The Amigos Newsletter

Gilles Morin: RIP

2015-09-27T04:05:00.000-07:00

Veteran trade officer, Gilles Morin, passed away earlier this month at the Longueuil Palliative Care Unit after a long bout of cancer according to his daughter, Ginette.

Diplomacy in the Digital Age

2015-07-04T17:19:00.003-07:00

A speech by the Australian ambassador to Israel on diplomacy in the age of instant communications. What's an ambassador to do when he has lost his monopoly on information, contacts, interpretation of events?

Marilyn Feir: RIP

2015-06-04T06:50:00.003-07:00

Marilyn, wife of our colleague Jim, passed away on sunday, May 31.

Obit here.

Craft Brewery Tour

2015-05-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

There is still space available for this Thursday's Dominion City Brewing Co Taste & Tour.

Thursday, May 28, 2015 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
#15-5510 Canotek Road

The world of beer is as fascinating as the world of wine and Ottawa is home to many exciting up and coming micro-breweries. The Guild would like to introduce you to Dominion City Brewing Co. with a tour of their newly expanded brewing facilities. The event will be hosted by Scott Denyer, an Algonquin College graduate and Assistant Brewer for Dominion. Learn about hops, fermentation and brewing process. The tour will end in the tasting bar with a sample of all the beers offered by Dominion and a pint of your choosing paired with a selection of cheeses.

There are only 25 spots available for this event so make sure to reserve only!

Parking is available on site.

Members and Guests: ($22.12+HST) $25.00

To register, please go to http://ncsgdominion-tour-taste-2015-05-28.eventbrite.com

John Starnes Memorial

2015-05-21T08:31:00.005-07:00

A memorial service for John Starnes (February 5,1918- December 23, 2014) will be held at St. Bartholomew's Church, 125 MacKay Street, Ottawa, at 11:30 on Saturday, May 23.

Treleaven Learns a Lesson

2015-05-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

Why did he say "You've got to keep your eye on more than the ball"?

Here's why.

Maddick-Britton 2015

2015-05-04T18:13:00.003-07:00

Date: Monday, June 29, 2015 from 1:00 p.m.; dinner tentatively at 7:30 p.m.

$99.00 per player; dinner only $35.00 (taxes, gratuities included)

Includes: 18 holes of golf (1:30 pm shot-gun tee off), power cart, competition or group play for fun, prizes – pick your team! A relaxed outing at the beautiful Carleton Golf and Yacht Club, on the Rideau River south of Manotick.

Activities for the day: (sponsorships support activities, with funds to Roger’s House).

1. Food Drive: for the "Ottawa Food Bank" Please bring non-perishable food items for the Ottawa Food Bank, receive 1 ticket for each item donated for a chance to win prizes.

2. Closest to the Line: women & men.

3. Closest to the Pin: women & men.

4. Putting Challenge: Hole #19 “The practice green” will host a putting challenge for some excellent prizes. $5 for 5 putts; play as many times as you like.

5. 50/50 Draw: $5 for 3 tickets; $10 for 7 tickets; $20 for an arm’s length.

Maddick-Britton 2015 - Things to remember:

MB handicaps will be set early in June; payment before June 20 via Interac transfer or cheque to MB2015 (procedure in the end-May update/on request) to confirm participation; payment at course on 29^th possible (note risk of limited spaces); all non-competitive participants will have a fun day with challenges, free balls and no pressure.

We encourage a strong contingent of current and former DFATD colleagues to convene at the CG&YC in just two months to renew our 34 year-old MB tradition! Spouses are most welcome!! We are bringing a new format for broader participation and new sponsors, linked to a charity. While at dinner you can cheer on your side in the traditional political (now with development) versus trade team competition. We will update you before the end of May to confirm activities, sponsors and charities, and to encourage early sign up; at which time we will seek details such as participation in the competition pool (& handicap) or just for fun.

We are counting on our retired MB dependables to reach out to still-working DFATD colleagues to encourage their participation, and we will follow up in-house in May to build participation from working personnel, including the new development staff. We welcome suggestions of any names we should approach in the Department, or possible sponsors - please provide them to Craig Wilson at craigwilson74@yahoo.ca . Note: If you can't attend, please let Craig know, so we remove your name from further messages until the results of the day are known.

