He was a veteran of the Second World War serving in the Royal Canadian Army and was recently recognized by the Dutch Government for his service overseas.

He was also a member of the Army Reserves in Halifax for many years.

Moving to Halifax in the mid fifties to work as a barber, he was known to his many customers as "Cy" and eventually owned his own barber shop on the corner of Windsor and Almon Streets.

Resulting from injuries received in an auto accident in 1970 at age 47 years, he had been a long term patient for the last 33 years at the Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial in Halifax.

He became well-known to most who had any connection with CHVM during those years.

During these years he met many dignitaries, including Princess Di.