A war hero and champion of the Royal Canadian Legion who volunteered for years with the Coquitlam branch died last week. Elsley Foulds was 94.
But while Foulds will be remembered for helping war veterans through the annual poppy drive and other initiatives, it was his love for his wife, Yetty, that will be his legacy.
"Dad found the love of his life in our mom and, to his dying day, was still calling her 'Darling,'" daughter Stella wrote in an email to The Tri-City News. "Mom adored our dad and always saw him as the handsome, brave soldier that liberated her and her country of Holland. We would see their love for each other all the time, whether it be them walking hand-in-hand or dancing on the dance floor."
Born on a small Saskatchewan farm, Foulds was one of six children. He joined the army and served in the medical corps in the Second World War, arriving in Normandy on D-Day (June 6, 1944). It was during his time in Europe that he met Yetty and the couple married at the end of the war.
The pair moved to Coquitlam in 1947, raising 10 children - six boys and four girls. And over their nearly 70-year marriage, the Foulds welcomed 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren - always keeping an open door for friends and family.
Foulds, who was of Métis descent, was recognized for his war efforts and for helping with the Coquitlam Legion branch. He assisted many veterans with obtaining pensions, spoke at Coquitlam schools on Remembrance Day and, last month at the branch, received the highest French military honour: the Legion of Honour.
"It was a huge turnout," Legion Branch 263 president Wayne Melymick said. "Elsley was overwhelmed He was a hero. The finest gentleman."
Melymick said a funeral service will be held on Monday, March 30 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church in New Westminster, where the Legion branch will have its colour party, executive and members present; a Legion piper and bugler will also play.
