Friday, September 30, 2011

Memorial at RCMP National Cemetery, Beechwood, Ottawa

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RCMP National Cemetery Memorial
Beechwood, Ottawa, Ontario

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Appreciation to all Ottawa Vets, volunteers, contributors and Beechwood Cemetery administrators who helped to make the RCMP National Cemetery. 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Thursday, September 29, 2011

'H' Troop 1963/1964

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'Friends Not Forgotten'


Contributors and Appreciation:

Reg.# 22785, Keith Shotbolt, (R'td)
and
Reg.#22787, Patrick Meikle (R'td) [mailto:rcmp.h6263@gmail.com]

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#11661, Constable Parry R. Baker

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'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#11661, Parry Raymond Baker joined the Force in 1932. He was killed in action on October 5, 1944.

His final resting place is Pinecrest Cemetery, Ottawa, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor and Appreciation: John Henderson, Vets Ottawa

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#3853, Corporal A. W. Withrow

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In Memory of
Reg.#3853, Corporal A. W. Withrow

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This just in...

The grave of Reg.#3583, Corporal Andrew Warren Withrow has been found by Toronto Vet. Jack O'Reilly and Vet. Merle Armstrong.

Corporal Withrow was born in Rawdon, Hants County, Nova Scotia. He joined the Force on  March 31, 1902 and he served in the Yukon until his time expired on March 30, 1907.

Andrew Warren Withrow died on October 20, 1920 in Toronto, Ontario. He is buried in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Kitchener, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Appreciation: Vets Jack O'Reilly and Merle Armstrong

Cold Danger: 0.173, Reg.#4396, Reg.#5369, 0.221

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Cold Danger

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This is a short essay in two parts about the RCMP which takes place in the North West Territories, Canada in the early 1900’s. Both incidents recall the arduous conditions under which members worked and the life threatening dangers our four heroes faced. Cold danger.

Part II speaks of a murder case in which very unusual circumstances played out in ‘court’. Readers will be in disbelief how the story ends.

PART I. Constable J. W. Phillips joined the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) on June 1, 1898. His first transfer took him to ‘K’ Div. (Alberta). By all accounts, Phillips was an above average sort as he went about his daily police chores. At first, nothing stood out about him thus leading one to surmise that he, like others, had their usual ‘ups and downs’.

Phillips was among other NWMP who represented Canada and fought in the South Africa War (1900 to 1902).

On July 30, 1903, for the first time, Phillips found himself in Service Court. He was charged with ‘...accepting money from a prisoner’. I suspect the money was to be used to purchase cigarettes but we are not told his story. He was fined $5.00 by Superintendent Wilson.  His ‘walk down the hall’ had little effect on his career as Phillips was promoted to the Commissioned ranks on April 1, 1913. As Officer O.173, Phillips was transferred to ‘G’ Division (Northwest Territories).

For a spell, Phillips stayed clear of Service Court. But, about five years later, on April 1, 1913, he took another stride ‘down the hall’. This time he had been charged with being ‘... found with liquor in barracks’. He was fined $5.00.

On July 22, 1918, while stationed in the North, Phillips made a routine patrol for the mail which turned into a life threatening episode. He left Herschel Island on a boat with Reg.#4396, Cpl. William A. Doak and Reg.# 5369, Cst. Eric H. Cornelius. Their boat was wrecked in floating ice during a sudden storm. The three members were forced to abandon the boat and jump from one tipsy iceberg to another, endeavouring to reach solid ice. Eventually, they came to open water and had to swim in the frigid ocean to reach shore. 

Later, it was decided that Constable Cornelius set out, in soaking clothes, to Herschel some 12 miles (19 kilometres) away. Phillips and Doak sought shelter in driftwood on the shoreline. By the next morning, Doak was delirious but they had the good fortune of attracting the attention of a whale boat passing by and the pair was rescued. When Cst. Cornelius was found, he was still struggling valiantly, in frozen clothing, towards Hershel Island. In the end, all three members were saved but only with good fortune, timing, good luck and perseverance.

