Craig Gillam

Another year has passed. So hard to believe it has been 13 years today that you have been taken from us...Love and miss you so much my dear som...

Happy 53 Birthday Craig on April 20, 2019. from your mother, father and your sisters and all.

Happy 53rd birthday in Heaven Craig..Live and miss you...Mother.

Anonymous

2018...Twelve Years since you have left us...Craig, it is no easier today then it was on that difficult day twelve years ago....Love and miss you so much the best son a mother could ever wish for....R.I.P.
my son...

Craig...I made the hike to the Mark Rock Yesterday..First time since you, Graham and I and your sisters made the hike in 2004..It was hard but a great trip..

Happy 52 birthday in heaven my dear son..Love and miss you so much.

Miss you buddy.

Another year have passed.....11 Years....Still cannot believe you are gone....I know you are happy in Heaven now with Maureen....Miss and love you so much...Love from your mother.

Happy birthday buddy. Miss you .

51 years ago today a very special person was born. Happy Birthday in Heaven Craig, Love and miss you always.

In thoughts of all those who have given all that could be given for our freedoms, our beliefs, our futures and in thoughts of their families, loved ones, friends and fellow soldiers. Thank You. We Will Remember

Etched in history's past hundred years
Is freedom's struggle forth
As nations stood allied to stand
To stop tyranny's closing doors
So many sons
Lay in far off lands
Never to return
Except in thoughts and memories shared
By their fellow soldiers, families, friends
What touches hearts still beating for
Those who stood that ground
Are those who shared their stories forth
Of a war that turned around
As years passed by
Nations share
A bond that cannot brake
Those who found freedom's door
Opened in their wake
Dear Lord, sons and daughters taught
Their children, of the past
Now years and years
So little's changed
Except the speed the news is passed
Yes war has changed
This past hundred years
As more and more have stood
Fallen near, that brethren strong
Freedom held so dear
I wish my tears could wash away
The reality war has shown
Shown to me, as one who cares
As one who's stood so near
One who allowed the tears to flow
As a mom talked and shared her love
For a fallen one
She held so dear
Now lifted high above
To continue caring, listening
As their daughters chatted so
And let me know
Of a love they held
For a dad who gave his all
His love
For his Nation dear
His all for a world to be
That which he would pass along
To his children strong and free
I stand with fallen angels
Their families, loved ones, friends
I stand with soldier bears who've heard
Over and over and over, again
I love you dad, I love you mom
I wish, you could come home
But now I know you look after me
From where ever angels go

By Roger Borchert For Remembrance Day 2016

My heart goes out to so many families who have shared with me, their journey to overcome such loss. My thanks to Britt and Sarah Stewart of Allan' s Angels Camp for introducing me to your soldier bears and letting me hear your dad say in his own voice good night to you even 3 years after his loss. My journey into 8 years of poetry and caring for the families of our fallen and wounded has taken so much of a bite out of me and left me so proud of our soldiers and their military families; I cannot turn away. Hugs to all: We Will Remember Them.

Roger, Eileen and The Borchert Family Morinville, Alberta

Craig another year has passed. 10 years ago we lost a great son, brother and friend. Where has the time gone. It is just as hard today as it was 10 years ago to have to let you go. Love and miss you so much, Love from your Mother, Father and sisters.

Well Craig ope you had a very nice birthday in Heaven. Cannot believe it was fifty years ago yesterday that you and I were all alone in the hospital in Stephenville Crossing.l
Love from your mother.

Well Craig hope you had a very nice birthday in Heaven. Cannot believe it was fifty years ago yesterday that you and I were all alone in the hospital in Stephenville Crossing. Love and and miss you dearly. Love from you mother.

This would have been your 50th birthday. Still so hard to believe that you are gone. Miss you so much. RIP

It is now Nine Years since you you were take from us...Love and miss you more than words can say..You will always be in your mothers heart. Love from your mother.

Wish you were here so I could wish you a happy birthday...It has been 49 years since you were born. R.I.P. my son.

It's so hard to believe it's been eight years since you were taken from us. You and Maureen are now together forever. Miss the both of ye so much RIP

Craig, another year has passed, 8 years now, sure do miss you. Time is going by so fast. RIP my son

48 years ago today my hero was born. Craig it was a day that I will never forget. It was just you and me. Love and miss you always my precious son.

