Ramsey WITHERS Obituary
WITHERS, Ramsey Muir
General (Retired), CMM, CStJ, CD, LLD
July 28, 1930 - December 24, 2014
Suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 in his home at The Royale in Kanata. Strong and courageous to the end, he rejoins his beloved wife, Jean Alison Saunders (d. 2011), but leaves a grieving family. The son of William Withers (d. 1952) and Alice Hannah (d. 1989), he was born in York Township on July 28, 1930. His brother Scott Withers is deceased. He will be greatly missed by his children James Withers (Caroline), Leslie Gray (Paul), Deidre Brown (John), his grandchildren Rebecca and Iaian, Samantha and Erik, Lauren and Kristen, Justine and Laine, and Paul, Emily and Erin, and his great- grandchildren, Ramsey Cecil and Makenna Elizabeth Alison. General Withers' long career as a soldier and civil servant was marked by deep integrity and professional excellence. A decorated Korean War veteran, General Withers began his service at HMCS Royal Roads (H2951, Honorary President – RMC Club) in 1948. As an officer of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, General Withers served with both the Royal 22e Régiment and the Royal Canadian Dragoons. General Withers held senior appointments in Yellowknife, Germany and Ottawa, culminating with his appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff. After retiring, he also served as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Governor-General's Foot Guards. In 1983, General Withers was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport, and later worked in the private sector. He also dedicated much of his time to volunteering, particularly with the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum and Scouts Canada. General Withers will be missed and fondly remembered by his friends at the Royale in Kanata, and by the other members of the Canadian War Museum's "A Team", with whom he served as a volunteer interpreter even up to the week of his passing. Family and friends are invited to visit at Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa on January 9, 2015 from 1700 - 2100hrs, and on January 10, 2015 from 1100hrs until time of a Memorial Service at 1300 hrs. Interment to follow in the National Military Cemetery of Beechwood. In memoriam donations should be to the Canadian War Museum, the Military Families Fund, the Salvation Army or a charity of your choice. For complete details please see www.beechwoodottawa.ca.
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22 Entries
Elizabeth Dunn
May 6, 2015
Hi,
I have been in touch with Ramsey for a number of years, his mother and my father were cousins and we have correponded about our families and family history for a number of years researching his uncles who died in the first world war to his grandfather who disappeared in south africa, i was shocked to learn of the passing of his beloved wife and im so shocker to read about his passing here he was a remarkable man who im proud to have known and be related to if any of the family wish to be in touch please email me at [email protected]
Natalie Quinn
January 16, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Withers family. I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of General Withers. I had the privilege of working with Ramsey in the private sector. His sage advice, leadership, and personal warmth were always appreciated.
May he Rest In Peace.
Caterine Culot
January 15, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Withers Family. I met Ramsey when working with volunteers at the CWM. He was a very wise man and freely offered his advice and camaraderie to me. I will always keep a part of him in my heart and my memories.
Juliane Dinelle
January 9, 2015
My sincerest condolences to the family. He always had such a fantastic smile on his face when he'd walk into Boushey's. Always remembered my name. He will be missed.
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BGen Peter Holt
January 9, 2015
I served a short while as Ramsey Withers' Staff Officer when he was Commander of Canadian Forces Europe: it was a superb education for a young officer. I will greatly miss his amazing insight, intelligence and personal warmth. Decades later he would make a point of seeking me out to ask after my family and career. And on a very personal note, he never forgot that we shared the same birthday! A true gentleman, leader and example for us all. Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of such an outstanding individual.
January 8, 2015
Sincere condolences t the Withers Family. Ramsey was an outstanding officer with a memory for names & events second-to-none! I had the privilege of working for him in Germany and when he established Northern Region HQ in Yellowknife. He will be missed. MGen John Sharpe
January 6, 2015
Dear Jim, Leslie and Deidre,
We were saddened to hear your news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ian and Lynn Davenport Greer
January 3, 2015
Shocked to hear of Ramsey's passing. I had the privilege of working with and for him over the years, and was honoured to host he and Allison in Lahr when CFE existed.
My sincerest condolences to the family in their grievous loss.
James Hanna, MGen (Ret'd)
Fayetteville, AR and Ottawa, ON
John A Maguire
January 3, 2015
We classmates of Queens Sc'54 will miss Ramsey at our Bimonthly Luncheons in Ottawa.
He was always interesting telling stories about his experiences with his excellent memory.
Kathy Wild
January 2, 2015
Dear Les, Dee, and family. it's been many years since we last spoke, but I want to tell you how very sorry I am for the passing of your father. my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
warmest regards.
Kathy Wild (Kelly)
Sandy McQuarrie
January 1, 2015
Gen Withers (and Allison) were fine folks and great friends. He was a true officer and gentlemen and he will be missed
Ramsey speaking to the Ottawa Branch of The RCR Association in 2014
Sandy McQuarrie
January 1, 2015
Carole and John Keepence
January 1, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
C.R.(Buzz) Nixon
January 1, 2015
Ramsey was a wonderful working companion as Assistant ADM(Pol), as Vice Chief and as Chief of Defence Staff while I was the Deputy Minister. He contributed immeasurably to maintaining and improving the capabilities of the Canadian Forces during that period.
John Rietveld
January 1, 2015
Ramsey was a great Scout, a dedicated volunteer who had great respect for other volunteers and staff alike. Gone Home. Good Scout.
Cdr Peter Stow
January 1, 2015
A great Boss and a good friend. Sincere condolences to the family
Larry A. Mercer C.D.
December 31, 2014
My Sincere Condolences To The Withers
Family
It was a pleasure having served in the
Military while Ramsey was the CDS
May He Rest In Peace
Geof Botting
December 31, 2014
Very sad to hear of Gen. Wither's passing, saw him recently at our mother's funeral. He and Mrs. Withers were good and respected friends of my parents. My father will be disappointed to hear this disappointing news.
30 Oct 14, DGLEPM Dining In, RA Centre Ottawa.
Ken Whitnall
December 31, 2014
Very sad to hear the passing of Ramsey, it was my honour and pleasure to know him through his volunteer work at the Canadian War Museum; I very much enjoy my time volunteering there as well. If I was able to have my opportunity to listen to Ramsey regale us with his personal stories from his incredible depth of experience, it always made the day that much extra special.
I think Ramsey had the most fun when he was talking to the new recruits that often come to the museum on the weekends. Hundreds of people that represent the future of the Canadian Forces were able to have a casual conversation with Ramsey; to discuss history, to talk about equipment, and hear a captivating story, his passing is truly a great loss.
On 30 Oct 14, we were very pleased to have Ramsey seated at our table at General Kennedy's Dining-In for Land Equipment Program Management. Once again the conversation was enriched and fascinating; Ramsey will be sorely missed.
John Cuddington
December 31, 2014
Jim, please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Bill Wyman
December 31, 2014
A good man and a great Scout.
Garry Smith
December 31, 2014
With condolences
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