Earle R. Eastman MWO (Retired)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Earle R. Eastman at the age of 67.  He was the eldest son of the late Mildred Scott and Ernest Eastman.

Along with his grandparents, Earle was predeceased by his son Cameron Brandon, sister Debby Eastman, cousin Davina Cooke and her mother Connie.

He is survived by his loving wife Charleen (Charlie) Bodley, son Eric Eastman (Chrissy), daughters Nikkyta Green (Richard), Kerrie-Anne Brandon (Kit), and Kaitlin Eastman (Dexter); his beloved grandchildren Logan, Gaige, Ryker, Diem and Everly; as well as his brother Donald Eastman (Becky), stepbrother LeRoy Scott, stepsister Alice (Tiny) Scott, cousin Katrina Stewart and many nieces and nephews.

Earle joined cadets when in school, later transitioning to the Canadian Armed Forces in 1977 ultimately serving for 33 years.  He became a Weapons Technician within the Royal Canadian Electrical Engineering Branch rising to the rank of Master Warrant Officer.  He spent the majority of his career in field units honing his skills both as a soldier and technician.  His career took him to many places with him serving 2 separate tours in Cyprus and tours in Croatia, Bosnia, Eritrea and Afghanistan.  He not only earned campaign medals but also the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, Canada 125 Medal, Special Service Medal, Canadian Peacekeeping Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration with bars, The Chief of Defense Staff Commendation, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal and most recently the King’s Coronation Medal.

Earle never asked his troops to do anything he wouldn’t do evident by his many trips "outside the wire" in Afghanistan on patrol.  He was a fair, honest leader earning the respect of all rank levels.

In his spare time, when he had any, Earle liked to hunt, fish, golf, curl and coach minor league hockey but his passion was riding motorcycle.  He joined the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units along with his wife Charlie, and started the local unit, Thiepval, in Charlotte County.  He would later become the National President, a position he held for four years.  He has ridden across Canada from NFLD to BC with the CAV several times, supporting many Veterans’ activities all while trying to stay dry and keep the bugs from nesting in his beard.  Some of his best trips were when he could take each of his grandchildren on their own special ride with Grampy.  Earle’s grandchildren meant the world to him.

Earle’s dedication to helping Veterans and their families was reflected in his 39 years Legion membership and subsequent election to 2^nd VP of NB Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

On the 21^st of October 2017, Earle was Knighted into the Order of St. George, a chivalric order whose Mission is "to better the health and wellbeing of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families and to support the Cadets and Junior Canadian Ranger Programs".  Four years later, on May 21st 2021, Earle was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of St. George.

Grizzly, or Griz as he was affectionately called by his friends, was a strong yet somewhat humble man.  He believed in hard work, fair play, fiscal responsibility and a positive work ethos.  He ran for and succeeded in becoming a councillor, representing Ward 3 in the Municipal District of St. Stephen.  He was against the many ways that governments were fiscally irresponsible with tax payers’ money and hoped that applying common sense and positive visionary planning that his home town could prosper and grow.

At the end of the day, Earle liked nothing more than to share his time, wife by his side, surrounded by family and friends near a roaring campfire, music in the background and telling stories of life’s experiences amid laughter and the odd mosquito or two.

Until Valhalla…

A heartfelt thank you to local Paramedics and Fire Rescue, the Saint John Regional Hospital Emergency Department and especially The S.O. Mehan and Son Funeral Home for all of their assistance.

As per Earle’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.  A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated.  Condolences can be sent to the family online at mehanfuneralhome.ca