Saturday, October 31, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#17354, Sgt. Ian D. Brown


Toronto Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#17354 (Rtd) Sgt. Ian Douglas Brown died Oct 28, 2009 at Toronto, Ont.

Sgt. Brown served from 1951 to 1976 in 'F' & 'O' Divs. He retired from Toronto Security Service.

Jack White

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Reg.#5486, Cst. John Evans

-----Original Message-----

October 29, 2009 6:40 PM

To: buffalojoe@rcmpgraves.com

Subject:  Reg.#5486, Cst. John Evans

Hi Joe,

I have a book called "Ballads of a Cheechako" by author Robert Service c. 1909 that is inscribed by Reg.#5486, John Evans. Your 'Name' database did not have much info. Is there more information you are able to provide about him?

Regards,
Mike Halskov, 47506 (Cst.)
michael.halskov@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Hi Mike,


Thanks for your note...not alot is known about Evans. According to research done by Vet. Jack White, Cst. John Evans joined the Force on November 16, 1912. He was posted to 'F' Div and 'Depot'.

He appeared in Service Court on April 29, 1913 for being Absent from duty. He was fined $2.00 by Supt. McGibbon at Battleford. He purchased his discharge on April 4, 1914. Then his trail goes cold! Maybe he went to war?

Sounds like a good history project to help me out, eh?

Good Luck,
Buffalo Joe
#23685

Hi Joe,


Yes, I got his service dates from Ottawa, but did not know about the Service Court matter. I am thinking he joined the war as well, as that was common then, although a search of Attestation Papers on-line has yielded negative results (searching by joining date and comparing signatures...tedious process).

Can our readers help me out? I am running out of ideas and the time to do the research....any help would be appreciated.

Regards,

Mike Halskov, Cst.
Media Relations Officer
Team Leader - CCIT
South Island Traffic Services
9921 Chemainus Rd.
Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0
Ph. 250 416 0352
Fx. 250 416 0354
Cel. 250 210 1876
Email: michael.halskov@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Web: http://bc.rcmp.ca

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Reg.#3198, John Allan

Hello Joe,

I was wondering if you could provide me with more information on Reg.#3198, John Allan. John Allan was my great grandfather and I'm trying to dig-up some history on him.

I noticed that there is a note that states "AKA: Chief Mikitsikan". Was he the son of Reg.#0.55 and father of Reg.#11928"? Does this mean his father and son were members as well?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Wes Allan
wes.allan@shaw.ca

PS: A reply was sent to Mr. Allan which contained data acknowledging the research and files (with permission) of Vet. Historian Jack White.

JJH

In Memory of: Newfoundland Rangers

Good Morning Joe,

I read this morning with interest Bob Medd's submission regarding Reg. No. 16167 S/Sgt. J.J. Hogan. I remember Staff Hogan very well, along with many of the other ex Newfoundland Rangers who came to the Force when the Province joined Confederation.

All fine men indeed and could perhaps be considered as the hub, or "Corporate Knowledge" of "B" Division. Mead's article spurred me into doing a little on-line research about the Ranger Force and I found many interesting articles, anecdotes and stories.

Of particular interest is the fact that in 1968, the 'Ranger' Force Veterans formed their own Association. Over the years they have set up a perpetual fund which (now) provides three scholarships per year to Memorial University for young Newfoundlanders. A remarkable feat for these veterans of a Force totalling 204 members, never at any time greater than 74, and only in existence for 15 years. (1935-1950)

Sadly, I also read that due to thinning ranks and the difficulties in mobility for some, the Association is, as of the end of August 2009, inactive.

Very best wishes to all members of the Newfoundland Rangers Association!

Dave Bland
Reg.#20342 (Rtd)
Richmond Hill ON.

Mysteries and Grave Mistakes

In police parlance, it's often quipped that 'white doors' painted on a police car aid the Highway Patrol officer easy entry into their cruiser! But, it's also widely accepted that Highway Patrol officers are the first to notice mistakes or unusual and strange events.
Recently, a regimental number was noticed by a retired Highway Patrol man which contained an error on the grave stone.  Deceased member C.A.L. Liboiron's grave stone in SK shows Reg.#15215 which actually belongs to deceased member J.P.J.E. Rodrigue!

In turn, the Regimental number error was reported to Vet. Historian Jack White.

In his recent report, Jack White says: "I have now heard back from the Historian. Our record is correct and Reg.#15215 does belong to deceased member Rodrigue so, clearly, the Liboiron (Reg.#15323) headstone at Ponteix, Sask is in error.

The Historian is now pulling the file on purchase of stone to determine if error in the order or manufacture. This may take some time to determine next step".

Jack White

PS: Our appreciation goes out to all our Program volunteers who sometimes discover minor errors and report them so that our records reflect accurate research and good care of our deceased resting place.