For the families and children of our fallen this Christmas 2013

Colours glowing near a window pain
Shimmer gentle, seen, the sight
Lifting hearts in yuletide's glow
On Christmas Eve, tonight
Let them hear the carols
Sung on high
Sung in hearts so light
Sung with all the love that grew
Sung with all their might
As they gather close
Around their Christmas tree
Recall a life time, shared
Broke into tears, for a life once shared
With a nation
With all of us
Oh Lord our child of Canada
Lost a soldier, Oh So Dear
To a world that needed
A strong, strong heart
To stand, to say, no more
In a world gone so terribly wrong
On behalf of me and you
They stood, they gave, all that they could
Left those they loved behind
We now cherish, the very thought
A thought that's so profound
Hearts have risen high above
As angle's wings do fly
Carrying forth their love so dear
We hold them near to us
Their wives, their children
Their moms, their dads
Their families, loved ones, friends
And those who walked at their sides
On behalf of all of us
As sunshine gathers, sparkles thought
In the snow that's on a tree
May the beauty of the gift they gave
Shine on for you and me
May the warmth of love surround their hearts
Quell the hurt, the pain the loss
May it bring your soldier, mom, or dad
Close to you tonight
May they wrap their loving arms so tight
Hold you close and oh so near
And let you know you're never alone
At this precious time of year
In life, in birth, a special child
Was born on Christmas morn
To bring to you that special chance
To be near to them once more

May the Joy of Christmas warm your hearts and lift your spirits high
Shine the glow that Christmas brings
Close to you tonight

By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake/Morinville, Alberta
Our hearts, Our tears, Our prayers, Shared, This Christmas 2013
[email protected]

We Will Remember Them. Written for Remembrance Day 2013

For those who've stood at the gates of hell
As battle rages forth
And stood to hold their line, their fate
To lift a new world rising forth
A world in which freedom's hand
Was openly held toward
To those to escape the bonds that bind
To hold them ever more
From the clutches, the beating down
Their spirit and their hearts
Those who held that outstretched hand
To those who needed help
So thankful all a world should be
For they stood for another voice
One that held our hearts, our minds
Standing very close
Freedom is not just a venture forth
It is a way of life
That lends us all, the gift to stand
Go forth for what is right
And allow all those to climb aboard
Who see it in their sight
Oh Lord you gave us choices
Good or evil found in hearts
The two, so very different hold
Our worlds so far apart
Tonight I looked into the coals
Of embers burning bright
And saw the life of those who share
Our nation's glowing light
At first their dreams are smoke and mirrors
Of a life that used to be
And then each soldier rises up
Gives meaning to where they've been
Learning pride, remembrance
From those who've stood before
Those who tossed the torch that holds
Their futures, evermore
So many didn't return back home
They lay where poppies grow
So many others caught their torch
And across our earth they've roamed
Within this new world
They have worked so hard
To help to come about
A world where sons, where daughters, rise
And share a brand new world's spark
Lord love them for they took a stand
And said no more, no more
A message needed
In our world today
As terror knocks on every door
We could never wander very far
From these hearts so warm that said
Our world needs us brave enough
To stand in terror's way
So as you sit around a campfire's light
Look in and see how bright
The glow that warmed those hearts to stand
As they stood for all of us
We can never forget that step they took
We remember those who gave
All they could towards a better world
A better world today

We Thank Them
We Will Remember Them
Strong of heart
Strong in spirit
Glowing heroes to recall each day

By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta

It's been seven years since you were taken from us.there is not a day that passes that I don't think of you. You will be always missed and never forgotten. R.I.P

Rest in peace. You have change my life forever. Your room mate TF 3-06

Craig 47 years have gone by so fast. Love and miss you so muché Love from your mother.

Another year has past. Forty Seven years ago today was a very special day for us. Love and miss you so much. Love from your mother.

Still miss you so much. wish you were still with us to help you celebrate your birthday. RIP Craig

Rita

My poem, written for this Easter 2013, in respect of those who have given their very all to bring about a better world on our behalf and in recognition of their families, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers who miss them so deeply at each Easter Sunday meal. May They R.I.P. We Will Remember Them.

Empty chairs each Easter Sunday
In homes across our land
Tears flowing gently
For each son or daughter
Mom or dad
Who gave a heart to Canada
Stood proud for me and you
Stepped forth to make a difference
In a world, in need, they knew
I've seen comets
I've seen meteors
But what I saw the other night
Was a glowing ball
Streak across the sky
In slow motion, in its flight
It glowed so bright, like mini moon
Its colour just the same
And then in the spirit with which it came
Turned to darkness once again
Overjoyed in what, I had seen
It was not a shooting star
It was a light that lifted high
In the brief moment of its spark
Oh lord, so many soldiers
So young and full of life
Have moved my heart
In this gentle way
As they've stood so far apart
Parted from their families
Parted from their friends
Stood so tall for who we are
Given all that could be given
Now held so close, within the hearts
Of those who miss them so
As bright, as seen, this palm Sunday's eve
Not unlike a story foretold
Of a son who gave his very all
So others would follow
Follow in a dream, a way
That a world would see a light
Of goodness spread across a world
At freedoms dawning sight
Oh Lord be near our soldier
Who also gave a life
For all to see a better world
On behalf of all of us
Lord, I dare not compare your son of life
To our warriors brave and true
I only give this humble voice
Of their efforts, the good, they do
Standing tall
Standing brave
Standing with all you shared
Within their hearts as young they were
To mold them
Brave for you

