Attachment 5

Request to add the name “Major Keith Frank Wakefield” to the Names Reserve List.

Administration

On November 7, 2000, the Administration received an application from the Army Cadet League of Canada – Alberta Branch, requesting to honour “Major Keith Frank Wakefield”.

Names Advisory Committee

On June 6, 2001, at the Names Advisory Committee meeting, the following motion was passed:

Motion: Melnychuk, Breau

That the Names Advisory Committee supports the addition of “Keith Frank Wakefield” onto the Names Reserve List as per Section 6.01 (d)(i) of City Policy C480 which states the following:

A person who demonstrates excellence, courage, or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to the City of Edmonton, Province of Alberta or Canada.”

For the Motion: Sim, Melnychuk, Breau, Zapisocki

Carried Unanimously

Biography

Wakefield, Keith Frank (1918 – 1999)

(Written by the Elaine Mills, Sec. Treas. Of Army Cadet League of Canada – Alberta Branch)

Born March 10,1918 in Melbourne, Australia. The early death of his Father during the Depression necessitated that he become the financial support for his family during his last years of high school. He continued to be employed until his death in August of 1999.

He Joined the Australian Imperial Force as a Private in 1939. He served in North Africa, Crete, Palestine and New Guinea. He left the Army with the rank of Major. War Service reinforced the virtues of selflessness and hard work. It taught courage, camaraderie and fatalism.

In 1943 to 1946 he was assigned to the Australian Military Mission in Washington, DC. There he met and married (1946) Captain Jean Donald. She is the daughter of the first mayor and a pioneer doctor in Peace River, AB. Married life began in Australia, but the young family came to Edmonton in 1953. Keith and Jean had 2 sons -Kim is a lawyer in Edmonton. He is survived also by his wife, Jean.

As a member of the Australian Imperial F orce, he served the world during World War II.

As a member of the Edmonton Community , he served the Province and the City for 46 years

His community service is as follows:

·  Honourary Aide de Camp for Lt. Governor Percy Page ( 5 years ) Member of the Royal Glenora Club and served as Director and President

·  Active member of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Militia, President of the 49th Battalion Regiment Association

·  Founding member of the Winston Churchill Society and was the Executive Secretary until his death

·  Salvation Army Advisory Board member -Kidney Foundation Board member

·  Military Museum in the Prince of Wales Annouries -active member of the founding committee

·  Commonwealth Games -1978- Vice Chairman of Ceremonies -Universaide -1983 -Manager of Protocol and Ceremonies -City of Edmonton Names Advisory Board

·  Anny Cadet League of Canada, Alberta Branch -founding member in 1972. Served as Director until his death in 1999. He also served as the Provincial President in 1972 and 1980 to 1982. He served as the Provincial Secretary Treasurer from 1983 until 1997.

As can be seen from the list of organizations which Keith served, many areas of the city and provincial life were enriched by his organizational ability and his unselfish service to his community.

His greatest impact was on youth -in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Reserve and particularly the Army Cadets. He influenced them directly by visiting many corps over the years, and by being instrumental in the formation of over 30 corps throughout the province. Because the Army Cadet Movement has no cost to the participant, a large number of young adults are able to become members of a corps. All cadets benefit from the development of self esteem and leadership skills. They also learn to work as a team, develop physical fitness and a loyalty to Canada.

His final home was in Laurier Heights where he lived for over 30 years. A community park named in his honour in this area would be appropriate. However, he served the youth and adults in many areas of the city and province, so the geographical location of the designated space is not a concern.

Report 2001PDP045 - Attachment 5 - Page 1 of 2