William Snow of Barrie wasn't available to chat on the day an interview was requested.
A friend said he was a little tired.
He just finished mowing the lawn. Not too shabby for someone who is 101-years-old.
A phone chat took place the following day and Snow was quick to engage in conversation about World War 2 and his service.
Mounted on a wall in the living room of his home is a small cabinet displaying his war medals, a picture of himself as a soldier, and his affection for his late wife.
Snow could have served with the British Armed Forces. He was born in Newfoundland, and he was told if he signed up there was no option to serve Canada.
Newfoundland did not join Confederation until 1949.
Wanting to serve with the Canadian Armed Forces, Snow made his way to Toronto in 1942 , where he enlisted.
He admits being unsure what he was getting himself into but signed on because he felt a sense of duty.
"It was everybody's duty," said Snow. "We were practically a million people in Canada at the time and probably everybody at the time was doing something for the war. Whether you were on the frontline or in Canada, everybody was helping with the war effort."
As the only son, Snow says his mother did not want him to enlist.
"She wanted to hang onto me."
He spent 10-months in England as a driver and training officers. As a member of the First Canadian Radar Battery, his service also took him to Normandy in France as well as Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. His duties included driving a truck and spotting targets for artillery.
Every time Snow talks to people about the war effort, he finds they only then realize what was sacrificed.
"You volunteered to give up your life for your country," he explained. "I wondered what the hell I was doing here, because it was something I didn't have to do."
On Remembrance Day, Snow will march in the parade in downtown Barrie.
" I will give the salute," he says. "The good Lord willing, if I am still okay."
Images - Barrie 360- file photos