By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

For the Families of Our Fallen This Christmas 2012

Angel's feathers falling
To remind us they're up there
Wind chimes sounding gently
To let us know the lord is near
Today is but a lull, in winter's nasty chill
One can see the storm clouds building
Circling, all around us now
We hold so close the warmth that was
To let it not escape
Yet no matter how hard we try
The warmth, it finds the gate
The chill it reaches down inside
Attaches to the spine
Sends shivers climbing through us now
Hearts are frozen held in time
For those who've lost a loved one, friend
Tis all they can endure
A hope, a wish, a prayer, t'would bring
Their loved one home again
Oh Lord their Soldier stood for all
Please warm these hearts so chilled
So they may find the warmth once shared
With this one no longer near
As they look out through the window
Let the moon and stars, shine bright
Let all about, it glisten forth
On this, this special night
Another hero gave his all
The one who led the way
For them to find a life beyond
And faith to find a day
A way to climb a staircase
To the heavens high above
To join a son, a daughter, friend
To be together once more as one
Oh lord you sent your son, our gift
To those who lend a heart
To those who've given all and more
For those life has forgot
We stand so near, so near Oh Lord
In praise, in solitude
Await a time, a time to share
A loved one entrusted unto you

Thank you Lord
Merry Christmas To All
We will Remember Them Until You Meet Again
By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

For Remembrance Day 2012

Flurries of snow across our land
A chilly wind bites at the spine
As we stand for those who stood for all
In far off distant lands
Some recall the void, the pain within
Left in hearts, in minds, in lives
Who were impacted at the loss of those
Their lives never the same again
Friends recall fond memories
Child in tears for a mom or dad
A wife recalls the horror of war
That turned her life, a living hell
A mother or father stands in thought
A loss beyond belief
Of one who was their heart their soul
Since counting tiny toes upon their feet
Fellow soldiers, comrades
Loved ones, friends
In their minds they bring them near
In special thoughts of those they've lost
While fighting over there
We as Canadians
Stand proud, respect
All those who stood for all
Sent from a nation whose open heart
Has provided a world a home
Oh lord my heart so empty
As I stand, two minutes given
Just a moment's time
For the life they gave
On behalf of all of us
I cannot be prouder Canada
I could never turn away
From those who've shared
Their loved one forth
A debt we could not repay
Stand proud, Remember, Oh Canada
For those who stand for us
For their families, friends, and comrades too
For they gave for me and you
We are focused on the flower
Began in fields so far away
An image to be remembered now
On each Remembrance Day

We Who Remember Them
Are forever in their debt
By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family Slave Lake, AB

gosh i miss you

Hey dad
I hope everything is going good up there, well today it has been six years sence that awful knock on the door. Alot of things changed sence you left. Just remember that the most important people in your life really pulled together and stayed true to what you really loved and that was family. Although it is not the same without you here in many ways. Just remember that the ones that were there for you throughout your life still live in your memory, and you will not be forgotten. You were, are, and always will be my dad and my hero xox

Six long years have gone by since you left us. Love you and will miss you always. Your Mother

It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone. I can still hear your voice the last time I called you. I miss my friend. Your beautifulist sister (don't tell Lisa and Janet :). Love you.

Miss you so very much. There's not a day passes that i don't think of you. We celebrated so many birthdays together. RIP Craig

Love Rita

Another year has passed. 46 years now since the first time I held you. Will always remember that day. Love and miss you always. Love your mother. Agnes

happy 46 birthday. me stephen and gale shared alot of good birthdays with you.love always and miss you everyday. love you maureen (wife)

For the Families of Our Fallen, This Christmas 2011

The wind is howling at my doorstep
This eve of Christmas Eve
The trees are bending low its clear
As Christmas day draws near
As I decked the tree this Christmas
I thought of those so brave
Of those who've lost a loved one
Who stepped forth for me and gave
They gave their all for Canada
A gift beyond compare
They stood a world away in time
Where few would tread or dare
So many loved ones share in tears
In thoughts they've left behind
Hugs once held so warm and close
A smile within a mind
The TREE has become so special now
For it holds a life time past
Its sparkling lights a memory's glow
Of a hero once held so near
As garland wrapped the tree in smiles
Those smiles of yesteryears
Those smiles held upon as face
Forever now held near
Each piece of tinsel a frozen tear
Shed at a time of loss
And now reflecting the reason why
For this hero was dearly loved
A true angel tops this Christmas tree
For is seen when looking high
As a loved one lifts their faces near
And a prayer races from a heart
A wish that they were standing near
A wish for laughter's sound
A warmth a hug once use to bring
Remains a memory oh so close
Oh Canada, our heroes gave
Their loved ones hold our hearts
Lord please reach out and hold them close
Please be so near this season forth

By: Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
Our Thoughts, Our Hearts, Our Prayers
Wishing You All A Wonderful Christmas
[email protected]

I can not believe it is 5 years since you left us. I think of you everyday.I thank you for giving me 24 excellent years together and having two children. they remind me of you all the time. love you your wife maureen

RIP DAD miss u and love u. i cant belive that it has been 5 years since u were taken from us. i know u r around every day watching over us. mom says that i remind her of you. that makes me feel proud cuz you were a hero.

