The Kahlers: A living testament to Canada’s military heritage

Commander (retired) Eric Kahler, CD, in Lahr, Germany on a NORAD posting in 1978.

Kateryna Bandura
Lookout Contributor

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Reflecting on the diverse tapestry of Canada’s history, one family’s story stands out as a living embodiment of dedication and service to our country.

The Kahler family, with their astonishing 140-plus years of combined service in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), offers a unique perspective on how personal commitment intertwines with national heritage. From the Second World War to modern-day operations, their story parallels our nation’s journey, highlighting the enduring values of duty, sacrifice, and patriotism that have shaped Canadian identity.

Commander (retired) Eric Kahler, who served from 1972 to 2014, speaks proudly of his family’s contributions.

“I think ‘commitment’ is a word we firmly believe in,” he says. “By contributing 83 years continuous service from one family and over 140 years combined, I feel we have grown up with Canada and our legacy will always be that we served our country to the best of our ability.”

The family’s service spans generations:

• Chuck Kahler (uncle) served from 1941-1946;
• Wylie Jenkinson (uncle) served from 1941-1945 and onboard HMCS Haida from 1943;
• Ed George (uncle) served in the RCAF from 1941-1945;
• Larry Kahler (father) served 1946-1977 including as the first Command CWO for NDHQ, then as a Reservist at HMCS Tecumseh;
• Hugh Price (father-in-law) served from 1948-1979 and onboard HMCS Sioux during the Korean conflict;
• Allan George (cousin) served in the RCAF from 1963-1974;
• Steve Kahler (brother) served with HMCS Malahat from 1967-1971;
• John Stone (uncle) served in the RCN in the 1957–1958;
• Eric Kahler (self) served from 1972-2014 as a Supply Officer in HMCS Saskatchewan, including more than six years onboard ships, more than 5 years in Germany, and four years in Colorado Springs as Commanding Officer of the support unit for NORAD;
• Bret Kahler (son) served with the RCAF from 2007-2024.

This legacy of service has profoundly shaped the family’s view of Canadian heritage and patriotism.

Kahler sees their service as a reflection of Canada’s values. He emphasizes their readiness to defend the country they love if ever called upon.

“We are very fortunate to live in a country where we can live without fear and with pride in our place in the world,” he says. He also notes the changing fabric of Canadian society through immigration, expressing pride in the country’s welcoming nature.

Today, Eric Kahler is a public servant as Director of the Naval Museum of Alberta.

Commander (retired) Eric Kahler, CD, with his wife, Jane attending a mess dinner at HMCS Tecumseh.