Aylmer mourns passing of oldest veteran

On September 28, 2019, the oldest veteran in Aylmer, Bernard Brennan died at the age of 89 years.

Born in 1930, Mr. Brennan joined the Canadian Forces in 1949 at the age of 19. During his long career, he served his country on many occasions, both at home, in England and during the war in Korea where he spent 8 months in a tent and became a sergeant at the age of 22.

Upon returning to Canada in 1954, the man many called Bernie returned to Ottawa to work and there he met his future wife Bonnie. Together, the two volunteered for many causes throughout the city, including Aylmer’s drums and bugles, where their son Patrick was a member, as well as the Aylmer Scouts.

Active since 1977 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 33, located at 59 Bancroft Street in Aylmer, he has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Veterans’ Week for the last 19 years of his life. In particular, he chaired the local poppy campaign which always met or exceeded its objectives.

Mr Brennan trained and led a small group of veterans who presented to Lord Aylmer Elementary School students each year during Veterans’ Week, to educate young people about history.

Devoted to the success of the Legion, he often represented Branch 33 at ceremonies and conventions across Canada. For his important role in representing senior veterans, Mr Brennan received an honourable mention from the Minister of Veterans Affairs in 2012 and a mention of the Governor General.

A long-time volunteer for the Meals on Wheels organization, he is survived by his four children, Margaret (John), Beverley, Maureen (Daniel) and Patrick (Suzanne), as well as ten grandchildren and two great-grandkids.