Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60

Last Post - Gordon Schottlander

Juno Beach D-Day veteran, Burlington community builder, Branch 60 Royal Canadian Legion member and beloved family patriarch.

Gordon Schottlander, a D-Day veteran who helped build the Burlington community he later called home, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, at the age of 101.

Gordon served with the British Army during the Second World War as a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Berkshire Regiment, No. 8 Beach Group, supporting the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division at Juno Beach on D-Day. He later retired from active service with the rank of Captain. The experience shaped the sense of duty, humility, and service that guided the rest of his remarkable life.

In 1949 he immigrated to Canada with his beloved wife, Colleen, beginning a new life in the country that would become his home for more than seventy years. Gordon and Colleen were married for nearly 64 years until her passing in March 2010. Together they raised four sons and built a large and loving family.

Over the years Gordon received a number of honours recognizing his contributions to his outstanding community life. They are outlined in his full obituary here: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/dbburlington/obituaries/gordon-schottlander/157343.html

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Dodsworth & Brown Funeral Home – Burlington Chapel with a Knights of Columbus Service at 7:45 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 8, 2026 with a Royal Canadian Legion Tribute to begin at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Parish (2261 Parkway Drive, Burlington) with cremation to follow. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be available to watch live at https://www.saintgabrielchurch.com/livestream

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

Thank You to our amazing volunteers!

At our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Jan. 26, 2025, we gave special recognition to the following individuals while thanking ALL of our volunteers who help make Branch 60 one of the most successful branches in the country.

President Melanie Pepper presents Dave Ellis with his 2024 Legionnaire of the Year Award.

Shawn Matthews accepts his 2025 Legionnaire of the Year Award from President Melanie Pepper.

Our fantastic Entertainment Committee consisting of Helen Horoky, Gary Cox and Frank Chiarelli accept Certificates of Appreciation from President Melanie Pepper.

President Melanie Pepper presents Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Flear with a Certificate of Appreciation for her tireless leadership of the weekday lunches the LA provides at Branch 60.

Welcome your new Executive for 2025-2026

Congratulations to the following members who were elected or re-elected to serve on the Branch 60 Executive for 2025-2026.

Past President: Murray Sutherland

President: Melanie Pepper

1st Vice President: Dave Smith

2nd Vice President: Barry Moore

3rd Vice President: Shirley Heathfield

Executive Committee:

Arthur Carter

Dan Rousell

Frank Chiarelli

Helen Horoky

Ken Bruce

Linda Flear

Ron Holmes

Sharon Arnott

Trevor Butcher

Thank you all for stepping up to serve!

Remembering Past President Burns MacLeod

We are saddened at the loss of Past President Burns MacLeod who passed away December 19, 2025 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 81 years old. Our sincerest condolences go out to his wife Margaret and family. His obituary is available HERE.

Plus, BurlingtonToday.com has crafted a tribute to Burns HERE.

The flag at Branch 60 was lowered in his memory, and on Jan. 13 Mayor Marianne Meed Ward had the flags at Burlington City Hall lowered in his honour.

Lawn Sign - WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

A fantastic and respectful way to display a message of Remembrance for all to see. The 16” x 24” sign is made from coroplast (recyclable) so it can withstand the often-unpredictable fall weather, from hot sunny days to cold snowy nights. The sign comes with a 30” metal stake, and after assembly and installation the sign should sit approximately 15” above the ground.

Each sign costs $20
Lawn signs are available at the Burlington Legion Branch 60

Veteran Gordon Schottlander named 2024 Senior of the Year

Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward has honoured Second World War Veteran Gordon Schottlander with a special award. See the BurlingtonToday.com story HERE.

Branch 60 at Provincial Dart Tournament

Branch 60 was represented at the Legion Provincial Dart Tournament in Brampton on June 1st, 2024

Congratulations to Ron Desrosiers, Susan Vertes, Christine and Charles Williams for ranking 28th in Ontario.

They had won their pod at the District Darts Tournament in Brampton on April 13 in order to advance to the Provincials.

Branch 60 prominent at 2024 Canada Netherlands Friendship Day

Several Legion representatives, most of them Veterans, were on hand as the City of Burlington celebrated the 27th anniversary of Canada Netherlands Friendship Day and the 19th anniversary of the City’s twinning agreement with the city of Apeldoorn. The event took place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre.