SUI

JJH

Monday, October 26, 2009

In Memory of: Reg.#16167, John Joseph Hogan

Hello Joe,

I did not see J.J. Hogan’s name for 'B" Div but I checked it under name search and found it. I believe he is buried in NL but exactly where I do not know but I will find out. He spent all his service in “B” Div.
J. J. Hogan had a very interesting career in the Newfoundland Rangers. During the war he and a member of the USAAF parachuted out of a airplane that was supposed to be on fire over the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland during the winter months in 1943.  Turns out it was a false alarm!  The plane kept on going miuns the passengers!

Hogan lived for over 50 days in an old cabin they had found.  He kept the other man alive (he had a broken leg) until some woodsman came upon them in the spring.

There is a book written about this incident called “Jump Ranger Jump”. Hogan joined the RCMP when Newfoundland was absorbed by Canada. When he retired from the Force, he joined the National Harbours Police to police the St. John’s Harbour.

Sadly, three days after he retired from the National Harbours Police he died of a heart attack.

John Joseph Hogan's Regimental Numbers are RCMP Reg.#16167 and Newfoundland Ranger Reg.#79.

R.I.P.

Yours truly,
R. Medd
Reg.#25899

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#18619 C/Supt. 'Wil' Drew


I am advised that;

Reg.#18619 / O.550 C/Supt Wilson Briggs "Wil" Drew (Rtd) died Oct 24, 2009 at Ottawa, ON.

C/Supt. Drew served from 1953 to 1988 in Marine, 'E', 'D' and; 'HQ' Divs.

Jack White

OBITUARY: Reg.#18619, W.B. Drew

OBITUARY APPEARING IN OTTAWA CITIZEN October 27, 2009


DREW, Wilson B. - Chief Superintendent (Rtd) Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Saturday, October 24, 2009. Wilson Drew age 80. Beloved husband of Wanda (nee Banas). Dear brother of John (the late Denise Peterson). A special thank you to all those responsible for the wonderful medical care he received. Friends are invited to visit the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) for a Memorial Visitation Friday, October 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. In Memoriam donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation - Civic Campus appreciated.
 
'Maintain Our Memories'
 
JJH

Friday, October 23, 2009

Reg.#7471 and Reg.#7374 - Where doth thou lie?

Confusion rests as to the actual burial place of the two following deceased:

Reg.#7471- Hector William Charles McLean or MacLean. RCMP Vet records show he is buried in 'Depot' but according to the Commonwealth Graves Commission (CWGC), he is buried in North Sydney (Lakeside) Cemetery in/near Sydney, BC in Plot 151 near the top of the main entrance?

Reg.#7374 George Frederick Kennedy. One report says he is  buried in New Westminster, BC but according to CWGC he is buried in Vancouver (Mountain View) Cemetery, Plot 35 Lot 18 Site 3?

Thanks to Edmonton Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson for revealing this misunderstanding. We ask for help from our BC Vets to clarify these underground matters.

JJH
#23685

Casualities of WWI: Remembrance Day


Regular web contributor Edmonton Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson presented this list of members who died during WWI: 'Maintain Our Memories'.

Reg.#2036, Herbert William Walker Donaldson. Date of Death: May, 8, 1914. His name is listed on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, France.

Reg.#5908, Leslie Titus. He enlisted on August 23, 1915 and joined the Canadian Machine Gun Corps. Titus died on  September 26, 1916.  He rests in the Courcelette British Cemetery, Somme, France.

Reg.#5820, James Grey Turner enlisted in the Lord Strathcona Horse Regiment on May 25, 1917 and died on April 9, 1918. Turner is buried in St. Sever's Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

PAX-RIP

AJH 'Joe' Collinson
Edmonton, AB

In Memory of: Reg.#44029, Kai-Uwe A. Hildebrant

Hello Joe,

My name is Shawn James and I write to you regarding my best friend, Reg.#44029, Kai-Uwe Alexander Hildebrant. We had grown up together in Surrey BC and then both of our families moved to Sarnia, ON 5 weeks apart.

I am writing to you regarding Kai's grave site --while out in BC this past summer I found it in Fort Langley's cemetary and took pictures of his grave site. Would they be of any help to you?


Kai and I both grew up wanting to become RCMP officers, I was very proud of him for accomplishing that dream. I instead went into the ministry, I guess both of us always wanted to serve.

Today, I volunteer with the York Regional Police Community Policing office Keswick, and I serve as Co Chair of our District 3 Community Liaison Committee. I am also seeking to join the auxiliary police.

Kai was a terrific friend, who I sorely miss to this day.

Please continue doing what you are doing with this site. Finding it tonight has sure helped.

Again, if you are interested in the photos, for what ever reason I would be honoured to share them.