David Stockwell Doug Woods Craig Wilson Bob Mason

James Albert Holt: RIP

2015-04-15T05:07:00.000-07:00

Jim passed away on March 10. Many of us knew him as a kind and knowledgeable ex-military pilot whose section in DFAIT -- military sales promotion -- was not made to feel completely at home. This Ottawa Citizen article tells of his battle with cancer, and with OHIP.

Article

Obit

Leon Stryker: RIP

2015-04-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Colleague John Tennant advises that:

we recently lost a well-known Commercial Officer who served for many years in Melbourne, Australia, and has kept close ties with those of us who served in the post - now no longer - that was farthest from Ottawa. Leon was present when the Office of the High Commissioner in Melbourne (pre Consulate General days) was among the first to fly the Canadian maple leaf in 1965 Leon was the identity of the office. He made and sustained lasting relationships with all the surviving alumni from Melbourne. RIP.

Impact of Canadian Diplomatic Trade Offices Abroad

2015-03-16T03:40:00.001-07:00

C D Howe study (early 2014) on the effect of trade offices -- announcement.

Report (pdf) is here.

Overview

With the federal government having prioritized “economic diplomacy” for overseas posts, along with a major budget consolidation, it is essential that Ottawa get the process right.

This E-Brief assesses the impact of Canada’s diplomatic representation abroad on exports. It concludes that economic diplomacy boosts exports – and quite significantly – and sheds light on the questions of where, why and how.

The main policy findings are that maintaining high-level diplomatic relations, through an embassy, has of itself a larger positive impact on exports than the deepening of relations via additional posts, and that the existence of a trade agreement with a destination market has a significant positive influence on Canadian exports to that market. The results suggest that there is a definite importance in the “G2G” (government-to-government) relationship as distinct from the role of government in providing “B2B” (business-to-business) trade facilitation.

David Laughton: RIP

2015-03-13T13:09:00.004-07:00

David LAUGHTON Obituary

It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of David Benson Laughton on Monday, March 9, 2015. His family wishes to thank the staff and friends at the Rockcliffe Residence, Ottawa for their kindness, loving care and friendship over the past many years. Special thanks to Drs. Leclair, Mai, Thompson for their nurture and support.

Dave is survived by his daughter Dionne Caldwell (Bill Welsh) of Ottawa, Ontario, his son Bruce Laughton (Sally) of Los Angeles, 5 grandchildren (Samantha, Chantal, Amanda, James and David) and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of over 60 years, Dorothy (Dee, nee Pearson) whom he met in London, England while with the Canadian Army during WWII. Dave continued to serve his country joining the Department of Trade & Commerce in 1949 following graduating from the University of British Columbia. His foreign postings included; Venezuela, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico, Seattle WA, Washington, D.C., and Columbia. Dave retired as Ambassador to Columbia & Ecuador, thereafter residing in Vancouver for several years before moving to Ottawa in 2007. David enjoyed a good game of bridge and cribbage as well as getting outdoors whenever he could. He particularly loved fly fishing, regardless of the results. Dave will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. A Celebration of Life dedication will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario would be appreciated. Condolences/Tributes/Donations:www.hpmcgarry.ca

Job with CUSO

2015-02-23T09:09:00.002-08:00

For anyone so inclined, a temporary job in Ottawa, described here.