As part of the ceremony, the family of the late John Kenneth Davy, a Veteran who passed away in March in his 98th year, presented the city with an oil painting by their father.

Mr. Davy served in the Canadian Navy during World War Two and was an artist, filmmaker, author and historian. The painting is titled “Remembering” and features two Veterans adoring the Canadian Naval Memorial in Spencer Smith Park. The list of attendees included Veterans Capt. Gordon Schottlander – D-Day Veteran; Retired, Sgt. Daniel Lauzon – Canadian Forces, Retired; Sgt. Robert Graham – Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Retired; Sgt. Manual Alfoe, Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, Retired; Warrant Officer James Farrauto – Royal Canadian Navy, Retired; Burns MacLeod, Royal Canadian Air Force. Also attending on behalf of Branch 60 was Bob Ankrett, City Liaison and Museum Curator.

On Saturday, April 6, 2024 both of our Branch 60 Ladies' Auxiliary 4-member teams made it to the upcoming provincials in Brockville when they played in a District Darts tournament at the Dundas Legion. The 4th place team consisted of Melanie Pepper, Sue Bright, Sandi Good and Jeannine Horan. The 5th place team was made up of Maureen Graham, Shirley-Anne Maimot, Barb Reidpath and Tonya Sheppard.

On Sunday, March 24th, 2024 Branch 60 held a successful day of zone darts.

Congratulations to the winners and our very own Tom and Jeannine Horan, Melanie Pepper and Doug Goddard (pictured left to right). The win allows our Branch to host again next year.

Next up is Districts at Branch 15 Brampton on April 13th. Joining our winning team are qualifiers the team of Kenny Lawrence, Sue Bright, Chad Strickland and Tonya Shepard. The third team to qualify from our branch is Ron Desrosiers, Susan Vertes, Charles and Christine Williams. Congratulations once again to our Burlington dart teams.

Branch 60 Mixed Dart Team members.

Congratulations to Jack MacDonald and Sandi Orr-Goode who finished in first in their pod at the Zone dart shoot at Branch 58 in Stoney Creek.

Thanks to all who came out to our St. Patrick's Day bash. Check out the amazing coverage courtesy of BurlingtonToday.com .

THANK YOU Southern Cruisers Riding Club !!!

Burlington Chapter 57 of the Southern Cruisers Riding Club made a considerable donation to our Branch on Feb. 23rd. Officials presented a cheque in the amount of $5,000 to 2nd VP & Poppy Chair Barry Moore and Sergeant-at-Arms Ken Bruce. See photo below. Plus, watch a short video of the presentation HERE. (Photo and video courtesy of Ron Simpson.)

Sunday Social Dance presents cheque to Branch

On Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024 the Sunday Social Dance group presented a cheque to the Branch in the amount of $1365 from their End of Year Dance in December. Below, Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Flear and Branch President Murray Sutherland accepts the cheque from Garrick Saunders, one of the organizers of the End of Year Dance. For more information on the dance, click HERE.

Our Volunteers are the BEST!!!

Congratulations to Dave Smith on being selected Branch 60's 2023 Legionnaire of the Year! The announcement was made at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Dec. 18, 2023 by President Murray Sutherland . Dave has become the "go to" man when it comes to maintaining our aging building. He is in the Branch several hours a week to ensure all is in good working order. Plus, he volunteers for Fish & Chips. Way to go, Dave!

Certificates of Appreciation were also presented to five members in recognition of their various volunteer efforts to keep the Branch alive and thriving. Thank You and Congratulations to Wilf Brown, Gary Cox, Frank Chiarelli, Don McDade and Dow Clowater all pictured (in order) below!

Youth Education Winners

Branch 60 is proud to present several Burlington students with medals and cash awards for their part in our annual literary and poster contest in honour of Remembrance Day 2023.

Below, Youth & Education Chair Debbie Lauzon presents students from Trinity Christian School with their awards for their poster and poem presentation.

Debbie also presented awards to students at M.M. Robinson High School for their winning poster.

And Debbie congratulated the winners at Makwendam Public School.

Thank you to all those who joined us for our 2023 Remembrance Day Ceremony either in person at Veteran Square or virtually online. A video of the ceremony is available HERE.

Plus, check out some of the media coverage we received from BurlingtonToday.com.

Remembrance Day procession & service

Burlington Remembers Photo Essage

Burl-Oak Naval Vets Sunrise Service

Veterans Share what Remembrance Day means to them

Burlington Legion Museum

Also, check out CHCH-TV's live shot on Nov. 10th as the Cadets began their overnight vigil guarding the Cenotaph. Click HERE.