PART II.  After the ice skipping incident, Phillips continued to meet new challenges which only the North could present to members of the Force. In 1920, Phillips made a lengthy patrol to the Belcher Inlands ( southeast Hudson Bay) accompanied by Reg.# 4919, Sgt. Alfred H. Joy. They were to investigate a murder. Phillips and Joy found that ‘Tukautouk’ had murdered ‘Ketaushuk’ who was known to be insane and was threatening others in the Band.

In his capacity as Coroner, Phillips held an Inquest. In his final pronouncement, he found that ‘...Ketaushuk was killed for the common good and safety of the band...’ and ‘...owing to the primitive existence and total absence of all knowledge of law’. No criminal charges were laid.

On the surface, it may appear that Phillips’ decision would tax the democratic notion of the rule of law that ‘...everyone is equal before the law’, however, extenuating circumstances and human judgement determined otherwise.  

Officer Phillips was given this honour. ‘Phillips Channel, Northwest Territories in the Mackenzie River Delta (Lat: 67·52·00N Long: 135·04·00W) was named after him.

What became of Phillips? He continued to lead a very successful career in the NWMP, RNWMP and the RCMP. In addition to serving in ‘K’ and ‘G’ Divisions, he served in ‘O’ and ‘A’ Divisions (Ontario).

Eventually, O.173, Assistant Commissioner John Willett Phillips was transferred to ‘E’ Division (British Columbia), where he retired on December 31, 1935 as the Commanding Officer.

All heroes who overcame cold danger!

O.173, A/Comm’r. J. W. Phillips died in 1959. He is buried in Ontario.

Honour Roll # 45, Reg.#4396, Corporal W. A. Doak was shot and killed on duty in 1922. He is buried in Tree River, NWT.

Reg.# 5369, Corporal E. H. Cornelius died in 1922. He is buried in Nova Scotia.

0.221, Inspector A. H. Joy died on duty from a heart attack. He is buried in Ottawa, Ontario

‘Maintain Our Memories’

Appreciation: Story line and research by Vet. Jack White
Editing and rearranging by Vet. J. J. Healy

September 27, 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

Last Post: Reg.# 20465, Robert T. Martell

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Last Post:
Reg.# 20465, Robert Thomas Martell (1938 - 2011)

'Friends Not Forgotten'
With heartfelt sadness, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Sunday, September 18, 2011. Bob was born in North Sydney, Cape Breton on December 27, 1938.
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by wife Kay, sons Kevin (Suzanne) of Gimli, MB, Rob (Cindy) of Tampa, FL, Ross (Marie-Pierre) of St. Jerome, QC; his grandchildren: Cameron, JT, Ann-Charlotte, Angelique, and baby Alexandra, sister Pat (Jim Ryan) of Baddeck, NS, brother Aubrey (Cathy) of Bridewater, NS, sister-in-law Sharon of Regina, SK, nieces, a nephew and many cousins. He was predeceased by parents Cameron and Rose, and infant brother, Cameron.
Bob marched west at the age of 19 to become a Mountie and served proudly for 25 years. He then established R.T. Martell Associates. Bob felt fortunate to have been associated with the Winnipeg Jets for 17 years as their NHL Security Representative, and then for another 15 years as the Manitoba Moose advisor and troubleshooter. He still actively played hockey and recently began enjoying his winters in Florida with Kay. Bob dreamed of his beloved Cape Breton often and thankfully he was able to visit one last time two weeks ago. For that we are all grateful.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Stonewall United Church, Stonewall Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to: Manitoba Slain Peace Officers Fund, C/O Eric Luke, 22 Bonnie Crescent, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0.
As he often said: Home I'll Be, Home I'll Be. Rest In Peace Bob MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 467-2525
'Maintain Our Memories'
J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor: 'E' Div. Vet Sheldon Boles

Friday, September 23, 2011

Constable Roch Carr - Recent Graduate from 'Depot'

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Recruit and Relic
Constable Roch Carr (left) - Recent Graduate
Begin: 'Depot' on March 29, 2011
Grad: 'Depot' on Septembeer 19, 2011
'They don't make'em any finer...'