David Shearer: RIP

2015-02-23T08:55:00.002-08:00

David William SHEARER

Obituary

SHEARER, David William
October 22, 1944 – February 19, 2015
David died peacefully at Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital, Thursday, February 19, 2015. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife Christina (Chris) Walker, his beloved daughter Kristina (Tina) Sheldon, his sisters Cathy Schipilow (Bill) and Jean Emerson (the late John), his aunt Marg McGee, his stepfather Ron Read and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed by his sisters-in-law Mary Williams (Frank) and Judith Shuell (Tom), brother-in- law Paul Walker Jr. (Beverley), the Read and Blackburn families and his many wonderful friends. David was predeceased by his parents Douglas Shearer and Phyllis Shearer Read and his sister Wendy McNamara (Michael). Dave grew up in Ottawa and spent 31 years with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He was posted to various locations - Philadelphia, Los Angeles, London, England, Kingston, Jamaica, Detroit, Ottawa, and New York, making many life-long friends along the way. In 1999 David and Chris married, and he retired. They left New York in 2002 and eventually settled in Niagara-on-the-Lake. David loved this community and he soon became very involved, serving as a board member on the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital Foundation and taking great pleasure in helping with the annual Christmas Parade. He was also part of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Cabinet, raising funds for the new St. Catharines Hospital. In 2007 he started a whole new career in real estate with Royal Lepage, and was proud to receive the Masters Sales award for 2013 and 2014. Dave was fun, thoughtful, charming, intelligent, rarely at a loss for words, and above all a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by family, friends and his 3 pussycats. David said so many times that he was lucky and thankful for their many caring friends. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Janice Giesbrecht and her staff, the nurses at the Walker Cancer Centre and to Dr. Tim Bastedo and Dr. Andrew Smith from the Niagara-on- the-Lake Family Health Team. As David wished, there will be no funeral service, but a gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. Donations in David's memory to Music Niagara, c/o Chris Blake would be appreciated. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at
www.morganfuneral.com.

Published in The Ottawa Citizen on Feb. 23, 2015

Gerry Hughes: RIP

2015-02-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Readers will be saddened to learn of the death this week of Gerry Hughes, former ambassador In Ankara and high commissioner in Kuala Lumpur. An obituary notice is below.

Les membres de l"ACMAR apprendront avec tristesse le décès cette semaine de Gerry Hughes, ancien ambassadeur à Ankara et haut-commissaire à Kuala Lumpur. L'avis de décès se trouve en bas.

HUGHES, Gerald Francis George
March 1, 1919 - February 3, 2015
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa. He is greatly missed by Mary (née Wade), his loving wife of 73 years, his three sons, Michael, (Marianne), Christopher (Sharon) and Timothy (Julie), his grandchildren, Claire, Veronica and Dawson, his surviving sister, Lois (Lorne), and many nieces and nephews. Gerry was born in Sayabec, Quebec, attended high school in Campbellton, N.B., and the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton as a Beaverbrook scholar. After completing his degree in Electrical Engineering he joined Canadian General Electric briefly in Toronto, and then joined in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941. He enrolled in a joint British/Canadian project to degauss (de-magnetize) allied minesweepers in order to protect them against enemy magnetic mines, and crossed the Atlantic numerous times on destroyers to confer with his British counterparts. While on leave in 1941 he met the love of his life on board a CN train from Montreal to Ottawa and they were married on February 28, 1942. Gerry was de-mobbed from the navy in 1945 as Lieutenant Commander and immediately joined Canada's Foreign Service (Trade Commissioner Service) in which he had a long and distinguished career until his retirement in 1983. Beginning in 1946 he served in Scotland, Turkey, Lebanon and Sweden as Trade Commissioner. He served as Minister Commercial in London and Rome and as Ambassador in Ankara and High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. One of his memorable adventures in Istanbul in 1950 was to swim across the Hellespont, as Leander did in mythological times to be with his beloved Hero. In all of those postings Gerry delighted in exploring the cultural treasures these marvelous countries had to offer. In 1964, he was asked to establish and head up the International Trade Centre at Expo '67 in Montreal, the opportunity of a lifetime. Throughout his career Gerry was not inclined to self-promotion, and preferred to arrive at the right course of action with discretion and modesty. His most cherished place was the family cottage on the Gatineau River, acquired shortly after the War, where he delighted in making breakfasts and barbeques for his family and friends, while developing the cottage and maintaining the boats, canoes and outboard motors. He also cherished his participation in the White Pine Fishing Club in the Gatineau hills where he worked tirelessly to help maintain the serene beauty of this remote property. We were very blessed and lucky to have him and he will be greatly missed. Gerry's funeral will be held privately, but the family will be arranging a memorial gathering to celebrate his life in the early summer. In lieu of flowers, Gerry would have appreciated that any donations be made to the Perley & Rideau Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa, where he was cared for during his last year with love and respect, endearing himself to many of the wonderful staff.

