Veterans Stories
A special salute
St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation is proud to support a variety of programs and services that benefit Canada’s veterans and soldiers. Their stories are a constant source of inspiration for the work we do. Get to know some of the veterans and patients in our care by reading their stories below:
Love and care come full circle - William and Doreen Dinsdale
Married for barely a month, William (Bill) Dinsdale and his new bride, Doreen, were forced to say goodbye. Bill, who was part of the Canadian Forces, was called on to serve his country. read more...
A story of survival – Pat Mills
He survived flying an aircraft that was shot and caught on fire. He survived being the last of his crew to leap out of the bomber. And he survived being captured on ground. read more...
A story of commitments – Betty Moses
On March 14, 1945 in a bombed-out church tower in London, England, 24-year-old Betty Noreen Bendell married her love, Harry Moses. read more...
A story of gratitude - Bill Burton
Bill Burton believes he has lived a charmed life. Born in 1921, he grew up in Yorkshire England with his five brothers and sisters and enjoyed his youth. read more...
A story of healing - Bill Findley
Four days after his 16th birthday, Bill Findley joined the armed forces. It would begin an experience that left him with post-traumatic stress disorder for more than 60 years. read more...
A story of taking risks - Charles Graham
For Londoner Charles Graham, taking that first step inside the Operational Stress Injury Clinic at Parkwood Hospital was harder than some of his experiences overseas. read more...
A story of love and support – Chuck Marazzo
You could say Chuck Marazzo is thankful. “The Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic at Parkwood gave me my family back. It helped keep me where I’m supposed to be.” read more...
A story of remembrance - Colin Fletcher
June 6, 1944 was a day Colin Fletcher hasn’t forgotten. In his five years in the 10th Field Ambulance overseas, Sgt. Fletcher had seen many scenes, but nothing like this. read more...
A story of discipline - James Milton
World War II Veteran James Milton has one piece of advice for youngsters: serve your country. “In the hands of the service, you cannot go wrong,” he says. read more...
A story of possibilities - Jasper Holmes
On a side road hidden by a thick patch of forest, a 23-year-old Canadian lied on the curb, the blood seeping out of his left leg just below his knee. read more...
A story of care and compassion - Jean Parker
She slept in a tent wearing a helmet to avoid bullets passing through the night sky. She cared for soldiers who were suffering from pneumonia, infections and exhaustion. read more...
A story of life-changing moments - Mike Newcombe
Inspired by his father, Mike joined the infantry of the Royal Canadian Regiment when he was 19 years old. During 25 years of service, he witnessed history in the making. read more...
A story of duty - Norman Link
Even poor circulation in his legs could not prevent Norman Link from serving overseas. It was 1942 and he was sent to Aberdeen, England. read more...
A story of perseverance - Wilf Odegaard
Ask Wilf Odegaard what the most challenging part was while serving as a navigator in the air force, and he’ll tell you – it was all challenging. read more...
