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David Last posted a condolence
Monday, August 28, 2017
Some memories of Ken Eyre
Ken Eyre was the animating spirit of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, as Alex Morrison was its political father. Without Ken, it could not have achieved what it did. I first met Ken in Lahr in 1987, when he was running a table exercise for 1st Battalion R22eR, and saw his mischievous delight in upsetting carefully laid plans – something the old Cold War square dance sorely needed. We worked together on the Peacekeeping Interview Project, visiting Croatia in 1994 to survey, interview, and video hundreds of Canadian soldiers – a project which later resulted in negotiation training aids and insights that Ken incorporated in PPC courses with his hallmark creativity.
I benefitted enormously from Ken’s friendship and support over three years at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, when I arrived slightly damaged after 13 months in the Balkans. In the frigid open space of our offices, we wore school scarves. In the spring, he took interns down to the water to teach them to skip stones. We car pooled from Annapolis Royal to Cornwallis, and every day was fun. An eccentric Englishman had planted rhododendrons under the trees somewhere along the route; Ken stopped to show them to me, but explained that we were looking for places to hunt rabbits, because real men don’t stop to look at rhododendrons! He would break into song, “Moon River,” as we crossed over Moose River. One day, I asked him about an odd noise my aging Volvo was making. He waved his hands in exasperation, “I don’t know,” he said, “I took Latin! But I know how to fix it…” and he leaned forward and turned on the radio – no more noise! When Ken paraded in the sartorial splendour of his Frenchy’s acquisitions, I would enter as he intoned a solemn warning that you could also make horrible fashion mistakes.
Ken’s exercise designs were phenomenal, and his wonderful partnership with Peter Dawson showed his nurturing leadership at its best. “Sneaker faxes,” ethnic characterizations, newspaper articles, advertisements, encyclopedia articles, potted histories, and complex genealogies flowed from Peter’s creative mind, and Ken and Peter wove them into exciting, entertaining, and memorable events. I once mistakenly called the little details “fluff” and Ken gently corrected me – those were the details that participants remembered and learned from.
Ken was a brilliant teacher, and I have used his aphorisms and observations repeatedly over the years. “Plate coverage” was an image from his days in the fish processing business – however many ounces the piece of fish, you want to cut it so that it fills up the plate. It was a rule to live by in course design and presenting. A good theory is the most practical thing in the world, because it shows you how to look at things. So you think experience is enough? Napoleon’s mule was on 13 campaigns, but it was still a mule!
Ken's memory lives in the hearts of the many people he inspired in his years of teaching at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. My condolences to others who feel the loss of this good man.
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Jane and Brian Power-Grimm posted a condolence
Monday, August 28, 2017
We were so saddened to hear of Ken's passing. Brian really enjoyed working with Ken on Pool projects. We don't remember a time when he didn't have a smile on his face. He was a warm and wonderful neighbour. Please know our thoughts are with you, Carole. We send our deepest sympathies.
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Mark Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2017
my sympathies to Carol and all of Ken's family and this time. I knew Ken for only a short time but he made a great impact that I will always remember. He was a good mentor and even better friends. Hiking through the forest well never feel the same.
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Ian Nicol posted a condolence
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
I was saddened to learn of Ken's passing which evoked many memories of our military service together in the Edmonton-based Canadian Airborne Regiment. I remember him as a very clever and innovative officer who had the knack of approaching problems from many different perspectives and who remained undaunted by those who said that something simply couldn't be done. This latter unorthodoxy resulted for example, in Ken approaching a local Edmonton college to enlist the aid of its Radio and TV Arts students to produce a video about the steps the Regiment took to mount an airborne operation in Canada's high Arctic. Needless to say, the traditionalists among us were appalled to see all those long-haired "hippies" wandering around our unit lines with cameras and microphones, but the resulting product, called "Quick Rig," was a howling success. The other notable incident occurred in Cyprus during the Regiment's United Nations tour of duty there when Ken joined me in a helicopter to conduct an aerial reconnaissance of his company's area of responsibility. No sooner had we taken off when we saw plumes of smoke rising from the Presidential Palace and given the presence of tanks and infantry shooting at the building, realized that we were witnessing the beginnings of a military coup d'etat. For the next few hours, Ken and I were the "eyes" of the U.N. before our pilot decided to abort our flight when he noticed anti-aircraft guns tracking us. As I write this, I have Ken's wry smile and soft voice in my mind's eye. A very special person has left us.