Sincerely,
Shawn James

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Reg.#20857, Robert Wentworth Kitchen


Hello,
Thank you for the data base.

I was engaged to Cst. R.W. Kitchen. He died in 1961 in a car accident. I am looking for a photo of him in uniform when he was serving in 'A' Division or any photo in fact. I'm writing a book and he's a most important part of it.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

Sincerely,
Shikai Zuiko formerly Patricia Joan Woodward
e-mail: shinjin@trytel.com or
Shikai Zuiko [shikai.osho@gmail.com]

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#17577, S/Sgt. A. Bischoff


Relayed to me from an obituary;

Reg.#17577 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Alexander Bischoff died Oct 18, 2009 at Calgary, AB.

S/Sgt. Bischoff served from 1952 to 1977 in 'D' and 'HQ' Divs.

Jack White

Enquiries about RCMP Graves


The RCMP National Compensation Policy Centre (NCPC) oversees policy related to RCMP graves.

E-mails which hinge on benefits or Force policy can be sent to:
NCPCPolicyInquiries.295COV.NCR_REMOTE@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

and,

Mr. Denis Tanguay, C/M of the NCPC is the person responsible for policy. He can be contacted at:
phone:613-993-2684 or
fax:613-993-0795 or at
Denis.Tanguay@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

JJHealy
#23685

Last Post: C/1190, Helen E. Nerby


Regina Div Vets advise that;

C/1190 C/M Helen E. Nerby died Oct 20, 2009 at Regina, SK. Service details unknown

Jack White

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Reg.#35785, Sgt. Gordon Tudor

Obituary: Reg.#35785, Sgt. Gordon Tudor

Reg.#35785 Sgt Gordon TUDOR died Oct 18, 2009 of natural causes at home in Lethbridge, AB. He had served from 1980 in 'F' & 'K' Divs. Sgt. Tudor passed away Sunday, October 18th in his home of natural causes. He is survived by his wife Terry, and his two sons Bradley and Ryan.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 23rd @ 1100 hrs at College Drive Community Church, 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta. The Family has requested those members able to attend, please do so in Red Serge, stripped Sam Brown boots and breeches. Members are requested to arrive 30 minutes prior to the service. Parking is available at NMAX Civic Centre adjacent to the church. The family has extended an invitation to join them in the sharing of refreshments after the service.


Sincerely,
 
R. R. Knecht,
D/Commr. NWR
& Commanding Officer "K" Division
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#35785, Sgt. Gordon Tudor


Last Post

Reg.#35785, Sgt. Gordon Tudor died October 18, 2009 of natural causes at home in Lethbridge, AB.

Sgt. Tudor had served from 1980 in 'F' and 'K' Div's.


Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Mystery Member

RCMP Vet's Mystery Member

This photo was acquired from a present day serving member of the Force.

Our mystery member (left) and his reputation and deeds are well known.

Who is he?

Hint: He took an interest in animals because he's 'off a farm'!
Yours truly,
Joe Healy
#23685

Monday, October 19, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#17975, W. L. Davis


New Brunswick Div Vets advise that;

Reg.# 17975 (Rtd) Sgt. William Lloyd Davis died Oct 18, 2009 at Moncton, N.B.

Sgt. Davis served from 1952 to 1973 in 'B' 'L' & 'J' Divs.

Jack White

In Memory of: Reg.#12690, Cst. Willis Rhodenizer

Dear Joe,
I found your story in Frontline and thought it was most interesting. I have recently had the opportunity of doing some research on Cst. Willis Rhodenizer who was the first RCMP DogMaster to be killed in the line of duty in 1939.

I checked your website and was happy to see that he was listed. I have a photo of his grave should you like it. Also to note (his correct spelling) is 'Rhodenizer' as on his grave. I have met with his siblings who are all still alive! They are in their 80's and 90's now and they had some great stories to tell me about him!

I serve in the same area where the Rhodenizer family live and I became interested in his life when I enrolled a school in the "Name the Puppy Contest". I took an active roll to ensure the family members of Cst. Willis Rodenzier knew he would not be forgotten---maybe because I felt so bad after being here for 6 years and I didn't know the history around Rhodenizer's death or even that he was buried here. I hope I have changed all that!

If there is something you would like me to send you ie; photo or anything else in relation to Cst. Rhodenizer don't hestiate to send me an email.

Keep up the good work!

Cst. C. A. Morrison, Reg.#47131
Lilydale RCMP
Lunenburg County, NS

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#12789, Sgt. H.M. Silver


Edmonton Div Vets advise that;


Reg.#12789 (Rtd) Sgt. Herbert McCoy Silver died Oct 6th, 2009 at Stony Plain, Ab.

Sgt. Silver served from 1935 to 1957 in 'F' 'G' & 'K' Ident. He retired from Edmonton, AB.

