Raymond Ruckpaul Tribute

I remember back in Gagetown in the 90's, when I was a member of the 8th Canadian Hussars. I was a brand new tank driver, and some how, I was placed in the same tank with (at the time) Captain Ruckpaul.
Now, Captain Ruckpaul was actually kinda a legend around the tank hanger. Word had it that one time in Germany, he took a sledgehammer to the head when one of the boys was hauling back for a good swing. Story goes that everyone went quite, and the Captain looked at the individual, gave him a steely glance, and told him to be more careful. Then he simply walked away.
So you could imagine my suprise to find myself driving for him on one exercise. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. The guy kept himself in shape, and looked like he could bend metal.
Well, it didn't take long before I messed up due to my nerves, steering the tank to the left instead of the right. The Captain had me halt the vehicle, and then proceeded to tear a right good strip off me. After that, I had no problems with left and right. I actually started to drive better, faster, and more aggressive. That got on his good side, and soon after we were joking, egging each other on and just enjoying what we did, which was soldier the armoured way.
He was a professional man, one that you felt that you would want to follow if things were going to get bad. A man that would sort you out if you needed it, but not hold it against you later. A man that lead by example, and was a soldier's soldier. I feel that I was lucky that I ended up his driver for that ex, and I believe that he helped shape alot of us young guys into better men. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Major Ruckpaul's family. He will be missed by many people that you may never meet.