Craig it is now 5 years since God took you from us. We all miss you so much and wish you were still here with us. Life is not the same without you. God Bless you and keep you until we see you again. Love your parents Agnes and Graham. Sisters Lisa, Cindy and Janet and their families.

Craig your 45th birthday has passed bye already. Where has the time gone. It just seem like just yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time. We all love and miss you. Love from your mother. Agnes

It's your 45th Birthday today. I often think about all our birthdays we celebrated together. I wish we could do it again. There's not a day passes that I don't think of you. I miss you so very much

For the Families, loved ones, friends of or Fallen This Christmas 2010

Looking back, on childhood’s days
When wonder set the sails
And all imagined could come to life
Within thoughts, dreams as they played
When Santa rode a sleigh one eve
In every coming year
And magic taught sweet dreams to fly
To rooftops every where
Now sitting wishing Christmas Eve
Looking off into the night
Pleading for a shooting star
Enhance this wish with all their might
A wish for just a Christmas hug
From a soldier no longer here
No longer in our earthly world
Held close now, within near
The hearts of those who’ve felt such pain
At the loss of a hero’s life
A hero who stepped forth for all
Bring this hero close this night
As tears once more roll down a cheek
Another endless, sleepless night
Let our Lord brush close a warming hug
Of your loved one, bring them near
A gentle breeze, fond memories’ bring
To hold them ever dear

Wishing the magic of Christmas could bring the smiles, the hugs and the warmth of your loved one, into your home for Christmas. Ever in our hearts and always remembered. May our Lord bless you this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

By Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake Alberta
[email protected]

Thinking of all those who have given so much; those who have paid the Ultimate Sacrifice, our Veterans, our serving soldiers, their families, loved ones and friends at this special time of Remembrance, 2010. We Do Remember.

They crawled on their bellies slowly
In the dirt, the dust, the slime,
Ran onto beaches, lived in fear, a moment out of time.
A time that changed a world in need
A time that set apart
Times that held a world so close, near and dear to every heart
The gas they sent, it took its toll
Many others held that ground
And challenged over and over again
Until freedom’s world was found
Liberated nations cheered delight
A world was aimed anew
But for so many who had lost a life
The tears fell hard and true
They stepped forth for their Nation
They stepped forth for a world to be
They stepped forth to chase the evil back
Keep their families safe and free
Through life times of years gone by
Up to this present day
A brethren strong with so much might
Stepped forth for you and me
We owe so much to those who’ve walked
In fear yet oh so strong
So brave in every step they took
So many now are gone
They have challenged life itself each day
And stood for what was right
They did it with their heart and soul
And stood with all their might
Lord love the souls of these so brave
And cherish duty’s call
For they gave all for a better world
On behalf of one and all.
At this time of Remembrance
Into our hearts we welcome those
Who have walked this solemn journey forth
For those who needed a friend along
We recall their families, loved ones, friends,
For so many have paid the price
Of freedom, or for a world in peace
Or to fight terror in another place
Oh Lord we hold their honour high
Our tears have washed the path
For those who take their torch to stand
As to them the torch is passed
Forever near we promise
We will honour these hearts so brave
And stand nearby their families, friends
For the sacrifice they gave

By Roger Borchert,
Our Hearts, Our Tears, Our Prayers
Thank You. The Borchert Family, Slave Lake Alberta
[email protected]

Craig it is your birthday today. Forty four years ago today it was just you and me. How fast time go , the beautiful memory of that day will always be with me.. Wish you were here so we could celebrate your birthday together again. Love from your Mother. Agnes

As I focus this Easter Sunday
My heart goes out to you
For a Chair is sitting empty
For a Hero Brave and True
Who gave a life for Canada
And a world we should become
A better world for all to share
A better world for everyone

They had raised their eyes in honour
To the Flag that flew above
They had sung its anthem strongly
In their hearts so full of love
It began for them in childhood
And sang out for years to come
At the vision of the Flag above
Onto which their hearts had clung
This special group, a brotherhood
That stepped forth to a country’s call
For them the Flag was calling
Could not turn away this love
For them it was the strongest call
The path that led the way
For they had held it steadfast near
Flying high above each day
And then one sad, so tragic day
The leaf flew from the sky
To wrap and hold them tightly bound
In return for all their love
It warmed their weary bodies
Clung closer to their hearts
And to hearts that shared the pain, their loss
At such a tremendous cost
Wrapped within the hug that flew above
Love’s vision, all their lives
Now carried forth in a country’s love
For their loving sacrifice

By Roger Borchert
They Will Be Remembered
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

