Kanata Legion

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Kanata Legion Your community gathering place in Kanata-everyone is welcome! Branch 638 at 70 Hines Road. Follow us!

Honouring Veterans, supporting our community, and bringing people together with delicious dinners, live music, games, and fun events.

Yes, it’s still on this long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!
10/10/2026

Yes, it’s still on this long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Friday digest
10/09/2026

Our Friday digest

🌺 HONOURING OUR VETERANSRemembering Private Robert LeederRoyal Marines — War of 1812Every poppy we wear represents a sto...
10/08/2026

🌺 HONOURING OUR VETERANS

Remembering Private Robert Leeder
Royal Marines — War of 1812

Every poppy we wear represents a story.
Some belong to Veterans we knew personally. Others reach back through generations, reminding us that remembrance has no time limit. As our 2026 Poppy Campaign approaches, we remember one of the earliest Veterans whose name is honoured at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638 Cenotaph — Private Robert Leeder.

More than two centuries ago, a 17-year-old boy from Suffolk, England, began a journey that would eventually bring his family to Canada.
Robert Leeder was born in Elmswell, Suffolk, in 1794. On December 16, 1811, at just 17 years of age, he joined the Royal Marines, Chatham Division, 73rd Company, as a Private.

The War of 1812
Robert's service carried him into the War of 1812. On August 24, 1814, he fought at the Battle of Bladensburg, near Washington, under Admiral Sir George Cockburn.

The British victory opened the way to Washington, where British forces burned several public buildings, including the White House and Capitol, following the American burning of York, now Toronto, the previous year.

After the war, Robert returned to England. In 1818, he married Hannah Sewell, and in July 1825, Robert, Hannah and their four children sailed for a new life in Canada, arriving in Quebec.

The family eventually settled near Cornwall, Ontario. After Hannah's death, Robert married Jane Towe in 1829. By 1832, the family had relocated to Perth and later to Young Township, where Robert established himself as a farmer.

Robert Leeder died on January 8, 1894, at the remarkable age of 99.
More Than 200 Years Later
Today, his name can still be found at our Branch 638 Cenotaph:
PVT ROBERT LEEDER�ROYAL MARINE�WAR 1812

His stone reminds us why we wear the poppy.
Remembrance reaches far beyond the conflicts within living memory. It connects us with generations of men and women who served — and with the families who kept their stories alive.
We are grateful to Robert's descendant Tom Flood, who shared his family history and helped ensure that Private Robert Leeder's remarkable story continues to be told.

🌺 When you wear your poppy this year, remember that behind every name, every stone and every poppy is a story of service.

His service ended long ago. His story lives on.
Lest We Forget.�N’oublions jamais.

A time of remembrance and support.
10/07/2026

A time of remembrance and support.

Thank you all for your support.
10/07/2026

Thank you all for your support.

🎃 WHY COOK ON HALLOWEEN? COME HAVE DINNER WITH US! 🎃If you’ve enjoyed a meal at Branch 638 before, you already know — we...
10/06/2026

🎃 WHY COOK ON HALLOWEEN? COME HAVE DINNER WITH US! 🎃
If you’ve enjoyed a meal at Branch 638 before, you already know — we know how to put on a great dinner!
Join us for a delicious Halloween dinner, then settle in for an evening of music and dancing with Terry McCann, who comes from a wonderfully musical family and knows how to keep an evening entertaining.
A great meal, live entertainment and a fun night out — all for $25!
Why stay home? Come celebrate Halloween with us! 🎃🎶.

Honouring Our Veterans: Comrade William "Bill" BerryEvery poppy worn is a promise never to forget the ...
10/01/2026

Honouring Our Veterans:

Comrade William "Bill" Berry

Every poppy worn is a promise never to forget the courage, sacrifice, and quiet resilience of those who served. As our Poppy Campaign approaches, please wear a poppy with pride to support our veterans and ensure their stories live on for generations to come.

For this week’s feature, we are proud to highlight one of our founding members, a dedicated veteran, and a cornerstone of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 638: Comrade William “Bill” Berry, CD.

Front-Line Service in Korea (1950–1952)

Raised on a farm in Dunrobin, Bill answered the call in the summer of 1950, joining the Canadian Army Special Force. Arriving in theatre as a reinforcement for the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2 PPCLI), he and his section mate, buddy John Martin, were thrust directly into the thick of combat—including the legendary stand at the Battle of Kapyong.

Bill spent 13 rugged months living in hillside trenches through punishing winters and humid summers. He fought as a Bren light machine gunner and later took on the hazardous role of field signaller, carrying heavy radio packs under constant sniper and artillery fire. Through fierce night patrols in the Cheorwon Valley, narrow escapes from enemy capture, and dangerous terrain, Bill faced the harsh realities of the Korean War with steady resolve.

A Lifetime in Uniform (1954–1985)

Bill’s military dedication extended far beyond Korea. In 1954, he transitioned his technical communications background to the RCAF and Canadian Armed Forces, serving more than three decades in telecommunications, electronics, and military intelligence. He retired after an exemplary career at the rank of Major.

A Pillar of Branch 638 & Our Community

Bill’s connection to our Legion began before the building even existed. In 1989, while serving on Kanata City Council, he moved to deed the unused road allowance in the North Business Park to the Legion for the sum of $1.00 (which he famously joked "remains unpaid!").

Over decades of service, Comrade Berry became a Branch Life Member and served in a number of roles:

Legion Leadership: Branch Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, Executive member, and Colour Party.
Remembrance: Chaired the Poppy Campaign and coordinated the speakers' program, personally visiting local schools and seniors' residences to keep history alive.
Quiet Dedication: Kept the branch running behind the scenes, from volunteering as a kitchen helper and bartender to maintaining the Legion grounds for years with his own equipment and lawn mower.
Known for his dry wit, quiet modesty, and practical wisdom ("Berry’s Rules"), Comrade Bill Berry represents a lifetime of duty to country and community.

Please join us in the comments below in thanking and saluting Comrade Bill Berry for his service.

Military women research!
09/30/2026

Military women research!

Skip the cooking, great apple pies, made just for you. Order soon.
09/28/2026

Skip the cooking, great apple pies, made just for you. Order soon.

Activities, Fun, FriendshipFind it all at Branch 638.Everyone is welcome.
09/26/2026

Activities, Fun, Friendship
Find it all at Branch 638.
Everyone is welcome.

Address

70 Hines Road
Ottawa, ON
K2K2M5

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 12pm
Tuesday 1pm - 2pm
7pm - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
7pm - 8:30pm
Friday 10am - 1:30pm
Saturday 1pm - 3pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

6135915570

Website

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