NWMP Reg.#3113, Constable W. F. Sheppard

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In Memory of NWMP Reg.#3113, Constable Walter Festing Sheppard

This note was received asking for help with research on Cst. W. F. Sheppard. If readers can help, please drop a note to Mr. Walter Turchyn at [lturchyn@mts.net].

Dear Joe;

I am searching for information on Constable Walter Festing Sheppard #3113.

I have gleaned what I can from your site but not being to computer savvy - I am not sure if I have everything.

I know he joined the NWMP, at 21 years of age, in 1895.  He served for 7 years and received his discharge after returning from the South African War.

Is there anything else you might be able to offer?  Anything would be appreciated.

Thank You.

Walter Turchyn.

 [mailto:lturchyn@mts.net]

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Obituary: Reg.#S/8719, Stan Mackenzie

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Credit: Photo from Vet. Cyril Cameron who stands on left of Vet. Stan MacKenzie

Acknowledgement: Sweeney's Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.# 10410, Cst. C. Menard

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 10410, Constable Cyrille Menard

RCMP Constable Cyrille Menard joined the Force on May 14, 1928. After a long career, he retired to pension on June 25, 1949. He had been posted to 'A' Div., Ottawa. 

Cst. Menard was a great uncle to Ottawa Vet. Gord Ireland.  Cst. Menard died on March 5, 1960 at Rockland, Ontario

The photo was taken outside the Royal Canadian Mint., Ottawa. Cst. Menard is the member in the center.

Credit: photo Ottawa Vet. Gord Ireland.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg,#15067, BMH 'Harry' Armstrong

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten

...he rides on'

Last Post: Reg,#15067, Sergeant Major (S/M)

BMH 'Harry' Armstrong, Riding Master

S/M 'Harry' Armstrong was born in 1927 and he joined the Force in 1947. He was posted to the Equitation Staff begining early in his career. Harry was a member of the 1953 Coronation Contingent for Queen Elizabeth II. He retired in 1976.

Credit: Harry's obituary and photo were released by the Ottawa Vets. Division

Obituary: Reg,#15067, Sergeant Major (S/M)

'Peacefully on Friday, April 15, 2011 with his loving family by his side at the age 84 years.

Harry Armstrong, cherished husband and best friend of Connie Bagby. Respected, Loved & Admired by daughters Pamela (John Mooney) of Guelph and Mary-Lou (John Ferguson). Gramps will be forever remembered by Patrick & Sean. Survived by brother John (late Bernice) Armstrong of Kamloops BC.

Harry lived his faith through his devotion to church, family and his career, something he instilled in each of us. Harry had tremendous respect, appreciation and pride for the history and traditions of the RCMP. His work with the Vets Association was his way of maintaining the life long friendships he cherished across the country.

His dedication to the residents through his volunteer work at the Perley was one of his greatest satisfactions.

Friends are invited to pay respects to the family at The Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. on Monday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. A mass of Christian Funeral will be held on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at The Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre Chapel, 1750 Russell Road at 10:30 AM.

Interment to follow in the RCMP National Beechwood Cemetery. Donations in memory to the Perley Rideau Veterans health Centre greatly appreciated by the family.'

Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#11650, Cyril L. Dale

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In Memory of Reg.#11650, Cyril Lawrence Dale

Cyril Lawrence Dale was born on July 4, 1896 in Shawville, Quebec. He served with CEF in WW I.

He joined the Force on April 1, 1932 and he served in the follwing Divisions; “N”, “C”, “O”.

On December 19, 1951 he went to retirement and he passed away on October 15, 1986 in  Cambridge, Ontario.

Cyril Lawrence Dale is buried in New Hope Cemetery, Cambridge, Ontario.  His gave marker has no RCMP reference.

Data and photo credit: Vet Merle Armstrong, 'O' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#S/8719, Stan MacKenzie

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In Memory of Reg.#S/8719, Stan MacKenzie (center)

Last living crew member of the 1944 voyage of the St. Roch, RCMP schooner

The Most Northerly Route  -- Stan Mckenzie Looks Back at the St. Roch’s 1944 Voyage Through the Northwest Passage

by S/Sgt. Lloyd P. Wallis (Rtd.)