To the Families of Our Fallen. Thinking of you this Christmas

The tears that fall to a winter’s sky
A loved one looks off into the night
For Christmas Eve is a lonely time
When a loved one is not held tight
We know they would have been here
For their families, for their friends
If they had not given our world the gift
In their service to all mankind
They stepped forth to change a world so wrong
Lift a country from it’s past
To provide a future for those in need
A future to go forth and last
But someone stole this life so strong
The beauty of a thought
Of stepping forth, to stand protect
And the goodness it could have brought
Please fill this void, warm this broken heart
Who looks out upon this eve
Troubled in a thought, a loss
Of someone now so close to thee
Oh lord please place a gentle thought
A memory of a time
When joy would fill this household warm
And keep it there at Christmas time
Let this family know we care so much
They should not be alone
Please help our thoughts be passed along
To warm those within this home
For Christmas is a time to know
That the coming of this child
Provides for all across our earth
To be reunited with that smile
The one that used to hold a hand
Or hold us in a hug
The one for whom we shed these tears
On this cold and lonely night
Please hold them close on Christmas morn
Celebrate the birthday of this child
Who came to bring salvation forth
To reunite them in awhile

By Roger Borchert

We pray oh Lord you stand near this Christmas to warm, to hold these families tight and mend these hearts so torn. Wishing you all the best this Christmas and throughout the coming year.

The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

i miss u so much and it is not fair that i cant see u and i need to i have alot of stuff that i would like to tell u like how good i am doing and i would like interduse u to my future wife stephanie long u would like her dad

it is almost Christmas time and i am going home and i wish that u be there so i can see u love your son stephen

Craig another year gone by...A speciial wreath was laid here at the Cenotaph by your neice and nephew Brianna and Brandon. You would have been proud of them. I had the honor of laying the Motherhood of Canada Wreath again this year. We all love and miss you. Mom

i know that u were watching over me and mom and gale today.and thank u dad for the weird weather today i am so proud to be ur son and when people ask me who my dad i say with a smile craig gillam

In Respect of our Military Families, Our Fallen, and Wounded on Remembrance Day

For what we take for granted
So many have died for
So many lives so vastly changed
At the dreadful cost of war
There is the good; there is the bad
A liberated nation cheers
Left in dread for those young souls lost
Devastated a world back home
Efforts to protect a peace
That no one thought was near
Laying lives upon the line
Visions at times so unclear
Lives touched by fear or lived in dread
Of wounded coming home
Of crosses lined in many rows
From a trip down a heroes road
I have been sitting on the bank
Of a river flowing by
Flowing heavy with the flood of tears
From their family’s eyes
For on this day of remembrance
Their thoughts, their dreams, their prayers
Are focused on a loved one lost
Leaving them in such despair
My heart it wants to reach out
Let them know I can’t forget
The gift they’ve laid for their fellow man
Tis the greatest gift to give
So humbled in a moment’s thought
So treasured was the step
That they took forth at their country’s call
Let it never be forgot
We measure freedom lightly now
For we’ve grown so familiar with
But if not for those who took this step
And gave this precious gift
Would we take it so very lightly
Would we have the chance to vent
About all that annoys and bothers us
Without retribution for what we’ve said
So thankful they stood so proudly for
All that we hold so dear
All that makes us Canada
For me it’s oh so clear
For some others they just don’t get it
They think so little of
What has been placed in front of them
At the cost of someone’s love
If I could send forth a message
Place it in a bottle, float it by
I’d provide a note of how much I care
For those whose tears are flowing by
If I could walk along this shore
Such a warming hug I’d give
To those who’ve lost a loved one
So we can live the way we live

By Roger Borchert

So Many gave so much so we could be who we are. So Proud to be Canadian
We will Remember Them

Our Hearts, Our Tears, Our Prayers
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake Alberta

Thinking of you all as another anniversary passes . May God Bless you all, Treena osmond (Hughson)

i final got in to collage for welding and u cant be here to see it i love u dad and miss u so much

It's been three years today since you were taken from us. There is not a day passes that we don't we speak about you. You will always be in our mind and hearts. We love and miss you so much.

Stephen don't worry your Dad can see you finishing High School. He will always be with and watching over you and Gale. He was always so proud of you two. Love, Nan and Poppy

He will always be with you and guiding you Stephen..He was always so proud of you.

i love u dad and miss u

i miss u dad and wish that u could see me finish high school

Thinking of our Canadian Fallen Soldiers due to our efforts in Afghanistan. For them, their families, friends and fellow soldiers during this Easter Season: this Poem was written with the help of one of their Mothers. For her assistance and inspiration I am so very, very grateful.

