On the rebound VIU Mariners basketball player Jenna Carver having her best season.
PAGE 28
www.nanaimobulletin.com
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015
VOL. 26, NO. 74
Councillor remains in critical condition after heart attack
Veteran honoured with French medal
I
LEONARD CROSS served in Second World War.
The medal is France’s gesture of gratitude to those who fought to liberate the country. About 500 Canadians have been awarded the BY CHRIS BUSH medal, but Cross is the THE NEWS BULLETIN sole recipient in Nanaimo. Bill Brayshaw, former European nations have Legion Branch 10 presiexpressed gratitude in var- dent, nominated four local ious ways to Allied forces veterans, but one missed who helped liberate them being selected due to cirfrom Nazi occupation durcumstances that delayed ing the Second World War. his application and two Leonard Bernard Cross, had died. Only living veter93, of Nanaimo, was with ans can receive the medal. thousands “Through of Canadians you, France who hit Sword remembers Beach during the sacrifice the invasion of of all your Normandy on compatriots June 6, 1944, who came establishing to liberate Of course, a beach head French soil, that allowed being the legion often losing the allies to lives of honour, it’s a their assemble in the proenough men Philgreat society to cess,” and equiplippe Zeller, ment to push France’s be part of. German forces ambassador out of France, the Nethto Canada, wrote in a notierlands and Belgium and fication letter to Cross. ultimately defeat Germany “It’s an honour, sort of in May 1945. thing,” Cross said. “Of On Jan. 19 at Royal course, being the legion of Canadian Legion Branch honour, it’s a great society 10, Cross was presented to be part of. It makes you with a medal by Angus feel good. It’s something Stanfield, Royal Canadian that soldiers in peacetime Legion for B.C./Yukon never get to experience, Command president, but being shot at to do it awarding him the rank makes it questionable.” of Knight of the French Cross was a sergeant National Order of the with the Canadian Essex Legion of Honour. Scottish Regiment, on loan
“
BY TAMARA CUNNINGHAM THE NEWS BULLETIN
CHRIS BUSH/THE NEWS BULLETIN
Leonard Bernard Cross, 93, is working on a second row of medals, which he is still receiving 70 years after the end of the Second World War. Cross was recently awarded a medal and the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for his role in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation.
to the British Army as a sniper instructor, who lead a sniper unit during the Normandy invasion. He was injured by shrapnel from a German air burst shell during the battle of Caen and returned to combat duty only to be injured again during the Battle of the Scheldt to gain control of the port of Antwerp, Belgium.
$ 29 95 OIL CHANGE
WE SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS
After the war, Cross remained with the Canadian Armed Forces, training troops and serving in various postings, including one with a diplomatic corp mission in Vietnam. Cross transferred from the regular forces to a reserve unit in 1975 and fully retired from the military in 1984. photos@nanaimobulletin.com
*includes 5L of 5W30 or 5W20 oil. Enviro levy & shop supplies extra. Synthetic & diesels extra. Expires FEB 28/15.
INCLUDES: ✓Complimentary car wash and vacuum ✓42-point inspection ✓Free local pickup & drop off
NANAIMO
2525 Bowen Road Nanaimo Call 1-888-325-5974 mazda.appointments@harrisauto.ca
Nanaimo city Coun. Gordon Fuller remained in critical condition at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Monday morning after suffering a major heart attack on the weekend. Fuller, a first-time city councillor and community advocate, has been on life support at the hospital since Sunday, when he went into cardiac arrest. Fuller was found slumped in his vehicle on the side of the road early Sunday and was given CPR almost immediately, according to his brother, Robert, who said at this point the city councillor is under sedation and on life support but seems to be holding his own. An update on his condition was expected Monday afternoon after sedation was reduced. Social media feeds have been full of messages of prayers and get-well wishes since news of Fuller’s heart attack was made public. Robert Fuller said the response has been phenomenal and thanks people for the well wishes and care, although he asked that people not phone or visit the hospital. “The hospital is getting flooded by calls,” he said. “It’s just this time is needed for him and it’s needed for the hospital staff to do the good work they are doing.” Mayor Bill McKay, who was at the hospital Sunday and who has been kept apprised of Gord Fuller’s condition by the family, said he was stunned and concerned. “Gord is an integral part of this council,” he said. “After how many tries to council, he finally made it. He’s got way too much work to do to have something like this interfere, so we are just hoping and praying that he has a speedy recovery so that he can get back to doing what he loves doing – helping his community.” news@nanaimobulletin.com
AUTOMOTIVE DETAIL PACKAGES
15% OFF
EXPIRES FEB 28/15
2525 Bowen Road Nanaimo Call 1-888-325-5974 mazda.appointments@harrisauto.ca