Jack White

The Mayerthorpe Story...

Robert Knuckle, author of books on the RCMP and its members, has written an account of the murder of the four RCMP members at Mayerthorpe, AB.

Knuckle's book is titled: "THE MAYERTHORPE STORY FROM MASSACRE TO AFTERMATH" .

The book was launched on Friday, October 16, 2009 in Hamilton, ON

See your local bookstore.

In Memory of: Reg.#46226, Anthony Andersen


Hi Joe,
This site is a great initiaive. This is my first time sifting through it.

One minor correction: Anthony 'Anderson' should be listed as 'Andersen'. I served with Anthony in Nain Labrador and I also attended his funeral.

He worked in Nain and then Rocky Harbour, NL. He was still posted in Rocky Harbour when he died. He is buried in the small village of Makkovik, Labrador, where he was from.

Yours truly,

S/Sgt. Don Allen, Reg. #42941
Fredericton, NB

Internet: Reg.#16025, S/Sgt. G. F. Meyer


Members and RCMP Vets across Canada continue to find the accurate location of grave sites of our long deceased. Not surprisingly, today some research can be done through internet services because cities and many, many small towns are listing their graves on local internet sites.

Toronto Vet. Jack O'Reilly recently found the grave site of Reg.#16025, S/Sgt. G. F. Meyer of 'E' Div. by researching the internet.

S/Sgt. Meyer rests in Ganges Cemetery, Salt Spring Island, BC.

Thanks Jack!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#26292, Irv Inglehart



Edmonton Div Vets advise that;


Reg.#26292 (Rtd) Sgt. Irv Inglehart died Oct 17, 2009 at Edmonton, AB.

Sgt. Inglehart served from 1967 to 2002 in 'K' Div.  He retired from Stony Plain Detachment.

Jack White

Friday, October 16, 2009

Last Post: 'Jack' Garrett, Telecoms Engineer


GARRETT, John "Jack" Amherst, NS. The death of John "Jack" Garrett, age 79, of Amherst and formerly of Ottawa, occurred at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre on Thursday, October 15, 2009.

Born in Salisbury, NB, he was the son of the late Walter and Lulu (Martin) Garrett. A Telecommunications Engineer, he worked with the RCMP in NB and Ottawa for 25 years, retiring in 1990. A ham radio operator his call sign VE1 JK has now gone "Silent Key".

He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley (Taylor). Jack's remains have been cremated under the direction of the Furlong Jones Funeral Home, Amherst (902-667-8777). A time of visitation and remembrance will be held at the Furlong Jones Chapel, Church Street, Amherst, NS on Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 1 to 3 pm.

Ottawa Vets

Reg.#o92 and 2, S/M John H. G. Bray


Hi Joe,
Here's a photo of S/M Bray and I want to credit the Esplande website.

It's a copy of a picture that I last saw hanging in Redcliff Detachment and as noted, it was taken in 1875.

S/M Bray was born on January 24, 1840. He joined the Force on November 3, 1873 and he took part in the Riel Rebellion. Bray Lake, AB is named after S/M Bray. He died on September 9, 1923 and he is buried in Medicine Hat, AB

Credit: If you go to the City of Medicine Hat website, then click the link to the Esplanade you can find this photo as well as a numerous other photos of the NWMP. There are also other photos held under RNWMP and under RCMP. They include pictures of the WildHorse Det as well as where the Eagle Butte Det was.

Take care,
Vet. Max Moritz
and Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson

Credit: I also thank Vet. Jack White for his contribution of historical notes for this blog of S/M Bray. JJH

Assistance to RCMP Grave Program



Hi Joe,
I have just retired from the Force and we are living in North Bay, Ontario

I offer to research RCMP graves in local cemetaries in the North Bay, Mattawa, Sturgeon Falls areas if this would be of value.

Please let me know. Thanks.
Vet. Ken Boody

Thursday, October 15, 2009

RCMP National Memorial Cemetery - Fifth Anniversary




Today, the RCMP, dignitaries and special guests, government officials, RCMP Vets, friends and family celebrated the fifth anniversary of the founding of  the RCMP National Memorial at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, ON. During the anniversary service, Force Chaplain's recited all the names of members who are buried at the Memorial.

Retired D/Comm'r Roy Berlinquette said: "Ottawa has been the Headquarters of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for over 85 years, and a centrally located RCMP National Memorial Cemetery exclusively for our deceased members and their families, including Public Service Employees having twenty continuous years of service with the RCMP, is a legacy befitting Canada’s national police service."

