Monday, November 28, 2011

Memorial: Reg.#5646, Constable George Ledingham, RNWMP

'The Mystery of the Mountie with Two Many Names'

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Upon first breath, life presents itself very differently to everyone.

As a general thesis, no person ever knows with precision what kind of a life lies ahead. A true surprise was in store for RNWMP Reg.#5646, George Ledingham. 

The story of Constable Ledingham cannot explose the same emotions which he must have felt. His life began under an abusive father. He was forced to run away from home. 

Then...
Read 'The Mystery of the Mountie with Two Many Names' 

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Scroll down to 'The Mystery...

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Friday, November 25, 2011

Obituary: Reg.#5700, A/Comm'r A. N. Eames

C A N A D A
Reg.#5700 / O.209 Assistant Commissioner A. N. Eames

'Friends Not Forgotten'

RCMP Officer Who Led Hunt For Trapper Dies
Obituary

VANCOUVER (CP)

'Funeral services were held Friday [January 15, 1965] for retired RCMP Assistant Commissioner Alexander Eames, who led the great northern manhunt for the Mad Trapper of Rat River. 

Mr. Eames, who died Wednesday, was 81. He led what is regarded as the greatest manhunt of the north when in 1931 he was in charge of the Herschel Island RCMP detachment In the Arctic. 

Trapper Albert Johnson had started a reign of terror in the area. Each time he was cornered during his cross country flight he fought off his pursuers with gunfire.

One RCMP officer was killed.-  another policeman and soldier were wounded before Johnson was finally shot in a gun battle in March of 1932.

He is survived by his wife and two sisters.'

The Lethbridge Herald
Saturday January 16, 1965

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor and Appreciation: Vet. John (Ace) Henderson, Ottawa, ON

**A public RCMP/Vets Memorial Service for A/Comm'r Eames is being planned for May or June 2012 at the RCMP's Memorial site at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, ON
All are invited. Details to follow... (JJHealy)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Last Post: Reg.# 13881, S/S/M F. A Baker

Obituary:

Last Post: Reg.# 13881, S/S/M F. A. Baker

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Baker, Francis Alan

On Monday, November 21, 2011 in his 100th year. Beloved husband of marcy. Private funeral arrangements. In memory of alan, donations to the Wild Bird Care Centre, P. O. Box 11159, nepean, Ontario K2H 7T9 would be appreciated.

S/S/M Baker was born on 12/11/1912. he joined the Force on 06/01/1941 and he retired in 1970.

S/S/M Baker spent his career between 'A' Div., and 'HQ'

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Reg.#10307, Corporal Walter James Gillissie


Reg.#10307, Corporal Walter James Gillissie
'Friends Not Forgotten'

Walter James Gillissie was born in Metcalfe, Ontario in 1907. He joined the Force in 1927 and specialized in the Forensic Identification Section in 'A' and 'HQ' Div's. He retired in 1948.

Corporal Gillissie is father to Reg.#18469, William (Bill) A. Gilissie.

The following note was recently received from Bill Gillissie. He said;

'Hi Joe. We have never met but I have to say 'thanks' for your work of love on the RCMP graves.' Blessings, Bill.

Corporal Gillissie died in 1953 and he is buried in Notre Dame Cemetery, Ottawa, ON


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Reg.#11335, Sgt. Thomas Francis Thorogood

'CAUSE TO PAUSE TO CELEBRATE'

 GRAVE MARKER DISCOVERED AND RESTORED

A short story of bravery and reliancy
Born, goes to war for Canada, is wounded and hospitalized
'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 11335, 'Tommy' Thorogood was born in 1895. At a very young age, he enlisted for WWI., joined the 100th Winnipeg, 11 Batallion and PPCLI. He was employed with the Military Police.

