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Kim Coulter & David Safarian planted 3 trees in memory of Joe Aitchison
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
3 trees were planted in memory of
Joe Aitchison
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Dearest Elva, Jane, Margaret and family Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May Joe's memory be a blessing Love Kim Coulter & David Safarian Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tony Charters uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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Manon and I were just made aware of Joe's passing and therefore are a little late in sending our condolences. I worked with and for Col Joe at Training Systems HQ in the early 90s. My staff and I often wondered why he hadn't been promoted to a General rank. He was invariably calm, warm and collected not to mention whip smart and dedicated. A wonderful sense of humour rounded out his character. Personally and professionally he supported me in too many ways to list here. Manon and I occasionally had the pleasure of visiting him and Elva at their cottage and home following our respective retirements. Attached is a pic of Joe presenting me with my Certificate of Service in 1995. He will be greatly missed.
Tony Charters
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JO-ANNE ROOSEN posted a condolence
Friday, September 19, 2025
"Mr. Aitchison" was a kind, warm, presence in my childhood. I see by the tributes and know, he was truly an amazing man. We lost touch as life goes, but with sadness for his family I offer my condolences and know that I was fortunate in having known him, if even for a short moment in life.
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Len Kennedy posted a condolence
Sunday, September 7, 2025
I was sorry to hear today of Joe's passing. My condolences to Elva and the family. I knew and worked closely with Joe for a dozen years when he was associated with Hastings Children's Aid Society as a board volunteer including a term as Chair. Joe was a strong advocate for the children and families we served but he was also interested in, and concerned with our staff and foster parents. Joe showed his support to all those involved in the work of the Society. His work at Hastings led him to become the chair of the board of our provincial association and later, the sector rep on the OMERS board. Joe was always very forthright and clear in his opinions but was also a good listener and worked diligently to represent the interests and needs of the local community, the child welfare sector, and youth in care. He was a valued mentor and close advisor and I appreciated his commitment to the work of the Society and his leadership at the board table.
Len Kennedy
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Cqllie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 6, 2025
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Callie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, September 6, 2025
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Catherine Arnold donated to The Belleville General Hospital Foundation Incorporated
Friday, September 5, 2025
My Sincere Condolences, Although we didn't see Joe often enough he was always so positive and full of energy and the best Hugs! to make everything feel right with the world. He will be missed.
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Peter Dawe posted a condolence
Friday, September 5, 2025
I shall always remember Colonel Joe for his friendliness and generosity. I only served with Joe for one year when we were both Commanding Officers of our respective units, his the 2nd RCR and mine the 5th Combat Engineer Regiment. We served in 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (Valcartier, QC) and Joe's battalion was the best by a long shot. Being token anglophones, we stuck together although 1000 kms apart. I like to tell younger officers that Joe's unit was the best because of his leadership. He led from the front with confidence, compassion and humour. He was the leader a parent would love to have lead their children in combat...the ultimate praise for an Army man. Rest in peace Joe.
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Colin Aitchison posted a condolence
Friday, September 5, 2025
How do you summarize the impact someone had on you in just a few words? I’m hoping this can.
To many, he was simply Joe. To those in the military, Colonel Joe. To my dad and uncles, Dad. And to me, my sister and my cousins, he was Grandpa.
I could spend a lot of time writing about his career successes, his charitable work, and the full life that he lived (a true embodiment of the Royal Canadian Regiment’s motto, Pro Patria). But instead, I want to share the impact he had on me.
To me, he was always a hero. Not in the conventional sense of the word, and not only because of his service to our country (though that alone would qualify), but because he was someone who was always there. During academically difficult times, career questions, or struggles in my personal life, he listened. He offered wise advice. He led with compassion. What mattered most to him was that I lived life to the fullest and did my best. If I did that, even during moments of failure, he was proud.
As I continue to face life’s challenges in the years ahead, when I’m deciding which path to take, I know I’ll keep asking myself, “What would Grandpa do?”
I’ll also strive to live my life the way he did: courageously, compassionately, and with genuine interest in others. It never mattered who you were; his conversations with staff at restaurants were just as thoughtful, humorous, and engaging as his conversations with me. And from what I've learned from those who were with him, that sense of humour was there right up until the end.
He always took a moment to truly connect with those around him, even in the smallest interactions. He recognized that every life is precious, and that you always have an opportunity to make a positive impact, even in the smallest of ways.
To me, that will be his legacy. Not just the career successes or achievements he earned, but the impact he had on the lives he touched, and the values that he and my loving grandmother, Elva, passed on to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I will carry his example with me for the rest of my life, and I’m endlessly grateful to have had him as my grandfather, and as a mentor in my life.
