BIOGRAPHIES - SUICIDE
These are the Biographies of the Canadian Armed Forces members who took their own lives. 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.
Private Andrew George Fitzgerald (February 6, 1997 – August 13, 2016) On the early morning of August 13, 2016, Andrew left this world at the age of 19 to join his “Papa”. Having lived his entire life in Cape North, Andrew was a graduate of Cabot High School and because he always wanted to serve and protect, he was sworn into the Canadian Armed Forces on January 20, 2016. Andrew completed his basic training in St. Jean, Quebec and was then sent on to the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre in Meaford, Ontario to complete his DP1 Infantry training with the Somme Platoon. Andrew successfully graduated to become part of the Royal Canadian Regiment. A Marksmanship Award was presented to Andrew upon his graduation which is awarded to the candidate who has achieved the highest standard in weapons classification. Although Andrew’s life was cut short, he impacted many. With a smile upon his face and blue eyes like no other, he had a way of making friends easily and cherished every one of those friendships. His true passions consisted of riding his motorcycle on the Cabot Trail and playing video games with his sister Katie and cousins Jacob and Willy. Andrew couldn’t wait to get home to spend time with his high school friends and hangout at ‘da barn’. Upon joining the Canadian Armed Forces, Andrew forged new relationships and often referred to them as his family. Although his life would seem too short, those whose lives were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which he was here with us on earth. Leaving behind to cherish his life are his parents, Andrea (Rambeau) Fitzgerald and George Fitzgerald of Cape North; sisters, Emily and Katie; maternal grandmother Anne Rambeau; paternal grandparents, Emily Fitzgerald and John Fitzgerald; several aunts, uncles, cousins, many good friends, as well as his platoon. Andrew was predeceased by his ‘Papa’, Joseph Rambeau. With Andrew’s passing we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, his infectious smile and memorable laugh will forever remain in our hearts. Andrew was a young man that anyone would be proud to call son, brother, grandson, nephew or friend.
WO. Michael R. McNeil, Army (March 6, 1974 – November 27, 2013) Born March 6, 1974, in Windsor, Nova Scotia, he was a son of Michael and Carolyn (Sanford) McNeil, Truro. Michael served this country with The Canadian Armed Forces and was a Warrant Officer in the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. He was the Recce Platoon Warrant Officer and also served as a parachutist and leader in M Company. He had two tours to Afghanistan, one to Croatia and one to Bosnia. Michael’s commitment and dedication made him a top soldier. WO Michael McNeil was highly regarded by his comrades as a true professional who led by example. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and skiing. Along with his parents, Michael is survived by his children, Raianne, Ethan, Emma and stepson, Nicholas Simms; sister, Janet McNeil, Truro; brother, Kevin McNeil, Vancouver; maternal step grandfather, Norman Hart, Windsor; several aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and Military family whom he truly loved. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Ellen McNeil in infancy; maternal grandparents, Harold and Myrna (Hart) Sanford; paternal grandparents, Robert and Margaret (Pritchett) McNeil; and fallen comrade and cousin whom he served with, Frank Robert Mellish.
(Ret.) Sgt. Tyson Bowen, Army (March 30, 1987 – September 3, 2022) Tyson was born March 30th , 1987, the son of Stephen and Debbie (Samson) Bowen, New Glasgow and was a graduate of Northumberland Regional High School. Tyson is survived by his devoted wife of 10 years Jenna (White) Bowen, and was the fun, doting, wonderful daddy of two young, beautiful daughters Amelia and Sadie, both at home. Tyson is also survived by his sisters Tanya (Steven) Browne, Fredericton; Tennille (Chris) Young, Tallinn, Estonia, maternal grandmother Amelia Samson, Petit de Grat, and his second family -- Danny and Carolyn (MacIsaac) White, Pictou and brother in law Ryan White (Amy Dauphinee). Always the ‘fun uncle’, he will be missed wholeheartedly by his nieces Stella and Nora, and his nephew Gordon. Tyson began his military journey in 2005 when he joined the 1st Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders in Pictou, Nova Scotia. He continued to be a valued member of 2RCR 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment serving 15 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and quickly rising up the ranks from rifleman to section commander. He served two combat tours to Afghanistan in 2007 and 2010, where he fought beside his military brothers who lifted each other at the worst of times. Tyson was the rock that his comrades could lean on at any time, any place. Several years following his return, Tyson was diagnosed with PTSD like far too many of his comrades before him. While his wounds may not have been visible to most, they were deeply engrained in his memory and in his heart. As a result, Tyson’s connection to the Canadian Military did not end when he was medically released in 2018, but instead his role pivoted from combat soldier to helper/supporter as the founder of Real Canadian Recreation (RCR), a veteran’s retreat in