Richard Carlton Stovel

AFC CD US Legion of Merit

Lieutenant-General Stovel was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 31, 1921. He attended Ravenscourt School and the University of Manitoba before applying for enlistment in the Royal Canadian Air Force after being turned down by the Cameron Highlanders because they were over-recruited in September 1939.

After waiting for more than six months, LGen. Stovel joined the RCAF in early 1940 as an AC 2 (Aircrafts man 2nd Class) and served more than thirty-six years in the RCAF and the Canadian Forces, rising to the rank of a 3 Star General in 1974.

General Stovel served in key positions associated with the BCATP – The British Commonwealth Air training Plan – involving the training of thousands of pilots.

From 2Service Flying Training School, Uplands, he proceeded overseas in 1942. At the closing stages of World War II, General Stovel was flying Mosquito Bombers. In 1943 he was awarded the Air Force Cross.

Retaining his wartime rank of Wing Commander, following World War II, LGen. Stovel served in a variety of positions, at #2 Air Command in Winnipeg; Western Air Command in Vancouver; Training Command at Trenton; The NATO Military Agency for Standardization in London England; Commanding Officer, RCAF Station Cold Lake, followed by a transfer in 1958 to the newly formed North American Air Defense Command in Colorado Springs, USA, as a Group Captain on the Planning Staff.

During the latter stages of his military career, LGen Stovel’s most notable appointments were Chief of Staff of the Canadian Air Division in Metz, France; Air Officer commanding Training Command in Winnipeg as an Air Vice-Marshall – 1966-68; Deputy Chief of Operations at Canadian Forces Headquarter s in Ottawa responsible for Naval, Army and Air operations in the newly formed Unified Force; the Canadian Forces Military Attaché in Washington D C. – 1971-74; Deputy Commander-in-Chief, North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, USA, 1974-76. LGen Stovel retired following his tour in this position.

In his varied career, LGen Stovel’s four year tour as the first Commanding Officer of RCAF Station Cold Lake, Alberta, stands out as the most memorable period in his military life. Arriving in September 1954, when there were only fifty personnel on strength on this newly built post-war Station, under his command, RCAF Station Cold Lake developed into the seventh largest community in Alberta.

Lieutenant- General Stovel is married to the former Helen M. Govan of Winnipeg. They have four children Carl, Psychiatrist; William, Lawyer; Trish, Executive Director; and Marnie, Special Education Teacher.

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Lieutenant General Richard Carlton Stovel

March 31, 1921 – June 12, 2012

After a long, full life, Richard died peacefully in hospital after a brief illness. Richard accepted his fate with courage and grace and every member of his large family was able to spend special time with him at the end. Born in Winnipeg, attending St. John’s Ravenscourt and U.of M., he enlisted in the military in 1940 receiving the Air Force Cross in 1943. After a brief stint at Stovel Company he chose to return to the military to serve more than 36 years in the RCAF and the Canadian Forces retiring as Lt Gen Deputy Commander-in-Chief of NORAD in Colorado in 1976. Richard’s fondest memories were spent at Caddy Lake with family and friends. His memory will live on in the rooms of Helen’s Haven and the Point where he and Helen enjoyed many years together. Richard and Helen met at Caddy at 13 years of age and remained loyal and loving to one another throughout their years together. Caddy Lake and Winnipeg remained a constant comfort for the Stovel family, as they moved from city to city across the oceans, only missing 2 summers when posted in France in the early 60’s. Deeply missed by his loving wife of 70 years, Helen; children Carl (Sue), Bill, Trish and Marnie: grandchildren Laura, Eben, Tamara, Lauren, Gwen, Jeffrey and Raymond; great grandchildren Hannah, Joshua & Gabriel; sister Margaret.

There will be a memorial service at St. John’s Ravenscourt Thursday August 23 at 3 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Alzheimer’s Society or the Red Cross. Condolences may be shared on-line at www.mem.com