Robert Manuel

Robert "Bob" Edward Manuel Sr. (February 21, 1935, in Stourbridge, England – April 14, 2017, in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada) was a Korean War veteran best known for getting Vimy Ridge Day recognized as a National Heritage Day in Canada. Early life Manuel was born in the small town of Stourbridge, England. He – along with his parents, Lillian Rae Manuel (née Liscumb) and Percy Manuel, and older brothers Donald and Reginald – immigrated to Canada, where he was raised and educated in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Manuel was involved in the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and by the age of 13, was rank captain. After years of military training, Manuel signed up to be a Peacekeeper in the Korean War. Postwar life Manuel returned to Canada after his service in Korea and resided in Elliot Lake, Ontario. He lived there with his wife Colleen Manuel (née Foster) from 1956 and until his death in 2017. He and Colleen wed on July 28, 1956, and the two had four children together: Robert, Christine, Stephen, and Terry. Manuel was an underground electrician for many years and retired to work on personal projects and give back to his community. Contributions and community service Manuel was an active community member and fervent patriot throughout his life. He was the founding member of the Elliot Lake Legion Branch 561 marching band , where he was a Drum Major. He was the director of the Elliot Lake Chamber of Commerce and Regional Director of the Terry Fox Foundation for 10 years. Manuel helped establish many associations such as the Korean Veterans Association, the Navy League of Elliot Lake, and the Legion marching band. In the community of Elliot Lake, Manuel introduced the Elliot Lake Winter Fest and the annual Legion New Years Levée, and, with the support of his wife Colleen to a great extent, a number of other events in Elliot Lake.