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Alan Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Calloe Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Callie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Callie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Omer Lavoie posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Colonel Joe Aitchison will always be a central memory to my time in The RCR. In essence he book ended my career. He was the first RCR senior officer that I encountered on day one of Infantry Officer phase training as he welcomed us candidates to the Infantry Corps in his capacity as Commandant of the Infantry School. And, he provided us with sage advice. Listen to your Senior NCO's when they provide advice....
26 years later I had the great honour of presiding over "Col Joe's " appointment as the Colonel of The Regiment.
He was a great soldier, officer, leader and mentor. I aspired to emulate his character. Will be missed.
Pro Patria
Omer Lavoie
LGen (retired)
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Christine Aitchison posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Joe was the best father-in law
I'm going to miss him dearly
Thank-you for everything
I love you always Dad
Love Christine xxoo
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Craig Aitchison posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
21 August 2025
My Dad died today.
It’s been a rough 2025; Dad was diagnosed with stage 4, small cell, metastatic lung cancer on the 7th of January. His prognosis was promising; 2-5 years with treatment. He chose treatment.
Before he could undertake his first round of treatment though, he also had to deal with pneumonia, which as would find out, would come back to visit often. This, complicated by his degrading overall health, meant that we would only have months with him before he would leave us.
He fought this fight the same way he loved, with heart, courage, character and humour. Right up to the end he was flirting with nurses, teasing doctors and just being himself. He died under his own terms, something he didn’t get with this terrible illness and complications. He is in a far better place now than he was earlier this week.
I and we are thankful to have had the time we did this year to spend with him, having some very deep conversations as we contemplated death and life. We are equally thankful to the many medical staff who supported him and us through this. His oncology and Palliative Care teams were fantastic, the medical staff at the Belleville General Hospital ER and Quinte Wing where he spent far too much time, were just incredible compassionate, empathetic and supportive as we navigated the last weeks of his life.
Some of you have described him as a giant of a man; there is no doubt, in stature, presence, intellect and compassion. Many of us now stand on those shoulders and are better people for him.
Mom, my brothers, and Sally and I thank all of you for your words of support and condolence, I will make every effort to respond in due course. Dad touched a lot of lives, and knowing the love and affection you have all shown means a lot to us.
Visitation and Celebration of Life details are being finalised as I type, and I will post those once they are set. They will almost certainly take place in the Greater Napanee area, on the weekend of the 6-7 Sep for those that can use some advanced warning for planning purposes.
He will be sorely missed, may he rest in peace.
Willian “Colonel Joe” Aitchison, 5 Dec 41 - 21 Aug 25, Pro Patria, For Country
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Alan Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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KAYLA AITCHISON uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Gramps,
I'm sorry I couldn't be there in person to say goodbye - but I know you're here with me as you've always been.
I remember the cottage days - from you teaching me cards, me playing with you hours on end to find a way to entertain myself, and bugging you for the remote when it was golf time.
I remember you & Dad trying to teach me how to play cribbage, and well it never stuck but I think that's the learner, not the teacher.
Growing up I was always a little scared of ya, but that slowly went away. The more time we spent together, the more I saw the softer side of Colonel Joe. The hugs, you being at my wedding and seeing me marry the love of my life. Those memories I will cherish.
I always joke that I get my stubbornness from you, and us only being 10 days apart in birthdays. I know I have the strength and resilience I have because of you. Your courage, strength and resilience was apparent and running through you until you took your last breath.
Your astonishing military career is something you should be proud of. I will never forget how happy I was that you were able to make it to Ft Leavenworth and promote your own son to Colonel. Seeing your eyes light up in pure proudness of your son, watching you promote him to your rank. You helped shape not only your sons' careers, but everyone around you. Hearing stories of those who served with you, or were apart of your staff, to those who have shared them, I appreciate every word and love hearing them.
You took on this diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer and you gave it a hell of a fight. I know you had a lot of good visits in your last stay. I know you had people laughing, crying. I find the comfort in knowing you went on your own terms, surrounded by family.
You've raised incredible sons, helped shape the daughters who came with them, and continued with their children. I am forever grateful for you Gramps.
Until we meet again, save me a beer in the beyond (maybe I can tolerate it then).
Love you always,
Your babes,
Kayla xo
"In my heart, I can feel you calling from the dark again. Look inside, I'm still with you, right here where I've always been. Please don't go where I can't follow"
William "Colonel Joe" Joe Aitchison. 5 December 1941 - 21 August 2025.
Pro Patria, For Country.