D/Comm'r. William Sweeney represented the RCMP Commissioner at the Memorial. In his speech, Deputy Sweeney spoke of the RCMP's proud legacy in Canada and especially the dedication of its members who have been killed in the line of law enforcement duties. He recalled the early days of the Force and the sacrifices which members had to make within their own lives. He said that RCMP members today share the same committment to the 'family' called the Force and the unique meaning and sentiments that comes with being called to serve Canada and its people.


With its 160 acres of natural beauty, with its elegant monuments, including an exclusive monument in honor of Constable Marmaduke Graburn, the first member of the NWMP to be killed on duty, Beechwood Cemetery continues to reflect the imagery of its roots as well as the history of the RCMP.

One very, very special guest at the Memorial's Anniversary was Vet. Reg.#12402, Staff/Sergeant Major J.R. 'Ray' McFarland. He was especially recognized and paid honour by Ottawa Vet. President Al Rivard.

Ray was one of the founding members of the RCMP Memorial Cemetery. He was born on December 14, 1913 and he joined the Force on June 20, 1934.  Ray retired in 1961 and he is a Life Member of the Ottawa Vets.

Reg.#12402, Ray McFarland (on the right) is shown with Reg.#23685, Vet. Joe Healy.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Reg.#4063 K. Duncan and Reg.#12006 S. Duncan

Hi Joe,

Last week I visited Parklawn Cemetery in Cambridge, ON and located the graves of Reg.#4063 Keith Duncan and Reg.#12006 Stu Duncan. They were father and son.


Stu Duncan died in 2003 and his ashes were being buried with Keith Duncan, his father. 

Regards,
Jack O'Reilly

Last Post: Reg.#12937, P. A. Anderson


Okanagan Div. Vets advise that;


Reg.#12937 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Philip Alfred Anderson died Oct 13, 2009 at Kelowna, B.C.  He was in his 98th year.
S/Sgt. Anderson served from 1937 to 1966 in 'F' Div and in the Provost Corps as C41973 during WWII.
He was a Life Member of the Okanagan Div. Vets.

Jack White

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Reg.#0.72, Comm'r. L. W. Herchmer


Lawrence William Herchmer was the fifth Commissioner of the Force. As
Commissioner, he served from April 1, 1886 to July 31, 1900. He died on February 17, 1915.


Commissioner Herchmer's grave is located in a very shaded site in Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver, BC. His monument of stone is well protected by a hugh over handing tree.

His inscription is on the 'lee' side (the side away from the wind), but the stone itself and the notation have become very stained and difficult to read.

His wife's name is inscribed on another side of the Commissioner's monument and on another side are names possibly those belonging to their children.

Linda S.
Friend of the Force
Lower Mainland of BC



Monday, October 12, 2009

Acknowlegement



Hi Joe,

I know this web site has existed for awhile, and only now have I taken the time to benefit from its wealth of information.

Thank you taking the time to orchestrate it.

Congratulations and well done!

Vet. Dennis Roughley

Last Post: Reg.#28441, Sgt. Vincent Poissionier


New Brunswick Div Vets advise that;
Reg.#28441 (Rtd) Sgt. Vincent Poissionier died Oct 11, 2009 at Shediac, N.B.

Sgt. Poissionier served from 1970 to 1993 in 'J' Div.

Jack White

Reg.#4233 E.A. Meakings, Veterinarian

Dear Joe,


Here's a photo of RNWMP Veterinarian, E. A. Meakings' grave. He was born on June 6, 1879.  After his career with the Force, he worked for the Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture. Veterinarian Meakings died on July 2, 1939.

He rests in the Biggar Cemetery, Biggar, SK

Yours truly,

Vet. Jim Brown,
Reg.#23441

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Reg.#10041, Harold Nelson Lloyd

Dear Joe;
I just read an article in our SRR publication on your work. I sat quietly wondering if you knew about my grandfather. I did a search and found him in your database, very emotional indeed.

I've always wondered where you retired. I have very fond memories of our association [in Bosnia, UN Mission] and an admireable respect for your present calling. Our Vets seem to always answer the call.

Regards,
John Hiebert: john.b.hiebert@rcmp-grc.gc.ca  2009
Grandson to Reg.#10041

Friday, October 9, 2009

Reg.#23 1/2, Supt. Charles Nicolle, NWMP

Hi there,
I'm a serving member in Saskatoon, SK. My great great grandfather, Charles Nicolle was the first Quartermaster in the NWMP.  Years ago. I spoke to the Museum personnel who advised me that Nicolle had two Reg. number's?

One Reg.# is hard to forget because he's the only member to ever have a 1/2 put into his Reg.# which 23 1/2. After a short career, he settled in the Q\'uapple Valley NE of Moose Jaw and built a ranch which is now a Heritage site and bird conservation area.

Supt. Nicolle is buried about 2 km's from my family farm, at the St. Columbia Church. My family has taken care of the church and grounds from the time the church was built.  His grave stone the largest one on the grounds.

