Thursday, July 7, 2011

Last Post: Reg.#12551, Robert F. Holtom


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'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#12551, Robert F. (Roy) Holtom

Obituary

Holtom, Robert F. ( Roy ) Reg#12551, R.C.M.P. S/Sgt. Ret'd, R 254806, Sgt./Pilot, R.C.A.F. WW.II, Life Member R.C.M.P. Veterans Association, Life member, R.C. Legion Branch No. 589.

In enduring and loving memory of our father and friend the family of Roy Holtom announces that he begrudingly passed away on July 5,2011 at the age of 96. In moving on to join Julia (1916- 2007) his wife of and partner of 62 years he ends a long and adventurous life. He left the R.C.M.P. Marine Section, as an able seaman, in 1938 to go to England. He spent time in the London Fire Brigade then joined the British contingent of the International Volunteer Brigade to go to the Finnish-Russian war.

He was seconded to the Finnish Air Force as an air gunner. From there to internment in Sweden and then a security job at the British legation in Stockholm. A diplomatic plane returned him to England and work with the Canadian Red Cross. He then joined the merchant navy and signed on to a damaged tanker returning to New York for repairs. From New York back to Canada and the R.C.A.F where , after some time at McGill, he graduated as a fighter pilot in early 1945. The end of the war saw him join the Ottawa Fire Dept. for a short time. After obtaining his commercial pilots licence he rejoined the RCMP as part of the Air Division.  

In 1947 he transferred to Edmonton and spent the rest of his RCMP career in Alberta. He retired from the RCMP in 1965 and moved back to Ottawa to boat, travel and enjoy. He leaves a rich legacy of honesty, loyalty, humour and commitment.

As all good woodworkers know, you can't have a fine finish without some abrasives. Internment along with wife Julia (nee Askin), will be held at the RCMP cemetery in Regina.

Predeceased by his parents Frederick and Edith Holtom and brothers Douglas and Joseph. Survived by sons Donald (Louise) and Murray (Deb) and by brother Paul.

Source: Vets, Ottawa Division

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

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BuffaloJoe
Reg.#23685