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Suzanne Monaghan posted a condolence
Monday, July 31, 2017
My most sincere condolences to Carole and family on Ken's passing. I only knew him a short time during my tenure at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. He was the 'wise owl' on whom we counted for historical context to our actions and strong leadership to the team. His impact and his reputation around the world were significant. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Suzanne
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Michael Gentles posted a condolence
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Carrol, so sorry to hear or Ken's sudden passing. Well before his time. He was a fine soldier and man and long time friend. I only know I'd wish we'd put aside the work differrences at the end.
I'm in hospital myself right now with COPD and an attack of pneumonia, on IV fluids and heavy anti biotics. I might see Ken sooner than we think!
Again all's best to you and ken,
Mike
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Val & Paul Stackhouse posted a condolence
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Carol our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
We have fond memories of Ken and the beautiful purple Octopus he created that sat in our garden for many years.
We will miss the twinkle in his eyes.
Val & Paul
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Douglas Covey posted a condolence
Saturday, July 29, 2017
In memory of a good friend who I had a lot of respect for.
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Douglas Covey donated to CLEAN ANNAPOLIS RIVER PROJECT SOCIETY
Saturday, July 29, 2017
In memory of Ken Eyre, a good friend.
Please wait
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Vince Kennedy (BGen Retd, PPCLI) posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Captain Ken Eyre was my second year Canadian History professor in Royal Roads, 1968-69. I had been having a hard time adjusting to the academic life in first year, but as soon as I started his class, his easy yet intellectually demanding way, his sense of place and time, and his enthusiasm for history, caused a significant metamorphosis in my attitude towards study, knowledge and character. He let me grow very quickly, encouraging the writer in me to blossom and teaching how to research and formulate theses. About six of us cadets would sit in his tight little office, all smoking, drinking coffee, talking and listening to Ken illuminate. I won the military history prize that year - obviously with his help.
Ken Eyre was also very social and accepting, and demonstrated how an infantry officer might live, think and thrive in an academic milieu. He remained a role model of mine throughout my life. We did not serve together again, but often our paths were quite close, and I am happy he had such success.
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Alex Morrison posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
"From Alex Morrison: I knew Ken when we were comrades-in-arms in the Canadian Army. Each of us took early retirement and various job paths. The best story I heard about Ken goes like this. He was, of course a scholar and a very good one at that. He was sent to London, England to do PhD studies. So, the story goes, he reports to the head of the particular school within the university where he was to study and research. On hearing that Ken was interested in the Arctic, the Head told him that no one there knew much about that but why doesn't he go chat with Prof so and so down the hall. Ken did, the Prof was not an expert in Arctic affairs so told Ken to go off, research, write, etc and come back to consult every so often. Ken did and in due course returned to Canada and military duties and completed his dissertation and sent it to England. The people at National Defence HQ received a telegram from Canadian High Commission in London saying the university had a PhD disseration and wanted an outside reader/examiner (they did not say it was Ken's). NDHQ officers chatted and sent back the reply "we suggest Major Ken Eyre". In the early 90s, I was shopping around the idea of a peacekeeping education and training centre and somehow renewed contact with Ken. We went to UNHQ in New York and briefed some of the political and peacekeeping UN officials I had met during my six years on the staff of the Permanent Mission of Canada to UN. When the Canadian government asked Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies (of which I was Executive Director) to establish an international peacekeeping centre at Cornwallis, I immediately thought of Ken. He was one of the very first persons I hired. I asked him to take a look at the methodology we could employ in educating civilians and military in various aspects of peacekeeping. He accepted enthusiastically. Ken and his team of Peter Dawson and others then developed, implemented, supervised and enhanced as necessary the system we used at the PPC. Ken was an expert in exercises and played major roles in that area as well. In my various travels overseas, former PPC students would tell me that when they had a challenge, they looked in "the PPC book". It was lesson plans, references, etc that had been devised by Ken. He was both a strategic and operational thinker and actor. I remember well occasions when he would stand up and dictate to Ingrid intricate but eminently workable solutions to challenges with we found ourselves faced. He was also an expert in hunting and fishing and guiding and seized every opportunity he could to show around our national and international students and visitors - one of the highlights being the goods at the back of the Lequille Country Store. We had a custom of inviting senior guests to a small lunch during their time at the PPC - Ken always ordered the same: a grilled cheese sandwich. He was a good supporter of our Good Cheer dinners and would correct my historical statements from time to time - I was thankful for that. Ken was a valued colleague, he was a valuable PPC staff member. His contributions have paid large dividends in international peace, security and stability and will continue to do so in the years ahead of us. I treasure our association and will always do so. Alex Morrison, Councillor, District 6 - Annapolis County, NS, POBox 158, Cornwallis Park, NS B0S 1H0, 902 638 3416 sandym@mail.com, Founding President - The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre
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Glenda Colp posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Carole, I am so sorry for your loss. I have thought about you and Ken often and had planned to visit ...... my sincere condolences. xo
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John Thomas posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
I was saddened to learn of Ken’s passing away as I expect were all of those who ever knew him.