Remembrance Day also saw the presentation of the King Charles Coronation Award to 21 veterans including several Branch 60 members. See the story HERE.

2023 Poppy Campaign

Thank you to all of our amazing members, volunteers and Cadets who distributed Poppies during the 2023 campaign. While the Poppy is distributed freely to all who wish to wear one, the Legion gratefully accepts donations to the Poppy Fund. The Poppy is Canada's symbol of Remembrance. Click HERE to learn more about Branch 60's Poppy Campaign.

Branch 60 Colour Guard member Lori Ondrey distributes Poppies at Costco on Brant Street.

Here in Burlington, Branch 60 Poppy Chair Barry Moore pinned the first Poppy of the 2023 campaign on Mayor Marianne Meed Ward in front of the Cenotaph at Veteran Square. Plus, our Honour Our Veterans Banner Program is in place as the City of Burlington installed the banners along Brant Street on Friday, Oct. 27. The banners will be on display through mid-November.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward receives the first Poppy of the 2023 campaign from Poppy Chair Barry Moore.

City worker Sebastian W. installs one of the banners along Brant Street.

Mayor proclaims LEGION WEEK

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward officially proclaimed Sept. 17 to 23 as Legion Week in Burlington to coincide with the national observance. She took part in a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on Friday, Sept. 14 and was joined by President Murray Sutherland, Past President Burns Macleod, City Liaison/Museum Curator Bob Ankrett, 1st VP & PRO Terry Scott and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna.

Also, check out the story and photos at BurlingtonToday.com.

For more information on Legion Week, visit https://www.legion.ca/news/articles/2023/09/14/the-royal-canadian-legion-announces-national-legion-week

Poppy Fund cheques to Jo Brant and Juravinski

Branch 60 was proud to present cheques from the Poppy Fund to Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation and Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre in 2023.

Poppy Fund co-chairs Gerry Bardy (left) and Barry Moore (right) present a cheque to Leon Denbok, Chair of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation.

Julian Foreman, Manager of Development for the Juravinksi Hospital & Cancer Centre Foundation, accepts a cheque from Barry Moore (left) and Gerry Bardy.

Burlington Central School Memorial Service

Branch 60 was honoured to assist with the memorial event as part of Burlington Central School's 100th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday, June 4, 2023. As part of the morning service at Veteran Square, current students or family members held up portraits and read tributes to 21 former BCS students who died in service or in training during the Second World War. See the photos below, plus see more at BurlingtonToday.com .

Here, a student honours Flight Lieutenant Robert Leslie Nash who was killed when his Canso aircraft crashed during a training mission on Vancouver Island in 1944.

20 current BCS students and Floyd Cooper, the brother of Flying Officer Walter David Dick Cooper, hold up portraits of those BCS students lost during the Second World War.

Remembering Veteran Paul Watley

Branch 60 was saddened to learn of the passing of Veteran Paul Watley in his 103rd year on Dec. 17, 2023. Paul's life read like an adventure novel. See his obituary HERE. Plus, see a wonderful tribute written by our Bob Ankrett upon Paul's 100th birthday HERE.

Remembering Douglas Ross Rickard

Friends, family and dignitaries gathered at Branch 60 on Sunday, June 4, 2023 to celebrate the life of Douglas Ross Rickard, our Dieppe Veteran who passed away in February in his 105th year. (More info on his life below.)

Branch 60's Bob Ankrett emceed the Celebration.

L/Cpl Rickard's daughter Marie Rickard thanked all who attended the Celebration.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward paid tribute to a man who she met on several occasions including his last two birthdays at Branch 60.

Burlington and Apeldoorn remain best of friends

Several members of Branch 60 were delighted to participate in Canada Netherlands Friendship Day on Saturday, May 13, 2023. It marked the 18th anniversary of the City of Burlington’s twinning agreement with the city of Apeldoorn and recognized the 78th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War. Enjoy these photos from BurlingtonToday.com .

Remembering Jackie Ralston 1949-2023

It was with a heavy heart that we announced the passing on Sunday, April 30, 2023 of Life Member Jaqueline "Jackie" Ralston. She passed away following a brief illness in her 74th year.