Condolences/tributes/donations: www.hpmcgarry.ca 613-233-1143

Climate Change Predictions

2015-01-27T16:47:00.005-08:00

Bizarro stuff, from the experts.

http://climatechangepredictions.org/

The Hearing

2015-01-26T03:29:00.002-08:00

At the hearing, there were acute questions and ludicrous ones, genuine concern and disingenuous grandstanding, florid preening and runaway egos, which is to say that many politicians were crowded into one room. There was verbiage so oblique it barely qualified as English, which is to say that government officials testified. Front and center was the head of the Secret Service, Julia Pierson, who behaved in the manner of so many beleaguered bureaucrats before her. She pledged reviews, reports, inquiries and assessments — a brimming thesaurus of self-examination — and tried to run out the clock.

- re an enquiry into how a nutter got into the White House

Elections Canada Employment Opportunity

2015-01-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

22 janvier, 2015

Le message suivant est diffusé par l'Association nationale des retraités fédéraux parce qu'il pourrait intéresser nos membres des sections d’Ottawa et de l’Outaouais. Nous vous l'envoyons au nom d'Élections Canada.

Comme dans le passé, Élections Canada a communiqué avec l'Association nationale des retraités fédéraux. L'organisme recherche des agents de renseignements bilingues à temps partiel qui travailleront avant et pendant les périodes d'élections générales, de référendums ou d'élections partielles dans la région d’Ottawa-Gatineau. La date limite pour poser une candidature est le 30 janvier 2015. Le message ci-dessous ne reflète pas nécessairement les opinions de l'Association.

Le Centre de renseignements d’Élections Canada est à la recherche d’agents d’information bilingues qui seraient employés à titre occasionnel lors de la préparation et de la tenue d’une élection générale, d’un référendum ou d’une élection partielle.

Vous trouverez ci-dessous des réponses aux questions les plus fréquentes.

QUI NOUS SOMMES
Élections Canada est l’organisme indépendant et non partisan chargé de la conduite des élections et les référendums fédéraux. Dans le cadre de notre mandat on doit être prêt à conduire à tout moment une élection ou un référendum fédéral.

DATE D’ENTRÉE EN FONCTION
Même si nous devons être prêts en tout temps, il reste qu’il est très difficile de prédire à quel moment une élection générale sera déclenchée. Au cours de l’année, nous entretenons donc divers états ou niveaux de préparation définis par un comité en fonction du contexte politique du moment, ce qui permet au Centre de renseignements de se préparer adéquatement.

DESCRIPTION DU TRAVAIL
Le Centre de renseignements et ses partenaires ont répondu à plus de 180 000 appels téléphoniques pendant la 41e élection générale en 2011. À titre d’agent d’information, vous allez travailler dans un centre de contact où le rythme des activités est rapide, pour répondre aux courriels et appels. Vous devrez principalement transmettre de l’information de façon neutre et non partisane au grand public et à diverses entités politiques comme des candidats, des partis politiques ou des associations de circonscription. Pendant une élection générale, nous sommes ouverts du lundi au dimanche, de 7 h à 24 h (heure de l’Est). Des quarts de travail seront requis. La capacité de travailler des heures supplémentaire à court préavis serait aussi requise.

TAUX DE RÉMUNÉRATION
Le poste d’agent de renseignements est classifié au niveau PM-01; le taux de rémunération actuel est de 48 796 $ par année.

PENSION
Si vous avez des questions liées à l’emploi ou aux répercussions possibles sur votre pension, consultez le site suivant : http://pensionetavantages-pensionandbenefits.gc.caou composez le 1-800-561-7930.