On October 31, 1919 he was wounded, hospitalized and retured to duty. After the war, he returned home to Canada. In 1923, he joined the Manitoba Provincial Police (MPP) which was absorbed into the RCMP in 1932. He served in 'D' and 'F' Div.'s

'Tommy' Thorogood retired from the Force in in 1946. Throughout the 1950's he was employed as the Desk Clerk at the Leland Hotel in Kamloops, BC. He died in 1965 at the age of 69 years.

Until recently, the grave site of Sgt. Thorogood was unknown. However, this note of explanation was received from Mr. Chris Fryer today (22/11/2011)

Awesome site! Just thought I would send you a couple pictures of restoration work we did on a members marker at Mount Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm, BC. This work was done through the VAC/CWGC as we have restored all the Veterans and RCMP markers. 

We love this kind of work and take real pride knowing the members service is and was not forgotten. We use sodium bicarbonate to clean the markers, it's abrasive but not abrasive enough to hurt the stone, environmentally friendly and safe.  

If we can help out any way or you know of anyone needing restoration work in BC, please let us know.

Thanks,

Chris Fryer

'Maintain Our Memories'

Appreciation: Notes of (deceased) Vet. Jack White

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Sunday, November 20, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#25163, Constable J. B. Baldwinson


C A N A D A 
In Memory of Constable John Brian Baldwinson
RCMP Honour Roll #151

'Friends Are Not Forgotten; but,
Forever Missed Especially By Family.'  

From a dear friend, RCMP Rev. Chaplain Gerry McMillan, Orillia, ON

Hi Joe,

Thank you for your wonderful work on the Sub Constable Cherry dedication. I really appreciate your website. 

I did not have time to tell you but I have a family member on the Honour Roll. His name is Cst. John Brian Baldwinson. He was killed October 28, 1975. It was one of the saddest days in our lives. 

I was born and grew up in Kenora, ON.  My mother's family roots are Icelandic., but she came from Riverton, MB about 40 km north of Gimili. It's also where my cousin Johnny resided and where he is now buried (not in Toronto as mentioned in author Knuckle's book).  

For years, I spent holidays on my uncle's farm in Riverton. It was there I chummed with my cousin John. He was about 3 years old to me. He became a hero in my life. 


When I was younger I too wanted to be a Mountie and I subscribed to the RCMP Quarterly. Up until that time, John had not shown any interest in becoming a member.  But, I will never forget the time he asked to borrow my Quarterlies. 

Before I knew he he was joining the RCMP!  

We are so glad to see his picture on your site. We still miss him. 

Chaplain Gerry McMillan

'Maintain Our Memories' 

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#o165 Sub/Cst. John T. Cherry

In Memory of North West Mounted Police
Reg.#o165 Sub/Cst. John T. Cherry


Dedication of New Memorial Grave Stone
St. Mary's Cemetery,
Kingston, Ontario
November 16, 2011


'Friends Not Forgotten'

 RCMP Chaplain, Rev. Gerry McMillan
UP
****

Toronto Vet. Jack O'Reilly and CBC's 'Grapes' Don Cherry
Down


Inspector 'Bob Kraus                                                 
Principle Organizer
and Team Leader
for Sub/Cst. Cherry Memorial  
(DOWN)                                                            














      
(UP)
District Commander, Kingston
Superintendent J. Strachan (right)
CoOrdinator with Kingston Vets,
and Host of Memorial Ceremony

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Commissioner Robert W. Paulson

C A N A D A
CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW TOP BRASS

COMMISSIONER R.W. PAULSON

Reg.#38571 / Officer O.2030

CBC television reports tonight, November 15, 2011 the appointment of Robert W. Paulson as the RCMP's new Commissioner.

Commissioner Paulson joined the Force in 1986. After basic training at 'Depot', he was posted to 'E' Div. He arrived in 'HQ' Ottawa about 2006 at which time he received the Order of Merit.

The Force has always had its challenges beginning with the 'March West'. However, in recent years, the RCMP has come under criticism from the public, media and members unlike any other period of its history. Personally, I wish Commissioner Paulson every success in all the stuggles which lie before him.