Ken was someone I met many years ago as a young man. I came to like him very much and admired his many talents. He was very much a natural leader, a scholar and a soldier. However, I will remember him as the passionate angler he was and for teaching me the sport.
With all of my condolences to all those who knew and loved him,
John Thomas
Ottawa, Ontario
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Robert Hamilton posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
I had the privilege of serving with Ken for several years at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre. His academic rigour, consummate professionalism and strong leadership skills were an example to us all. During my period of residence in Annapolis Royal it was apparent that Ken was held in high regard as a stalwart of the community. He was a man who mattered and who will be remembered fondly. I offer deepest condolences to all he has left behind.
Robert Hamilton sends
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MGen Clive Addy 6873 RMC posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
Ken was always fun and imaginative. A great loss to the family and to us who have known served played and worked hard with him for our wonderful country!
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John Joly posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
I had the pleasure of serving with Ken in Victoria with the Queen's Own Rifles in the late 60s, again as his company 2IC in 1 Airborne Commando in Edmonton, and again as Ops Officer when he commanded Observation Company duriing the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. He always had an easy-going smile on his face, and genuine willingness to share his knowledge in mentoring me.
I was especially impressed with his leadership in Cyprus when he assumed command of Observation Company at the start of the war in dangerous and uncertian conditions. He was a strong commander, an inspiration to his men, and courageous under fire. He made key decisions that saved lives - a terrific field soldier.
I offer my sincere condolences to Ken's family over the grief of their immeasurable loss. I willl remeber him.
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Brian Budden posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
On behalf of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Association (Toronto Branch) are deepest condolence to the Eyre Family on the passing of one of our Rifleman Major Ken Charles Eyre.
Brian Budden
QORA (Toronto Branch)
Health & Welfare Chairman
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Herb Pitts posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
It is with a profound sense of loss I learned of Ken's
passing. since I knew him in all his regiments. We have lost a "good one" who was special to all who knew him. His attributes and talents were remarkable and singular. "Nuff said! "Have a good one Jumper". Fair winds a soft landings". Herb
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Henry MacKeigan CPL A COY HQ 1QRC-3PPCLI posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
Served with Capt EYRE in both QOR and PPCLI,good man,good officer,may these words serve as my one last salute.Rest in peace "SIR"
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Mike OBrien posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
A friend from long ago. Sad to lose him. My thoughts of him are with all of you. My Condolences to the family. Mike
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Rollie Keith posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
I would like to extend my condolences on the passing of Ken!
I served with him in the Airborne Regiment in the early 70s. He was a special soldier.
Rollie and Pam Keith
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Stephen Taylor posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
My condolences to family Eyre. Ken was an inspiration and mentor in my early years and I often find myself quoting lines from him . Great guy ,and I really enjoyed the time we had together. He was a good one. Fond memories.R.I.P Ken
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Bill & jOAN pLOUFFE posted a condolence
Monday, July 24, 2017
We will always remember Ken's hospitality when we served together in Victoria were he had a special peach tree that he tried to train to produce one peach a day for a month for daiquiris instead of 30 all at once. Camping with the Macdonalds and ourselves at Albert Head he kept our children busy for a day getting them to hunt for female ants.
He will be remembered at our annual Patricia Ottawa Branch Remembrance Day ceremony
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Grant McLean posted a condolence
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Ken was my first Company Commander in 1er Commando of the Canadian Airborne Regiment. What an incredible intellect and what an incisive mind plus a good sense of humour to boot! There will not be another like him. He was a very imaginative leader and mentor. I was a fellow who thought that he knew a lot already however Ken taught me something new every day.
I am sorry that he has left us at such an early age. He was truly one of a kind and I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, family and friends. He will certainly be missed.
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Aaron Ries lit a candle
Sunday, July 23, 2017
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My sincerest condolences for your loss. It was a delight to read this beautifully written piece on Ken and it is wonderful to learn more about his storied and accomplishment filled life. My thoughts are with you at this time.
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Bob Mcglynn posted a condolence
Sunday, July 23, 2017
I have many wonderful memories of fishing with Ken in Florida as we sought fishing spots in unexpected places always keeping a wary eye out for alligators. Ever the adventurer, Ken took us to some places I am sure many locals where ignorant of. Godspeed friend.
My thoughts are with Carol at this most difficult time.
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The family of Kenneth Charles Eyre uploaded a photo
Friday, July 21, 2017
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