Family: Reg.#10793 and Reg.#11917, the Robertsons

Far Flung Flat Family Farms

Reg.#10793, James Alan Stone Robertson

and

Reg.#11901, Richard Dale Robertson

'Oh, did I mention I had a small herd of cattle...?'

Dear Mr Healy;

I read with great interest your story of the Robertson brothers Reg.#10793 and Reg.#11901 sent to you by Mr. Jim Robertson of Ontario.

I am related to them not so far back when James Robertson married Mary Marshall Molison.

I live Brisbane, Australia and I have an interest in getting the family researched down to the present day. 

I work for a cattle company and we have 590,000 head plus 190,000 calves. We own 16.6 million acres of Australia making us the largest landowner. 

We have always appreciated law enforcement because we get rustled a fair bit.  Between rustling and the crocodiles and snakes we have a high ‘disappearance’ rate.

Plenty about our company on the web - Australian Agricultural Company Limited.  Look under 'Brunette Downs' our largest property gets you some good video.

Hopefully you can pass this on to Jim Robertson and he might see fit to email me which would be appreciated.

Kind regards,

Michael Rhodes

Brisbane, Australia

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

**A note of appreciation was sent to Mr. Rhodes. And, thank you Sir for the kind offer to visit Australia to 'ride herd on some crocs'.

Big farm. Small world, eh?

Last Post: Reg.#31829, S/Sgt. Pierre Patenaude

Last Post: Reg.#31829, S/Sgt. Pierre Patenaude

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Pierre Patenaude died suddenly at his home on Tuesday March 13th, 2012 at the age of 58. Pierre was the dear son of the late Georges Patenaude and the late Jacqueline Poitras.

Dearly beloved husband of Louise Ross. Loving father of Martin (Francie Francoeur) and Stéphanie (Jason Kohlmeyer). Cherished grandfather of Matthew, Nolan and Chloé. Dear brother of Diane, Denis (Lise) and André (Monique). Predeceased by his brother Guy. Also loved by his nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road (at Aviation Parkway) on Sunday March 18th, 2012 from 1-4 p.m., then to the Alfred Dallaire Memoria 2159 St. Martin Boulevard East, Laval, QC on Monday March 19th, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.

The Liturgy of the Word will be held at the Alfred Dallaire Memoria on Tuesday March 20, 2012 at 11 a.m.

Interment Cote-des Neiges Cemetery, Montréal, Quebec. In lieu of flowers, to honour Pierre's Mother memorial contributions to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family.

Source: The Ottawa Citizen. March 17, 2012  

Contributor: Vets, Ottawa Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685 

Last Post: O.497, (Rt'd.) A/Comm'r G. J. A. P. Paquette

Last Post Reg.#14243 / O.497 (Rt'd.)

A/Comm'r George Joseph Aurel Peter Paquette

'Friends Not Forgotten'

It is with sadness that our Vets report the death of retired Assistant Commissioner George Paquette in North Vancouver, BC on March 14, 2012.

George joined the RCMP in Edmonton, AB in 1941.  Following training at 'Depot', he was transferred to Wakaw Detachment in 'F' Div. He served in Montreal, QC and New Brunswick before being transferred to 'D' Div. He served in Dauphin and Winnipeg, MB. 

He was Commissioned in 1959 and he was moved to Cornerbrook, NL.  Following his service in 'B' Div. George was moved back to Montreal as Officer i/c Montreal Sub/Div. He spent his last 8 years in the Force as Commanding Officer of 'D' Div. He retired in 1975 and moved to North Vancouver, BC.

George Paquette was highly regarded by all who knew him or served with him. He has been a member of the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans since 1980. 

He was an active member of the North Vancouver Veteran’s Koffee Klatch, regularly attending meetings even in later years when dealing with health issues. 

His family have requested an Honour Guard at the service.  For condolences, please call Mrs. Joan Paquette at 604-980-1533.  A reception will follow the service.  

