It is with great sadness and infinite respect that we must announce that Past Grand President, LGen. (Ret’d) Charles H. Belzile, C.M., C.M.M., C.D. passed away on 5 December 2016.
![]()
Comrade Belzile, a native of Trois-Pistoles, Quebec, was a Korean War Veteran and a former Commander of the Canadian Army (1981-1986). He served in the Canadian Armed Forces with distinction for 35 years. He was, since 1986, a “Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur” of France and in 1999 was the recipient of the Conference of Defence Associations’ Vimy Award which recognizes Canadians who have made a significant and outstanding contribution to the defence and security of our nation and the preservation of our democratic values. In 2000, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada. He was also made a Commander of the Order of Military Merit.
Comrade Belzile served as the Legion’s Grand President between 2001 and 2010. During this time period, he was particularly busy chairing the Veterans Consultation Group of the Royal Canadian Legion which sought to bring a common unity between the various Veterans organizations to better advocate to the government.
Comrade Belzile was a distinguished champion of Canada's Veterans and will be greatly missed for his insight and leadership. The Legion has expressed its sincerest condolences to his widow, Janet and to his daughters, Denise and Suzanne.
In recognition of his long service to the country and to the Legion, flags at Legion Branches across the country will be lowered at half-mast. The funeral service will be held at the National Military Cemetery – Beechwood Cemetery on December 13th and flags will remain at half-mast until sunset on that day.
Lest We Forget. We Will Remember Him.