'Former S/Cst. Stan McKenzie, 90, is the last living crew member of the 1944 voyage of the St. Roch, an RCMP schooner that sailed east to west, from Halifax to Vancouver, through the most northerly route of the Northwest Passage.

The St. Roch had sailed earlier through the North, west to east from 1940-42. It was later the first ship to completely circumnavigate North America by sailing south through the Panama Canal in 1950. (A Norwegian ship, the Gjoa, travelled east to west 38 years previous to 1944, but did not sail as far north as the St. Roch.)

McKenzie always felt he contributed to the sovereignty of Canada by being a crew member on the 86-day voyage through the most northerly Arctic route, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Sixty-five years after leaving the RCMP, McKenzie joined the Nova Scotia Veterans’ Association and provides an interesting account of his historical life experiences.'

Contributors and acknowledgements:

*Appreciation to Vet. Sheldon Boles of 'E' Div. by providing Stan's obituary,
*Appreciation to serving member Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div. for Stan's photo (above) as well as aiming me towards the article from The Quarterly written by S/Sgt. Lloyd P. Wallis (Rtd.),
*Appreciation to S/Sgt. Lloyd P. Wallis (Rtd.) for the background story about Stan McKenzie and to The Quarterly.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Vancouver Vet Division Honour Guard

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Vancouver Vet Division Honour Guard (2011)

The Vancouver Veteran Division has an active Honour Guard who attend the funeral or memorial service of all Veterans who pass away in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. 

This Honour Guard pays tribute the Veteran who as passed away and also pays tribute to the family.The Honour Guard is usually accompanied by members of the RCMP as well.

If you would like to become a member of our Division Honour Guard, please email Dan Lemieux at eebeel@telus.net

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#87, S.W. Thurber

C A N A D A

In Memory of Reg.#87, Samuel Winslow Thurber

North West Mounted Police (NWMP)

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This note, muchly appreciated, was received from Trent Rolfe, Inspector at Surrey Detachment, Surrey, BC.

Samuel Winslow Thurber joined the Force on October 2, 1873. Later, he was discharged in 1876. 

Inspector Rolfe found Constable Thurber's 'Certificate of Registration of Death, # 578” on Nova Scotia's Vital Statistics page.

Thurber's Certificate of Registration of Death, says the following; Constable Thurber died in the County of Digby, Nova Scotia on Aug 28, 1935. Thurber's occupation is listed as 'Fisherman'.

It lists Thurber's date of birth as Nov 30, 1845 (not 1844).  However, the death registration has him also at age  90 years, 9 months and 24 days at his time of death.  If this fact is truly accurate, Thurber would have been born in 1844 versus 1845. A wee date of death mystery mix-up.

Thurber's place of birth is simply identified as Nova Scotia. His father's name was Morgan Thurber and his mother's name was Elizabeth Thurber (nee Warner). Constable Thurber and his wife (Eugenia) are buried side by side. 

Inspector Rolfe says that on Constable Thurber's tombstone is written: "Constable Samuel Winslow Thurber, Regimental Number 87, of Freeport Nova Scotia, joined the North West Mounted Police on 2 Oct. 1873 and was one of the original 150 men to be recruited.

Thurber left on the March West from Lower Fort Garry for Fort Edmonton in the summer of 1874 to bring law and order to the West. He was honourably discharged at Fort Macleod in 1876 and returned to Nova Scotia where he spent the rest of his life as a sea captain"

Our friend, NWMP Constable and Sea Captain Samuel Winslow Thurber is buried in the Valley Cemetery, Free Port, NS.

Sincere appreciation is extended to Inspector Trent Rolfe.

Photo credit and thanks also to: http://people.ucalgary.ca/~dsucha/freeport.html

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

#23685

Presentation on Website to Ottawa Vets

C A N A D A

BIENVENUE A TOUS

WELCOME TO ALL VETS

 

RCMP GRAVES WEBSITE

www.rcmpgraves.com

Introduction

History of Website

Introduce Website and Database

Tour of Website and Database

Appeal For Stories

Conclusion

'Maintain Our Memories'

Obituary. Maurice Kelso

C A N A D A

Obituary. Maurice Kelso

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Maurice  KELSO, MOE)  RCMP 35 years. Moe passed away peacefully on April 9th, 2011 in Picton, ON after a courageous battle with cancer.