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Callie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Conrad M posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Deepest sympathies to Elva and the entire Aitchison family. We were fortunate to know Colonel Joe from his service as Colonel of the Regiment, and quickly realized what an affable, caring and gracious gentleman he was. May the very best of your memories together help sustain you now and in the future. Sincerely, Nancy and Conrad Mialkowski
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Neville Rabadi posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
A quality of Joe that I cherish and will miss greatly is his humanity. He always asked how I am with sincere interest and caring. He is a man I respect deeply. He was inspirational through his gregarious nature, sense of humour, his wisdom, and character. I guess I've described several qualities, but for me it all wraps up in his caring for others in a world that can be indifferent.
I am blessed to have known Joe.
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Callie Aitchison uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Jane and Hardy Wheeler posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Elva, Alan, Craig & Dan,
It is not possible to summarize a lifetime of wise counsel, friendship, smiles and good memories because of Joe. Hardy was fortunate to have served with Joe in 1RCR London, 2RCR Ft York Germany and 3RCR Baden Germany. When Jane and I were married in 1970 our friendship got stronger. We remember his terrific memory, how he made everyone feel good about themselves and amazed at his vast group of friends. In the last 40 years we have not served or lived close but kept in regular contact through birthday telephone calls, emails, Christmas letters, Regimental events and occasional visits. We cherish those contacts. The fond memories of family time at the Aitchison cottage near Adolphustown are still vivid for Jane, Hardy, Jeff and Angela. We’ll miss his friendship, sharp wit and great sense of humour. Hardy will tell everyone that Joe was one of the best, if not the best officer in The RCR since the Korean War and how The Regiment has greatly benefited from his wisdom, example and leadership.
Pro Patria,
Jane & Hardy Wheeler
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John Fitzpatrick posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
My condolences to Joe's family. We served together on the former Hastings CAS board many years ago. I always respected his work, commitment, and leadership he provided. May your fond memories comfort you at this time and in the days ahead.
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Michel-Robert (Mitch) Sabourin posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
To the Aitchisons, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences.. I was deeply saddened to hear of this loss.
Stories were often shared of the impact that Joe had on friends, colleagues and family and in having a chance to meet him in person on several occasions I can truly say that those stories did not do him justice.
I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and sending my thoughts and support.
With sincere sympathy,
Michel-Robert (Mitch) Sabourin and family, CDA Kingston
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Callie Aitchison posted a condolence
Thursday, September 4, 2025
I never saw the day coming where I’d have to say goodbye to you Grandpa.
My Grandpa was truely one of a kind. to many he was a role model, a leader, and touched the lives of everyone he came across in one way or another. To me, I don’t have the words to even describe what he meant to me, but I will try. We were always close, from the furthest memories I can go back to as a child he has been in them. Whether it was times at the cottage, or the times I spent at Grandmas and Grandpas, I have so much special times that I look back on now and smile about. Too many memories to even start to write out.
Grandpa was one of the only people who would look at me and say “let me see your new tattoo - oh that’s cool” rather then “another one?” Even though deep down everyone knew tattoos were not his cup of tea, he know I loved them and never once made me feel judged for that. Oh and his hugs, they aren’t even describable. Think of the best hug you’ve ever gotten and double it. Every time I ever saw Grandpa, he gave me the biggest, tightest hugs, one of the things I’ll miss the most. His humor, he always had a joke to say, whether you caught onto it right away or not, (this humor was a trait given to all three of his sons also) but he always was able to make you smile. But the best part of his humor, was his laugh, it could light up a room - and it did, everywhere he’d go.
And my children, I’m so thankful he got to meet my children, even on their grumpy days he still cracked a joke and was such an incredible Great Grandpa.
I could go on forever but I’ll share more over time. For those who didn’t know my Grandfather he was a retired Colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces as well as the Colonel of the Regiment, who in his life accomplished more and touched more lives then anyone I know. I am so proud I got to grow up with him being my Grandpa.
As much as I hated to say goodbye, I hated seeing you in pain even more.
I love you Gramps
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Gail Goddard donated to The Belleville General Hospital Foundation Incorporated
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
My condolences to the family and friends of Joe. An amazing man to many.
Thinking of you today as you say your goodbyes.
With much love
Gail Goddard
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Mark Kartusch posted a condolence
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
It is with both sadness and fondness that I offer the Aitchison family my deepest condolences at the passing of Joe. The fondness I am speaking of comes from the joy and passion that Joe always exhibited when I had the privilege of knowing him during my tenure at Hastings Children's Aid Society. He was a true champion and supporter of our agency and more importantly the children and families we served. He also took the time to provide sage advice to me that I will always cherish. He used his considerable skill in many ways including being a forceful leader for child welfare across the province. He truly cared not just about the children, but also about the dedicated staff who take on the difficult job. Never is it truer that we need to celebrate one's life even at this difficult time, especially since Joe made such an impact. You will be missed but not forgotten, Joe!
