He enrolled in The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada in 1958 at 17 years of age and served proudly until remustering to the Royal Canadian Medical Service.

He served 30 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, a posting to Soest, Germany and two United Nations tours to Cyprus with The 2nd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment before retiring in 1988 to Ripples, New Brunswick.

An avid hunter, fisherman, boater and antique car enthusiast he could often be found tinkering in his garage.