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1 10 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanvillc, Wednesday, June 5, 1996 Over 600 Clarington residents, residents, and guests of Bowmanvillc's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 opened Rotary Park and dedicated dedicated to the Colville Memorial Clock Tower on Sunday afternoon, afternoon, June 2, The afternoon's program began with the Clarington Concert Band playing selections selections prior to the arrival of the Corporal Guy Cox stands ready to sound the Last Post. special guests and dignitaries. Veterans were piped past the Bowmanvillc Cenotaph down Temperance to Queen Street, where they followed the colour party and lined-up before entering the park. The skirl of the Legion's Pipe Band brought people to attention as the band and veterans approached the park. Clarington Mayor Diane Hamre welcomed guests, including MP Alex Shepherd, and Durham East MPP John O'Toole, along with Rotary guests Christopher Mondes, the Club President and Dr. Keith Billctt. Then a red ribbon was brought forward and the officials officials cut the ribbon to signify the opening of the park. Keith Billctt reminisced about the Colville family and noted that' "there was always lots activity" at their home. He said "Rotary Park belongs to all of us." "This is a place where we can gather to praise or curse the politicians and do these things in peace," Billctt added. He noted that while "peace may be fragile, after 51 years, it's still there. Afterwards, Mondes gave a brief history of the park. Both he and Dr. Billctt unveiled the Rotary Park plaque. The second part of the park opening consisted of the dedication dedication of the Colville Memorial Clock Tower. Jim Connell, of Bowmanville's Royal Canadian Legion, took the reins of this part from Mayor Hamre, just as the three historic Harvard aircraft flew overhead in a 'V' formation. The Colville Memorial This Sea Cadet stands on guard during the ceremony commemorating the Colville Memorial Clock Tower. In the background, at the podium, is Dr. Keith Billett. Clock Tower commemorates the loss of the three Colville brothers -- William, Alexander and John -- during World War II. Each was a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Connell read a number of letters, including one from Buckingham Palace. Then, a number of people spoke on behalf of the units the Colville brothers were part of during World War II, including Don Snider, F/O RCAF (Ret.) #408, the squadron in which Alex served. Snider told those gathered "I joined #408 two weeks after Alex went missing." Dick Watson, R/O RCAF (Ret.), #440 Squadron noted, "I flew with Sandy (John) the day he was shot down." He said, "it was hard to put words together" but when he did, he wrote a poem about the clock tower. While reading the poem, Watson, paused a couple of times to gather his inner strength. Afterwards, the Legion's colour party brought flags to the tower, and LCDR Rev. Douglas Hall (N) (Ret.) gave the invocation and dedication of the clock. The niece of the brothers, Connie Hooey, and her uncle, Hugh Mcchin, (who had married married the youngest Colville sister) sister) unveiled the plaque which has the likeness of the three brothers on it. Signalling The Last Post was Corporal Guy Cox. Next, the Clarington Concert Band played the Air Force Hymn and Danny Boy, and Rev. Hall gave the Benediction. Afterwards, everyone sang, "God Save The Queen." Those in attendance were invited to the Royal Canadian Legion for a reception. Rotary Park is almost three and one-half acres and is located located at the bottom of Temperance Street on Queen Street. There are public toilets located at the park, as well as a pavilion for band concerts. The Colville Memorial Clock Tower is situated situated about half-way between the entrance of the park and the bandstand area and will be the location of a natural ice skating rink in the winter. In preparation for the building building of the memorial, Bill Calver has done extensive research on : the Colville Brothers and other local residents residents who served in the air force during World War Two. He would like to thank the community of Bowmanvillc, the Rotary Club, the Municipality of Clarington, the Royal Canadian Legion, and all those who made the project possible. "We have remembered them," he said. The members of Branch 178, Bowmanvillc, Royal Canadian Legion, extend heartfelt thanks to Mayor Diane Hamre, members of Council and staff of the Municipality of Clarington, for all their efforts in helping to make the Rotary Park Official Opening and Colville Clock Tower Dedication ceremony such a huge success. This memorial to an extraordinary Bowmanvillc family will continually remind citizens of the sacrifices made during time of war, and