Former Honourary Colonels

Colonel Michael Shaw

2012 – 2017

Colonel Michael Shaw was born in Montreal, Quebec and educated at Queen’s University, graduating with Honours with a degree in Commerce in 1977. He was a managing director of Global Enterprises, ATCO Group from 1979 to 2009. Semi-retired, he sits on the board of several companies and institutions, including Aviva Insurance, Great Western Brewery, Cash Store Financial, ITC Construction Group, Chariot Carriers Ltd, Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute, Calgary Petroleum Club and the Grief Support Committee of Calgary Health Services. A former Army Cadet at Lower Canada College and Upper Canada College he currently resides in Calgary with wife Linda June Sinclair, and his daughters Amanda and Kathryn.

Michael Shaw previously served as the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of The Calgary Highlanders.

Colonel Skip MacDonald

2010 – June 2012

Since 1981, Skip McDonald has been a principal of Horton- McDonald Developments, a Calgary-based firm specializing in real estate investment, development and management in Alberta. He is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and past president of the board of governors for the Glenbow-Alberta Institute. McDonald has also served his community as a member of the UNICEF Alberta Advisory Board. He was a founding member of the Calgary chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada. He served on the board of directors for the Calgary Health Region, as well as ATB Financial and Alberta Children’s Hospital.* He was president of Premier Ralph Klein’s riding association of Calgary-Elbow.**

**Don Braid, Calgary Herald, 15 April 2012.

Colonel Robert James Sinclair Gibson, CLJ, MMLJ

August 2001 – 2010

Robert JS (Bob) Gibson was born in Bently, Alberta in 1946, the eldest son of a homesteader farming near Rocky Mountain House, and was raised in a number of Alberta towns. By his fifth birthday, Gibson’s father had become employed with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs as a farming instructor, and the family of six moved to High Prairie. His childhood included activities with cubs, scouts, sports teams, as well as service with the King’s Own Calgary Regiment’s Cadet Corps in Gleichen.

Colonel Gibson graduated from Bow Valley Central High School in Cluny, Alberta, and joined the Royal Canadian Navy as an officer cadet. After his initial year at the University of Alberta, he worked for several years as a surveyor in the seismograph industry throughout Western Canada. After leaving seismic, he returned to the University of Alberta for another year and became a realtor, later joining Southland Canada and becoming District Sales Manager for thirty-one 7-Eleven stores.

Becoming involved in real estate development led to a stint as Area Manager for Western Realty Projects with responsibility for Southern Alberta. In 1976 he accepted a position as President of United Management Ltd., and ultimately Managing Director of Alsten Holdings, Ltd., the holding company of the Singer Family of Calgary, where he still serves.

In 1986, Colonel Gibson had acquired the Bobtail Ranch in Penticton, BC, where he raises a commercial herd and pedigree Angus cattle with his wife, Brigitte. His other interests have included sailing, flying, and the military, and is a certified offshore sailor, fixed wing, and helicopter pilot. He has served as Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the 15th Edmonton Medical Company, and assumed the same position with the Calgary Highlanders on 8 August 2001. That December, he assumed the position of Honorary Colonel with the Regiment.

Colonel Gibson sits on a number of committees related to the Army Reserve and is active in many charitable works through the Order of St. Lazarus as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. He has two sons and three daughters.

Colonel GW Cameron, CM, LLD

1 Jul 2000 – 31 Dec 2001

Gordon Wallace (Scotty) Cameron was born on May 26, 1931 in Mankota, Saskatchewan. He belonged to both the Army and Air Cadet movements between 1946 and 1951, and attended summer training and officer courses at Camp Borden (now Canadian Forces Base Borden) in Ontario. Graduating from the University of Saskatchewan in 1955 with a degree in Economics and Commerce, he soon held a number of senior posts in the Saskatchewan Provincial Government. From 1960 he held such positions in the Government as Deputy Minister of the Department of Industry and Commerce (1964-1970), and moved on to senior positions in both oil companies and the Energy Council of Canada. He is most well known as the President and CEO of PanAlberta Gas (1974-1994) and also served as President of the Energy Council, President of the World Energy Council, President of the Calgary Petroleum Club and Chairman of the Oilmen’s Golf Tournment.