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Colleen Thompson posted a condolence
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
I recall Joe fondly from his years as a volunteer with Hastings Children's Aid (now Highland Shores). He was so dedicated in his role as a volunteer board member and always made sure the voice of the child was at the centre of each decision. We were incredibly fortunate that he chose to volunteer with us.
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Lynn (Roosen) Lewis posted a condolence
Sunday, August 31, 2025
Saddened to hear the news of the passing of a giant of a man, Joe Aitchison. My sincere condolences to Elva, the 'boys' and their families. Hoping the memories gathered over the years help in your grief.
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Barbara Carroll posted a condolence
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Dear Elva and family,
We were so saddened to hear the news of Joe’s passing.
John had the highest regard and respect for Joe, as a person and soldier.I know how much he valued their time together.
We have many fond memories of our times together as part of the Regimental family.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Pro Patria
The Carroll Family
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Thomas Geburt uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, August 30, 2025
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Time spent with 2RCR!
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Alexander (Sandy) McQuarrie posted a condolence
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Elva and the Aitchison Family,
I spent 32 years with Joe in the regiment and many more years as a friend and contractor. Although we did not serve in the same unit together, our paths crossed numerous times during our years in The RCR.
It was after we both retired that we spent many enjoyable years as contractors and golfers.
To my delight, we shared a preference for whiskey and fine wine (mostly Joe's excellent choices). We also enjoyed golf together over the years (but he was much better than I).
His tour as Colonel-of-the-Regiment was a highlight that will be recalled by many as a great benefit to all Royal Canadians.
His approach to life was always an inspiration to me. His positive attitude and great smile were wonderful to behold.
I will miss him a lot.
Sincere condolences to all the family.
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Peter and Judy Devlin posted a condolence
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Dear Elva and family,
Colonel Joe Aitchison was a soldier and leader of the highest calibre, admired for his exceptional regimental leadership, unwavering dedication and inspiration. His commitment to The Regiment and to those who served within it set a standard of excellence that will endure for generations.
We admired Joe’s strong family values and his devotion reflected the integrity and character he brought to every aspect of his life. You, your sons Alan, Craig, and Daniel, their wives and your five grandchildren — Justin, Colin, Kayla, Callie, and Alicia — were his pride and joy. Joe lived his values as a husband, father, grandfather, and Regimental leader and in doing so he reminded us that true leadership begins at home.
His legacy will be remembered not only in The Regiment he served so well, but also in the example he leaves for all who had the privilege of knowing him. A life of service, leadership, and devotion is remembered. Pro Patria!
Peter and Judy Devlin
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Thomas Geburt posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dear Elva … we were greatly saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. He was the epidemy of an officer and gentleman. He was a true professional in all his endeavours which garnered both admiration and affection. We are not able to attend funeral services for Joe but we will keep him and your entire family in our prayers. Sincerely, Thomas and Elizabeth Geburt
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Susan Atkinson posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dear Elva and the family: Joe was one of the first "young" soldiers that I met when Sherry and I were first married, and through the years, the four of us have shared many memories. I have followed his posts on Facebook with interest, and you will both always have a special place in my heart. Our family treasured his thoughts and memories about Sherry at his funeral, and I hope that the two of them are enjoying a good sip together of their favourite beverage and sharing many stories about The Regiment. I will be there to say a final goodbye and wish him well on his next adventure.
Susan Atkinson
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AHJ posted a condolence
Thursday, August 28, 2025
To the Aitchison family, my condolences on the passing of Col Joe, although difficult, be comforted that Col Joe, lived a life of service, in which he impacted and influence so many lives. He was a true gentleman and an officer, who was engaging. It was fun to be in same room with him, his voice was commanding, his smile was infectious. Although his passing will leave a significant absence in your lives, be comforted by these words. " He has fought a good fight, he has finish the race, he has kept the faith. Now there is in store for him the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will award to him on that day."2 Timothy 4:7-8. Pro Patria.
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John Ryan posted a symbolic gesture
Thursday, August 28, 2025
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To Elva and family- Belle and I were so sorry to hear of Col Joe’s passing. We hold many fond memories of our long service together with The RCR. We share your grief. God Bless you all.
A Memorial Tree was planted for Joe Aitchison
Thursday, August 28, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Paul G. Payne Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Joe Aitchison uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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The family of Joe Aitchison uploaded a photo
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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