John Paul Jamieson joined RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC in 1966. John was a loyal and well-respected Cadet and an enthusiastic member of the Corps Guard. John became the senior Guard Petty Officer in his final year, while serving as the Corps Regulating Petty Officer.
John attended HMCS Quadra from 1970-1972, completing the very first 8-week Boatswain Engineer Course in 1970. John returned the following summer as a Staff Engineer on the 90-foot training vessel “Caribou”, responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of her 320 horsepower engines. The Boatswain Engineer Course pioneered the use of Sea Cadets in an operational role aboard coastal training vessels. As one of the first qualified engineers, John set the course for Sea Cadets in a sea going operational role supporting the Sea Training Program for thousands of Sea Cadets into the early 2000s.
Serving as a Flotilla Staff Cadet, John spent much of his time at sea. However, he made time to train with the Ceremony of the Flags and participated in many performances, including a performance commemorating British Columbia’s Centennial on the grounds of the BC Legislature in Victoria BC. In 1972 John served as HMCS Quadra’s Buffer, where his work ethic and friendly personality made him a valued member of the Senior Staff.
John returned to the Corps as a civilian volunteer for a few years before stepping away from the Corps to devote more time to his career, union activities and family. Together, John and Sheila raised two sons…John Paul and Joel. Both JP and Joel followed in their father’s footsteps and served as Cadets in the Corps, attending summer camp at HMCS Quadra, and serving as Corps Chief (Coxswain) in 1998 and 2001 respectively.
John’s greatest contribution to the Corps would come a few years later, in 1996, when John became a driving force behind the formation of the Cornwell (Winnipeg) Branch of The Navy league of Canada. For more than 25 years, John was an active member of the Cornwell (Winnipeg) Branch and the Manitoba Division of The Navy League of Canada. John served on many committees including two terms as Cornwell Branch President. Some of the highlights of John’s service to The Navy League of Canada include:
- Branch President 2000-2002 and 2006-2008
- Navy League Meritorious Service Award 2008
- Navy League Honour Certificate Award 2009
- Navy League Testimonial Award 2012
- Navy League Meritorious Service Award 2015
- 20 Year Certificate of Service to The Navy League of Canada 2018
- Manitoba Division Branch Member of the Year 2019
- The Navy League of Canada National Presidents Award 2020
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In addition to John’s work with the Corps and Navy League of Canada, John volunteered with the Grant Park Harrow Community Centre and canvassed for Diabetes Canada and Cancer Care . He also assisted with Municipal, Provincial and Federal political campaigns. John was an Electrician with Winnipeg / Manitoba Hydro for over 30 years. Throughout his career he was an active member of CUPE Local 500. He served as a shop steward, health and safety activist, Unit President, and member of CUPE 500 negotiating committees. John volunteered countless hours on behalf of his co-workers. He was a proud Hydro employee and a proud trade unionist. He believed all workers deserved fair working conditions and decent wages and benefits. John was instrumental in helping the transition from Winnipeg Hydro to Manitoba Hydro when many employees became part of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). In recognition of John’s outstanding service to CUPE, John was awarded a CUPE Local 500 Honorary Life Membership.
Sadly, John passed away suddenly February 8, 2022. His contribution to the Canadian Cadet Program and specifically RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC will not be forgotten. The John Jamieson Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in memory of John Jamieson with memorial gifts from his family, friends, and alumni of RCSCC John Travers Cornwell VC. In establishing this scholarship, John’s family and friends wish to recognize the dedication to continued education and community service of a John Travers Cornwell VC Cadet.