All Members, Employees and RCMP Vets extend Congratulations to R. W. Paulson, the 23rd Commissioner of the Force. 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

From a Mother - RCMP Fallen Four - Mayerthorpe, AB


From a Mother - RCMP Fallen Four - Mayerthorpe, AB
'Friends Not Forgotten'

Dear Joe,

Thank you.

I was so pleased to find this site. I would like to add a couple more pictures. We have some information on the back of the stone which I would like included. I can send them when the snow goes.

I also think you may want to include the The Fallen Four Memorial Park at Mayerthorpe. It is quite a tribute not only to our four boys but to the all peace officers. It also shows the strength of the Community.

I am Brock Myrol's mother.
Colleen Patricia Myrol


Buffao Joe replies;

Dear Colleen,

I was deeply touched that you would take time to write to me and your note is very special to me. Thank you!

I would be pleased to receive your new pictures and I'd be honoured to add them to Brock's site.

I have a page dedicated to the Fallen Four.

It is my intention to add more information to it. I will add anything special to the page which you decide to send to me.

Please keep in touch.

You have all my condolences and love,

Yours truly,

Joe Healy
Reg.#23685
Ottawa

Sunday, November 13, 2011

In Memory of Reg.# 5756, Richard 'Dick' Clive Stuchbery

REG.# 5756, RICHARD CLIVE STUCHBERY
'FRIENDS NOT FORGOTTEN'

Constable 'Dick' Stuchbery, RNWMP was born April 2, 1893 at  Stoke on Trent, Stafford, England. As an immigrant, he arrived in Canada and joined the Force on December 2, 1913. 

Constable Stuchbery's career was not marked by poor performance, although, on one occasion he appeared in Service Court on March 1, 1915 for 'Breaking Barracks'. He was fined $5.00 by Superintendent Starnes. Constable Stuchbery may have had something on his mind at the time he broke away for an evening in town. After appearing in Service Court, he appeared in church. He married Ms Edith Taylor on December 12, 1916 at the Methodist Church, Bellvue, AB.

Constable Stuchbery retired on May 24, 1947 and returned to England. He died on September 13, 1970 at Eton, Buckinghamshire, England.

Interestingly, Constable Stuchbery is not buried with his wife. But, that is the subject of another mystery.

Contributors and Appreciation:
notes, Vet Jack White
photo, C/Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div.
'Maintain Our Memories'
J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685




Saturday, November 12, 2011



SUB/CST. J. T. CHERRY NWMP

DEDICATION CEREMONY PROGRAM

NOVEMBER 16, 2011 @ KINGSTON, ON

Organized by the Kingston Vets and Bob Kraus 

            11:00          Call to Attention: 
                               Troop - Vets. with Honour Guard and Piper.

                              RCMP March.  S/M. R. Tardif - S/S/M. R. Akin

                               Opening Remarks

                               RCMP Officer – Supt. Jennifer Strachan

                               Last Post – Bugler (Gillian MacDonald) 

                               Minute of Silence
                               Lament – Piper (Jack Yourt – RCMP)

                                    Dedication of Headstone

                              Chaplain- Gerry McMillan
 

                               Laying of Wreath and “Unveiling”

                               (2) RCMP Members and (2) RCMP Vets.’

                               Escorting Don and Dick Cherry in laying of Wreath
                                       

          11:40           Closing Remarks- Chaplain Gerry McMillan

                              Adjournment to CFB Kingston- Vimy Officers’ Mess
                                Reveille – Bugler (Gillian MacDonald)                                       

                               Honour Guard Troop and Piper depart

                               S/M. R. Tardif – S/S/M. Akin

'Maintain Our Memories'
J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685                               

                       

Thursday, November 10, 2011

A WORLD'S HOPE FOR PEACE

C A N A D A  

'MAINTAIN OUR MEMORIES'

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Last Post: Reg.#11992, Corporal E. R. Henderson

 Last Post:
Reg.#11992, Corporal E. R. Henderson
Oldest retired member of the Force


Last Post:
Reg.#11992, Corporal E. 'Ernie' R. Henderson

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Corporal E. R. Henderson joined the Force in 1933. He left the Force in 1947 while NCO i/c High River Detachment, 'K' Div.