Pictou County. For those who knew Tyson, you have seen his eyes twinkle when he shares the story of Real Canadian Recreation, and his vision for the over 200-acre therapeutic eco-friendly park designed as a retreat to assist the healing and empowerment of other veterans who struggle with PTSD. Each day’s work gave him a sense of purpose, with his father and sidekick Steve-O beside him, ready to take on the day. Tyson’s smiling eyes, contagious grin and laissez-faire attitude was endeared by those who knew him, and it was this charm that captured Jenna’s heart. Tyson never doubted that Jenna was the one for him, and they shared a love that was strengthened with each laugh, tear, and time of silence. His “Jenna Marie” only had to look in his direction and he knew what she was thinking; their love did not need words. She was his pillar of strength, his confidante, and his biggest supporter throughout this journey. Tyson loved fiercely and would do anything for his three girls, celebrating the enjoyment that came from their time together. Amelia and Sadie adored their shared adventures with Daddy, beaming at him with joy and admiration each time he came up with a new idea – a giant slip and slide, pet goats or a buggy ride. He was their constant teacher and cheerleader, adopting a motto of “do with, not for”, helping grow their confidence and independence. Tyson beamed with pride at each of their accomplishments. Both knew that the best cuddles came from him, and that one more hug was always an option; it is this bond that has filled their hearts with his love. We are thankful for the light and love that Retired Sergeant Tyson Bowen has brought to many of his comrades and friends over the past 35 years. We have learned to count in Sundays, a trick that made tours of duty seem just a little shorter. Many have benefitted from his humble heart, his open arms and his willingness to go out of his way to help others with basic manual labour, emotional battles and everything in between. Above all, we are thankful for his heroic effort to advocate for change. Without a doubt, Tyson was met at heaven’s gate by those who predeceased him, particularly his Pépé Wilfred Samson and far too many of his military comrades and friends. He was also predeceased by paternal grandparents Alphonse and Celina (Doyle) Bowen.
Cpl. Reginald Chabasson, Army (July 24, 1987-April 26, 2023) Reggie is survived by his loving parents Francis and Jan (MacKenzie) Chabassol, devoted partner Cassandra Caines, their daughter Nadia and in-laws Brenda and Allan Toole. Reggie was always the fun uncle, but he could never have prepared for the overwhelming love and pride he felt at becoming a daddy to his baby girl. His “Nadi-girl” was the absolute joy of his life, and the way her face lit up when she saw him let everyone know the feeling was mutual. He was a loving and doting father. Reggie is also survived by his beloved sisters Heather (Tyler) Field, Halifax; Francine (Patrick) Leach, Halifax. He will be dearly missed by his nieces Grace, Cecilia and Lennon, his nephew Levi, and his many extended relatives and close friends. Reggie was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Reginald and Marion Chabassol, maternal grandparents, Frederick and Jean MacKenzie, and far too many of his military comrades and friends. Reggie was born on July 24th, 1987 and grew up in Westville, NS. He was the one who completed our family. As the baby of the family, he brought us so much joy and entertainment. As he grew he was involved in hockey, baseball, marksmanship, and loved dirt biking. He loved a good campfire and was a very talented guitar player. Reggie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed off grid camping with Cassandra, spending time at the range, or creating memories with his Dad at the camp; it was here where he was happiest and felt most at peace. There was many adventures and memories created with his Papa and dad, but we only ever heard the edited versions of their shenanigans. Reggie graduated from Northumberland Regional High School and continued his education at NSCC graduating from CNC Machining. Reggie enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in Halifax, NS and completed Basic Military Qualifications at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint Jean Sur Richelieu, Quebec in 2012. From there, he completed his Weapons Technician Training at Canadian Forces School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at CFB Borden. After his trades training, he was posted to CFB Gagetown where he was assigned to the 5th Canadian Support Division Base, which also included a tasking embedded with the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment. Upon appointment to Master Corporal, he was posted to the 37th Service Battalion Detachment in Saint John, NB. During his career he received Top Shot for the 37th Battalion, was on the Canadian Armed Forces Combat Shooting Team, was selected to be in the Honor Guard for the most recent Royal visit and received many other awards and accolades. Reggie was a reliable, hardworking man who took great pride in his profession. His work ethic and attention to detail was admired and greatly respected. Reggie’s passing has left an immeasurable hole in our hearts. He was so much more than these words can convey. So much more than a list of accomplishments. He was sweet, funny, silly, kind hearted and affectionate. He loved deeply and with his whole heart.