The Passing of Hugh Segal, FHG #4

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

We are saddened to learn of the passing of the Honourable Hugh D. Segal, OC, OOnt, CD.  Hugh, FHG #4, was the Fort Henry Guard’s Honorary Commander from 2006 to 2021, and he was a wonderful advocate and champion for the Guard during his many years of service.  We offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

The Honourable Hugh Segal has for many years observed the unique and strong character of the Guard and a wonderful advocate he has been. Hugh has faithfully attended the Guard’s annual Awards Ceremony, providing inspiration and sage advice that was always so keenly absorbed by young and impressionable minds; an opportunity and an honour that was so deeply appreciated. Hugh, we sincerely thank you for your faithful and dedicated service to the Guard since 2006. You are a dear friend whom we all will miss very much, although we hope you will continue to visit the Fort and support the Guard by your presence from time to time. We wish you all the best going forward.

Remarks from FHGCC Past President Michelle Foxton, FHG 1670, at the 2021 Change of Command Ceremony

You can read an interview with Hugh that appeared in The Guardsman in 2007 here. 

2023 AGM and New Directors

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

The Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting took place on Sunday, August 6 in Magazine M at Fort Henry.  Thanks to all of the members who attended, both in person and on-line – it was by far the largest turnout for an AGM we’ve had in many years.

During the AGM, four new members were elected to the Board of Directors for two-year terms.  We are happy to welcome:

Michael McKitrick, FHG 2283
Zoe Robinson, FHG 1267
Cole Strange, FHG 2188
Colin Watts, FHG 2334

And we offer our sincere thanks to those Directors who are leaving the Board:

Sara Briginshaw, FHG 2084
Sean O’Donnell, FHG 1737
Daniel Rose, FHG 2186
Cameron Smith, FHG 2358

In addition, the following Directors will continue in their current roles on the Executive for 2023-2024:

Michael Murphy, FHG 2231  President
Chris Dearlove, FHG 1692  Vice-President

Notice of 2023 Annual General Meeting

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

The Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada’s Annual General Meeting will take place at Fort Henry on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 12:30 pm.  Members in good standing are invited to attend the AGM, either in person, or online.  More details about how to access the meeting via Zoom will be shared shortly.

The nomination list for this year’s AGM can be found here.  We are seeking four Directors to join the Board, and two Club members have agreed to stand for election.  Nominations from the floor will be accepted should any members wish to run for election.

We look forward to welcoming as many members as possible as we celebrate the 85th Reunion, and look back at a very successful year.

Reunion Registration is NOW OPEN!

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

Great news for those who’ve been waiting with bated breath…Reunion registration is OPEN!
 
We had to work through some obstacles this winter and opted, after much back and forth, to change our Reunion venue.
 
Long story short, the Four Points by Sheraton (now Kingston Market Square Hotel) was our original choice, but it was purchased last year and the new management decided to proceed with a full renovation in 2023. We could not ensure, based on the timelines that were presented to us, that our reunion would be unaffected by these renovations, so we found a different venue for this summer’s event. The Holiday Inn – Waterfront was our next best option, and happily, we have now booked our event with them.
 
To register for the Reunion, please use this Google Form. Payment can be made by credit card, PayPal, or by cheque (please write “Reunion Registration” in the memo line) mailed to:

The Fort Henry Guard Club of Canada
P.O. Box 1955
Kingston, ON  K7L 5J7
 
There are hotel rooms set aside with both the Holiday Inn – Waterfront and Kingston Market Square Hotel. Information about rates and how to reserve hotel rooms will be available shortly.
 
We can’t wait to see you in Kingston from August 4 to 7!

Christy O’Neill, FHG 1761
Reunion Committee Chair

Bereavement – David Coulson, FHG 229

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. David Coulson, FHG 229, on December 29, 2022 at the age of 91.  David was a graduate of Queen’s University, where he received his medical degree in 1955, and he joined the Guard in 1953. 

During a long and distinguished career, David practiced medicine in several cities, including Thunder Bay, St. Anthony NL, and Musquodoboit Harbour NS.  He was an active member of the Canadian Naval Reserve, and was the Commanding Officer of HMCS Griffon, the first Medical Officer to hold that honour.

Donations in David’s memory may be made to The St. John’s (Portsmouth) Anglican Church Food Bank in Kingston, the Thunder Bay Food Bank or to the charity of your choice.

We extend our sincere condolences to David’s wife Beverley, his daughters Anne, Mary and Susan, son-in-law Frank Edgson, step-children Rosemary and George, and to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Obituary:  Kingston Whig Standard

Welcome New FHGCC President Michael Murphy

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

In October, Alex McLean shared the news that he would be stepping down from the FHGCC Board, and the role of President.  The entire Board extends its sincere appreciation to Alex for his many contributions as a Board member, as well as his leadership during a particularly challenging time for the Fort Henry Guard, and we wish him all the best.

At the November Board meeting, the Board elected Michael Murphy, FHG 2231, to the Board, as well as to the position of President.  Michael will serve in this position until the next AGM in August 2023.

Michael joined the Drums in 2014, reaching the rank of Ensign. He met his wife Sara (FHI 14-02) during this time, and they were married at Fort Henry in 2019. He is part of a long-running FHG family that includes his father Pat Murphy (FHG 1261), his uncle Frank Murphy (FHG 821), and a number of cousins.

Michael was previously a member of the FHGCC board of directors from 2017 to 2021, and has served as editor of The Guardsman since Fall 2019. Beyond the Fort, Michael received a PhD from the University of Ottawa in International Relations, and currently works as a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow and adjunct professor at Queen’s University.

Please join us in welcoming Michael back to the Board, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be leading the FHGCC in the lead-up to the 2023 reunion.

Giving Tuesday and the Commitment to Excellence Award

Posted on by Chris Dearlove

The Guard of 2022 was an underdog if ever there was one. How else would you describe 40+ brand new members, and the 16 fearless returnees who took them from civvies to their first sequence to spectacular Sunset Ceremonies in just a few short weeks?

Remember your recruit phase? I’m willing to bet that you benefitted not only from the NCOs on the square, but also from the returning Guard in your locker room. Those invaluable tips on getting a good shine, drill technique, favourite tour lines, and how to keep smiling with you’re asked for the millionth time, “Aren’t you hot in that?”.

Now imagine the only folks in your locker room are other rookies just like you.

I know I don’t have to tell you about the value of Guard returning to Fort Henry summer after summer. That’s why I hope you’ll join me and many other Guard alumni and supporters this Giving Tuesday in making a gift in support of the Fort Henry Guard Foundation’s new Commitment to Excellence Award – cash awards to encourage the return of programming staff each summer.

At the annual Awards Night that took place in August, the Guard Club presented each of the 16 extraordinary returnees with a $500 award in recognition of their dedication, leadership, and the crucial role returning staff have in keeping alive the very best of our FHG traditions.

And this past summer was just the start. We know that rebuilding the Guard will take several summers, and its future success will rely on members who return year after year. Your gift today will help the Foundation deliver Commitment to Excellence Awards to returning members again next summer, encouraging the entire Guard of 2022 to continue the great work they started.

Huzzah to the Fort Henry Guard of 2022, and huzzah to the generous Guard alumni like you who help make the future of the Guard even brighter!

With thanks.

Matt Archibald, FHG 1826

Director, Fort Henry Guard Foundation