FERGUS – A bronze plaque mounted on Canadian granite rests in Fergus’ Norman Craig Square in memory of Master Corporal Brent W. Lillie.
Lillie became an aircraft electrician with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1983 and his service included a tour in Dubai, United Arab Emirates during the Afghanistan war.
During that time Lillie was exposed to chemicals and radiation, which eventually led to him dying of cancer at home on Oct. 2, 2007 at the age of 44.
Lillie is listed as a casualty of the war.
Lillie grew up in Fergus and his childhood friend Kevin Clarke offered a tearful address during a dedication service on June 1.
Lillie’s childhood friend Kevin Clarke shared memories of growing up with Lillie. Photo by Robin George
Clarke reminisced about Lillie riding bikes, taking swimming lessons and playing hockey, lacrosse and softball in “what I’d consider the best place in the world for a child to grow up” – Fergus.
“He was part of the fabric of this town,” Clarke said, and “he loved this town and what it offered him.
“Throughout his entire life, he remained a son of Fergus.”
Lillie and Clarke attended Victoria Terrace Public School together and Clarke remembers sharing a safe and carefree childhood with Lillie, playing street hockey and jumping in large piles of leaves.
Clarke shared a story about when Lillie first learned about Army Cadets.
He said they were in Grade 8, on the school bus home from their middle school in Elora, when Lillie cornered him and said “We’re joining the Army Cadets!”
Lillie had learned all about it and was adamant they’d both be joining.
Army Cadets eventually led to the air force, and Clarke said Lillie “always seemed to know the military was the right path for him.”
Lillie’s friend retired Major Kent Stewart talked about Lillie’s military service. Photo by Robin George
Retired Major Kent Stewart also spoke during the service.
“My friend was a warrior,” he said of Lillie.
“He fought many battles, won many, and lost few.”
Stewart said Lillie was an aviation technician within the Maritime patrol squadron, and his primary responsibility was to “ensure all the gear is kept working – and kept working perfectly.
“I’m very proud of him,” Stewart said.
Back row: Martin and Susan Lillie-Brown, Master Corporal Brent Lillie’s sister. Front: Marg Lillie, Brent’s mother. Photo by Robin George
More than 100 people attended the service, including many of Lillie’s family members.
Lillie’s sister Susan Lillie-Brown said of the memorial dedication, “He was my brother, and he deserved it.”
Lillie’s widow Carol and his son Grant expressed deep appreciation to the Fergus Legion for arranging the memorial dedication, particularly Legion president John Martin.
“It means a lot to his family for him to be remembered today,” Grant said of his father.