CE QUE NOUS CHERCHONS
Pour le moment, nous cherchons principalement des agents de renseignements bilingues. Toutefois, il est possible que nous ayons besoin d’agents unilingues. Nos agents de renseignements ont beaucoup d’entregent et sont en mesure de communiquer efficacement tant oralement que par écrit. Ils font preuve de jugement, de tact et de discrétion et sont en mesure de préciser et d’interpréter correctement les questions des clients. Ils sont capables de travailler sous pression et de traiter avec des clients difficiles. Ils ont une connaissance générale du processus électoral, du mandat d’Élections Canada et de la législation pertinente. Enfin, nos agents de renseignements doivent savoir se servir d’un ordinateur et être à l’aise avec l’environnement Windows, la recherche sur Internet et le courriel. Une formation complète sera offerte. Les candidats doivent posséder une autorisation de sécurité de niveau « Fiabilité approfondie ».

EMPLACEMENT DES BUREAUX
Élections Canada se situe au 30, rue Victoria, Gatineau, Québec K1A 0M6. L’endroit est accessible par le transport en commun.

PROCESSUS DE DEMANDE
Les personnes intéressées doivent faire parvenir leur curriculum vitae ainsi qu’une brève lettre de présentation soulignant leur expérience pertinente à ENQINFO@elections.ca par le 30 janvier 2015. Des références peuvent être demandées.

Nous remercions d'avance ceux et celles qui auront soumis une demande d'emploi, mais nous ne contacterons que les personnes choisies pour la prochaine étape de sélection.

Neil Curry: RIP

2014-12-30T10:20:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, as I did, last May.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/lives-lived-neil-lawrence-currie-85/article18401601/

Lunch at the New Edinburgh Pub, Ottawa, Dec. 10, 2014 (Photos)

2014-12-10T12:53:00.000-08:00

Mitch Vlad writes:

A group of trade commissioners, all in their 40's, discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because it wasn't far from work, the waitresses were young, good looking, showed lots of cleavage and wore short-shorts.

Ten years later, at age 50, the FTA proselytisers once again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because the food and service was good, they had many televisions to watch the games on, the beer selection was excellent, and they could ogle the servers.

Ten years later, at age 60, the bull sperm salesmen again discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because there was plenty of parking, they could dine in peace, and it was good value for the money.

Ten years later, at age 70, the ex-used Candu promoters discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because the restaurant was wheelchair accessible and had a toilet for the disabled.

Ten years later, at age 80, the aging bullsh*t artists discussed where they should meet for lunch. Finally it was agreed that they would meet at Hooters because they had never been there before.

Click on the photos to see a larger version.

Mann, Poole (back), Furesz, Higham (back), Stolarik, Schumacher (back), Lee, Chan, Kohler, McKenzie (end)

Rick Mann

Tétu, Clendenning, Rose (back), Stewart, Scott (back), Colfer, Adam

Kohler, Schumacher

Higham, Poole

Wright, Dickson, Butler (back), Vlad, Shaw-Wood (back)

Wismer, Gorn, Wil.sdon (back)

The gang on the Left Coast lunched on Dec. 3. John Treleaven sent this photo.

Lotto, Campbell, Godfrey, Welsh, Craig, Lambert, Ross, Price, Thomas, Roberts, Food

Clendenning Vernissage, Nov, 14, 21 & 28, 2014

2014-11-04T03:37:00.002-08:00

David will exhibit at Nectar:

New Edinburgh Community & Arts Centre (NECTAR)
255 MacKay Street
Ottawa, K1M 2B6

613.745.2742
VERNISSAGE on Friday, 14 November. 6 - 9:30 pm
Artist will be on site during the solo exhibition on Friday evenings:November 14
November 21
November 28

See his web site: http://www.clendenning.com/next-shows.html

Bob Clark: RIP

2014-09-30T08:12:00.001-07:00

CLARK, Robert G

January 11, 1945 - September 24, 2014

Bob's last days were spent with his loving family by his side: his mother Evelyn, his wife Donna and his children Adam, Vanessa and David. There will be a Memorial at the Ottawa Beechwood Cemetery on Oct 18th, 2-4pm.

Hooray for Ambo Goldhawk

2014-09-19T20:43:00.002-07:00

A nice letter of appreciation, from a German, of our people in Ulaanbaatar, mostly Greg Goldhawk.