Jackie was part of the fabric of Branch 60 for almost 50 years. She joined the Legion in 1976 and went on to serve in numerous capacities including 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice President, Youth Education Chair, Zone Youth Education Chair, District Bursary Chair, Zone Deputy, Zone Commander and as President of the Branch 60 Ladies Auxiliary from 1989-1994. She also served as the Branch Army Liaison Officer and was in charge of the Charity Bingo program for many years. During the annual Poppy Campaign, Jackie helped organize the Cadets to canvass, delivered counter boxes and helped count the funds as they poured in.
Jackie was the "go to person" as she was a wealth of knowledge on anything Legion related.
As a trained chef and willing volunteer, she cooked and organized countless dinners and social events on behalf of the Branch. Her efforts provided funds for the Branch and contributed to the goodwill of our members and a close relationship with the citizens of Burlington who frequent our Branch for meals and entertainment.

Jackie joined the Ladies Auxiliary and served as Secretary, President and Treasurer. She has served as Zone B6 Commander of the Ladies Auxiliary and worked tirelessly to promote a successful partnership between the Branch and the LA. Most recently, she has served as Secretary of Branch 60.

Among her many Honours and Awards, she received a Life Membership in 2010.

President Murray Sutherland said "The passing of Jackie Ralston is a great loss to not only Burlington Branch 60, but to the entire Legion community. In my first year as President, it was Jackie who provided guidance on Legion protocol, which allowed me to function effectively as a first year President. Her knowledge of all the Legion was invaluable. Her tireless effort and knowledge will be greatly missed by Branch 60 and me personally. I express my personal condolences to her husband Bill and family."
A Celebration of Life and Legion Service was held at Branch 60 on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Photos can be seen HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command Bursary Fund.

Honouring Comrade Burns MacLeod

Thank you to all who joined us in the Lounge on Friday, May 5, 2023 to honour Past President and long time Poppy Campaign Chair Burns MacLeod for his service to the Branch. Veterans Liaison Officer Dan Lauzon presented Burns with a plaque (veteran to veteran) and Burns delivered eloquent thank you remarks. You can see video of the presentation HERE starting with 1st VP Terry Scott. (Thank you to Comrade Ron Simpson for the photo and video.)

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60 Burlington was deeply saddened by the passing of one of its valued members, Douglas Ross Rickard, who died peacefully at home the morning of February 22, 2023 in his 105th year. His wife, Jean, was at his side. The Rickards celebrated their 78th wedding anniversary last June, just days before Jean turned 100.

Mr. Rickard was among the last Canadian survivors of the Dieppe Raid during the Second World War. It was one of the darkest chapter’s in Canada’s military history but it was also marked by great courage and helped lead to important lessons to prepare for the D-Day invasion of 1944.

Douglas Ross Rickard was a member of the Royal Canadian Corp of Signals. He arrived at Dieppe in the early morning of August 19th, 1942 aboard a tank landing craft (TLC) containing three tanks. He was knocked unconscious by a shell blast but was revived by an officer and continued to receive and transmit messages until further damage to the vessel disabled an engine and forced the crew to retreat. With only one propeller working, they slowly tried to return to Britain. They were set upon by enemy fighters off the coast of England, and to avoid injury Corporal Rickard jumped overboard. He was able to remove his heavy boots and swam over a kilometer back to an English beach and safety.

Corporal Rickard continued to serve the remainder of the war in a variety of roles, returning to Canada in early 1946 with his British war bride, Jean. Already an accomplished artist, he continued his painting and held art director positions with several major publications including Maclean’s magazine. Before retirement, he established several Canadian companies which exported Canadian photographic equipment and art supplies around the world.

In recognition of his service, Corporal Rickard was awarded the 1939 to 1945 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 with Dieppe Bar and, in 2021, received the French Legion of Honour Medal.

Corporal Douglas Ross Rickard proudly displays the French Legion of Honour Medal presented to him in 2021 by Col. Roger Vandomme, Deputy Defence Attache with the French Embassy in Canada.

The almost 5,000 Canadians who fought in the Dieppe Raid were among the more than one million men and women from our country who served in uniform during the Second World War. The efforts of all of these brave Canadians helped the Allies eventually achieve victory.

A video of the celebration of Corporal Rickard’s 104th birthday on June 25, 2022 is available HERE. A video of Corporal Rickard recalling his experience at Dieppe is available HERE. Plus, a video of Corporal Rickard being presented with the French Legion of Honour Medal is available HERE.

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