Roger Cyr was born in Montreal on 2 September 1940. He was predeceased by his older brother Richard. His younger brother Réjean lives in St. Bruno, Québec, with his daughter Jaime.
As Roger turned 17 in September 1957, he was arrested by the Montreal police for stealing a car. At Juvenile Court the judge gave him a choice; to go to a youth detention centre, or to join the Navy. So, he thought the Navy was a better choice and joined the Royal Canadian Navy as a seaman, radio operator. He served in many ships and shore establishments including HMCS Cayuga, HMCS Terra Nova, HMCS Restigouche, and Naval Radio Station Newport Corner.
Roger was commissioned from the ranks in 1970, and after training in CFB Chilliwack, proceeded to Maritime Surface training. He then served in HMCS Miramichi, and HMCS Margaree. Roger transferred to the naval engineering group and completed an engineering degree at the Royal Military College in Kingston. As a combat system engineer, he was involved in the design of the Canadian Patrol Frigate combat systems and served for many years at National Defence Headquarters as expert on combat systems. Roger graduated from NATO Defence College, Rome, Italy. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Military Merit.
Roger retired from the navy in 1993, after 36 years of service, as an engineering Commander, to take up a civilian position with NATO, at the NATO Support and Procurement Agency in Luxembourg. He then served in the former Yugoslavia as NATO Liaison Officer with the NATO in-theatre logistics support group. He was awarded the Canadian Peacekeeping Medal, the NATO Service Medal, the NATO Yugoslavia Medal, and the US Commendation Medal. Upon retirement from NATO, Roger moved back to Canada where he worked for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority as compliance advisor for screening technologies. He retired in 2011. He was a prolific writer, contributing to many naval and engineering publications.
A service will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View St, Victoria, BC, on Thursday, April 23rd, at 12pm, with a reception to follow at 1:30 pm at the Pro Patria Legion, 411 Gorge Rd. East.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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carol crawford
I am so sorry for your loss. May the love, joy and peace arise within as memories come fluttering in and brings a smile on each face in remembrance of life spent with sweet, precious Roger. A very special man that is truly going to be missed!
With much love and blessings to all!
Carol Crawford