Beloved husband of Julie Graham and the late Marg Samuels. He will be greatly missed by his son Kevin (Nancy Sommerville and daughter Jennifer (Craig Charlesworth) and by grandchildren Victoria, Soleil, Zachary, Tyson and MacKenzie.

Also survived by brother Bryan (Verna) and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with Moe's wishes there will be no formal funeral service.

A Celebration of His Life will be held in Ottawa at a date to be announced. Arrangements entrusted to Ainsworth Funeral Home, Wellington, ( 613.399.3177 ) Online condolences and donations at www.ainsworthfuneralhome.com

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.#15067, Vet. S/M 'Harry' Armstrong

C A N A D A

Update on health of Vet.

Reg.#15067, Sergeant/Major 'Harry' Armstrong

Late last week, Vet. Sergeant Major 'Harry' Armstrong was admitted to the Ottawa General Hospital for observation and care.

In recent days, Ottawa Vets including Al Rivard and Deacon Pierre Belanger report they have visited Harry Armstrong in the hospital and that he 'was in good spirits'.

Apparently Harry is having issues with his speech but he was smiling as usual. Harry asked that his regards be passed on to everyone.

This has been a medical flash from Ottawa Vets.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg. #2783, Cst. G. A. Allen

 C A N A D A

Reg.# 2783, Cst. G. A. Allen.

North West Mounted Police (NWMP)

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 2783, George Arthur Allen, joined the NWMP in 1892.  After service in 'K' and 'M' Divs., he took his discharge in 1900.

As part of the war effort, Allen re-joined the Force as a S/Cst. on March 11, 1940, and served as a Guard at Victoria and the Esquimalt Drydocks, BC.

He took his discharge on March 19, 1946, when the program was discontinued.  Ex-Cst. Allen died at the age of 90 years and was buried in Victoria, BC.

Photo taken on July 12, 1893 at Banff, AB

Photo credit and appreciation: from the Vet. Don Klancher collection

*Dates noted are from the Jack White history files

.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.# 23685

Obituary. S/Cst. Don DeClare, RCA and RCMP

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary. S/Cst. Don DeClare

S/Cst. Don DECLARE (Pompano Beach, FL) (March 29, 2011) Born: October 26, 1931 Ottawa, Ontario Canada. Thirty six years of service with Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

Survived by his wife Maria Victoria FORCE-DECLARE, step-sons, Christopher and Steven Force, daughter-in-law Miriam Force, siblings Helen Oliver, JoanAnn Crepin, Earl and Bruce. Predeceased by parents, John and Mary Ellen of Manotick, Ontario.

Service will be held at Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home from 5-7pm on Thursday, April 14th, 2011, 4061 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. 954-565-5591 www.kraeerfairchild.com  Don worked in “A” Division especially at the Ottawa International Airport as a S/Cst.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#4308, Cpl. R.G. Watson

C A N A D A

In Memory of Reg.#4308,

RNWMP Cpl. R.G. Watson

Reg.#4308, R. G. Watson joined the RNWMP on January 4, 1905. Corporal. R.G. Watson served in Lord Strathcona's Horse of the CEF between 1914 and 1919.

Seen above is a 1914 photo (turned into a postcard) of my great uncle, Cpl. Watson taken just before Lord Strathcona's Horse left to fight in the First World War as part of the CEF. He is seated on the left hand side. Given the historical relationship between Lord Strathcona's Horse and the RCMP, I thought it might be of some interest to you.

My great uncle was wounded three times in that service including a gunshot wound to the head. He was able to return to service after they put a plate in his head and he was promoted to corporal while serving. It was a very difficult service (487 went over and 800+ were killed or wounded). He was quite disturbed by the horror of that war when he returned home.

.

The picture of Cpl. Watson's gravestone is one my brother took in 1989. Located in Manson Creek Cemetery, Manson, BC

Manson Creek Cemetery.