We thank you Lord for being near
And for your gifts given unto us
We thank you too for sending forth
Your son’s so gentle touch
He provides our world with caring hearts
Without which we could not love
He gives strength to those who would step forth
In a world hidden but from above
They’ve stepped beneath terrors darkened clouds
Too many whisked away
We pray Oh Lord you gather them
Provide them a new day
Please take them close, near to thee
We entrust them to your care
Let them rest awhile hold them near
And set their spirits free
May they stand proud now
Among their peers
Families, friends, and loved ones too
For in the loving Grace of an angel’s touch
We’re drawn so much closer unto you

Thank you so very much for your efforts and sacrifice towards making our world a better place.

Our tears, our hearts, our prayers
Roger Borchert
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

For the loved ones of Canada’s Fallen Heroes

May the New Year bring
A warmth to thee
That helps to heal the heart
That mends the fracture caused within
That’s torn you apart
May it whisper in your ear at night
That love is standing near
That you will never be alone
A warmth to quell your fear
May it welcome you in mornings’ light
And be near throughout the day
Standing near to comfort you
In a needed special way
May you always know
The time will come
Together you will be
Find in the tear a memory brings
The joy it helped you see

May the lord be near throughout the year, come and help in every day, that it takes for you to overcome this tragedy life did play.

Our Hearts, Our tears, Our Prayers
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake Alberta
[email protected]

For the families, loved ones, and friends of Canada’s fallen soldiers: It was written this evening with thoughts of what you and your families are going through at this season and could not hold it back any longer. It is my Christmas gift to you all.

I thank you for wandering near
As you think of where I lie
You think of what I went through
And a tear wells up inside

Let not that tear
Fall for me I’m sitting watching you
For I’m not there at all no more
I’m here inside of you

I’m sitting near within your thoughts
And in your memories
I’m just the thought a gentle breeze
In a gust of memory

I’m the gentle shiver when you are near
I’m the glimmer in your eye
I’m the sparkle that a teardrop brings
When it wells up in your eye

I’m the smile a fond moment brings
I’m the warmth you held so dear
Remember that, as time goes by
And know I’m standing near

As you look upon the Christmas tree
Shinning at this time of year
Know the Lord sent his only son
So that I could be standing near

May our Lord be near you all.

Our hearts and prayers go out to you all during this so difficult time of year. Please know that it comes complete with the glisten of tears held within the eyes of it’s, author Roger Borchert. Thank you so very much for the efforts of your loved one towards making our world a better place

The Borchert Family, Slave Lake Alberta
[email protected]

In Respect and Remembrance of Our Fallen Warriors, their Mothers, Fathers, Wives, Children, Grandparents, Loved Ones, Friends, Fellow Troops, and all those Canadians whose hearts and tears lay at your side; I submit:

There are no words that I can place here in this registry that could ever justify or explain the loss of your loved one, friend, or fellow soldier. Please know that my family and I cannot stand idly by, without taking a moment, to express how much our hearts go out to you. There is no greater gift towards the future of our country, our world, our humanity, than the efforts and sacrifices made by our Canadian forces towards making our world a better place. Whatever the politics of the day, whatever the leadership of the moment, our selfless warriors have stepped forth to deploy to meet the needs of our changing world, with honour and an integrity that is unrivalled. We as Canadians truly bow and honour your efforts and sacrifice.

We have fallen on fields of battle
In lands so far from home
We have marched to war in honour
For those who’ve felt alone
We have defended those who couldn’t
And stood between the lines
Of two opposing armies
In this new world in our time
We have stood for those who cannot
For those who are oppressed
Standing shoulder to shoulder
To help others do their best
We have held our line with honour
Fury held at bay
Rebuilding a broken nation
To allow all to have a say
Our sons and daughters moms and dads
Stepped forth to make it so
A gift given for a better world
Such a precious gift you know
Our youth in pride have stepped forth
Do this job as best they can
Lay their life upon the line
Each true Canadians
They will not be forgotten
We can never turn away
They have taught the price of giving
In such an honoured way
For where would our world be then
If we just stood by and watched
Could we look ourselves in the eye
And say it wasn’t lost

Our tears. Our thanks. Our prayers.
The Borchert Family, Slave Lake, Alberta
[email protected]

Proud of you Pappy.

Craig it has been 2 years the 3 Oct. I wish things were different and you were with us today. I am very proud to of called you a friend. Maureen sending prayers and good wishes you and your families way.

With a heavy heart stepping forth
Please forgive me when I say
That I let you down in the past
In not a little way

I did not write to let you know
Just how much I cared
For the sacrifice you’ve given
For so many in despair

You stepped forth and joined our forces
Laid your life upon the line
To bring about a safer world
A new world in our time

Fellow soldiers friends and families
And those you held so dear
Still think of you most everyday
For us others it’s not so clear

We must slow down and take the time
Understand how great the cost
For if not placed in front of us
Can we comprehend the loss

Sometimes we’re just so very shy
Or we don’t know what to say
Or do not want to interfere
Or seem superficial in any way

I can no longer withhold my thoughts
I have to pass them on
For it breaks my heart just thinking of
All those left to carry on

Please know that you are in my prayers
Will be there for years to come
Know that you are in my thoughts
For the efforts you have done

Oh yes there is that special day
To remember not to forget
Those who’ve paid the greatest price
We can never repay this debt

Sgt. Craig Gillam we knew you not, but our prayers reach out for you, your loved ones, friends, and fellow soldiers. We do, so dearly, thank you and your loved ones for your efforts towards making our world a better place.