Don Cheney: RIP

2014-09-02T15:05:00.001-07:00

CHENEY, Donald Harry, DFC
WWII, Lancaster Pilot,
R.A.F. 617 (Dambusters) Squadron

Our hero is finally at peace. It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Don, on August 26, 2014, age 92, after a brief illness. Predeceased by his parents, Evelyn and Harry. Survived by Gladys, his loving wife, best friend and soul mate of almost 70 wonderful years. Dear and most devoted Dad to Allan (Nicole), Richard (Brenda), Janice (Patricia) and Jennifer (Donald), adored Grandpa to Aaron, Jaime and Talia (Larry), and most recently proudest Great Grandpa to Camden Donald. Born and raised in Ottawa, Don served in the R.C.A.F. during WWII and was assigned to R.A.F. Bomber Command 617 (Dambusters) Squadron, as a Lancaster pilot. At the end of his second tour of duty, Don's plane was shot down over Douarnenez (Bretagne), France, on August 5, 1944. Three members of his crew were killed. Risking their own lives, Don was rescued from the sea by local fishermen led by Corentin Buisson and was then hidden in the home of the local head of the French resistance, Aristide Québriac, during which time he was deemed by the R.A.F. as missing in action and presumed dead. Don was one of the last, if not the last, surviving Canadian life members of the Royal Air Forces Escaping Society. His remarkable escape from his Lancaster, Dark Victor, and his valiant attempt to save the lives of his wireless operator and other crew members before saving himself are well documented in the book The Dam Busters by Paul Brickhill. At the tender age of 22, Don was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and bravery. On his return from Europe, Don married his sweetheart and love of his life, Gladys Gardiner, on April 21, 1945. After completing a degree in Economics at Queens University, Don had a long and extremely distinguished career in Canada's foreign service (Trade Commissioner Service), which included posts in Trinidad, Peru, Boston, Chicago, Holland and Russia, retiring in 1977. But regardless of where he was in the world, Don's favourite place was the home that always travelled with him in his heart; the family cottage on the Gatineau River, near Larrimac, acquired by his father in 1936 and which remains in the family today. Don's interests were eclectic and numerous - an accomplished artist, storyteller extraordinaire, history and geography buff, as well as an avid gardener and a lover of music and dancing, to name but a few. And he never shied away from a good family debate on just about any subject. An eternal optimist, Don loved his family more than life itself and supported and encouraged all of us equally and unconditionally until he took his last breath. He was an incomparable role model, strikingly modest about himself but unabashedly boastful about the accomplishments of others, especially those of his children and grandchildren. He saw only the good in people and treated everyone he met with kindness, keen interest and exceptional respect. In return he was much loved by all who knew him and he will be missed beyond words; we are all so very fortunate to have had this extraordinary man in our lives for so long. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the kind and courageous people of Douarnenez, France, without whom everything that happened in Don's life after August 5, 1944 (including all of us), would not have been possible. The family will receive friends at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry Funeral Home, Central Chapel, 315 McLeod Street, Ottawa on Tuesday, September 2 from 4 to 6 p.m., and on Wednesday, September 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00, immediately followed by a celebration of Don's long and wonderful life. Following in the tradition of Don's enormous generosity and compassion, memorial donations to a charity of choice would be most appreciated.

33rd Maddick Britton Tournament- Greyhawk Saturday September 13, 2014

2014-08-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

The 33rd annual edition of this golf competition has been set for Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at the GreyHawk Golf Club, Talon course, east on 417 to 4999 Boundary Road (exit 96, turn left/north -1 km on right), followed by a buffet dinner at 7:30 PM. We hope that you will participate and help re-invigorate our annual competition between the Trade and the POLEC++ streams this year with stronger departmental participation.

The handsome silver trophy, donated by two trade commissioners: "Bubs" Britton and Mort Maddick, has been on display in the office of the political director for the last year - earned with their narrow 2013 win at Greensmere GC. Competition began in 1973, and the Trade Commissioners still have the edge with 18 victories. The trade captain is Bob Mason (his e-mail address is on the CC line); and, since I will be on a Turkish holiday in September, Craig Wilson will captain the political side. Please let Craig and Bob know if there are any other golfers in the three streams who should be invited and added to the distribution list, so we can encourage their participation.(.... We will be following up on further details and in-house DFAITD circulation ASAP; note the master list is divided in four, so you only see a quarter of the names).

