A Fireside Chat with Barb Thurston, Member of The Regimental Council of The Queen’s York Rangers and daughter of Jean Bell

Another Remembrance Day parade has come and gone. The editors of The Ranger thought it appropriate to revisit the generous donation of Jean Bell that purchased many new sets of the Regiment’s dress uniform. Accordingly, Vicki Ollers sat down for a chat with Barb Thurston, a current member of Council and one of Jean's daughters.

VO - Like everyone who attends Regimental parades, I'm sure you enjoy seeing Rangers dressed in their blue patrol uniforms. These uniforms must have a special meaning for your family.

BT - Yes, everyone loves a parade, especially someone who was in the orbit of BGen George Bell for many years. My mother, Jean Bell, loved a parade more than anyone else I know. She especially enjoyed seeing the soldiers of George's regiment, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and later his adopted regiment, The Queen's York Rangers, in their patrol uniforms.

VO – So you must have enjoyed several parades too. Is there one parade that stands out for you?

BT – I was at Fort York when the Governor General was present for a change of command, and I also met the Lieutenant Governor that same day. It was very exciting as a proud Canadian to meet the Queen’s Representatives, both to Canada and to Ontario!

VO - Tell me more about how Jean decided to donate funds to purchase uniforms for the Rangers.

BT - After losing George, my mother Jean stayed involved with his military affiliations throughout the following years. Unfortunately, in late 2020, she received a terminal diagnosis of cancer. Always an organizer, Jean Bell wanted to leave behind a meaningful legacy before her passing.

When speaking with The Queen’s York Rangers, she was told that it had been thirty years since they had received new ceremonial uniforms. She seized this need as an opportunity to help the Rangers.

Mom believed strongly in the benefits of a good education and George worked for York University starting in 1976, both as a Vice President and a Professor of Strategic Studies. However, Mom loved a good parade as well, so she ultimately decided to make a big difference and endowed the BGen George Bell Academic Award AND provided funds to purchase 80 sets of patrol uniforms.

I have to say as a fan of military dress, Mom was especially delighted to fund the new uniforms. Sadly, Jean passed away on March 28, 2021, before she could see the Rangers on parade in their new uniforms.

On May 14, 2022, I was at Fort York where the uniforms were worn on parade for the first time. It was wonderful to see The Queen’s York Rangers in their new uniforms as they marched past the Governor-General and received their new guidon. May they continue to wear them with pride and in good health!

VO – And now you are a member of the Regimental Council. What attracted you to this new role?

BT – As well as seeing Rangers on parade and meeting them afterwards I enjoy working with the Family and Friends Committee as liaison to our three affiliated cadet corps/squadrons.

VO – You mention the Cadets – what do you enjoy about working with them?

BT – They are young, curious and want to learn. Attending three different cadet Annual Reviews this past June, I was delighted to see how ambitious and hard-working these young people are. Those who were leaving to attend university had lofty goals to study in medicine, STEM, or possibly to pursue graduate studies. It was inspiring to see these young men and women learn to work together and develop a united spirit.

VO – As part of your committee work you are also helping with the Academic Financial Support committee that awards bursaries as well as the BGen Bell award. Tell me about that.

BT – Rangers in need of financial assistance can apply for a bursary, and we look at their statement of need as well as their transcripts. It is hard to choose when the applicants are so exceptional. I know both George Bell and my mother Jean Bell would be pleased to see the bursary continues to assist soldiers with their financial needs as they pursue a university education. And, the BGen George Bell Academic Award rewards academic excellence in addition to military service with the Rangers which would greatly please George.

VO – Final thoughts?

BT – I’m grateful to be working with Council to help support Rangers and our cadets, which would be impossible without the many friends of the Regiment who support Council with their donations.