Extensive community involvement in Calgary was also a focus of Colonel Cameron’s life, sitting on the boards of many cultural, educational and charitable organizations, and chaired campaigns for the Calgary United Way, Easter Seals, Light Up a Child’s Life, Cancer Society and the University of Saskatchewan.

Cameron was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1995 and he was inducted into the Saskatchewan Petroleum Industry Hall of Fame on June 11, 1997. His interest in the military saw him become involved with The Museum of the Regiments as a director, as well as the Calgary Centre for Military Strategic Studies. Honorary Colonel Cameron served in his appointment with The Calgary Highlanders from 1 July 2000 to 31 December 2001. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan, received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, and Confederation Medals for both Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Gordon W. “Scotty” Cameron passed away on June 18, 2013. He was survived by his wife Joan (nee Schnell) Cameron, wife of 58 years whom he met at the University of Saskatchewan, daughters Maggie (Bill) Pringle and Catherine (Bruce) Gerus, was predeceased by a son, Gordie, in 1976.

Colonel RR McDaniel

24 Jul 1994- 1 Jul 2000

Roderick Rogers McDaniel was born 18 March 1926 in High River, Alberta. On 14 June 1943 he joined the 2nd Battalion, Calgary Highlanders in Calgary with the rank of Private. He transferred to HMCS Nonsuch in Edmonton on 12 October 1944, and left the service in August 1945. He attended the Universities of Alberta and Oklahoma and graduated in 1947 with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. In 1948, he married Marilyn McDaniel and raised two children. Marilyn passed away in 1995.

Professionally, Mr. McDaniel established McDaniel and Associates Consultants Ltd. in 1955, an engineering firm providing oil and gas reservoir studies and evaluations. In addition to building his own firm, he maintained associations with other corporations, such as holding the position of Chairman of Canadian Airlines International Ltd for 17 years before retiring from the Board of Governors in 1991. He was also President of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Calgary Petroleum Club, Chairman of the Calgary Parking Authority, and a member of many Boards of Directors of public institutions including the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Board. Beginning in September of 1993, Colonel McDaniel served on the Canadian Council of Honorary Colonels of Canada and for a period was Chairman of the Board.

He became Honorary Lieutenant Colonel on the Regiment’s birthday, 1 April 1992, and raised to Honorary Colonel on 24 July 1994. He retired from this honorary position on Canada’s birthday, 1 July 2000

Colonel FP Mannix, OC, AOE, CD

1986-1994

Fred P Mannix was born in Calgary, Alberta, on 24 February 1942. He attended the Strathcona Boys School, Ridley College and the University of Alberta where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. During his Ridley years, Mr. Mannix joined the Army Cadet Corps earning the rank of Corporal. He was appointed Quartermaster to the Band and was an instructor on the Bren Gun Squad. His interest in sports during his school years led to appointment as Captain of the fencing team and President of the University of Calgary Judo Club as well as being a brown belt member of the judo team for five years. His sports activities have included polo, squash, tennis, shooting and flying remote control model airplanes. His strong work ethic was formed at an early age; at twelve he worked as a water boy on the IOCC Railroad from Seven Islands to Shefferville, Quebec. At fifteen he was a labourer and powder monkey in the Taber, Alberta Coal Mine. At sixteen, he operated a bulldozer at the Brazeau Dam. He later held a succession of project management jobs from foreman to project manager.

Mr. Mannix later served as Vice President and General Manager, and later Chairman of the Board, of Loram Company Ltd. He continued as a director of Loram, parent company of the Loram Group and Chairman of his own personal company, Manvest Inc. He has also served as Director of the Calgary Polo Club, served on the board of Siemens Electric Ltd, the Alberta Microelectrical Centre, Calgary Research and Development Authority, and the Investors Group of Winnipeg.

In 1978-79, Mr. Mannix attended the National Defence College course XXXII, and was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 1982.

