Vernon Wesley Quesnel

Leading Aircraftman
Royal Canadian Air Force

Service Summary

Vernon Wesley Quesnel enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in Winnipeg in May 1941 at the age of 21. His home was Minnedosa, Manitoba.

He trained at Patricia Bay on Vancouver Island before receiving specialized instruction in power generation and communications systems.

Wartime Experience

Vernon was posted to No. 9 Construction and Maintenance Unit, where he installed communications equipment and electrical systems at remote west coast defence sites, including:

• Queen Charlotte Islands

• Coal Harbour

• Tofino

• Ucluelet

• Port Hardy

• Kelsey Bay

• Bella Coola

His wartime service involved rugged and hazardous field work in isolated terrain. During one assignment he narrowly escaped a grizzly bear while crossing a fallen tree over a ravine.

He was later selected for overseas service to Burma in 1943, but the posting was cancelled at the last moment.

Following a fall while climbing with spurs, Vernon suffered injuries that later developed into tuberculosis of the bone. He underwent treatment at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver and Deer Lodge Hospital in Winnipeg before discharge in August 1945.

Post-Service Life

After recovering, Vernon returned to Minnedosa and married Eileen Wills of Surrey, British Columbia.

They raised two children.

He later worked in bee farming, landscaping, scouting, church service, and humanitarian causes including World Vision and mission support in Haiti.

Vernon loved travel, fishing, camping, hunting, and remained proud of Minnedosa Valley as his favourite place on earth.

He passed away September 26, 2008, and is interred in Minnedosa Cemetery.

Medals & Honours

• Canadian Volunteer Service Medal

• War Medal 1939–45