Hope veteran’s death shines spotlight on little-known Legion service
Published 2:00 pm Monday, October 5, 2026
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When William James (Jim) Earnest Ager passed away, Charlene Pacholuk knew she wanted her longtime friend to have a ceremonious send-off.
As a veteran of the Korean War, it only seemed right that Ager would get the kind of funeral service befitting a Canadian veteran.
Pacholuk said she attempted to figure out how to make this happen without many resources at her disposal, and eventually discovered what she was looking for after talking to former Royal Canadian Legion Branch 228 president Ian Williams.
Utilizing the service provided by the Royal Canadian Legion, Williams arranged for a full colour guard to attend the intimate backyard service.
“Ian and the people with him gave Jim a service that honoured him and his service,” said Pacholuk.
“Not a step was missed. It was very comforting to our family and his that he was honoured in this way.”
Pacholuk said the detailed military tribute, which included the playing of the Last Post, was the perfect way to honour the man she had known for 40 years and meant so much to her.
“Over the years, Jim became a fixture in our family,” said Pacholuk.
“My children grew up knowing him, and they too formed lasting memories of his kindness, humour, and genuine interest in their lives.”
That’s what made it so special, she said, that her own son was able to be a part of the colour guard at Ager’s funeral.
Williams, who served as the Hope Legion’s president for 11 years, said he has conducted many of these Legion tributes, but doing Ager’s was the first time he had ever done one in a backyard.
When he heard Pacholuk was looking for someone to do a military tribute for the fellow veteran he had known for many years, Williams said he jumped at the chance to do it.
Not only did he lead the service, but Williams also offered a place to put Ager’s ashes since the ship the late veteran served on – HMCS Souix – was decommissioned and dismantled more than 50 years ago.
“He had no place to go,” said Williams.
“So when he was cremated, I said we’ll put him down on my ship, the HMCS Saskatchewan.”
Sunk just off the coast of Nanaimo, the HMCS Saskatchewan has served as the final resting place for its deceased crew members since 1997.
Despite passing away back in February, Ager’s ashes were finally added to the ship by a special dive team in September.
Williams said he’s happy to conduct these types of tributes for his fellow veterans, and he hopes that even more families of veterans take advantage of this service offered by the Royal Canadian Legion.
“The least we can do is honour their memory,” said Williams.
More information about the Royal Canadian Legion’s funeral services can be found at legion.ca.