Honorary Lieutenant Colonel (ret'd) Edward Pancoe, CD 56 Field Regiment, RCA

Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Pancoe began his military service with 56th Field Artillery Regiment RCA in 1961 when he joined as a Gunner after membership throughout high school with the associated Brantford 2659 Army Cadet Corps.

After serving as a Bombardier in the 169th Battery, 56th Field Artillery Regiment RCA, he received his commission in 1963. Various regimental appointments were given to him following promotions to Lieutenant in 1964 and to Captain in 1968.

His connection to the food products industry began with graduation from the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree majoring in microbiology and food science. Throughout his undergraduate years he served with 11th Field Artillery Regiment RCA.

His civilian employment as a quality control chemist and microbiologist with a well known beverage alcohol firm took him to St. Catharines in 1970 where he served with 10th Battery, 56 Field Artillery Regiment RCA.

A transfer to the Supplementary Reserve List occurred in 1972 when his civilian career path took him to Manitoba and several senior management positions within the beverage industry during which time he received a Certificate in Management and Administration at the University of Manitoba.

Returning to Ontario in 1980, Pancoe continued his food industry connection as laboratory and product development manager for a major food ingredient supplier to the baking and confectionery sector. He later specialized in the marketing of activated carbon and polyester resins used in water and wastewater treatment then embarked on a chemical consulting career through to retirement in 2002.

Returning to active reserve service he was promoted to Major and appointed Commanding Officer of 56th Field Artillery Regiment RCA on 27 June 1982 and subsequently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1983. Following his retirement as commanding officer in 1986, he served briefly with the Militia Officer Training School in Toronto.

Upon his retirement from the Canadian Forces, Hon LCol Pancoe continued his association with the 56th Field Regiment, maintaining friendships and contacts and remaining active in the Officers Mess. Over the years he has held many positions and appointments with a wide range of community groups, charities and social clubs. He is Co-founder and Co-chair of the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Military Institute, a group which brings together citizens in the local area with an interest in military affairs and is devoted to encouraging such interest and maintaining awareness in the community at large.

Hon LCol Pancoe accepted the position of Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of 56th Field Regiment in April 2008.