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Foreword
Writing these Memoirs
has been a much longer and a more exhausting project than I had ever
imagined. It is thanks to the many people who have taken the interest
and time, and made the effort to help me, that these Memoirs were
written at all. My very first editor and cheerleader was our beloved
eldest granddaughter, Sarah Cobourn whose enthusiasm and encouragement
in the earlier phase helped me to persevere. At a later stage L. Col.
Bill Adcock and my long time friend George Fells provided valuable input
in such matters as proper grammar, styling, format and suggestions for
more needed content where required. Karen Cobourn was very helpful,
particularly in editing and toning down some of my perhaps too frank and
politically incorrect prose. Karen, your help has been much appreciated.
Additional touches which were most valuable were provided by my sister
Marty. But most of all I would like to thank the joint forces of the
Harrison-Pennington family for the editing, art work and professional
advice in bringing this book to completion. Ben, you are the gentlest
and finest editor any struggling amateur writer could wish for; Sheila,
thank you for your overall guidance; and Timothy, thank you for applying
your artistic and computer magic to the layout and art work needed to
bring this book to the point of printing. All your help is so much
appreciated.
Last, but not least, I would like to thank Mary Sargent, who has been
doing my typing for so many years. She has been faithfully retyping my
endless drafts and corrections to the point of ad nausea. I do so
appreciate your help Mary. I apologize in advance for any inaccuracies,
other important people, or stories I have neglected to include. I ask
for your understanding that in a book such as this one it is impossible
to mention everyone or to remember perfectly all the details of the
past. I have done my best and this effort will have to suffice. The
final product’s responsibility is, of course, mine alone, but any
perceived quality would not have been possible without your much
appreciated collective help.
Matthew Gaasenbeek III
H.L. Col. Matthew Gaasenbeek III and Mrs.
Dai Gaasenbeek DCTJ, Toronto Garrison Ball - 2007
We'd like to thank
Matthew for letting us have a copy of his book for our Electric Canadian
readers. It is of course copyright but you can purchase a copy
here.
You can read the book in pdf format
here.
Matthew owns some 700 acres of forest land
and on it he's building this peaceful enclave where folk will be able to
relax and meditate. At 88 years of age he's still very active and has
recently survived a stroke. He's trying to complete this before he
has another one.
Canada's Defence Policy 2017 Now
Taking Off
By Matthew Gaasenbeek III, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel (past) |
