History teacher remembers WW II vet Denis Chisholm's contributions

Every year, there are fewer Second World War veterans to tell Canadian war stories to students — a loss that is keenly felt around this time of year.

​Moose Jaw educator Doug Panko says this Remembrance Day he's remembering Denis Chisholm, who served with the Regina Rifles regiment and saw combat in Europe in 1944 and 1945.

For many years, Chisholm was a regular speaker at Saskatchewan schools, giving new generations of students insights into the sacrifices made by so many. 

This past year we lost Denis and we lost a very important connection to our past.- Moose Jaw educator Doug Panko

"Previously, I was teaching in Regina and I was privileged to have Denis come to my classroom and speak to my students on numerous occasions," Panko, who taught history, said in a phone message to the Morning Edition.

"Each time, Denis touched our hearts and he touched our souls."

Chisholm entered combat in Europe as a teen

Chisholm was 16 and attending high school in Prince Albert when he lied about his age to enlist in the Regina Rifles Regiment.

Chisholm was not yet 20 when he arrived in France in 1944. He fought through Europe with his Saskatchewan comrades until they ended their war on the Dutch-German border in the spring of 1945.

When he returned to Saskatchewan, he became a member of the RCMP. Later, he began a long career with the Regina police, where he reached the rank of deputy chief before retiring in 1980.

A member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #1, Chisholm was well-known for speaking to students of all ages and at Remembrance Day services in Regina and throughout Saskatchewan.

'Important connection to our past'

He died peacefully on Jan. 3, age 90, surrounded by family.

"This past year we lost Denis and we lost a very important connection to our past," Panko said.

"What he shared with the class and what he shared with people around the province certainly will live on forever."