A Tribute to Captain (CAPPY) Gladys Osmond August 12, 1923 – January 14, 2015 On Jan. 14th, 2015 this Province lost an icon and a hero, not because she was rich or a great politician but because of her compassion for the ordinary people. After she retired from the Salvation Army in Toronto she returned to Springdale and spent most of her time writing letters to the troops overseas at the rate of 1000 per month, quite an accomplishment for someone of her age and who was partially blind. I first met Gladys some 70 years ago but I did not know it until a few years ago. I knew of her and her work for quite some time and I did meet her several times mostly at funerals and did have talks with her, the first time when Corporal Bouzanne got killed in Afghanistan and was buried in Little Bay, Green Bay. It wasn’t until I received an email on Feb 11, 2010, which was in big print because of her failing eyesight, that we got to know each other; she had read one of my articles in the newspaper where I had mentioned my grandfather and where I was born at Lushes Bight. It just happened she was Captain Gladys Manuel with the Salvation Army and was our preacher in 1945 and knew my family quite well. The email I received, she was 86½ with limited sight. She stated I do not make long distance call, takes all my time to keep up with postage and other supplies. This email I will treasure for life and I am enclosing a copy because it can explain about life back in the Forties an about Gladys, better than I can. I went to visit her last fall and brought her some cod fish, had a long talk with her even talked about funerals, her wish was a military funeral. We reminisced about the old times. It was the last time I saw her and it was a shock to hear of her passing and to her family I offer my deepest condolence. I will always remember her as a great & compassionate person and a good soldier for the cross. As I’m sure thousands of our Veterans and soldiers will for the many, many letters that she wrote to them while they were trying to make this world a better place, as she did from her time in Lushes Bight until the time of her passing. Bon voyage dear friend CAPPY, as my grandmother called you, you will be sorely missed. . . . . Wilfred Bartlett Green Bay South A voice from the past !‏ ________________________________________ From: gladys.osmond@nf.sympatico.ca To: wilfbartlett@hotmail.com Subject: A voice from the past ! Date: Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:16:11 -0330 I knew you when you and your sister Gwen were about age 10. I doubt you would remember me, unless you heard your Mom or Your Grandpsrents speak of me. I was Captain Gladys Manuel then....Now , for many years my sir name is Osmond...my married name...I have been widowed more than 30 years...no time to look for a replacement. I retired in 1988 while serving with the Salvation Army in Toronto. I returned to Springdale, though Grand Falls was my home town. Much has happened in my retirement years. Most of my time now I write to the Troops...at the rate of 1000 letters every month, plus countless e mails. I get many replies and many Military visitors...including General Hillier. Health wise I am doing well for 86 1/2 with limited sight. I remember sitting with you and the family at meals....Your grandparents were faithful Salvationists...and treated me like family. Your Grandmother beat the big drum, Grandfather the kettle drum. Your Mom was the Postmistress and when the boat came in with the mail...the house and the steps would be full of anxious people , looking for mail....and that was years before Family Allowence & UIC....If I remember your Mom workedf for $5 a month....of a quarter. I sure would like to be able to sit & chat with you...I don't drive, nor do I travel alone, because of my failing sight. I can still write...every day...with large print and special glasses....I don't know if this will reach you...If so, please reply....or call by phone....I don't make long distance calls...Takes all my time to keep up with postage & other sipplies....I hear you on open line occasionally...pushing for improvement in the fishery and other subjects...Keep up the good work...Gladys...as I am known to the Troops....Or...which I don't use. Capt..Gladys Osmond LL.D. O.N.L. Or Dr. Osmond (hc) To your Grandmother I was always CAPPY.