Passing of Brigadier General Don Banks The Colonel Commandant

Passing of Brigadier General Don Banks
The Colonel Commandant, BGen (retd) Bill Richard and the Branch Leader MGen Greg
Loos and all members of the C&E family are saddened to learn of the passing of our
beloved Brigadier General Don Banks.
General Don Banks had a most distinguished career having
joined the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals as a soldier
apprentice and rose from the rank of Private to Brigadier
General. He was loved and respected by soldiers and senior
officers alike. All aspired to emulate his dedication and
professionalism. From the age of 16 he was dedicated to the
Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and C&E Branch. He has
been one of the pillars of our Branch… a true elder who
shared his wisdom, always caring for the soldiers. He served
as our Colonel Commandant during the 100th anniversary of
the C&E Branch and most recently he was a driving force
behind the publication of our history Semaphore to Satellite.
We all express our condolences and support to Don’s wife
Carol, son Pat, daughter Sandra, and their families. We will
gather for visitation at James Reid Funeral Home in Kingston
on Tuesday afternoon and evening 8 December 2015 and for
the service in the Reading Drill Hall CFSCE at 1430 hrs
Wednesday 9 December.
Obituary: http://www.webwoods.com/jrfuneral/obit.cfm?action=obitdetails&obitid=2803
Tributes and Messages for Family of BGen Don Banks:
It is inevitable that the people we know and love will pass from our lives. While our departed friends
and loved ones are sorely missed and all leave holes in our hearts, some leave having made an
incalculable positive effect on all those who had the great fortune to get to know them - General Don
Banks was one of those rare few such individuals.
We were all blessed to have had General Banks and Carol in our lives. It is a sad day and a tremendous
loss for our C&E Branch Family, but also a time to be rightfully proud of a giant of a man in our times,
it is indeed true that great things come in 'small packages'.
May he rest in peace, and to Carol and family - thank you for having shared Don with us, and may you
find comfort and peace in this sad time from the support and love from your friends and family and the
knowledge that Don was so admired, respected and loved. VVV
LGen Guy Thibault, VCDS
A pillar of the Branch, Corps and community is lost to us. All thoughts and prayers for him, Carol and
his family.
Greg. D. Loos, MGen
C&E Branch Leader
I am deeply saddened to hear of Don Banks passing. The impact, influence and inspirational leadership
he exhibited throughout his career will remain with us always. Our deepest condolences to Carol and
family.
Very respectfully,
Paul Rutherford, BGen
Sad news indeed. The spirit of signals just got a bit weaker.
Kevin O`Keefe, BGen (retd)
I’m terribly sorry to hear the news of Donny’s death. He was a great guy and a good friend. Please
convey to Carol and her family both Miriam’s and my sincere condolences. Since we are both down
south for the winter, we won’t be able to participate in whatever arrangements will be made to
memorialize him but rest assured that we will be there in spirit.
David Hart, Hon Col 34 Signal Regiment
Please let Carol and family know that Don touched the hearts of many people they don't know, that all
of us are deeply saddened by his death, and that they are not alone. We will keep them in our thoughts
and prayers over the difficult days to come.
Steve Saulnier Col (retd)
His energy, spirit and passion were second to none and will be missed. Very glad you are there to let
the family know we are all thinking of them at this sad time.
Frances F.J. Allen, BGen / Bgén
DG Cyber
He left a fine legacy.
Ed Murray Commodore (retd) RCN
Passing of a great leader of our Branch. Will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers for Carol and
family.
Gyl and Martin
Martin Girard, BGen
My condolences for the loss of our dear long-time friend. A grave loss for Donny's family and the
C&E community. Donny Banks was one of those people who inspired everyone he came into contact
with. He was an unforgettable force and perpetually human and approachable. His heart was as big as
his smile. He is irreplaceable and unforgettable.
Suzanne Grant, Major (retd)
Very sad news indeed. Don was the Sigs officer at the RCS of Infantry in Borden when I went through
in 1966. He made a lasting impression on all of us. Jack O'Brien telephoned me with the news earlier. I
hope to be able to attend whatever is arranged to honour a very fine soldier.
Walt Holmes, MGen (retd) RCR, Col-Cmdt, Royal Canadian Corps of Infantry
This was terribly sad news and we have lost a great friend. Pat and I send our condolences to Carol and
the whole family. VVV
John Croft Capt (retd) RCN
Thank you very much for letting me knows of Donnie Banks death. I have passed it on to Alan Wallace
and Richard Farrimond (Royal Signals) and Anne will be writing to Carol .
Donnie was a true soldier and I admired him very much. He had a great sense of fun and we had some
wonderful happy times together.
May he Rest in Peace.
Yours ever, Malcolm Bradbury, Col (retd), Royal Corps of Signals
I am very saddened to hear that Don is gone. The Communication Community has lost a very
prominent, dedicated, inspirational and loyal leader. My sincere condolences to Carol and the family.
Lucien Maes BGen (retd)
Don was always a bright, loyal and inspiring light in the Corps and
Branch. Prayers and condolences to Carol and family. Buzz & Pat
Col (retd) Buzz Bennett
What a great soldier and friend. Punched above his weight all his life,and an inspiration to us all.
