The divisional leader of the Salvation Army in western and central Newfoundland and Labrador retired on September 1, 2006.

Colonel Roy Bungay had planned to retire in June 2007, but is taking his leave of command a bit early to spend more time with his family as he battles the cancer that he's been fighting for the last five years.

"It's time to concentrate on our family situation and give that my focus," Colonel Bungay said. "The doctors took me off a drug regimen I'd been on since January and it seems to have achieved the goals they set. Now, I begin a new regimen wih a new drug they deveoped for multiple myeloma.

"Quality of life is still good and I'm still mobile. I'm 61 now and I'd like to spend more time with my family and grandchildren, and not have to be concerned about executive decisions.

"I'd had three cases of penumonia since December and a lot of it had to do with my public exposure to people during the flu seasons, meeting with congregations, travelling across Newfoundland, travelling in ariplanes going for conferences in Toronto, St. John's and Halifax," he said. "I was exposing myself to diseases in confined spaces. The doctors advised me I would be susceptible to this until my immune system was rebuilt again, which is what we're trying to do now."

He said it's been a good journey to be able to travel the world with his wife, Colonel Joy bungay, but that came with a price - 16 years overseas with three and four-year stretches without being able to come home. He said that meant missing out on a lot with his family.

The Bungays are both fourth-generation Newfoundland Salvationists from Seal Cove in Fortune Bay and Wesleyville, respectively, and have been officers of the Salvation Army for over 38 years.They have three married sons and five grandchildren. They will divide their retirement address between Gander and Wesleyville.

by Cliff Wells

Exerpts taken with permission from the Wester Star, Corner Brook