In 1986 he was promoted to the position of Honouary Colonel and was deeply involved in the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1990 when Her Majesty presented The Calgary Highlanders with a new Queen’s Colour, as well as dedicating the Museum of the Regiments in which the Regimental Museum and Archives are housed.  From 1984 – 1990 he was Chairman, Alberta Canadian Forces Liaison Council.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada (2006)
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, University of Calgary (2006)
Awarded the Vimy Award (2012)
Awarded the Alberta Order of Excellence (2014)
Awarded the Chief of the Clan of the Gallant Canadians by the Calgary Highlanders (2014)
Awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
Awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration
Awarded the Canada 125 Medal
Awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal (2005)
Awarded the Chief of Defence Staff Commendation (2002)
Awarded the General Sir Arthur Currie Award (2006)
A Founder of the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute now called the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI)
A Founder of Reserves 2000
Instrumental in creating the J. Pierce Memorial Fund in support of Army Cadets
Instrumental in introducing Hunter Education Programs to Alberta Army Cadets
Instrumental in creating The Military Museums and consolidating the military libraries in Calgary, including the University of Calgary’s extensive collection, into one location to make it an internationally renowned research facility for military historians and scholars (now the largest military library in Canada).
Honorary Chair of the Centre for Military & Strategic Studies Advisory Board at the University of Calgary
Patron of the Sharing our Military Heritage Foundation
Patron of the Calgary Military Museums Society (now Valour Canada)
Member of the Honourary Platoon of the National Cadet Camp (RMNACSTC)

Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel  Mannix retired in 1994 but remained very active in regimental and Reserve Army affairs.

Colonel SC Nickle, Jr.

1971-1986

Sam C. Nickle was born on 5 April 1913 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Gudrun Olga Mylada Simonson and Samuel Clarence Nickle. In 1917, Sam moved to Calgary with his family, attending school at Sunalta, Connaught, South Calgary and Western Canada High Schools. In November 1926, he enlisted in the 13th Division Signals, Royal Canadian Signals (R.C.S.), and in May 1932, he enlisted in the 23 Field Battery and 19th Artillery Brigade, Royal Canadian Artillery (R.C.A.). Sam founded the Nickle Map Service Ltd. in 1935, during the Turner Valley oil boom. He joined the Calgary Highlanders in February 1938 and served overseas from 1939 to 1945. He was commissioned in the Canadian Intelligence Corps (C.I.C.) in April 1943. Sam married Rosemary June Ellison on 7 December 1945. In 1946, Sam was discharged from active duty, rejoining the Highlanders until retiring in 1948.

After the war he returned to the Nickle Map Service, which was one of the principal suppliers of maps of all types to the oil industry. He spent many years in the oil and gas industry and became a director and officer of a number of oil companies. Sam was the Owner, President and Director of Nickle Map Service Ltd., he was also the President of Juclare Equities Ltd., Canadiana Fine Arts Ltd., Canadiana House, Canadian Williston Minerals Ltd., The 10th Battalion (Bn.) Calgary Highlanders Association, and Norcan Oils Ltd., and was Vice-President of Canadian Gridoil Limited, Gridoil Freehold Leases Ltd., Oil and Natural Gas exploration and production, Norcan Oils, and Scenic Oils Ltd., and was Exploration Manager and VP of Anglo-American Exploration Ltd.. He was the Director of Producers’ Pipelines Ltd., Westspur Pipe Line Ltd., Panarctic Oils Ltd., Photographic Survey Corporation Ltd., PSC Applied Research Ltd., Kenting Aviation Ltd., Field Aviation Ltd., and BNA Philatelists Ltd. Sam was a Member of the American Petroleum Institute, the American Society of Photogramatists, the Newcomen Society, the National Postal Museum Advisory Committee of the Canada Post Office, the Stamp Design Advisory Committee of the Canada Post Office, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Sam belonged to the Calgary Petroleum Club, the United Services Institute, the Canadian Military Intelligence Association (Assn.), and was past president of the Calgary Highlanders Association

In 1971 he succeeded his father, S.C. Nickle, as the Honorary Colonel of the Calgary Highlanders, a position which he remained in until 1986.

Sam received the 1939-1945 Star, the France – Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and Bar, and the Canadian Efficiency Medal (1939) which was awarded to him in 1978. In 1993, Sam was awarded, for merit, the rank of Toshach, which is the highest level of achievement in the Clan of Gallant Canadians. Sam and Rosemary had one daughter, Suzanne Patriquin.

Sam C. Nickle died in Calgary on 26 January 1994 at the age of 80 years.

Colonel SC Nickle, Sr.

