Queen Elizabeth II remembered as ‘an example of service’ and ‘anchor’ for The Argylls
Queen Elizabeth II is being remembered as an anchor" for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
It's a very solemn time for us," said Lt.-Col. Carlo C. Tittarelli, in an interview. We were very fortunate to have Her Majesty as our colonel-in-chief."
The long-standing monarch died surrounded by family at Balmoral Castle on Thursday afternoon.
She was 96.
Elizabeth was appointed to the role as colonel-in-chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada - also known as the Argylls - in the spring of 1950 by her father, King George VI, when she was still a princess, said Tittarelli.
It was a position she took great pride in for more than seven decades, said Glenn Gibson, honorary colonel of the Argylls. On paper, the queen sat at the top of the regiment, he noted.
She was in regular contact and it was very special to us," said Gibson, pointing to meetings between the regiment and the Queen at Buckingham Palace. She wanted to know what was going on on the floor and make sure the troops were being looked after properly."
Gibson said that included a meeting after the death of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo in which regiment leaders and the Queen spoke about the support being provided to his family.
She was very important," said Gibson, describing her as an anchor" for the regiment.
The ruler visited the Argylls a handful of times, including in 1951, when she was welcomed at the then-Civic Stadium, and again in 2002, when as part of her Golden Jubilee she presented the regiment with new colours at Copps Coliseum, now known as FirstOntario Centre.
Gibson said that he met the monarch when he travelled to Scotland for a luncheon marking the 70th anniversary of her standing as the colonel-in-chief for the regiment - he was one of just two Canadians that attended.
When Gibson got the chance to chat with her, he immediately brought up the Commonwealth Games, which were born in Hamilton back in 1930.
She immediately lit right up and started talking about the importance of the Games and the baton," said Gibson. It was a real interesting opening to having a lovely chat with her."
Friday afternoon marked the opening of the public book of condolences at Hamilton City Hall, with Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen, deputy police chief Ryan Diodati, as well as both Gibson and Tittarelli penning their sympathies for the Royal Family.
Former Liberal federal cabinet minister Sheila Copps also reflected on the loss of the Queen, saying that she met the late monarch many times" during her time in office.
She had a wonderful life," Copps said Friday. She gave such an example of service and duty and family and love."
Hamiltonians wishing to send their sympathies to the Royal Family will be able to sign the condolences book from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.
A virtual condolence book has also been set up online. The physical condolence book is expected to close on the day of Her Majesty's funeral, which has yet been announced.
Tittarelli said the regiment is waiting to see whether the unit will be sending any representatives for the funeral.
-With files from Teviah Moro
Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com