachable and a trusted member of a peer support network for his military colleagues, as well as a volunteer for a non profit organization helping women and children in need. The RMC motto, Truth – Duty – Valour, are words that Kevin seemed to have lived by long before joining the Military and also respected throughout his career. At just 30 years old, Kevin accomplished a great deal. Even though his life was taken far too soon, we take comfort knowing that this is what Kevin lived to do, and something he did very well and with great pride. A true officer and a gentleman. He will be forever loved and deeply missed.
- Stalker 822 - SLt. Abbigail Cowbrough, Navy (July 22, 1996 – April 29, 2020) A bright light continues to shine through the darkest parts of our own hearts. Abbigail had a crazy grin that could brighten any room. She was willful, smart, determined and kind. She leapt and danced her way into so many hearts. She sang, albeit horribly, with gusto and bravado. She tried new things all the time, especially food. She loved food. She didn’t do anything small; she was all about hard work and determination. Abbigail is survived by such a long line of biological family and she has been adopted by so many around the world on her travels as a granddaughter, sister, mother, aunt. We all have loss. We are now eternally connected. All of us. I could go on with the clichés about being a good soldier, but she would feel never enough for those with whom she had the honour to serve. Glory other than to God is not what she would have in mind and I feel it may not be enough anyway. I brought her into this world; good, bad and the ugly. She lived hard. She read books, lots and lots of books, from Manga to Philosophy, and fun ones (she read everyone the Wonky Donkey with a Scottish accent). She flew kites and actual airplanes, skydived and traveled. She fed ducks and picked pussy willows in the spring. She could puddle jump like no one’s business, even at 23. Abbigail believed in fairies. She was the girl who would trip a toddler if it meant she could see a Disney princess first. But she would sit, hold a baby in her arms and have freckle fights with random strangers. She snuck into every crevice of the darkest parts of people. She also snuck onto places top brass couldn’t go just because she had the ability to manipulate anything into her command. I don’t doubt she would have done great things, but she is expecting us all to stand up and get things done. Abbigail loved her civilian family as well as her Military one, her NATO, Pipes and Drums and Church families. These were her biggest teachers and supporters; they nurtured her and reared her. It is only right that she was blessed to die in their service. I swear I can hear the pipes and drums over the breeze with her belly laugh. She is looking over her shoulder with that signature coy Abbigail kiss. I catch it like that moment between heart beats; that quiet fluttering. It has been said we only have but one death to spend, and who would not want to pass with brothers in arms. She did not die for her God, family, country or Navy; she lived for these things.
- Stalker 822 - Capt. Brenden "BMac" MacDonald, Air Force (March 8, 1985 - April 29, 2020) Born in New Glasgow, he was a loving husband to Amanda (Ernst) MacDonald; devoted father to Brody, age 6; Cameron, age 3; and Taylor, 19 months; son to Peter and Lynn MacDonald of New Glasgow; brother to Lieutenant (N) Megan MacDonald of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Captain Evan MacDonald (Lieutenant (N) Noelani Shore) of Victoria, British Columbia; grandson to Faye Fraser; son-in-law to Gerry (Ingram) and Lawrence Ernst; and brother-in-law to Ashley Ernst. Born with the love of flying, he decided in Grade 4 that he was going to be a pilot. As a member of the 397 Trenton Royal Canadian Air Cadets, he worked tirelessly to obtain his glider pilot’s licence at the Regional Gliding School in Debert before he was old enough to drive a car, and his private pilot license in Shearwater the following year. After graduating from New Glasgow Regional High School, his passion for aviation led him to the Royal Military College of Canada, where he graduated with a Chemistry degree in 2007, around the same time that he met Amanda. After graduation, Brenden and Amanda started their life together in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where Brenden underwent Royal Canadian Air Force pilot training. After earning his coveted pilots wings, he and Amanda returned home and settled in Eastern Passage, Nova Scotia, where Brenden joined the 12 Wing Shearwater Maritime Helicopter community and started flying the CH-124 Sea King helicopter, which later transitioned to the CH-148 Cyclone helicopter. When he was not flying aircraft, Brenden was a motorcycle enthusiast who attended several Wharf Rat Rally’s in Digby, volunteered as road captain for the Halifax Ride for Dad, and served as past President and Vice President for the Battle of the Atlantic Unit of CAV Motorcycle Association. A fan of tattoos, craft beer, and heavy metal concerts, Brenden was also a back-yard mechanic who loved rebuilding old cars while listening to rock music. He worked endless hours with his father building his first vehicle, a 1977 Ford Bronco. Brenden had a passion for life. He was an incredible husband, friend, brother, son, and he was the best father anyone could ask for. His love of family far exceeded any other aspect of his life. He had a charisma that drew people to him; yet he was quite humble and would lend a hand wherever he could. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Irene and Harold MacDonald, and maternal grandfather Alford Ian Fraser of New Glasgow; and by Amanda and Brenden’s first fur babies, Diesel and Oakley. ‘Brenden is a true hero and because of his sacrifices he will be honoured eternally for it.’