Thoughts and prayers to Carol and family.They must know they shared Don with countless thousands
whose lives he filled with laughter and love.
MGen (retd) Clive Milner RCD
Very sorry to hear of Don’s passing he was one of our great personalities and supporters of the Branch
and he will be missed. Please pass on my condolences to Carol and the family.
Bill Cowperthwaite, LCol (retd)
He will indeed be missed by all of us and his passing leaves a great big hole in the personality of our
Branch. May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and his family.
David Neasmith, MGen (retd)
This is incredibly sad
Ernie Beno, BGen (retd)
Donnie made his mark on so many, and we all will miss his joie de vivre and sense of humour.
Bob Martineau BGen (retd)
I first met him when he was posted to Comms Sqn at the RCAC School at Camp Borden in 1964. I
was a gnry instructor in Gnry Sqn at the time. Also served with him at the Army Staff College,
Kingston 1980-84. A fine outstanding officer who rose from "soldier apprentice to BGen". He would
always come up with a new & funny joke!! Loved by his Signal brethren as well as many others in the
military. He will be missed by us all.
Dave Henderson LCol (retd) 8CH
We will all remember him very fondly as one of the key pillars of the military communications
community. I'm sure his spirit will continue to live on within the Branch via its collective efforts.
Please pass on my sincerest heartfelt condolences to the family. Regards, Rob M.
RG Mazzolin
BGen, Vice J7, US Cyber Command
It is indeed a sad day for the Branch, the CAF and the retired military community. Most of all, please
convey my condolences to Mrs banks and the Banks family. My thoughts are with them at this difficult
time.
Dan Potvin
Don was one of a kind and we will all miss him.
John Selkirk, LCol (retd) Brockville Rifles
He was an inspiration to me in so many ways. Please pass our condolences to Carol and the family.
Paul & Nancy Coderre, Col (retd)
He will be missed by all.
Pep Fraser, BGen (retd)
Sad news indeed. He was an inspiration and fervent Branch and Corps supporter. He will be missed.
Daniel Bergeron, LCol
CO 32 Sig Regt
It it indeed very sad news and we can only give our condolences to Don’s family including his
“military family”.
LeRoy Pearce
BGen Banks was an incredibly memorable character who will be sorely missed by all who had the
pleasure of having met him.
VVV Doug
Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas N. Swinton, CD
Commanding Officer 33 Signal Regiment
It is indeed a sad day. Having met Don on the day he reported as an apprentice soldier at RCS of
Signals and having followed his carreer to his latter day activities in support of the Branch, I can affirm
that we have lost a very enthusiastic, capable, competent, and devoted officer and colleague who has
touched positively the many who have had the good fortune to know him. Hélène and I consider
ourselves privileged to have been counted among his friends.
Carol and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dan and Hélène Harrison
BRIGADIER-GENERAL (RET’D) D. BANKS, CMM, CD
Brigadier-General Don Banks was born in Caledonia, Ontario and took all of his early education there.
He joined the Canadian Army in 1956 as a soldier apprentice in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals.
Upon completion of two years of military, academic and trades training, he was posted to the 2nd
Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as a radio equipment
technician. In 1960, after a one-year leave of absence to complete his secondary school education, he
was selected to undergo officer training at the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps School. In 1961, he
returned to Kingston to complete his officer training in Signals and upon completion of his training was
selected to remain in the school as a Troop Officer/Instructor.
In 1963, he was posted to 1 Canadian Brigade Group Headquarters and Signal Squadron, Calgary and
then to the 2nd Battalion of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada. From 1965 to 1969, he attended courses
in the United States; was posted to 740 Communication Squadron Nanaimo; and subsequently to the
position of Signal Officer of the Royal Canadian School of Infantry (later Combat Arms School) at
Camp Borden.
In 1970, upon successful completion of courses at the Canadian Forces Land Forces Command and
Staff College, he was posted to command the Airborne Headquarters and Signal Squadron in
Edmonton. In 1972, in the rank of Major, he was posted to CFSCE Kingston to be the Officer
Commanding Officer Training Squadron. During this tour, he served as an Assistant Chief Signal
Officer to the UNEF in Cairo. Returning to Kingston, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and took
the position of Chief Instructor at the school, serving as Acting Commandant from March to September
1975. In 1975, he assumed the position of Director Communications and Electronics Operations
(DCEO) at NDHQ and after only 16 months, returned to Kingston to command the 1st Canadian Signal
Regiment.
In 1978, in the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, he joined the Canadian Land Forces and Command Staff
College in Kingston as a member of the directing staff. After a three year tour, he became the first
project director for the Tactical Command Control and Communications System (TCCCS). In 1983, he
attended the one year French language course in Ottawa, Ontario and St-Jean, Quebec. He was
promoted to the rank of Colonel in June 1984 and became Director Communications and Electronics
Systems Requirements (DCESR).