Constable Roch Carr of Ottawa is a friend whom I expected and encouraged to join the Force a few years ago.

What impressed me especially was not just his enthusiam for a career in policing, but his calm and friendly manner which is well suited for the practice of community policing. In addition, he has an ease in his conversational style that invites open communication. His determination to join the RCMP was evident. I didn't have to push him to join. Sure, his parents were pleased with his career decision, but I saw potential in Roch from a police officer's angle. Congratulations!

Today, Roch is preparing to leave Ottawa for his first posting in Grand Rapids, 'D' Division (Manitoba). He'll begin his first day at work in a week or so. As Vets, we were once in Roch's 'high browns' years ago and we know how fast the years roll on. When Roch retires, he too will have wonderful memories of a very satisfying career in the Force.

Roch's investigations will take him across Canada and around the world.

I join all Roch's friends and family to wish him our hopes for a long, safe and memorable career in the Force. We won't tell him that he has potential to be a future Commissioner -- apparently there is an opening!

Policing can be a dangerous profession, but Roch has been trained by solid and experienced instuctors. We trust that St. Michael, the Patron Saint of all police officers, will guard Roch all the days of his career.

By the way, did I tell you that Roch's Reg.# is 59663 ! 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Last Post: Reg.# 19470, S/Sgt. Thomas Hardiman


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Last Post: Reg.# 19470, S/Sgt. Thomas Hardiman

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

Reg.# 19470, S/Sgt. Thomas Hardiman, ( Retired), of Navan, Ontario passed away on Sept. 21, 2011. 

Tom joined the Force in 1956. He retired in 1984 and he served in 'K', 'G', 'HQ' and 'F' Div's.

Funeral service details to follow.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributors & Appreciation: Ottawa Div Vet.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Last Post: Reg.# 20238, Herbert John Strasser

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Reg.# 20238, Herbert John Strasser

'Friends Not Forgotten'
Obituary

John Herbert Strasser (RCMP Officer for 35 years)

Passed away peacefully at the Belleville General Hospital on Monday September 19th, 2011. Herbert Strasser of Belleville in his 74th year.

Beloved husband of Francine Strasser. Loving father of Carole (Richard) Jukosky of Fort Erie and Mark (Tracy) Strasser of Niagara Falls. Dear friend of Cory McMullan. Survived by his sisters Carol & Eileen and brothers Rick (Kelly), Albert “Skip” (Debbie). Predeceased by sister Erna and brother Joe Strasser. Ever remembered by his grandchildren Kyle & Jesse Jukosky and Jamie & Lisa Strasser.

Herbert will be dearly missed by many family, friends and fellow RCMP members.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Bush Funeral Home, 80 Highland Ave. Belleville (613) 968-5588 on Thursday September 22nd, 2011 from 12:00 noon until time of service in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor & Appreciation: Toronto Vet Jack O'Reilly

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Officer 0.600, R. H. Simmonds - Enjoys Retirement

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Officer 0.600, Commissioner R. H. Simmonds - Living In Ottawa 

Years Ago


Days Ago



Officer 0.600, R. H. Simmonds - Enjoys Retirement 
Seventeenth RCMP Commissioner

As Commissioner: September 1, 1977 - August 31, 1987


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Saturday, September 17, 2011

A Mystery of Prime Ministerial Proporations

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A Mystery of Prime Ministerial Proporations
(Present day battle between a deceased Prime Minister and a deceased Commissioner)
 
'Friends Not Forgotten'

Click on or enter this link in your browzer:

http://www.rcmpgraves.com/buffalo/primeministermystery.html

or

go to: www.rcmpgraves.com. On the Home, scroll down (left side) click on Buffalo Board, scroll down to bottom of page to see 'Mystery'....