FUNERAL SERVICE 

TIME AND DATE:   11:00 AM   -   FRIDAY, MARCH 23RD, 2012

LOCATION:  HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2725 LONSDALE AVENUE,  NORTH VANCOUVER, BC 

TEAM ONE GUARD COMMANDER JACK MORTON WILL BE IN CHARGE OF THE HONOUR GUARD.  

Contributor: Steve Holotuk CFE, CIP

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Daniel Today a reader replies ...

Daniel. Today a reader replies ...

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Hi Joe: ----- Just a personal note on your tribute to 'Daniel'. 

I have read your tribute many times and also took it to my local coffee shop, where I shared the story with others. 

Daniel, truly a man of mystery. A man you know so little of.  But, the unspoken word tells a story of loneliness and, perhaps a life filled with emptiness. For reasons probably known only to Daniel, he chose to live his life in a world of silence with no indication of what might have caused his sorrow.

Daniel is now gone but, he did not leave unnoticed. Yur story reminds me of the years I spent as an investigator, when I often ate at restaurants along the way. One day, I stopped at a small diner. While at the table, I looked at the placemat and read the following, which relates to this situation:-- 

                                        "I shall pass through this life

                                          but once,

                                          If, therefore, there is any

                                          kindness I can show,

                                          Or any good I can do any

                                          fellow being,

                                          Let me do it now!

                                          Let me not deter or neglect it,

                                          For I shall not pass this way again." 

Unfortunately, there are many "Daniels" in our midst. You can pick them out at coffee shops. They sit alone, slowly "sipping" their coffee while staring into an empty space, only smiling briefly when the waitress offers more coffee. They continue to stare out the shop window.

Perhaps they wonder of the future but more likely, their thoughts are of a dark underlying circumstance of the past. I can personally relate to their situation. Having lived alone for the past 26 years I, too, sit alone, "sipping" my coffee and staring into an empty space. One tries to regain their composure, before someone notices.

Several years ago I visited a prisoner at a local jail. While intoxicated, he had struck a pedestrian on the highway then fled the scene. He spoke very highly of the arresting RCMP Officer, telling me "I was arrested but the Officer treated me with kindness. We sat and talked in my cabin and when he felt I was comfortable, he placed me in the patrol car. It seemed that he had gone through a similar situation himself. He was a really great guy".

This is just one of the great untold stories of "old" Mounties who took the time to speak to those that seem to be down on their luck. 

Thanks Joe for sharing your story of Daniel. 

Best regards,

Dick Pulsifer, Nova Scotia

Vet and Friend of the Force

Dear Mr. Pulsifer,

What a great note and thank you very much. Your story about the RCMP member adds up to the kinds of people whom I also knew...

The thing that reminds me every day about my career in the Force are the incredible men and women whom I teamed with...and the talents which they demonstrated.

Here's a snippet. One of my first trainers in 1965 was Cst. Leo Langlois from Burnaby Det...a wonderful, sincere, hard working and thoughtful police officer who taught me alot about getting along with people. 

He and I walked into a coffee shop on Kingsway one early morning...it was quiet. Leo spotted a woman sitting alone and she recognized Leo...all of a sudden he starts to 'sign' language...he knew that she couldn't talk and the two of them laughed over their friendship...as I recall, she too was down and out.

I was blown away by Leo's ability to 'sign' and the friends he made along the way. My impression and respect for him has always reminded me to give 'a guy or a lady a chance'...we are more lucky than most.

Yours truly,

Joe

Reg.#23685

'Maintain Our Memories'

In Memory of Reg.#8874, S/Sgt. T. A. Culham, Ph.D

In Memory of Reg.#8874, S/Sgt. T. A. Culham, Ph.D

RCMP. Educator. Professor.

Contributor and Appreciation:

Glen Marshall, Reg.#20333

Photo and Material Source:

I which to openly acknowledge that
the photo of S/Sgt. T.A. Culham and
the Memorial Notes were taken from
the (1964) edition SIGMA Yearbook
owned by and provided to me by
Mr. Glen Marshall. Thank you.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#16189, (R'td) S/Sgt. Chesley Parsons

Last Post: Reg.#16189, (R'td) S/Sgt. Chesley Parsons

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#16189, S/Sgt. Chesley Parsons died at St John's, NL on March 8, 2012. 

