Kempie Ross, a childhood friend, died this Spring. He, with his older brother John, and I, were pals throughout grade school and junior high, in St. Peter's, Cape Breton. He led the inaugural graduating class at the Canadian Coast Guard College in Point Edward, serving on a number of training voyages to the North on ice breakers, and never looked back. Kemp became a mariner and teacher.
Cadet training at the College includes an interesting twist in language training; for any given two-week period, the language on campus is French -- for everything: classes, study, meals, recreation -- followed by a two-week period, of communication completely in English.
At age 27, Kemp became the youngest Captain of a Coast Guard ship, a feat which really impressed my Dad, a long-time sailor.
He had assisted me at that time on French radio by providing interviews, on such widely-differing topics as: life and service aboard an icebreaker, and travels to Morocco. His command of French -- not his native language -- was impeccable.
Unfortunately, we did not have any further personal contact.
Kemp later carried out a distinguished career as Superintendent of Officer Cadets and teacher in the navigation program at the College.
He died in Québec City, at age 63, following a courageous fight against Alzheimer's disease.
Condolenses to his wife, Lynn, two children and a grandson, and the Ross and Rankin families.
You can check out further information and tributes here.
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