The Borchert Family Slave Lake Alberta

~{Rest In Peace}~

I went to school with Gale and Stephen... I saw how it took everyone by supirse and I just wish I could have really been there and been able to support you... Gale, I love you and I love you too Stephen... I'm hoping I get to see you guys soon... I love you guys... I just can't believe its been so long... I'm sorry about it all... God, I'm gonna end this before it gets sappy but I love you guys and I'll see you all VERY soon....

It's Craig's 42nd Birthday today. Growing up we always clebrated our birthday together. Mine was yesterday so we celebrated both on the 19th. I use to tease him by telling him he was a sook because he got his gifts a day early. It's so hard to believe he's gone. He was a wonerful, and caring man. I miss him so much.

I grew up with Craig. I remember the time he wiped out on his dirtbike on the back road to Joe O'Quinns avoiding a rabbit.lol
May You Rest In Peace My Friend.
You are a true Canadian hero and an inspiration to us all.

I have such respect for you Craig, and admire the courage and bravery that you carried on throughout your life. It takes someone special to do what you did, and I thank you for trying your hardest to make Canada the best it can be. My sympathy goes out to Maureen, Stephen, and Gale. Although I have never had the chance to meet either of you, I've spent summer upon summer in South Branch, Nfld. and I know that somehow we are related. I wish I could have met Craig, and that one day I will meet the rest of you.
For now, Thank You.
Danielle Tavone, (Robert & Bryde Gale's grand daughter).

I feel sorry that you had to leave your family to be a soldier. I would like to thank you for risking your life to make Canada a safe place. I wish I could have had a chance to meet you.
Love your cousin
Emma Beck ( Veronica Beck's Grand daughter)

My name is Winston Mark and I am a grade 10 Port Dover Composite School Student. This years rememberance assembly is coming up tomorrow and I have been assigned Craig Gillam. What happens is during the assembly soldiers names are brought up on a projector screen. When your soldier's name and picture comes up you stand up in rememberance. I was researching Craig Gillam and came upon this guest book and thought that I would pay my sympathies to the family. I feel the pain that the family went through when I read the report.

Craig, it's hard to believe that you're gone bro. It's a little over a year but it feels like yesterday that we had a going away party before you left. I know you're at peace and I'll be thinking of you when I go over there next summer. You made the ultimate sacrifice but anyone who knew you wouldn't expect anything less. It was an honour to know you. Peace brother.

Maureen, Stephen, and Gale, It is still difficult to believe that Craig has passed. Not only is he remembered as a hero but as good friend and family man. There are not too many Tae Kwon Do classes that go by without a mention of Craig with a smile attached.You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I can't believe that a year has passed since we lost this great man. We are all very proud of Craig, Maureen, Stephen and Gale and thoughts are with all of you.

Maureen you and yours are in our prayers. On this day try to celebrate Craig's life, all the accomplishments the two of you had. He was always talking at work about You, Stephen and Gale. You guys were his pride and joy. Its difficult to put into words how sorry we are for your loss. Be assured we will always remember Craig.
God bless you.
Grant, Sara & Boys

Craig, It hardly seems real. I remember seeing you before I left and I never got the chance to say Hi or good-bye. That plays on my mind alot....good-bye my friend. A year today. I am honoured to have met your wife. We got to know one another well, she is an amazing woman who is so strong. Take care of yourself Maureen, I am thinking of you on this day.
love always...

Maureen my sincere sympathy to you and your family. You have all be in my thoughts and prayers. Craig was one fine Soldier,

Maureen, There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Craig will be remembered as a Hero. I also know after spending time with you during our Nfld visit that thru your incredible positive attitude and the strength you've shown, that you too are also a hero.I'm sure you've made Craig proud. God Bless you all.

Having served with Craig in both Petawawa and Gagetown, I have known him to be a strong soldier and professional Leader...The Regiment will miss him, it is a sadden loss. To the family, my family and I express our belated sympathies for your loss.
And, finally, to Eugene the creator of this book, both you and Craig are hero's. Craig, for trying to make difference so other children may live in Peace. And you, Eugene, for honoring Craig in this way and keeping his life alive.

I have been reading recent updates to this guest book and it still amazes me how Craig has touched so many lives. To Eugene ( the nine year old boy), Craig was indeed a hero, not just as a military man but to his entire family. I am Craig's older cousin and grew up next door to him.Our grandparents had a farm with a lot of cattle. I was always nervous of walking through the fields with the cattle, so one day when I was about 7 years old and Craig was about 4 years old, he seen me coming in the field and ran over to me. He took my hand and walked on the outside towards the cows so they couldn't come near me. He said" I'll help you "!! That day I realized he was a special person and he stayed that way all his life. He has left us all with many memories that we all cherish. We are all better people for having known him.