the beautiful park will be enjoyed by our community for many years. Sincere thanks to everyone for your help in producing this memorable event. Jim Connell, Past President Branch 178, Royal Canadian Legion Project Chair Bowmanville Area Air Crew Remembered (1) Dec. 1/39; CAMERON, ANGUS P/O (P) 41900 - Royal Air Force. From Bowmanville, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 22. #63 Squadron (Ponenos Ad Hostem). (2) June 21/40; BUTLER, MURRAY ANDERSON P/O (N) 42103 - Royal Air Force. From Newcastle, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 27. #42 Squadron (Fortiter In Re). (3) May 6/42; COLVILLE, WILLIAM FREEBORNE FS (P) R78383. from Bowmanville, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 25. #11 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron, Torbay Newfoundland. (4) Aug. 23/42; ROACH, JACK LLOYD FS (P) R71702. From Bowmanville, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 25. #108 Squadron (Viribus Contractis). (5) Apr. 3/43; HALL, SEBERT NORMAN SGT. (FE) R65638. From Orono, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 22. #419 Moose Squadron (Moosa Aswayita). (6) June 6/43; SWINDELLS, ERIC RUSSELL FS (P) R89162. From Bowmanville, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 21 #30 Operational Training Unit. GREASE MONKEYS We Dont Monkey Around! We'll Fix Just About ANY Vehicle On the Road! - 48 Combined Years in the Automotive Repair Business Bill Tanner and Jim Sackett, Proprietors 1 Licensed Mechanics 1 Competitive Prices 1 Excellent Seivice 1 Clean and Professional Shop 1 Specialists In Electrical, Air Conditioning and Mechanical Repair Shuttle Service Available 2196 Hwy. 2 (2 Km west of Hwy. 57), Bowmanville Telephone 623-3347 ©J.P. (7) Aug. 18/43; BRUTON, CECIL GILBERT F/O (N) J22495. From Orono, Ontario. Killed in Action. #115 Squadron (Despite The Elements) Little Snoring, England. (8) Mar. 15/44; COLE KENNETH KENNETH ARTHUR F/O (AG) J27923. From Bowmanville, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 20 #405 City of Vancouver Squadron (Ducimus), Pathfinder Force. (9) Mar. 16/44; COLVILLE, ALEXANDER COLBORNE F/O (P) J21864. From (2) Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 28. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). (10) Mar. 16/44; YEO, LORNE EDGAR P/O (AG) J88648/R203319. From Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 21. #426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings Of Fire). (11) Jul. 9/44; CARTER, ROY EDWARD, F/O (N) J28855 MiD. From Burketon, Ontario. Killed July 9/44 age 23. #431 Iroquois Squadron (The Hatiten Ronteriios). (12) Aug. 18/44; COLVILLE, JOHN SPENCER F/O (P) J29167. From Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 24, #440 Beaver Squadron. (13) Sep. 11/44; BARRABALL, GORDON JAMES LAC R271290 - Aero engine mechanic. mechanic. From Bowmanville, Ontario (Orono). Killed in Action, age 25. #408 Goose Squadron (For Freedom). (14) Oct. 7/44; BROOKS, GLEN WESLEY P/O (AG) .188793. From Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 21. #426 Thunderbird Squadron. (15) Dec. 22/44; FAIR, WILLIAM REGINALD F/O (P) 25400/R156755. From Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 22, #92 Squadron (Aut Pugna Aut Morcre). (16) Jan. 28/45; RUNDLE, SYDNEY GORDON P/O (N) .193851/R206010. From Bowmanvillc, Ontario. Killed in Action, age 21. #426 Thunderbird Squadron (On Wings Of Fire). The Pipe Band of Branch 178 of the Royal Canadian Legion heralded the approach of the veterans and Legion members as they marched to Rotary Park.. Members of the Bowmanville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 fell into line on Queen Street after marching past the cenotaph on Sunday afternoon and then proceeding proceeding to the park for the dedication and opening ceremony. Orono resident Connie Hooey, her uncle Hugh Mechin who lives in Kingston, and Bowmanville resident Bill Bagnell, along with many others, stand at attention during the opening of Rotary Park and Colville Memorial Clock Tower dedication on Sunday afternoon, June 2. Connie's uncles Bill, Sandy and Alex were killed during World War II, and the clock tower commemorates their ultimate sacrifices in the name of war and peace. Dr. K. A. McPherson & Associates Optometrists 45 Liberty Street North, Bowmanville Pictured in the back row, left to right: Bruce McPherson, Mavis Peddle, Kristen Reid, Susan Vincent, Rosemary Todd, Michelle Connaghan. Front, left to right: Dr. Karen McPherson, Dr. Kaii Lee and Dr. Fariba Lessani. Dr. Karen McPherson and staff would like to welcome Dr. Karel Lee and Dr. Fariba Lessani to our clinic. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Clarington residents for their support over the past 5 years and invite you to call our clinic at 623-3252 for any concerns regarding eye care. ©J.P.