1970-1971

Samuel Clarence Nickle was born in November 1889, the son of a Philadelphia shoemaker. After moving to Canada with his family, he married G Olga Simonson in Winnipeg in 1912 and produced two sons and two daughters. His son Sam later became Honorary Colonel of the Calgary Highlanders.

The Nickle family moved to Calgary in 1917, and Sam Sr. entered the oil business in 1924 while maintaining a family shoe business. Unfortunately, both ventures were failures and Nickle sold pea soup to eke out a living, and he continued with business ventures in the oil industry until 1944 when his fortunes finally changed.

Becoming well established at last, he turned to philanthropy, and made substantial gifts to the University of Calgary over the years. He became a widower in 1966, and remarried, to wife Althea Catherine, in 1967. He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 1964 and Honorary Colonel in 1970, a position he held until his passing on 28 June 1971.

1962 – 1970

Information being updated.

Colonel EL Harvie, OC, CD, QC

1950-1962

Eric Lafferty Harvie was born in Orillia, Ontario on 2 April 1893. He spent a happy and busy childhood there before moving to Calgary in 1905, and he entered law school in 1911. He continued his studies after the outbreak of war, though he enlisted in the 15th Alberta Light Horse in October 1914 and graduated law school in 1915. He was transferred to the 103rd Regiment (Calgary Rifles) and went to the 56th Battalion, CEF in March 1916. By June 1916 he was a Lieutenant with the 49th (Edmonton) Battalion. On 8 October 1916 he was wounded at Ancre Heights, and though he recovered, was sent to Barrie, Ontario on sick leave in February 1917. In August he was training with the Royal Flying Corps in Barrie, and later moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and eventually ended the war serving as a Captain in the 49th Battalion.

Harvie married Dorothy Jean Southam (of the famous newspaper family) and had one daughter and two sons. He became a successful lawyer and businessman, working as a corporate lawyer into his early fifties and amassing wealth in the oil business.

In civic life, Harvie was instrumental in the development of the Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, the Devonian Gardens, the Calgary bicycle path system, and was a patron of the Banff Centre of the Performing Arts. He was also involved with the raising of the statues of Robert the Bruce at the Jubilee Auditorium and that of General Wolfe at the Planetarium (now the Calgary Science Centre). His greatest passion was for collecting, and he had no specific field of interest – his wide ranging interests led to the creation of the Glenbow Museum and its supporting foundation. The museum itself was named after his ranch near Cochrane, Alberta.

Mr. Harvie became interested in The Calgary Highlanders following the Second World War, being appointed Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in 1948 and Honorary Colonel in 1950, in which capacity he served until retirement in 1962. He passed away in 1975 at age 82.

1947 – 1950

Information being updated.

Colonel, The Right Honourable, Viscount RB Bennett, PC, KC, LLD

1921-1947

Richard Bedford Bennett was born on 3 July 1870 in Hopewell, New Brunswick. He graduated from the Dalhousie University in Halifax and in 1893 was admitted to the bar. In 1897 he migrated to Calgary and served in the legislative assemblies of the Northwest Territories and Alberta. Mr. Bennett had a forty-year long political association with Calgary via the Calgary West Riding (1897-1937). His association with the community ran deep, from joining the law firm of Senator James Lougheed (also a main director of the CPR and Hudson’s Bay Company) to his involvement in creating the Calgary Power Company, a brewery, a flour mill and several grain elevators. He was a resident of the Palliser Hotel, at that time the tallest building in the City and one of the most elegant.

In 1911 he entered the House of Commons as a member for Calgary, and in 1916 became Director General of National Service, becoming acquainted with and later working closely with Lord Beaverbrook. In 1921, he was appointed Minister of Justice, and became Honorary Colonel of the newly formed Calgary Highlanders that same year. His relationship with the Regiment would continue until his death.

In 1927, R.B. Bennett became leader of the Conservative Party and in 1930 became the eleventh Prime Minister of Canada. The Great Depression held many challenges, and in October 1935 Bennett was defeated by Mackenzie King in a federal election. Bennett’s political legacy included building the Bank of Canada and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He also left a blueprint for many things like universality, unemployment insurance, minimum wages and pensions.

In 1937, Colonel Bennett left politics and moved to England in 1938. He was made a Viscount in 1941, and died unmarried on 27 June 1947 at Mickleham, Surrey.