Manson Creek, BC

Appreciation: Top two photos contributed by great nephew, C Watson [cjnwatson@hotmail.com]

Photo source of Manson Creek Cemetery: http://www.mansoncreekhistoricsociety.mansoncreek.com/

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Regimental Dinner - 'HQ' 1958

C A N A D A

Regimental Dinner - 'HQ' 1958

 'Friends Not Forgotten'

Photo Credit: from the 'H' Div. Supt. Brian Brennan Collection

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#18084, M. D. Walker

C A N A D A

In Memory of Reg.#18084,

S/Sgt. M. D. Walker

'Friends Not Forgotten'

S/Sgt. Walker was born in 1934 in Saskatoon, SK.

He joined the Force in 1953 and he retired in 1981. S/Sgt. Walker died in Penticton, BC in 2008.



Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alison Glass

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#7388, Cst. R. Cathcart

C A N A D A

In Memory of Reg.#7388,

RNWMP Constable Robert Cathcart

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#7388, RNWMP Constable Robert Cathcart was born in Belfast, Ireland in 1898. He immigrated to Canada and joined the RNWMP in 1918. He served for one year before he applied and went to South Africa.

Constable Robert Cathcart's gravesite in New Zealand was not known until today -- the following note was received on April 4, 2011 from his son, John Cathcart. Its full content is included here.

 

'Hi,

Robert Cathcart is my father. I came across your web site while researching family. I know my dad left Dublin Ireland around 1914 at the age 16 years and went to Canada. Sometime later, he joined the RNWMP and later on from what I can see he joined the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force (CSEF). His military service number was 2772533. (RNWMP Reg.# 7388)

Dad's discharge from war service on July 9, 1919. I do not know if he continued with the police as no records are available.  His service in WWII was as a British Home guard at Stanton Drew, Bristol.

He immigrated to New Zealand in 1957 and died in 1970 age 72 years. Dad's grave in New Zealand is well kept by his 4 surviving children.

I have several photos of dad in his uniform on horseback along with his cap badge.

Regards, John Cathcart'

*A reply has been sent to John Cathcart.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#12992, Cst. R. B. Hutton

C A N A D A

Last Post: former Marine Constable,

His Honour, Robert Barclay Hutton, RCMP., RCN., LLB

Ontario Senior Provincial Court Judge

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary. Summarized from The Ottawa Citizen. April 3, 2011. p. B5

Robert Barclay Hutton was born in Winnipeg, MB in 1920. He was forced to quit school at the age of eleven years because of his father's death. He moved with his family to Toronto for a few years then on to Ottawa, Ontario. He held several jobs including driving taxi.

In 1938, R. B. Hutton joined the RCMP Marine Div. serving out of 'H' Div., Halifax, NS. He became facinated with the law during his brief stint with the RCMP. After one year in the Force, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served in WWII.

After WWII, he convinced the military to pay for his legal training. He studied at Carleton College and later at Osgoode Hall. He was called to the Bar in 1950.

After his LLB., R.B. Hutton practiced law in Ottawa for twenty years. In 1970, he was appointed to the Bench. He served as a Provincial Court Judge and he was the Senior Provincial Court Judge for Eastern Ontario from 1977 to 1981. He retired in 1990.

His Honour R. B. Hutton died on February 13, 2011. He was kindly 91 years.

Source: The Ottawa Citizen. April 3, 2011. p. B5

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#16140, D/Comm'r Guy Marcoux

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#16140, D/Comm'r Guy Marcoux

'Friends Not Forgotten'

It is with great sadness that the family of RCMP Deputy Commissioner (ret'd) Guy Marcoux announces his passing on March 29, 2011.

Predeceased by his first wife Shirley (Rennie) of Abbey, Saskatchewan. Survived by his children Stewart (Claudette Levesque), Rennie (Guy Gallant), Maureen, Michel (Julia Burns), and his cherished grandchildren who adored him Shaun Andre, Johanie, Nathalie, Nicolas, Brittany, Liam and Maria; adopted daughter Juana Laura Garcia (Ayhan Karaceper); step-daughters Cathy Gordon (Luke), Susanne Mackillop (Malcolm), and their children Rebecca, Jason, Rory and Laura.