One of our objectives this year, given the challenges faced by all golfers in our stressful digitized, smart phone age - beyond renewing old departmental friendships and with a thought to the usefulness of this diplomatic tool in foreign postings - is to encourage greater turnout from those still working. This year would be a good time to encourage participation from the recent additions on the development side, and also from younger, less experienced golfers interested to play a round in a less competitive atmosphere. Given the number of retirees playing Maddick-Britton each year, we are asking every one of you to reach out to encourage at least one former colleague still working to participate in this year's event. We are also looking at a charity challenge (putting, or beat the pro on a par 3) related to a donation to the United Way campaign, as well as the usual long drive and closest to the pin prizes - and duffers will be receiving free cartons of balls on course, to encourage more practice for next year!

The Talon course is very open and relatively easy from the red and white tees. There will be a modified shotgun start at 1:30 PM - everyone departs in carts from the clubhouse at 1:15 PM - beverage service on course. A registration table will be set up at the Clubhouse entrance from 12:30, and you may go straight to the practice range on a shuttle with your clubs. GreyHawk is a Clublink course, with an excellent driving range and putting facility, free practice balls and tees are also complimentary; you may practice for as long as you like before tee-off. A shuttle takes you to the driving range, and brings you back to the Clubhouse for the 1:15 pm start. Carts will be lined up on the driveway roundabout, with group names and assigned starting hole on the cart sign. Marshals will lead carts to each starting hole on Talon. After the round, there are separate shower facilities in the Clubhouse, and the buffet will be available at 7:30 p.m. Spouses are always welcome for the meal afterwards.

The price for the golf, including cart, and buffet is $ 105.00 (includes all taxes and gratuities); for those who come only for the evening buffet, it is $ 35.00.

With such a wide divergence of playing ability we need to set handicap levels so that matches are arranged with players of similar abilities. Competitors for Maddick-Britton, playing regularly at a club, should provide Craig their exact Handicap Index (e.g. 15.7). We will then be able to ascertain your handicap at GreyHawk; if you are a casual player, please provide Craig with an idea of your average score for 18 holes. This info is needed by September 6th - sand baggers will face their critics at dinner!

We look forward to seeing a strong contingent of current and former DFAITD colleagues in three and 1/2 weeks.

David Stockwell Bob Mason Craig Wilson

Randolph GHERSON: RIP

2014-07-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

GHERSON, Randolph
After a brief battle, Randolph Gherson succumbed peacefully to cancer at the Ottawa Hospital on Saturday, June 28, 2014. His wife of 64 years, Joan (Slater), and daughter Diane and son Giles were at his bedside. Born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1928, Randolph earned degrees in international relations at the London School of Economics and international law at the Academy of International Law in The Hague. He worked as the International Wheat Board economist in London and Rome before emigrating to Canada with Winnipeg-born Joan and their two children in 1958 to join the federal Department of Trade and Commerce. In a distinguished career capped by the Governor General's Medal for Meritorious Service to Canada, he was appointed as Canada's deputy and acting head of mission to the European Economic Community in Brussels (1968), economic minister-counsellor in Washington (1972), ambassador to the OECD in Paris (1980), Canada's chief air negotiator (1986) and Ambassador for Fisheries Conservation (1991). Known for his keen intellect, unwavering integrity, warm sense of humour and ever-present charm, Randolph lived his life deliberately, richly and well. He will be sorely missed by his family, including granddaughters Nicola and Pippa, grandsons Duncan and James (Barile), son-in-law Doug, and daughter-in-law Heather MacTaggart , as well as his many friends, former colleagues and his comrades at the Rideau Club, where he spent many happy and fulfilling hours over many years. Thanks to the kind medical team at Ottawa Hospital. A Memorial Service in celebration of his life will be held on July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Beechwood National Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON. Tributes may be sent via Lifetimes at www.beechwoodottawa.ca

Email: marlrigs@gmail.com