Throughout his life in Alberta, Ernie remained close to the Force. 'Ernie' Henderson passed away yesterday, November 8, 2011 at the age of 106 moons.

This note from his granddaughter was rec'd today,
Hi Joe;  
I just wanted to let you know that Ernie Henderson who you featured as Vet of the Month in Feb 2011 just died last night.  He was 106. Not sure when the funeral /memorial service will be but likely Friday the 18th in High River, AB. Just thought you would like to know.
Kristin Hillenbrand
granddaughter in law
Legal Counsel

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685
C A N A D A

SHARING STARS AND STRIPES
TROOP 10 76/77 REUNION @ 'DEPOT'
OCTOBER, 2011

UP
Cenotaph next to the Parade Square @ 'Depot'. L to R:
Sgt. Dave Senay (rtd.), A/Commr. Russ Mirasty, Champlain Tom McCullagh,
Daryl Cormier (rtd.), Cst. Len Kilroy (rtd.),
& S/S/M John A. Buis, Burnaby Detachment.
DOWN
L to R front row :Daryl Cormier (rtd.), Cst. Len Kilroy (rtd.),
Insp. John Bureaux (rtd.). Back row Sgt. Dave Senay (rtd.), S/S/M John A. Buis,
Cpl. Tim Kohlsmith (rtd.), and A/Commr. Russ Mirasty


Contributor and Appreciation:
J.A. (John) Buis, M.O.M., Staff Sergeant Major
Executive NCO to the OIC - Burnaby Detachment
6355 Deer Lake Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5G 2J2
john.buis@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
 
'MAINTAIN OUR MEMORIES'
J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Reg.#13974, Corporal Willard L. Jewett

C A N A D A


Reg.#13974, Corporal Willard Leo Jewett

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Corporal W. L. Jewett was born in 1920. He joined the Force early in 1941 and his career took him to 'O', 'G' & 'O' Divisions. He retired in 1961.

In 2001, Corporal Jewett died in Mississauga, ON. He is buried in the Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg, Ontario.

Corporal Jewett was a Life Member of the Toronto Vets. 

Contributors and Appreciation:
*Photo: courtesy of Corporal Willard Jewett’s daughter, Elaine McKay who took the photo of his grave marker last week. At the time, Ms Mckay buried her mother’s ashes with her father, and,
*Toronto Vet Jack O'Reilly, one of the strongest researchers and finders of RCMP Graves.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Reg.#31814, Corporal Beverly Hosker

C A N A D A


A MARK IN HISTORY

REG.#31814, CORPORAL BEV K. HOSKER

It may be best known that Corporal Hosker was among the first women to join the Force in 1974.

It is far less known that Corporal Hosker was the first RCMP female member appointed In Charge of a Detachment in 'E' Division: Wells Detachment in 1993.
 

Corporal Hosker -- We remember. She made a significant mark in the history of the Force.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, November 2, 2011


Contributor & Appreciation: Bob Bacchus, Edmonton RCMP Vets

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Reg.#1334, Constable Edward J. Taylor



In Memory of Constable Edwrd John Taylor 

'Friends Not Forgotten

Constable Taylor was born in 1864 in Hamilton, ON. He joined the Force at the age of 22 years.

He was involved in the Riel Rebellion and afterwards volunteered to go to South Africa with the First Canadian Mounted Rifles. After the SAW, Taylor, was an Acting Lt. in the 18th Canadian Light Horse Regiment. 

John Taylor left the Force in 1909 and returned to farming in Saskatchewan. He died in 1931 and he is buried in the Cabri Town Cemetery, Cabri, SK.

Contributor and Appreciation: Reg.#49204, Cpl. Greg Doell [mailto:gdoell@hotmail.com] Swift Current (2011)

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy
REg.#23685