Tobermory Legion Branch 290 News
Submitted by Kathryn Hauck,
Poppy Chair
Happy New Year from your Tobermory Legion Branch 290! Another year has come and gone, and I hope 2026 is filled with kindness. 2026 also marks the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion – a century of standing with Veterans, strengthening communities and honouring the memory of those who served. On July 12, 1926, the Legion was officially incorporated by a special act of Parliament – thus recognizing 100 years! To celebrate, the Tobermory Legion is offering to any new member, a free membership for the first year. If you have been considering joining, this is your ‘free’ chance.
As a reminder, both the Executive and General legion meetings will move to 2:00pm and 3:00pm respectively, on the second Tuesday of the month. Please consider joining, and become an active member in your branch.
There are lots of options for people to get out of the house and fight the winter blues.
The Ladies Auxiliary WINTER BINGO is continuing on Mondays at the Tobermory Community Centre. Doors opened at 12:30pm with games starting at 1:00pm.
Meat draws are happening on Saturdays starting at 4:30pm. Stay tuned as there will be a light hot meal, once a month, after the meat draw. Keep an eye on the outside board at the legion.
On the second Friday of the month, come and test your smarts with Trivia night – bring some friends or join a team. Trivia starts at 7:00pm.
And on the last Friday of the month, come with friends or join a group and play euchre. Doors open at 6:45pm and games start at 7:00pm.
Try your luck at darts, every Thursday starting at 3:00pm.
Recognizing Barney L Hopkins
From the Legion Ontario Command Military Service Recognition Book – Barney L Hopkins was born on May 26, 1934 In Tobermory, ON. He enlisted in the RCAF in June 1952. He completed his basic training and received a commission at the age of 18. He became a qualified flying instructor at 19 and attained A1 Flying Instructors Category in 1957. He received the Best Student Award at F-86 Operational Training Unit in 1958. Barney rose from Flight Cadet to Pilot Officer, Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader and finally Wing Commander. Wing Commander Hopkins flew transport and search and rescue missions in the Arctic, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North and South Americas and the Pacific. He was involved in evacuating civilians from Iran in 1979. He was discharged on June 1983. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration with Bar, the United Nations Medal, the Peacekeeping Medal and the Special Services Medal (NATO). Barney was a pilot for Execaire from 1983-1993 when he retired to Tobermory.
We Will Remember Them
