Below are the biographies of four men who appear on the banners. The information comes from the City of Moose Jaw website.
This is part 5 of 7.
John Kinloch
John Campbell Kinloch, born in Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, embodies the spirit of devotion and courage that defines our nation's veterans. Kinloch's journey is one of steadfast commitment and honourable service, leaving an indelible mark on both his comrades and the pages of history.
As a devoted husband to Annie Kinloch and a skilled boilersmith, he called 13 Brown Street, City View, Moose Jaw, home.
When he volunteered in the fall of 1915, he declared his birth as May 12, 1875 (40 years old), but his real birth date was May 12, 1867 (48 years old). He likely did this to ensure he was accepted, which demonstrates his patriotism to Canada. Enlisting as a private, he embarked on a path of dedication and advancement.
Kinloch's journey led him to the forefront of duty during the First World War in Europe. Through his commitment, he ascended the ranks of the Canadian military throughout his service. He enlisted with the 68th Battalion and eventually was transferred to the 2nd Tramway Company of the Canadian Engineers.
His leadership abilities shone as he earned the rank of sergeant by April 13, 1918.
Kinloch's gallant and distinguished service in the field was mentioned in a dispatch by Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig, an accolade he received on Nov. 8, 1918, and is immortalized in the London Gazette.
John Campbell Kinloch's legacy embodies dedication, sacrifice, and honour.
Fred (Pete) McWilliams
Frederick Hayward McWilliams was born in Moose Jaw on May 4, 1925 and died Feb. 17, 2014. He was the youngest of eight children and grew up close to Central Collegiate High School in a house that his parents built.
Fred and his wife, Sonia, raised four children in the very same house. He graduated from King George Elementary School and then Central Collegiate High School.
After serving in the Second World War, he studied optometry at the University of Toronto and convocated in 1948. He married Sonia Mary Huly on Sept. 7, 1948, and they went on to celebrate 65 years of marriage.
He enjoyed spending time with his patients and practised for 50 years. Fred served on the board of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists and the Saskatchewan Heart & Stroke Foundation. He was most involved with the Moose Jaw Lions Band Association; he served as president while the band took three trips to Europe in 1964, 1970 and 1974.
He could also be found at the curling rink during the winter. Fred was a loving and honourable man who loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was very generous in helping his family and community.
May he continue to rest in peace and be confident that his honesty, work ethic, generosity, empathy, and kindness live on in his descendants.
Thomas Gowan McKee
Thomas Gowan McKee was born July 13, 1915 in Rouleau. Tom was the second child in a family of nine children. The family was always important to Tom. Much of his youth was spent in southern Saskatchewan, including Rockglen, Maple Creek and Moose Jaw.
During the Great Depression, Tom worked with his father and brothers in northern Saskatchewan, logging in the Prince Albert area.
Tom was honourably discharged from the army in 1945 with the rank of sergeant. Following the Second World War, Tom trained as a barber. He worked at the Connaught Barbershop, which was in the Walter Scott building on High Street East. Tom also enjoyed carpentry, golfing, and gardening.
Gus Sagal
Gus served in the Second World War from June 1943 to October 1945.
