Our Heroes

Lieutenant-Colonel J. Lynn Moffat dedicated his life to military service, education, and the preservation of regimental traditions. His contributions as a soldier, piper, teacher, and mentor touched generations of Canadians.

His military journey began in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, where he served as a corporal piper with the Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG) from 1954 to 1956. He continued his education at Collège militaire royal in Saint-Jean and the Royal Military College in Kingston, distinguishing himself through leadership appointments and awards. After graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in French, he served with the 2nd Battalion, The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, in Europe and Gagetown.

In 1964, he left the Regular Army to pursue a Bachelor of Education at Dalhousie University while serving with the Princess Louise Fusiliers. He joined The Calgary Highlanders in 1965, beginning an enduring association with the regiment. Appointed Commanding Officer in 1976, he served until 1979, combining regimental leadership with the training of fellow officers.

Called back to service in 1986, Moffat helped prepare officers through command and staff instruction and military examinations. He also coached military competition teams, with one of his trainee officers earning Canada’s first gold medal in CIOR competition. In 1991, his contributions were recognized with the Force Mobile Command Achievement Award, Commander’s Level.

That September, he returned as Commanding Officer of The Calgary Highlanders for an unprecedented second term. During his command, the regiment contributed personnel to Operation Harmony in the former Yugoslavia and helped pilot a cooperative education military program connecting military service with Calgary’s school communities.

He retired from the Canadian Forces in February 1994 and from teaching in 1997. His commitment to his regimental family continued through service as President of the Tenth Battalion Calgary Highlanders Association and as Regimental Secretary.

We honour Lieutenant-Colonel J. Lynn Moffat for his leadership, his devotion to learning, and his lasting commitment to those who served alongside him. His legacy endures in the officers he mentored, the students he taught, and the regimental community he helped sustain.

Lest we forget.