Mr. Speaker, over 1.1 million Canadians served in the war effort during World War II. More than 45,000 of those brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice, and another 55,000 were wounded. Among them was Chester W. Ruttle.
Chester proudly served in the merchant marine. His work, and that of his fellow service members, was perilous. No one was immune from the threat below the waterline, and Chester was no exception. Both vessels he served on were torpedoed, and both times, he found himself at the mercy of the frigid waters. He was pulled to safety, but not before he suffered nerve damage and lost partial circulation in his legs.
If his service had any silver lining, it came in the form of a nurse who cared for him named Marion. They fell in love, married and had five children, including my father-in-law, Darrell Ruttle, and seven grandchildren, including my wife Paula Ruttle.
On behalf of the Ruttle family and all grateful Canadians, I am honoured to thank Chester for his service and his sacrifice. He was indeed part of the greatest generation.