The Alberta regional story begins in early 2003, as recounted by Norma Fuchs of Calgary:
“Early in 2003, some of our veterans here in Calgary were phoning all the veterans they knew across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Ralph MacLean E30382 and Ed Shayler H6307 made most of the calls. They were asking for the names of family members so they could participate in forming the new Association. Jack Smith L2721 was the Regional President of the Hong Kong Veterans at this time. They were all very helpful in getting us organized. Ed Shayler had created an extensive list of all the family members that they had contacted. He typed it up in alphabetic order and printed it in red. He loved red ink. I personally received a handwritten letter from Ralph MacLean inviting me to get involved. We all met for the first time at the Legion in Kensington late in 2003. That is when we fell in love with Ralph and Ed”.
The first organizational meeting was held early in 2004, with the following officers elected:
The region held its first official luncheon on May 1, 2004, with 27 in attendance including six veterans and three veterans' wives — the first of many such gatherings.
Norma Fuchs recalls the warmth and a favourite memory of those early years:
“My husband Glen and I met with Ed and Lorna and Ralph very often. They became very good friends of ours, and we cherished the time spent hearing about their experiences as prisoners of war. One of my favourite days was when Ralph, Ed, Gordon Durrant, John Deardon, and I attended an event where Queen Elizabeth was inspecting the troops at the Saddledome in 2005. The veterans were all dressed up, proudly displaying their medals. At one point we saw Ralph surrounded by ladies — they were impressed by his medals, and he loved the attention. We went out to dinner afterward and enjoyed this very special time together.”
The region maintained contact with its members by phone and email, with particular attention to widows who appreciated hearing from the association. Luncheons and dinners were held regularly, drawing members from Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Cardston, and High River.
They participated in events at The Military Museums and sponsored a panel, Panel 93, in the Mural of Honor that greets visitors in the Atrium. The panel includes information about the Battle for Hong Kong with mentions of Brigadier Lawson and John Osborn. The section of the museum, Interviews from WW2, includes an interview with Gordon Durrant H6291.
In August 2005, many Alberta members attended the national HKVCA Convention in Ottawa — a formative experience for those attending for the first time. On returning to Calgary, the region was asked to host the 2007 Convention. With Ed and Ralph at their side, they agreed. Gail Richoz led the organizing effort alongside Marilyn Pridgen (daughter of Ralph MacLean) with help from members across the region. Over 200 people attended, including 30 veterans. Highlights included a Chinese Lion Dance, a buffet and dance at a guest ranch west of Calgary, and a gala evening at the Hyatt.
In 2007, the merger of the Alberta/Saskatchewan region with the Manitoba region was approved thereby forming the Prairie region.
‘We will remember them’.
Prepared with contributions from Kathie Carlson, Norma Fuchs, and others.
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