I have always wanted to put something on his stone to indicate he was a NWMP Officer. Can you help?
Thanks,
Scott Delahey

scott.delahey@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Reg.#817, Cst. Andrew Edlington, NWMP

Hey Joe,
Thanks for the prompt reply.

I now see that your (SOS) 'Struck Off Strength' date for Cst. Edginton is 1883 which makes sense. At first, I read his SOS date as 1893, thus my confusion.

Reg.# 2266, Ernest 'Shorty' Jewell was my great grandfather who was posted to Ft. Saskatchewan in 1889. Originally from England, he died in the early 1940's.  I think 'Shorty comes from the fact that he was well over 6' tall. 'Shorty' is buried in Fort Fitzgerald, 20 minutes south of the NWT border.

Reg.#49673, Cst. Anthony Fitzgerald Gordon (+Killed at Mayerthorpe, AB) would be a great grandson to 'Shorty Jewell on his mothers side.  Tony Gordon was also over 6' 4" or 5, I think.

With respect to maintenance of grave sites, I'll have a peak through policy when I get a chance.

Thanks again for your efforts, you obviously have a vast data base.

Steve

Last Post: Reg.#23418, Cst. D. Williamson


This notice was relayed to me from an obituary;

Reg.# 23418 former Cst. David Donald Williamson died Oct 5, 2009 in St Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg.

Cst. Williamson served from 1964 to 1966 in 'D' Div. He then went on to be a helicopter pilot from 1968 to 2008 including time in Viet Nam.

Vet. Jack White

Reg.#o318, John Dunbar


Hi Joe,
Here's a recent photo of deceased NWMP Reg.#o318 John Dunbar.

He rests at Fort Macleod, AB.

Yours truly,
AJH 'Joe' Collinson
Edmonton, AB

Graves Program - Acknowledgement

Hi Joe,
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the article in Frank Richter's weekly letter regarding your good work.

I am very glad that you took me over to see the Beechwood Cemetery last fall and the results of your efforts. Your concern for the deceased is just one more example of the good the man that you are.

All the best,
Bill MacRae
Regina, SK
Superintendent (r'td)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Reg.# 817, Cst. Andrews Edington

Hi Joe,

Nice work on this site.

I don't mean to cause a fuss, but I'm wondering if the Reg.# is right for Cst. Edington if they started numerically. My G/G father was NWMP joining in 1889 and his Reg.# was 2266. I would think that it possibly could be 2817.
My g/g father is buried in Fort Fitgerald, AB.

I had always understood there was budget money for maintaing these graves sites at detachment levels and if so, his is been grossly overlooked since I was last there 3 years ago.

On a sad note, his g/g grandson was one of the members killed in Mayerthorpe in 2005.

Thanks for the work on the site, its nicely done.

Steve,
sitnbull68@hotmail.com

New Photos - New Vet Graves







Hi Joe,
Here are new photos of deceased Vets:

Reg.#11403 G. Nelson
Reg.#5819 J. McCann
Reg.#o252 and Reg.#28 W. Parker
Reg.#9563 A. J. J. Rayment
Reg.# 6752 C. H. Taylor
Reg.#4785 S. Wiedeman
Reg.#2956 T. Ashley
Reg.#o508 and Reg.#46 G. Borradaile
Reg.#o92 2 J. H. G. Bray
Reg.#11328 A. R. Bull
Reg.#2518 C. Guernsey
Reg.#4627 A. Howard
Reg.#26103 B. W. Jacober
Reg.#5451 W. O. Lillis
Reg.#12188 N. E. Macdonald

Yours truly,
Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson
Edmonton, AB

New Photos - New Vet Graves

Hi Joe,
I have attached a few more pictures as they pertain to your database:

Reg.#13362, Cpl. Stuart Kellar Rook
Reg.#21732, S/Sgt. Gerald William Denstedt
Reg.#9224, Cst. George Ashby
Reg.#13460, Sgt. Ernest Harry Cubitt
Reg#19633, Cst. Alfred Clarence Hock
Reg.#14072, Cpl. Russell Henry Martin
Reg.#10379, Cst. Joseph Roland St. Louis
Reg.#24320, Insp. Martinus Bremer

Regards,
Merle Armstrong

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#12789, Sgt. H. M. Silver



Edmonton Div Vets advise that;


Reg.#12789 (Rtd) Sgt. Herbert McCoy Silver died October 6th, 2009 at Stony Plain, AB.

Sgt. Silver served from 1935 to 1957 in 'F' 'G' & 'K' Ident. He, retired from Edmonton.

