Black Watch, Royal Canadian and Airborne Friends:

The Canadian Army and three of its regiments have just lost an outstanding soldier and one of the finest Regimental Sergeants Major to have donned the uniform. CWO (Ret) Don Reekie passed away at 0300 this morning in Alberta.

Don joined the Canadian Army (Regular) when 1st Canadian Highland Battalion CHB was formed for service in West Germany in 1951. He was later posted to 2nd CHB which was re-designated 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada, while en route to Korea in 1953. On return from Korea he was posted to the Royal Canadian School of Infantry in Camp Borden as an instructor.

Following his tour at the School of Infantry, Don returned to 2nd Battalion Black Watch and served with the battalion in Aldershot, Gagetown, Germany and Cyprus. He was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion in 1966 and remained in that appointment until 1970 when The Black Watch (RHR) of Canada was removed from our Regular Force Order of Battle.

In 1970 he was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment in Camp Gagetown and he remained in that appointment until he was posted to, and appointed RSM of, the Combat Training Centre in CFB Gagetown. From there he was posted to Alberta and appointed RSM of the Canadian Airborne Regiment until it was re-located to CFB Petawawa in 1977. Don then was appointed RSM of LF Western Area.

On retirement from the Regular Force, Don became Assistant Director of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax in 1981 and continued in that role until he retired at the end of last summer.

RSM Reekie was known and respected by a wide circle of friends and associates and he will be sadly missed.

With thanks to Rod MacIntosh and Laurie Dirks for providing news of Don’s passing.
Believe that no public memorial service is being planned.
Will provide address for condolences when known.

R. I. P.
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit

From the RCR

Fellow Royals

It is with deep regret that I relate the sad news concerning the passing of a much respected member of our Regimental family. Chief Warrant Officer D.B. "Don" Reekie passed away in the early morning hours of 04 May 2012, in Alberta. CWO Don Reekie served in the Canadian army from 1951-1980 and held the appointment of Regimental Sergeant-Major in three different regiments: 1. 2nd Battalion The Black Watch of Canada, 1966-1970; 2. 2nd Battalion The Royal Canadian Regiment, 01 July 1970 - 31 July 1971; and 3. the Canadian Airborne Regiment, a position he occupied until 1977. He was also RSM of the Combat Training Centre and the Land Force Western Area CWO from 1977-1980. Shortly after retiring from the CF in 1980, CWO Reekie took up the position of Assistant Director of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo at Halifax, a post he held from 1981-2010. Sadly, he was pre-deceased by his wife, Yvonne ("Vonnie" on 25 March 2009, at Stony Plain, Alberta. Just two years ago, RSM Reekie was the Guest of Honour at the 2 RCR Warrant Officers and Sergeants Regimental Birthday Mess Dinner at Gagetown, NB. For further details, including biography, please see e-mails below. No funeral arrangements have been announced at this time.

Pro Patria

R.I.P. Don.
Bob