Maureen, Please know you and your family are still in my prayers. When I was home for Andrews (Smith)funeral I visited the South Branch Centre and was proud and moved of the tribute to Craig that hangs on the wall.As deep as your loss must be,draw comfort in the fact that Craig is safe now and there are many who think of you daily and pray for you all. Love Treena (Osmond) Hughson

I am 9 years old and go to Virginia Park Elementary school. This week is history week and I am doing a history project on Newfoundland war hero's. I think Sgt. Craig Paul Gillam was a true hero and I am proud of him. I am doing my project on him because i want all my school to know how wonderful he was. i wish i could have met him before he died for peace and freedom. i know that he is happy with God. he is my hero.
eugene stamp

My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Craig. I understand the pain you are all going through, being the very proud sister to Pte. Blake Williamson who also bravely gave his life to our country, in hopes of making something better. I hope that you are all very proud of Craig, and know that the fighting is over where he is now. God Bless,
Reid Williamson

Dear Maureen,you and your children are in our thoughts every day. Your husband is a hero and will be missed by all.We need to go ahead in life even though our best friends have been taken from us but I beleive they will help us,with love,Jackie,Rob jr,Jocelyn and Michel.

Agnes, family.Time goes by so quickly yet it must feel that it has stopped for you.Not a night has gone by that I have not thought of you Agnes & Craig.Our positions were so alike,you had Craig,I had Stephen, you raised him with a lot of help from your Mom,I too raised Stephen with a lot of help from my Mom mostly on John's Beach.When he finished school,he went to college for a few yrs.,then Bowater's,then he married,had a little girl & when she was pregnant with her second child,a boy, the Mill had that massive lay off,he couldn't hang around C.Bk with his hands in his pockets so he enlisted in 1985 on his 25th.birthday, it broke my heart & his Grandmother never got over it.She died 2 yrs. later.Here it is 21 yrs. later & he's still on the Mainland & I've stayed alone in C.Bk. except for visits.Now my only grand-daughter is 25 & preparing for her wedding,one grandson is 21 & one is 16 & I have missed most of their growing up but I have always tried to come on special occasions.I'm now in Halifax for a mo.,with all of them & having a wonderful time. Your name & Craig's have come up several times,and the entire family still feels so very sorry for your loss.We all would like to wish you & your family a peaceful (if possible)& healthy holiday & tell you that you are all in our thoughts.We are attending church service today---Xmas Eve at a lovely R.C.Church just at the top of the street, we don't even have to drive.There will be 6 of us plus 6 Guests that are joining us for supper. Prayers will be said on your & Craigs' behalf & his wife & dear,dear childrens. Hoping that time has helped you a tiny bit but I know exactly how I would feel if this happened to me & know that it would take much,much longer then 2 1/2 mos. before I could find any peace in my soul. Bye for now, my very best to you & all your family.

Jane and family....
I'm so sorry for your sadness in the loss of your son, Craig. I did not know Craig but reading about him and seeing him, I knew he was one of the finest. We, as parents, are not meant to go through the loss of a child but when it happens, there are no words to express that loss.
Christine [MacIsaac} Gibbons & family...
Scar. On.

To the Gillam Family,
Although we did not know Craig, we all belong to the military family and when one hurts we all hurt. We can only hope that the pain will lessen and God will give us the courage to go on. we lost our son Sgt. Darcy Tedford on oct. 14th and share your grief. May God bless our families and them both. We are so proud of all our soldiers.
sincerely Robin & Paulette Tedford

Jane and Family:

So sorry to hear of this terrible family tragedy. I watched everything on the news and felt so heartbroken for the family and I had no idea of any connections to anyone within my circle.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time and may God send his blessings on each and every one of you.

Love to you all

Maureen, Stephen & Gale

My thoughts and prayers go out to you. You have lost a husband, father and friend. He gave the ultimate sacifice for all the world. He died a hero.

Mr. Mrs. Bishop, Lisa, Cindy, Janet & Families

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Graig was a great man and a proud soldier. Be proud of him and who he was. He did his country and family proud.

May Good bless you and your family

Our thoughts are yours. My wifes brother Dan Crue (Royal Canadian Draggon) was in the same Regiment as Craig. I am the Pipe Major for The Association of 8th Canadian Hussars Pipes and Drums in Moncton. On Nov 11th there will be a lament played in Moncton for our fallen friends.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Craig's family and friends on their loss. No words seem enough.May you find the courage to face tomorrow in the love that surrounds you everyday.

Don,Lisa,Stephen,Sean and Tyler

Dear Jane & Family:
We have been out of the Province and only last night did we become aware that this tragic death was in fact your nephew.

We extend to you, your sister and all the members of your family our deepest sympathy on the loss of a dear son and family member