Catto brothers honoured at Ringing of the Peace Bell service in Tiverton

It was a cold, miserable night, as about 50 people gathered for the Ringing of the Peace Bell service, beside the Whitney Crawford Community Centre in Tiverton, on Remembrance Day.

The military service of John “Jack” Catto and Norval “Nute” Catto was celebrated, as the group remembered their bravery, sacrifice and service during the Second World War. Jack left his sweet wife, Kate, with five young children at home, including one-year-old twins, to serve overseas.

The Honour Guard included John Farrell bearing the Ferris Branch 430, Royal Canadian Legion banner, Mary Farrell carrying the Canadian flag, Laszlo Santha as bell-striker and Brenda Colquhoun as piper.

The Farrells are members of the Kincardine Legion, Santha is a Tiverton firefighter and retired sergeant with the Grey and Simcoe Foresters in Owen Sound, and Colquhoun belongs to the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band.

“In Flanders Fields” was read by April Catto, Brian Catto gave a brief history of Jack and Nute’s military service, and Lewis Catto read “The Litany of Remembrance.”

Three generations were represented in the readings, and several of Jack Catto’s great-grandchildren took part in the bell-ringing.

Rev. Richard Warne gave the closing prayer and benediction.

To watch a video of the service, click here.



Norval Catto (left) and his son, Brian, hold up a photo of Jack and Nute Catto, during the Ringing of the Peace Bell in Tiverton; photo by Eleanor Roppel





Members of the Catto family remember the military service of Jack and Nute Catto at the Ringing of the Peace Bell in Tiverton; from left, are Nute and Merv Catto, Linda Brooks, and Garry and Donny Catto; photo courtesy of Robin Fischuk