Jack White

Research: Surrey, BC

Hi Joe,

I drove into Surrey, BC today and ventured over to the history library in Cloverdale. I found the following members were cremated, so their acutal burial location were not listed:

White, John Mcfarlan - died Apr. 1, 1983 at Langley B.C.- cremated.
Anderton, Frederick - died October 20,1974 at Surrey, B.C. - cremated.
Rumball, Lee David - died March 23,1987 Self inflicted gunshot wound
Mcilroy, Sheppard Stewart - died Aug. 19,1956 Matsqui/Abbotsford.
Fisher, William Henry - died November 25,1925 at Langley B.C.

I also took headstone pictures of:
Baldwinson, John Brian - died Oct.7,1966
Beaudry, Gordon Edward - died Jan.7,1999
Fry, Alfred E. - born Feb. 4,1935, died Oct.. 26,1989

I retrieved headstone pictures from the Surrey Cemetery Services Office:
Pearson, Frank Buscall - born Apr. 9,1888 - died Jan.21,1965
McMillan, James Irving - 1877 - 1965
Batts, Albert - died Mar.21,1977
Williams, Gary E. - died May 7, 2009
I hope this information will be of help to you,

Regards,
Linda Shephard
Friend of the Force, Lower Mainland, BC

cc: entered into dababase.

Reg.#33472, Cst. Normand Mallet, 'J' Div.

Dear Joe,
I made some calls and discovered the name of the member buried in Shippagan, NB.  He is Cst. Normand Mallet who died on the January 4th, 1978 due to a car accident.

Cst. Mallet was accompanied by his girlfriend in their private car. They were struck by a train in Bathurst, NB. Normand was 22 yrs old and he is buried beside his girlfriend.

The plot location is Row 6,  Tomb 3. The tombstone has reference to the RCMP. It says Cst. Normand Mallet and at the bottom of the tombstone it says "Membre de la Gendarmerie Royale du Canada"

Thank you and I hope this helps,
Claude Dery, New Brunswick

Reg.# 45194, Cst. Jimmy Ng

Hi Joe,

Thank you for the excellent website you have created. I have just recently found it and while researching names I found Jimmy Ng's name in the database. I noticed the database indicates Jimmy is buried at 'Depot'?

Jimmy was on my watch in Duncan, B.C. and while his funeral was held in Richmond, BC his ashes were buried in the Ng family plot on Saltspring Island, B.C. His parents along with the members from his watch in Duncan Det. and Richmond Det. were present at the burial and after the graveside service we all placed handfulls of dried flowers from the memorial at Richmond Detachment in his grave.

It was a very moving service. Thank you for allowing my imput.

Vet. Blair Martens,
Reg.#36808 (Rtd)
Leduc, Alberta

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Pictures from Parkview Cemetery - Waterloo, Ont.


Hi Joe,
These pictures pertain to the (6) members who are buried in Parkview Cemetery, 335 University Ave. East in Waterloo, Ont. I also added the graves locations in for the (5) members which did not have it in your database, as well the the dates for Ed Hill.
Yours truly,
Merle Armstrong

Monday, October 5, 2009

Reg.#3948, Sgt. S. Selig and Reg.#5548, Cst. A. Lamont

Good morning Joe,
I just read the article on the RCMP Graves. I was stationed in the NWT from 1998 to 2009 and during that time had the honor to visit several grave sites.

In particular the site located on Herschel Island where two members are buried:
Reg.#3948, Sgt. Stafford Selig and,
Reg.#5548 Cst. Alexander Lamont


I was part of a yearly patrol to Herschel via Police Vessel. During the visits we noted that the grave site, located on a hill above the old detachment, was becoming rundown.

As a result the fences around the graves were rebuilt in 2006. Present and participating were the following:
Rtd. S/Sgt. Jack KRUGER,
S/Sgt. Mike BRANDFORD,
Cst. Karla George,
Ross POTTER, Coast Guard Aux.,
Squadron 440, DND and the Twin Otter pilots, also assisted in hauling the new fence up the hill.

The graves are visited yearly by members of the patrol. Attached are current photos of the site. One as an overall, two separate and the view of Pauline Cove and the mainland from the site.

Insp. JB (John) Milner
OIC Protective Services
Toronto North Detachment
"O" Division

cc: database.

My grandfather, Reg.#5482, Frank Crossley

Hi Joe,
A few years ago I visited my grandfather's grave site in Royal Oaks Cemetery in Victoria, B.C. He is buried in Section 0, Plot 177, Grave #7. At that time, I noted that there is nothing denoting the fact that he was one of the first RCMP members of Canada. My siblings and myself would very much like to see some sort of RCMP marking on his grave as I think he was proud of his life's work.

My grandfather first served with the RNWMP from about 1910 and when it changed to the RCMP he continued to work till 1920. During this time he also served in WWI in France as a private with the Lord Strathcona Horsemen. He was in the last battle fought on horseback during WWI. His service number during this time was #2684073 as a private, and his war service badge was Class A, #186252.