'Ches' served in the Newfoundland Ranger Force (Badge #152) from l944 to 1950. He was one of the 55 Newfoundland Rangers who joined the Force. 

All of his service was in B Div. and he retired in 1972 at the rank of S/Sgt.

Ches was a Life Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Division of the Vets Assn.

Funeral details yet to be announced.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Contributor and Appreciation:
Steve Holotuk CFE, CIP

778-471-1365 Res

778-257-1325 Cel

Funeral Service: Reg.#26719, S/Sgt. (R'td) James Barr

Funeral Service: Reg.#26719, S/Sgt. (R'td) James Barr

'Friends Not Forgotten'

S/Sgt. 'Jim' Barr passed away early on March 9, 2012. Details of his Memorial Service have been released.

Visitation: 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012   

1400 to 1600 hours and 1900 to 2100 hours

Memorial Service: 

Thursday, March 15, 2012  

1100 hours

Location: 

James A. Harris Funeral Home

220 St. James Street

London, Ontario 

 To send condolences or to read Jim's obituary visit: www.HarrisFuneralHome.ca

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#26719 (Rt'd) S/Sgt. James William Barr

Reg.#26719, (R'td). S/Sgt. James 'Jim' William Barr

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Beginning last Friday, Jim Barr was a patient in the Intensive Care Unit in a London, ON hospital. He passed away early this morning -- (March 9, 2012).  

Jim engaged in the Force in July, 1968. He served in 'F' & 'G before returning again to 'F' Div. He retired as IC Traffic Services on March 3, 2005. 

After retiring from 'F' (SK) Jim moved back to his home in London, ON

Jim and Vet Steve Holotuk were Troopmates.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Daniel

DANIEL

From my notebook...

There are a few sentiments, feelings that we simply prefer not to discuss. Loneliness is one.

First, I happen to love babies. New ones. Only a few weeks old. No one especially me can ignore a half battalion of babies at the fancy coffee shop where I sip and where all new mothers meet to babble and jive. I'm especially attracted to a baby's eyes. They mesmerize me.

I find it absolutely amazing how a new baby will follow motion so soon after they are born. After all these years, I guess I've become a trusting soul because mothers will share their bundle holding duty with me if I happen nearby. A new baby will hook on to my eyes like a tow truck attached to a Audi and they will follow the slightest movement of its mother. For a new baby, not a single thing moves, not even a mouse, without instant eye pick-up and surveillance. I propose that recruits could learn from babies.

It makes no difference when, but once I met a man sitting alone outside the coffee shop. For some reason, I sat down beside him. His eyes were the reason for my attraction - they were a deep blue colour which I had never seen -- the blueist beyond any colour description which I could imagine.

His eyes were more blue than anything Sinatra ever sang about, more blue than the sky's over New Brunswick and more blue than a deep lake. I couldn't help but buy this guy a cuppa Joe. His name was Daniel.

I saw Daniel often over time, did I mention his unusual beautiful, blue eyes? I asked him nothing and he offered little. Coffee was as far as he would go and I had no need to press. Questions are no cure for loneliness.

For any man, especially a police officer, much is told by a person's eyes. When I retured home to my wife, we tried to imagine where Daniel had spent his life and with whom?  Had he ever been in  love, was there once a woman, where are his children? None of these qustions were ever asked. Or answered.

Yesterday, I had a call that Daniel had died. I'm sure he was not more than 65 years. I quickly did a recall autopsy of his eyes -- his deep blue eyes which gave warmess but for which there are no descriptors. 

One day, he had been a baby. Today was his funeral. In the Chapel, there were only three. The Padre and Daniel made two.

