Military Alumnus Supports Trent Remembrance Service

Retired infantry company commander David Rumball '80 to read In Flanders Fields during University service

November 9, 2022

Image of David Rumball

David Rumball '80, who served in the Canadian Forces Primary Reserves for 18 years and was awarded both the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee Medals, will read In Flanders Fields at the University’s Remembrance Day service this year, as he did in 2021.

David, a Lady Eaton College alumnus who graduated with an Honours B.A. in History, says it’s a privilege to read the poem during the ceremony on Friday, November 11 in the Great Hall of Champlain College.

“I’ve attended many Remembrance Day services over the years in Peterborough, Cobourg and the national service in Ottawa but it’s a pleasure to return to my alma mater to read this beautifully written poem,” he says.

David, whose wife Kim Rumball has worked in Bata Library for nearly four decades, says he first joined the primary reserves in 1982 when he was still a Trent student. He served nine years with the Hastings & Prince Edward Regiment, retiring as an infantry company commander. He also served nine years with 7 Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, finishing as battery commander. David retired with the rank of captain, having qualified to the next rank of major, and was the first Logistics officer in the Canadian Forces to command an artillery headquarters’ battery.

He then went on to serve as Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario (2009 to 2014) and now fills the role of 1st Vice President of the Regimental Association.

David is also leaving his mark in the Peterborough community as he is past board chairman of the affordable housing agency Homegrown Homes. He and his wife Kim are also founding members of the registered charity Basset Hound Rescue of Ontario, which he says has rescued and placed more than 800 basset hounds over 20 years.

This year’s Remembrance Day service will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Great Hall of Champlain College. Learn more here about the service and why Trent Remembers.