When he returned to Canada he was discharged from the RCMP on June 3, 1920 and on June 7, 1920 he joined the Alberta Provincial Police (APP) -- first as a constable, then corporal and then a sergeant . He rejoined the RCMP on April 1, 1932 and retired on January 31, 1944.

Your attention to this matter would be very much appreciated.
Thanking you in advance.

Kathy
Nova Scotia

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Graves: Prince Albert, SK

Dear Joe,
Thanks for your prompt reply to my email.


The data I have compiled was gleaned from the following:
St. Mary's Anglican Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK headstones and records
Old Catholic Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK headstones and records
South Hill Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK cemetery database
City of Prince Albert - Veteran's database
Prince Albert Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Colleston United Church Cemetery, Prince Albert, SK area
Deer Park Cemetery, Macdowall, SK area
Hamilton's Funeral Home, Prince Albert, SK records

By the way, the Officer's graves I was unable to locate are not in any Saskatchewan cemetery that has been recorded by branches of the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS).

That does not mean the graves don't exist - just that we don't have a record of them yet. If there are graves in other Saskatchewan areas that you have not located to date, I may be able to help you as I have access to the SGS burial database.

Keep up the good work!

Regards,
Barbara Beck
Treasurer & Cemetery Committee Chairperson
Prince Albert Branch
SK Genealogical Society
RR2, Site 3, Box 91
Prince Albert, SK
S6V 5P9

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Last Post: Reg.#13355, Cst. Harvey A. Veniot


Nova Scotia Div. Vets advise that; Reg.#13355 (former) Cst. Harvey A. Veniot died Oct 2, 2009 at Pictou, N.S.

Cst. Veniot served briefly in the RCMP in 1940 & 1941. He then attended law school BA, LLB, QC and on to a long notable career in law, politics and the judiciary.

From 1961 to 68 he was Speaker of the House in the Nova Scotia Legislature and from 1968 to 1974 he was Minister of Municipal Affairs & Agriculture.

His principle project was the Pictou Harbour Causeway for the port which was completed in 1967 for $10 million and promptly named the "Harvey A. Veniot Causeway" in his honour.

In 1978, he retired from law and was appointed Magistrate. His brother, Reg.#13443 Milton Veniot, was a long time member of N.S. Vets.

Vet. Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#47658, Cst. Randal James Serkes


Victoria Div Vets advise that; Reg.#47658 Cst. Randal James Serkes died Sept 29, 2009 (age 40) at Powerview, Manitoba.

Cst. Serkes served from 2000 until his passing in 'D' Div.

Vet. Jack White

CC: database

Monument Dedicated to Reg.#23499, Cst. Reg Williams


Hello Joe !
While serving at Sooke Det. in 2006, I learned that in 1964 a young Cst. Reg Williams was killed tragically on duty in a PC MVA (Police Car Motor Vehicle Accident). He drowned to death. There was absolutely nothing in or around the office honouring his great sacrifice.

With the help of community labourers and contractors and with donated materials, I had a large, marble monument erected on the grounds of Sooke Detachment, built in his name.

Although he is buried in Manitoba, he is remembered everyday at Sooke Detachment on the rainy westcoast of Vancouver Island.

I'll try and get you a photo of our Momument to Cst. Williams soon.

Yours truly,

'Maintain Our Memories'
Cpl. Donovan Tait
Reg.#44909

Research: RCMP Graves - Vancouver, BC

Hi Joe,
Got good news for you, I have 14 new headstone pictures for you, including Commissioner Herchmer.

I found a total of 44 former NWMP members in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Vancouver. Many don't have headstones or markers so I was not able to get anything on them. I will return another day to glean what there may be and get the rest of the pictures. In the meantime, I will continue to look for more members.

I talked to the Office Manager and she was quite helpful. She told me she had talked to you in the past and hadn't returned the information you requested. She tells me that she has pictures of all of the headstone, but they are not very good. I think you will be pleased with the pictures I will be sending.

Yours truly,
Linda
Friend of the Force
BC's Lower Mainland

Friday, October 2, 2009

Reg.#24540, Cst. Earl Hicks

Dear Joe,

Earl was killed when he crashed his own private plane on Six Nations Reserve in Feb. of 1968.

I was stationed with him at that time in Kitchener and was asked to accompany him on that trip. I declined and he got another person --a civilian who was also killed.

Earl was buried in Thompson, Manitoba

Last Post: Reg.#22266, Cst. Robert T. McFee


Vet Jack White notifies us that Reg.#22266 former Cst. Robert Terry McFee died Sept 28, 2009 at Winnipeg, Man. About one year ago, it was known that he had cancer of the mouth.

Cst. McFee served from 1962 to 1963 in 'E' Div.