SEXSTONE, Colin (Cal), Capt (Ret’d), Logistics-Supply

SexstoneColin (aka Cal) was born in London, England 15 July 1938 and immigrated to Canada in 1953.  He passed away at home 3 February 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Married for 57 years, he leaves the love of his life, Lucille, two sons (David & Keith), six grandkids (Kevin, Shane, Devon, Christopher, Brandon & Ashley), two step-grandkids (Cameron & Kayleigh) and five great-grandkids (Baylee, Kyler, Madilynn, Kira & Elliot).

Colin lived life to its fullest, travelling the world.  He proudly served Canada for30 years as a Sup Tech, attaining the rank of Chief Warrant Officer before being commissioned.

After retirement he served as Durham Region School Board’s first Health & Safety Officer.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Cancer or Heart & Stroke agencies. Funeral service is Friday, February 15 at 11am at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road.  Visitation 1hr before service.  Cremation has taken place.

From Col (Ret’d) Ian Nicholls, Past National President, RCLSA

Cal was a gentleman and a leader. He was compassionate about mentoring junior personnel but was also demanding.  He also mentored quite a few officers as well and was loyal to a fault although never averse to expressing an opinion for the better.

From LCol Peg Brandon (Ret’d)

Cal was truly an exceptional colleague.  I was a very junior officer when I first met him in 1978 and he was an imposing figure: very tall, apparently aware of everything there was to know about Supply matters, and friendly and kind.  However, I lived in dread of the times when he would say “With all due respect, ma’am”.  It meant that my inexperience was showing and that my action on something had been less than optimum in his considered opinion.  The dread was made worse by knowing that when Cal and I disagreed, it never seemed to be Cal who was in error.  Cal knew how to get the best from people at any level: set and enforce high standards while also respecting the individual and caring about each person’s well-being.  I was fortunate indeed to work with Cal.