10/04/2025
Earlier today, we lost one of our most loyal and fierce supporters of cadets, the RCN and the Navy League of Canada.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Earle Corn, MMM, CD, born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1949.
So many of us who had the pleasure of serving or working with Earle have seen first hand his incredible pride in service and his unsurpassed enthusiasm for and love of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet and Navy League Cadet programs. His leadership and active engagement has positively impacted the lives of so many cadets, officers, and volunteers who considered him a mentor and achieved greater potential because of his support and encouragement He did the same during his time in uniform with the RCN and will be greatly missed across the Navy League of Canada and RCN communities.
Earle joined the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves (RCNR) in 1965 as a signalman, transferring to the Regular Force in 1969, and went on to serve with distinction in numerous HMC Ships. Career highlights included Yeoman of Signals in HMCS Iroquois, Chief Yeoman of Signals in HMCS Huron, Squadron Chief Yeoman of Signals for Standing Naval Force Atlantic, and his final sea posting as the last Coxswain of HMCS Margaree.
He later served as Base Chief Petty Officer at CFB Halifax and Formation Chief for Maritime Forces Atlantic, before finishing his career as Area Cadet Officer (Sea), responsible for all Sea Cadet Corps in Nova Scotia. Despite wearing the rank of Lieutenant(Navy), he continued to be known affectionately as “Chief”.
Earle retired from the Navy in 2004, having been recognized with the Order of Military Merit, the Vice Chief of Defence Staff Commendation, the Commander RCN Commendation, and the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, and earlier this year, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
A lifelong volunteer with a passion for youth development , he served with the Navy League of Canada, including National President, Division President Nova Scotia Mainland Division, and Division Vice President Sea Cadets. Prior to his death, he was serving as the Branch President, The Navy League of Canada-Sackville Branch and was also active in youth programs such as Big Brothers and Scouts Canada.
There are so many stories across the chapters of Earle’s life and he is well known for always speaking his mind with a “no nonsense” style of communicating no matter who was on the receiving end, including some more “colourful phrases” for emphasis, but his passion for sailors and cadets came through in all of the positions he held and the roles in which he served. While he may have looked like he had a gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold and always looked out for others. Earle created the “Bravo Zulu” pins for the Navy League of Canada during his time as the National President and took great pleasure in handing them out to recognize and thank folks in a unique and personal way. This tradition continues today.
All of the tributes to him today refer to Earle’s leadership, common sense approach and good heart that will be sorely missed and leave an empty space in many places. A fellow NLC member spoke of Earle as “larger than life, energetic, positive and encouraging”, adding “A better advocate for youth and fellow leaders is hard to find.”
Former and current cadets have posted emotional messages on social media remembering Earle as “the type of person I endeavoured to be like”, “he was kind and genuinely cared for all the cadets he came into contact with”, “he lead us with compassion and gave us someone to look up to”.
Many of them speak to him as being “the biggest cheerleader for not only Cadets Canada but also the Navy League of Canada and the first person to ever push me to be the absolute best I could be growing up in the Sea Cadet program.”. “My heat is absolutely shattered at the news of Earle Cornes passing. You truly were such an inspiration to so many of us growing up and you’ve touched the lives of so many people, the list would be a novel.”, “I’ll always cherish the memories you’ve given me and the experiences you guided me through.”
His memory and legacy will be kept alive by all who served, trained, volunteered with Earle and had the pleasure of knowing him.
This past June, Earle and Betty Rae celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. He had a special bond with his family and particularly his granddaughters as shown in the wonderful family photos and tributes for special occasions on Earle’s page. .
Please join me in sending our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to Earle’s wife Betty Rae, his son Garrett, and two cherished granddaughters, Drew and Nadia on the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
While it is a day of celebration for Nova Scotia Cadet Day today, it is also a sad day for those who mourn Earle’s passing. Perhaps it is also fitting that he crossed the bar on this day that honours and recognizes the Cadet programs.
Rest well Earle, we have the watch.
