189 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca He was posted to Burma in 1943, had shots and issued clothing, but at the last minute, the posting was cancelled. He was injured in a fall from a tree when his spurs failed to grip. After some time, he recovered enough to continue his tasks, but upon his discharge in August 1945, it was discovered that T.B. had set into the bone and surgery followed in Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver. He was later transferred to Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg for convalescence. When he had sufficiently recovered, he settled in his hometown of Minnedosa where he married Eileen Wills from Surrey, BC. They raised two children. He had fond memories of the camaraderie and lasting friendships formed during his years in the RCAF. Many people showed them kindness and generosity. One example of this remained with him. They were stationed in Bella Coola in January 1943, living in tents. One day, while they were up on the mountain installing a communications site, their tent burned and they lost all their possessions – pay envelopes, Christmas presents, and personal belongings. The RCAF personnel moved into the local hotel where there was only one bathroom. One of the local ladies let them go to their house to use bathroom facilities. She also served them coffee. All of that was much appreciated. The aboriginal people of Bella Coola Reserve collected money, and, at a special ceremony, the Chief presented each man with $12.60. In 1993, fifty years later, Vernon visited Bella Coola and met the present Chief, grandson of the Chief in 1943. He welcomed him warmly and they spent a wonderful afternoon recalling old times. On one west coast station, an official photographer was sent to film planes in action. The photographer was filming an approaching aircraft when a miscalculation occurred causing the wing of the plane to sheer off the photographer’s head. After his discharge, he went into bee farming. He was scout master for several years. He also worked with Carl Erickson for a few years doing landscaping work. In his retirement, he travelled to a number of foreign lands, and he knew that Canada is the best country in the world. The Minnedosa Valley was his favourite spot-on earth. He taught Sunday School classes and loved fishing, camping and hunting. One of his main concern was starving kids in the world. He was involved with World Vision and the Genesis Mission in Haiti. Eileen and Vernon travelled to such places as Portugal, Spain, Israel, Caribbean and Hawaii. They went to Haiti and took medical supplies and clothes for the people of Haiti. They stayed at the Mission. He had two sisters who served in the Army, Edith Viola (Potts) of Edmonton and Alice Virginia (Cooper) of Victoria. Vernon’s medals include the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945. Vernon passed away on September 26, 2008, and is buried at Minnedosa Cemetery. QUESNEL, Vernon Wesley (continued)
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