Edward Curotte, better known as "Herb", passed away on July 29, 2003 at the Village Nursing Home at the age of 90 years old. He was born in Westmount, Quebec.

Previous to his military service, he was employed in Montreal as an office machine technician.

He served in the militia with the Victoria Rifles, in Montreal, and the Canadian Corps of Signals. He was transferred to the R.C.A.F. in 1938. He served in Canada and overseas with No-1 (F) Squadron during the Battle of Britain. He returned to Canada as an instructor, serving until 1945 when released on medical grounds.

He was a long time member of U.C.T. Local 781. He held a lifetime membership of the Canadian Legion, and was awarded life membership and order of merit by Legion Branch #35 in Atholville.

After release from the military, he was employed as a rehabilitation counselor by the Department of Veteran's Affairs.

He was a member of the Canadian Association of Rehabilitation Counselors. He was employed as assistant supt. for Indian Affairs for three years at Restigouche, Quebec.

He returned to Campbellton and joined the New Brunswick Social Services as rehabilitation officer for the area until retirement.

Herb was a charter member of Wing 255 in Campbellton. He was awarded the Canadian Efficiency Medal by the Military in 1945.

He always took a keen interest in local affairs, and was known for his letters to the editor on a number of subjects.

He was predeceased by his wife Laurette. He leaves four daughters, Andree St Louis, of Montreal P.Q., Francine Craft, of Saint John N.B., Luise Goupille, of Saint John N.B., and Delaine Calhoun, of Errington B.C.

He is also survived by five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were in the care of Maher's Funeral Home, Campbellton.

Longtime friend Charlie Van Horne paid tribute to Curotte: The passing of Herb Curotte marks the end of a great and good man. As an official rehabilitation officer for veterans, and for anyone who came along, Herb spent a lifetime caring for folds in every way possible.

An was he ever a good storyteller. After World War 11, a few of us would get together to discuss the future of New Brunswick. Many issues were discussed and we would always conclude by agreeing that New Brunswickers id not care much for progress, and that they kept voting for do-nothing provincial governments.

Herb at this point would begin his stories and jokes, of which he had an inexhaustible supply.

At following meetings, he would tell a whole bunch of new jokes. He was a great storyteller, and a great friend of all who knew him. He would make suggestions, then back away, never taking credit or even speak of all those he helped.

Only a few months ago, a mutual friend fell off the wagon. When I mentioned to Herb that this friend had visited me at the Nursing Home, Herb was perturbed, simply saying that he had got him to get on the wagon five years ago. When I met this friend in the mall a few days after, he was cold sober. I congratulated him. All he said was that Herb had done it again and that he was back on the wagon again - this time for good.

So we say farewell to a great and true friend, one of God's good men.