Image: Grande Prairie Legion Hockey Team which played for the 1950-51 season included, back row, W. Hiekkila, G. Bond, D. Swanston, H. Ayre, D. Crough, R. Card, C. Turner, E. Nelson, R. Wright, J. Listhaege, R. Neufeld, R. Rigler, J. MacMillan, F. Anderson, L. Giroux, J. Moore, K. Schielke. Also on the photograph is J. Lynn (Manager). (SPRA 2010.14.10)
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.
Rank: Flying Officer; Sergeant
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Robert “Bob” Card was the son of Mr and Mrs Ira Card, and he was raised and educated in Grande Prairie AB. He was a well known hockey player. In 1942 he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Graduating from the Macleod Service Flying Training School (SFTS), he first became a bomber pilot over Germany, and later he became an instructor. He married Audrey Janet Goodsir on June 11, 1943 in Lethbridge AB. In December 1944 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross medal. Bob was president of the Canadian Legion. His brothers Gerald and Bill also served in the RCAF in WW II.
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p. 99
Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 112
Herald Tribune – July 15, 1943 p. 4 c. 4 (marries)
– Oct. 5, 1944 p.1 c.2 (pilot)
– Dec. 14, 1944 p.3 c.5 (DFC medal)