In December 1985, he was appointed Director General of Communications and Electronics Operations
(DECEO) at NDHQ. This was followed by a July 1987 appointment to be Base Commander of CFB
Kingston. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General in July 1990 and assumed command of
Canadian Forces Communication Command on 24 July.
Brigadier-General Banks was inducted into the Order of Military Merit in the Rank of Commander in
June 1993. He retired from the Canadian Forces in November 1993 after 37 years of service.
After his retirement, Brigadier-General Banks remained very active in both military and civilian
circles. He served as Colonel of the Regiment for the 1st Canadian Division Headquarters and Signal
Regiment from May 1994 to October 1997. He was President of Signals Welfare Incorporated, a
member of the Board of Governors for Corps of Commissionaires and a Director on the Board of the
Military Communications and Electronics Museum and Habitat for Humanity (Kingston). He was
appointed Colonel Commandant of the C&E Branch on 24 February 2000 until 2004.
Brigadier General Don Banks will be fondly remembered and sincerely missed by his many friends and
his immediate family; wife Carol, son Patrick and daughter Sandra and their families.
BRIGADIER-GENERAL (RET’D) D. BANKS, CMM, CD
Le Brigadier-général Don Banks est né à Caledonia, Ontario et y suivit son éducation élémentaire. Il
s`est joint à l’Armée Canadienne en 1956 en tant qu’apprenti soldat du Corps Royal Canadien des
Transmissions. Après avoir complété deux années de formation académique et professionnelle, il fut
muté au 2eme Régiment du Royal Canadian Horse Artillery à Winnipeg au Manitoba en tant que
technicien radio.
En 1960, suite à une année d’absence utilisée pour compléter son école secondaire, il fut sélectionné
pour suivre l’entrainement d’Officier à l’École du Corps blindé royal canadien. En 1961, il put revenir
à Kingston pour y compléter son entraînement d’officier de transmissions, et il y restera ensuite en tant
qu’Officier de troupe et instructeur.
En 1963, il a été muté au 1er Groupe Brigade Mécanisé du Canada et Escadron des transmissions à
Calgary, puis au 2ème bataillon du Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada.
De 1965 à 1969, il a suivi des cours aux États-Unis, puis fut muté au 740eme Escadron des
Communications à Nanaimo; et subséquemment à la position d’officier des transmissions au sein de
l’École royale canadienne d'infanterie (subséquemment renommée École des armes de combat) au
Camp Borden.
Après avoir complété ses périodes d’entrainement au Collège de commandement et d’état‑major de
l'Armée canadienne en 1970, il est muté au quartier général des forces aéroportées et l’escadron de
transmission à Edmonton. En 1972, étant devenu Major, le Brigadier-Général Banks est muté à la
position d’officier commandant l’escadron d’entrainement à l’EECFC. Durant son séjour au Caire, il
est devenu assistant à l’officier de transmission senior travaillant à l’UNEF. Une fois de retour à
Kingston, il est promu au rang de Lieutenant-Colonel, et il est devenu instructeur chef de l’école. Le
Brigadier Général Banks est devenu commandant par intérim à l’EECFC de mars jusqu’à septembre
1975.
En 1975, il est devenu Directeur – Communications et Électroniques (Operations) (DCEO) au QGDN.
Après 16 mois de service à ce poste, il est revenu à Kingston pour commander le 1er régiment de
transmission du Canada.
En 1978, il est muté au Collège de commandement et d’état‑major de l'Armée canadienne comme
membre du personnel directeur. Après une période de trois ans, il est devenu le premier directeur de
projet au Système tactique de commandement, de contrôle et de communication (STCCC).
Il a participé à un cours de langue française pendant une année en 1983 à Ottawa et à St-Jean. En 1984,
il est promu au rang de Colonel et il est devenu Directeur - Communications et électronique (Besoins et
systèmes) (DCESR).
En 1985 il prit la position de Directeur général - Communications et électronique (Opérations)
(DGCEO) au QGDN, après avoir complété un mois à la position de Commandant de la base de
Kingston. Il est promu au rang de Brigadier-Général en Juillet 1990 et il est devenu commandant du
Commandement des communications des Forces canadiennes le 24 Juillet de la même année.
Le Brigadier-général Banks a été introduit à l’Ordre du mérite militaire au grade de Commandeur en
juin 1993. Il prit sa retraite des Forces canadiennes en novembre 1993 après 37 années de service.
Suite à sa retraite, le Brigadier-général Banks est resté actif; tant dans sa vie civile que militaire. Il a
servi en tant que Colonel du Régiment du 1er régiment de transmission du Canada de mai 1994 à 1997.
Il est présentement le Président de Signals Welfare Incorporated, il est membre du comité des
gouverneurs du Corps des Commissionnaires, Directeur du comité du musée des communications et de
l’électronique militaire et d’Habitat for Humanity à Kingston. Il a été nommé Colonel-Commandant de
la Branche des communications et de l’électronique le 24 février 2000 jusqu`en 2004.
On se souviendra du Brigadier General Don Banks et il sera sincèrement regretté par sa famille
immédiate, son épouse Carol, garçon Patrick, sa fille Sandra, leurs familles et ses nombreux amis.