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Friday, September 16, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#16317, S/Sgt. Frank Slater

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In Memory of Reg.#16317, S/Sgt. Frank Slater

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Frank Slater was born in Poland in 1908. His arrival date to Canada in not known, however, he joined the BCPP in 1930 (British Columbia Provincial Police). The BCPP was absorbed into the RCMP in 1950 at which time Frank was a Corporal in Kamloops, BC.

While in the service of the BCPP, Frank received two Commendations; one in 1943 and the other in 1946. As well,  he was a tremendous help during the Fraser River flood of 1948 and afterwards he received 'Special Mention' from officials.

S/Sgt. Frank Slater was the NCO i/c of Nanaimo Detachment at the time of his retirement in 1967. He died in 1993 and he is buried in the Nanaimo Cemetery, BC.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributors and Appreciation: The photo of Frank Slater's grave was received today from Vet. Wayne Mossman. Frank's career details contained in this Blog were taken from the Jack White files.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Reg.#9221, Sgt. John A. Kidd

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'Rounding up the Kidd Family'
and
Reg.#9221, Sgt. John A. Kidd
and
Reg.#39566, S/Sgt. Peter Kidd

'Friends Not Forgotten' 


Indeed it is a small world. Read this message from S/Sgt. Peter Kidd which was received today. 

Hi Joe,

I am presently a member of the Force in my 25th year of service.

About a year ago I began to gather documents together relating to my grandfather Reg.#9221, Sgt. John Kidd of Ottawa. I never knew him as he passed away when I was less than two years old. 

I obtained copies of his Attestation Papers relating to his days with the CEF Battalion 204 'Beavers'. I also obtained a copy of his medical file from the RCMP which contained a lot of interesting information relating to his respiratory problems after returning from WWII. There's even a reference to an injury he suffered while working at a printing press prior to joining the Force. 

Two days ago, I discovered that you had written a story about him as 'Vet of the Month': January 2011. My father (also John) is mentioned in Sgt. Kidd's obituary as 'John of Kingston'. My father also died when I was young and so I did not get the opportunity to come to know many of my relatives on my father's side. 

Your article provided me with a lot of unknown information.  Thank you very much.

Now, I would like to contact the main contributor to your article, Ms. Marlene O'Neil of Ottawa. I believe she is my cousin.

I am in Ottawa occasionally as my son attends University there. Ironically, two weeks ago I drove past the Pinecrest Cemetery on Baseline Road unaware that my grandfather Sgt. Kidd's grave is there. 

I am hoping that you would forward this email to Ms. O'Neil or provide a contact number for her (with her permission.)  I would love to talk to her.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

S/Sgt. Peter Kidd, RCMP
Reg.# 39566

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Mystery of Reg.# 5646

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The Mystery of Reg.#5646, Cst. George Ledingham

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Dear Superintendent Healy,

My grandfather George enlisted in London, England I believe, after having served 7 or 8 years in India with the British Forces.  

When he returned to England, he met my grandmother who was a hospital nurse. He enlisted in the RNWMP in London and went to Regina, SK for training. I have a copy of his enlistment paper and I can scan it and send it along to this site if that would be helpful. 

I do not know where he served in Canada. He and my grandmother were willing to wait the X number of years members of the RNWMP had to then wait to marry, but when WWI broke out that restriction was lifted, his regiment (?) served with the Seaforth Highlanders.

Thank you very much for this RCMP graves initiative.

Ms ....P. B.
Granddaughter


The Mystery of Reg.#5646, Cst. George Ledingham

Note: If the reader scans the paragraph above very, very carefully about Constable George Ledingham, one will spot a clue which is most unusual but will solve the Mystery.