'Maintain Eye Memory'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#28004, Corporal Gilbert 'Gil' White

Last Post: Reg.#28004, Corporal Gilbert 'Gil' H. White

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Harold Gilbert White, -73 years, (of Halifax, NS) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in the QEII Health Sciences Center, Halifax, NS

Born in Twillingate, NL, Gil was a son of the late Jonathan and Florence (Hynes) White.

Gil was a proud member of the RCMP, retiring after 38 years of service in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, Brian, Gary (Sandra) and Terry (Bridgit); daughter, Kim Potter; foster son, Doug; grandchildren, Justin and Tyler White, Christopher, Stephanie and Jennifer Potter, all of Halifax; brother, Harry (Helen), Newfoundland.

Arrangements are under the direction of J. A. Walker Funeral Home

(2005)Ltd. In keeping with Gil's wishes, there will be no visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to a local food bank. Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting, www.walkerfh.com

Contributor and Appreciation:

C/Supt. Brian Brennan, CROPS, 'H' Div. (2012)

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#17087, Sergeant Joseph Keith Sutherland

Last Post: Reg.#17087, Sergeant Joseph Keith Sutherland

'Friends Not Forgotten'

'K' Div Vets sadly announce that Sgt. Keith Sutherland died at the University Hospital in Edmonton, AB.  on March 3, 2012.  

Keith was stationed in 'K' and he retired as a Sgt. in 1974 from Vermilion Det. He was well known in the community and very popular in the Force. 

After retirement from the Force, Keith worked in the Insurance Field in BC.  He was a longtime resident of Ladysmith, BC but he and his wife recently returned to Edmonton, AB. 

It should be mentioned that the Sutherland name is well represented in the Force with at least 13 relatives either serving or have served.

The Funeral is set for 1PM on Friday, March 9, 2012 at St. Albert Roman Catholic Church, 7 St. Vital Ave., St. Albert -- it is the Catholic Church to the west of Hwy. #2 and south of the Sturgeon. 

I would appreciate as many Vets as possibly show up, please call me if you are able to attend.

Contributor and Appreciation:

Edmonton Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#12681, W. M. Wroth

In Memory of Reg.#12681, W. M. Wroth

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Dear Joe;

While doing research on RCMP members, I ran across info on Reg.#12681, W. Murray Wroth, a deceased member.

W. Murray Wroth was born in 1913 at Welwyn, SK. He engaged in the RCMP in 1935 and served for five years. In 1940, he joined the RCAF and soon became a Flying Instructor. By 1945, he held the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

After WWII, W. Murray Wroth worked for Great West Life Insurance in Prince Albert, SK  for twelve years then he moved to Calgary, AB  as Manager of Norwich Union Life Ins. Co. He was also with Norwich for 12 years.   Mr. Wroth worked as an Estate Planning Consultant with Eastern & Chartered Trust then with Canada Trust Company up to time of death on February 20, 1978.

Mr. Wroth was active in his community. He was former President, Kinsman’s Club of Prince Albert, SK and former Governor, Kinsman’s Club of SK. He was active in K40's and a Member of the Canadian Life Underwriters. Once, he attained the highest mark in Alberta.

Mr. Wroth is buried in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Calgary, AB.

Best regards,

Dick Pulsifer

RCMP Veterans" Association

Nova Scotia Division

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#15071, Corporal Gerald Francis Morey

 Last Post: Reg.#15071, (R'td.) Corporal Gerald Francis Morey

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

It is with sadness that we learn of the passing of Gerry Morey in his home at Havelock, QC. on February 26th, 2012. Gerry had been sick for a long time. He would have turned 85 years on May 4th. 2012.  He was one of our Life Members. 

Gerry joined the RCMP on January 7,1947 and he retired on October 30, 1968.

A funeral ceremony and the interment of his ashes will be in Havelock,QC  No date has been set.

**********************************************************

C'est avec regret que nous avons appris le décès d'un confrère, membre à vie de l'association des anciens. À la suite d'une longue maladie, Gerry Morey est décédé le 26 février, 2012 à la sa résidence de Havelock, QC.

