Thanks everyone for the donations. Mike McBride made a $100 cash donation which closed out the fundraising. I’ll let everyone know when the dedication takes place.

I am raising funds for a commemorative bench which will be installed by the City of Colwood in memory of Cpl. JL Gilles DECHAMPLAIN (1 CER) who died in a rebreather diving accident on February 10, 1983 while on his Clearance Diving course. Despite considerable efforts at the time, his body was not recovered.

The city has approved the project and a location for the bench has been identified. The location of the bench overlooks Cobourg Spit with views from Esquimalt Harbour to Race Rocks. The bench will have a commemorative plaque with wording that has been approved by someone who served with him as a diver at 1CER as well as a senior serving member of the RCN diving branch.

There will be a dedication ceremony involving the city and of course the RCN and veterans. Details will be widely shared via various platforms/groups.

I have already paid for this project and am seeking financial support from the diving community. This is a private initiative and not affiliated to any veterans group.