The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command has appointed trustees for Branch 62 in Sarnia after a complaint was filed against branch president Ron Realesmith.
Pam Sweeny, the executive director of the provincial organization, stated in an email that the trustee appointments came about following a complaint submitted to her office according to the organization’s bylaws.
This led to the loss of the president’s “club house privileges” and his removal from office, Sweeny explained.
“As a branch cannot run without a president, when there is a vacancy, the next person in line fills the vacancy,” she noted. “That would be the branch first vice-president.”
The website for Branch 62 lists John Surins as first vice-president.
“If the complaint is withdrawn or found to be unsubstantiated upon completion of the hearing, the member shall be immediately reinstated for all purposes and any removal from office is deemed to have never occurred,” she added.
Sweeny chose not to comment on specifics regarding the complaint, stating it is a “confidential matter.”
Realesmith mentioned Friday he had no comment other than what is being communicated through official channels.
Ron Realesmith speaks during Sarnia’s 2025 Remembrance Day ceremony. (The Observer file photo)
“I stand with Ron and look forward to working with him again in short order,” Les Jones, past-president of Branch 62, said in an Oct. 8 post on its Facebook page. “In the meantime, Sarnia Legion will function as normal.”
“Because this matter is under investigation, we will wait for that process to be completed,” Jones stated in his post. “Our legion has seen incredible success in recent months, and we will keep that momentum going.”
This summer, Branch 62 wrapped up a successful Catch the Ace fundraising lottery that resulted in awarding a $4.5-million grand prize after 45 weekly draws that attracted thousands to their legion hall downtown Sarnia.
Realesmith noted back in July that this draw raised over $3 million for charities and community projects while also planning similar expenditures for upgrading their hall on Front Street.
Three trustees from within the legion district have been appointed for Branch 62 by the provincial president, Sweeny confirmed.
“The trustees preserve all property and administer the affairs of the branch for the designated period of time,” she explained. “Branch officers remain in their respective positions and continue to hold their offices but their ability to make decisions is limited only to what is deemed appropriate by the trustees.”
Jones shared on Facebook that Branch 62’s Remembrance Day activities including candlelight vigils and “poppy pinning” are still set to proceed as planned.
Realesmith has been part of leadership at Sarnia Legion for ten years based on information available on their website.
Paul Morden has been reporting at The Observer since 1984. He covers Lambton County council, local industry news, and general updates.
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