Il aurait eu 85 ans le 4 mai 2012. Il avait joint les rangs de la GRC le 7 janvier 1947 et avait pris sa retraite le 30 octobre 1968.

Les funérailles et la mise en terre de ses cendres au cimetière de Havelock, QC. aura lieu à une date ultérieure. 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#12581, S/Sgt. Donald Patrick McLaughlin

Last Post: Reg.#12581, S/Sgt. Donald Patrick McLaughlin

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

RCMP Vets announce that Reg.#12581, (R'td.) S/Sgt. Donald Patrick McLaughlan passed away on February 24, 2012 in Calgary, AB.

A Celebration of Don’s life was held at Fort Calgary, AB on March 1^st, 2012. A graveside service will follow at a later date at the RCMP Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, ON.

Our sincere condolences go out to Katie Lou and the entire McLachlan family.

Don joined the Force in June 1935 and served in various Divisions. In 1936, he was in the Musical Ride which performed in Madison Square Gardens, New York. In 1944, Don's longest dog team patrol (March to May) covered 1620 miles from Lake Harbour to Cape Dorset, north to Pangnirtung, down to Frobisher Bay and back to Lake Harbour.

In the 1950's, he investigated the murder of S/Cst. Fred  Carpenter's wife. At trial, Fred Carpenter was found guilty. His conviction was upheld on appeal and Fred Carpenter was the last person hanged in the NWT.

Don retired in December 1963. He  was a member of the Vets Calgary Division since 1966 and a Life Member of the Ottawa Vets.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Remember Me? - I've Got A Name

'REG. #DOG-ONE'

'DEPOT' STABLES: 1964 - 1965 

IT'S ME! REMEMBER?

OK, let me refresh your memory. I wandered into the stables one day 'round about 1959 or maybe 1960. Over the past fifty yeasrs, I haven't changed as much as you guys have! The Riding Staff took good care of me.

Back a generation or two, I was the Night Watchdog in the stables. Actually, I was the Day Watchdog also! I heard alot of you call it 'the barns' but it wasn't 'the barns' it was 'the stables!' So, get it right!

My hearing was perfect and on many, many a night I could hear a horse on the cobble stone after it got loose from its tie-up. Yup, there's always a few who don't tie-up properly, but I can look at the list and tell you exactly who was on that horse earlier in the day. 11:45 CSM!

Anyway, I always barked when a horse got free. Usually, the horse headed down towards the water trough. But, that's where I had my night blanket!

So, I would bark once. Most of the time the 'Night Stable Orderlies' came running and one would take the horse back to its stall.

But, I remember some of you guys got caught taking a few winks while lying on a bale of hay. Yea, I know everyone one of you guys.

But, the night that I remember the most was the dark, dark night when a few of you guys came into the stables and ....... about four or five horses. Didn't think I saw ya, eh?

I remember the 'Rough Riders' in the morning - you could see steam and fire coming from under their collars. The entire Equestrian Staff got called in to help. They were worried about the stress which the horses were experiencing. I knew someone would 'swing' for it!

The recruits, including 'G' Troop 64/65, were not allowed on that side of the stables for the day. The horses need time to recover. Let's not talk about that anymore.

Oh, I could ramble on for hours...but, I am mostly curious if you remember my name?


Contibutor and Appreciation: photo, from the Phylis and Blaine Price Collection, New Brunswick

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: CM, Brian Perrigo, (R'td)

Last Post: CM, Brian Perrigo, (R'td)

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Sadly, I advise all Vets that Civilian Member Brian Perrigo passed away this week. 

I have been speaking to his wife Linda as well as his good friend Denis McClure.

There will be visitations on Saturday March 3, 2012 at Beechwood Cemetary Reception Centre from 2 PM to 3PM. Visitations will be immediately followed by a Memorial Service and a Reception. 

Brian's burial will take place at a later date. Announcement to appear in this coming Friday and Saturday Ottawa Citizen. 

Pall and flags will be provided. All veterans invited to pay their respects.

Pierre Belanger, Deacon

Director, Member Services, Ottawa

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685