Son of the late Roland Marcoux and Jeannette Lalancette, Guy grew up in Roberval (Lac St-Jean). He joined the RCMP on July 5, 1950 and served for 35 years in Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Quebec, Yukon and Ottawa.

After his retirement, he worked with External Affairs (Trade Negotiations Office), and Health Canada (Canadian Panel on Violence against Women). He was a Governor of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires for 21 years and served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Division.

Following the death of his first wife, Guy married Wendy Bradshaw of Duncan, B.C. He adopted her family and embraced a new life on Vancouver Island filled with travel, golfing, children and grandchildren from both families. Guy is also survived by several brothers, sisters and family from Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, B.C. and Oregon. He will be deeply missed by the many friends whose lives he enriched.

A celebration of Guy's life will take place at the Cowichan Golf and Country Club, 4955 Trans-Canada Highway in Duncan, on Sunday April 3, 2011 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. funeral service will take place in the RCMP Chapel in Regina on Saturday, April 9 at 12:30 p.m., followed by his burial in the RCMP Cemetery alongside his late wife Shirley.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RCMP Museum in Regina at the following address: Friends of the Mounted Police Heritage Center 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Sask S4T 0P4

**D/Comm'r Guy Marcoux will be missed. His reputation as a long serving member of the Force and his friendship with so many will always be described in the fashion of a true, sincere and kindly gentleman. We have lost a friend. JJH

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Special Constable Tom Three Persons

C A N A D A

A short story

about

Special Constable Tom Three Persons

by

Vet. Don Klancher, 'E' Division

Special Constable Tom Three Persons was born in March 1888 at Standoff, North West Territories {after 1905 this part of the NWT became the Province of Alberta}.

Undoubtedly, Alberta’s most famous cowboy, Tom Three Persons was baptized as Moses Three Persons, but he was known to all as 'Tom'. He was said to be the son of "... Double Talker, a Blood woman, and Fred Pace, a white trader and bootlegger ..." [At one time,] Pace was an original member of the NWMP, he served from 1873-74; Regimental Number (old series) 136.

Although he [Tom] had been competing in bronc-riding competitions for a few years, he entered the first Calgary (Alberta) Stampede in 1912, as a virtually-unknown competitor and left as the world’s bucking horse champion, having defeated a number of experienced competitors.

As the only Canadian who won a championship in a major event at that first Calgary Stampede, he became an instant celebrity. During his prime, he attended many rodeos and won many more events; in later years he took up calf roping.

In the book Tom Three Persons : Legend of an Indian Cowboy by Hugh A. Dempsey; the author wrote that "... In spite of the rumours, stories and gossip about Three Persons antics, he had never been arrested, not even for being intoxicated. Accordingly, when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police needed two new scouts, they offered the positions to Three Persons and his friend Tom Many Feathers. It seems strange that a man who some people believed was in league with the Devil, who was said to be a wife beater, a thief, and an arsonist, should wear the five-pointed star of an RCMP Scout. Yet Three Persons was probably recommended to the position by the new Indian agent ... who was either unaware or unconcerned about Three Person’s reputation. To him, Three Persons was a reliable, hard-working man who spoke good English and was a hero among many of his people. To the Mounted Police, he was an Indian with a clean record who was willing to carry out his assigned duties ..."

On December 2, 1921, he [Tom Three Persons] was engaged as a RCMP Special Constable; "as Scout to Stand Off Detachment." At the time, Stand Off Detachment was part of "M" Division, Headquartered at Macleod, Alberta. He served [in the Force] until March 31, 1922.

Tom Three Persons was inducted into:

Canadian Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame; Calgary, Alberta - July 11, 1983

Indian Rodeo Hall of Fame - 2002

Hall of Fame at National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum; Forth Worth, Texas - 2007

Sports Hall of Fame; Lethbridge, Alberta - May 1, 2010

Tom Three Persons died on March 13, 1949. He was buried at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Cardston, AB.

Photo of Tom Three Persons with permission:

Photo Courtesy of Glenbow Museum Archives / NA-778-7 With many thanks to Vet. Don Klancher For additional details read Tom Three Persons : Legend of an Indian Cowboy by Hugh A. Dempsey. 'Maintain Our Memories' J. J. Healy, Reg.#23685