BATEMAN - Merritt Hayes "Bomber" (Col., ret'd)
After a brief illness, on Friday, April 23, 2004 at the Saanich Peninsula
Hospital, "Bomber", as he was affectionately known, will be deeply missed by
Jean, his beloved wife of 49 years, his children Susan and Jeffrey, his
daughter-in-law Carolyn, son-in-law Roger and grandchildren Anna and Roger.
Born in Quyon, Que., on May 21, 1919 and raised in Thetford Mines, he was
the youngest child of Sydney and Annie Bateman, and brother to Helen, Jack,
Margaret and Mary. After studies at Bishop's University, he joined the
Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment in 1940. A tank commander, he landed at Juno
Beach on D-Day; he was twice wounded in action and, by war's end, was
second-in-command of the Regiment. In 1946, he was appointed a squadron
leader with the Royal Canadian Dragoons, beginning a long relationship with
the Regiment that included a period as Commanding Officer (1961 - 1963).
Other highlights of a distinguished military career include Senior Army
Liaison Officer in London (1964-1968); Director of Militia (1968-1970); and
Director of Security for the Canadian Armed Forces (1970-1972). Following
his retirement, he became Commandant of the Commissionaires in Ottawa and
served as President of the local branch of the Saint John's Ambulance.
Bomber Bateman married Jean (née Mackenzie-Grieve, an Oak Bay girl) in 1955,
and they retired to Vancouver Island in the mid-1980s. Golf, birding and his
golden retriever Shasta were chief among his pleasures; he also served on
the boards of the SPCA and the Mount Newton Centre. He was a loyal friend
and loving husband, father and grandfather whose gentle ways and unfailing
good spirits were central to his character. The family extends warm thanks
to Dr. Davidson as well as Michelle, Joy, Clara and the rest of the nursing
staff at Saanich Peninsula.
A memorial service will be held Friday, April 30 at 14:00 hours at First
Memorial Garden, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria. Throughout his life, Colonel
Bateman supported many charities, but his love of animals was foremost; in
lieu of flowers, donations to an animal-related charity of your choice would
be welcome.
Please note: not included in the published obituary was Colonel Bateman's
service as the Colonel of the Regiment from 15 Jul 1974 to 14 Jul 1978.