Rhéal Joseph Edouard Lacombe, son of Théophile and Delphina Lacombe, was born March 17, 1918, in Hawkesbury, Ontario.

In 1940 at the age of 22, he voluntarily enlisted in the Royal 22nd Régiment de Valcartier (Infantry). He was immediately sent to Europe, where his mission was to transport ammunition to the Royal 22nd troops on the battlefield. Due to the bombardments witnessed daily, Rhéal experienced the horrors and atrocities of war. Trucks exploding around him, seeing abandoned children he could not help. In short, misery and hunger marked many of his memories.

A companion killed in action had left him the care of his dog. This faithful companion followed Rhéal as the Royal 22nd advanced, but Rhéal was forced to leave him behind during an ambush.

Rhéal Lacombe was repatriated September 19, 1945, at the end of the war, after more than five years of service. He was awarded six medals for his bravery and courage overseas.

A few months later, on December 26, 1945, he married a L’Orignal girl, Marie Agnès Hermine Dallaire. The couple had four children: Francine, Jean-Pierre, Jacques and Daniel.