Trust me, the answer to the riddle will follow soon.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post : Superintendent James 'Jim' Rainville

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Last Post : Superintendent James 'Jim' Rainville
'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary: Ottawa Div Vets.

It is with great sadness that we must inform you of the death of Superintendent Jim Rainville, who passed away on Tuesday, September 13, 2011.

You are invited to sign a book of condolences in the lobby or at the main desk of the following locations: 440 Coventry, TPOF, Nicholson Building and 73 Leikin Drive (M4).

Condolences by email to:   Condoleances@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

Funeral for Superintendent Jim Rainville

Visitation will be held at Beechwood National Memorial Centre at 280 Beechwood Avenue on Thursday, September 15, from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm.

The funeral will be held at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Friday, September 16 at 1 pm, followed by the interment.

Condolences The Rainville family has requested that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. For more information, please contact S/M Debbie Reitenbach, 613-843-4497.

Contributors: C/Supt. Sharon  Woodburn, Commanding Officer, National Headquarters,  and Ottawa Div. Vets.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#4785, Cpl. Stephen Wiedeman

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In Memory of Royal North West Mounted Police
Reg.#4785, Cpl. Stephen Wiedeman


'Friends Not Forgotten'

Cpl. Stephen Wiedeman joined the RNWMP on October 31, 1908. He left the Force on October 30, 1913 from Irvine Detachment in 'K' Div (Alberta).


Cpl. Wiedeman died in Medicine Hat, AB in 1964 and he is buried in the Hillside Cemetery.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg#23685

Contributor of portrait and Appreciation: Vancouver Vet. Sheldon Boles [mailto:seboles@telus.net]

Contributor: stone monument photo: Mr. Reg Keatley, Friend of the Force, Calgary, AB

Monday, September 12, 2011

Out of the Blue -- New Friends - Family of Pilot Wop May

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Reg.# 5700, Alexander Neville Eames, A/Comm'r.
Investigator on 'Mad Trapper' file 1932

'Friends Not Forgotten'

The following letter from the May family received today.

To Mr. Kelly Egan, Ottawa Citizen,

Good morning,

I read with interest in the Edmonton Journal a story by Kelly Egan about retired RCMP Officer Joe Healy who has located the ashes of Inspector Eames who directed the hunt for the Mad Trapper.

My dad (W.R. "Wop" May) was the pilot who flew to Aklavik and helped the search party, and I have some photos that Joe Healy may like to have for his files. 
Could Kelly put me in touch with Joe Healy?

Thanks, Margaret & Denny May

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Sunday, September 11, 2011

In Memory of S/1659, S/Cst. Morris A. Mitchell

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In Memory of S/1659, S/Cst. Morris A. Mitchell

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This photo was received today from Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson and Friend of the Force Ms Allison Glass, Edmonton AB

Special Constable Mitchell in buried in Leduc Alberta.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: 0.947, Superintendent John Edward Religa

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Last Post: 0.947, Superintendent John Edward Religa

'Friends Not Forgotten'  

Obituary: Ottawa Div Vets

It is with regret that Ottawa Vets announce the passing of retired Reg.#18230 / 0.947 Superintendent John Edward Religa, L/M Ottawa Division.

Superintendent Religa died on Saturday, September 10th, 2011, at 7:30 PM at the Civic Hospital, Ottawa, ON

At this moment, no information has been released regarding the  funeral notice or service.

Appreciation: Ottawa Div. Vets

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J Healy
Reg.#23685

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Reg.#21775, S/Sgt. Francis J. Baruta

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Reg.#21775, S/Sgt. Francis 'Frank' J. Baruta
A Highway Patrol Friend

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Members who served in 'E' Div. in the mid 1960's and members who served as Instructors in 'Depot' in the '70's will recall Frank Baruta -- a true, dedicated Highway Patrol Man from the tip of his boots up to his eyebrows.

Appreciation: This photo of Frank's grave marker was received from Vet. Barry Howard today.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685