On Feb. 6 (National Quilt of Valour Sewing Day), the Campbell River Friendship Quilters’ Guild celebrated with a presentation to Lt.-Col. Steven Deschamps. A Quilt of Valour (QOV), “is a hug from a grateful nation and a tribute to an injured Canadian Armed Forces member, past or present,” states the official QOV site.
Since 2009, Canadian veterans have received more than 27,730 quilts across the country. Each one has a special meaning and a very specific set of quality specifications. Deschamps’ was no different as it visually told his story through pattern, fabric and colour.
(If it looks familiar, the design arises from the CQA/ACC True Colours quilt along from 2025.)
Deschamps, originally from a military family in Ontario, shared his story in the common room at the Campbell River Masonic Lodge. After his father’s death when Deschamps was just 13, he found purpose in the Air Cadets. He rose to become a leader, pilot and reserve captain by 18 before joining the regular Canadian Forces in 1979.
He excelled at Officer Candidate School, he told the group, “while living a double life, hiding my sexuality and relationship.” Deschamps knew he was gay but hadn’t told anyone. Not friends or family.
Being gay in 1979 was, as Deschamps described it, “a possible death sentence, literally and figuratively.”
The Purge
In April 1982, Deschamp faced interrogation for six hours by the Special Investigative Unit. This secret military unit had a charter to systematically identify, interrogate and expel LGBTQ+ members from the armed forces. Meanwhile, just three kilometres, Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau signed the Charter of Rights and Freedoms was signed.
By hour five, he finally admitted that yes, he was gay. Deschamps was subsequently given a compulsory discharge in June 1982. Having his life’s calling forcibly taken from him devastated him, leading Deschamps to contemplate suicide. He would spend the next years struggling with PTSD, heavy drinking and memory loss.
The Recovery
Then, following the policy change in November 1992, Deschamps decided to re-enroll in the Canadian Forces Reserves. Thus, he became the first openly gay person to re-enroll after what is now known as The Purge.
Deschamps served in the reserves until 2015 and participated in the 2017 LGBT Purge Class Action settlement. Appointed Honourary Colonel in 2019, he became the first Purge survivor to wear the uniform again in an official capacity.
Now living in Victoria, Deschamps serves his country in a different way. In 2022, he was appointed Honourary Colonel of the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron.
He has also written a book about his experiences. My Purge Story – A Firsthand Account From a Gay Purge Survivor, served as a kind of therapy for him. He hoped that by sharing his story, the uncomfortable history of the Purge wouldn’t be forgotten. Deschamps also uses the text as a way to advocate for PTSD awareness and mental health in the military.
The Presentation
When it came time for the quilt presentation, Regional QOV Representative Nerissa Thomas along with guild member Karry Hammell stepped forward. They explained that a Quilt of Valour, ”reflects the level of gratitude that we want to demonstrate to the recipient.
“And this quilt,“ she continued, “was handmade with love, respect and gratitude through your service to Canada. May the hugs stitched into this quilt give you comfort, strength and love.”
A teary-eyed Deschamps, after being wrapped in the quilt, summed up the heart of the program.
“I can’t speak to all veterans but I can speak for myself. We get medals, we get pins and we get recognized for things like valour and so forth. But for me this is one of the most touching, sincere items from people who create community, that I get backed up in my heart. Thank you.”
Courtesy of the Campbell River Mirror’s edition of Wednesday, February 25, 2026