Reg.#24205, Sgt. Howard Francis Jones

Last Post

Nova Scotia Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#24205 (Rtd) Sgt. Howard Francis Jones died March 24, 2010 at Gardiner Mines, N.S.

Sgt. Jones served from 1965 to 1998 in 'H' Div. He retired from Kingston Det.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Request for help: about deceased Edward Whelan, Newfoundland

Dear Buffalo Joe,

Request for help from all Buffalo's

My name is Lesa Whelan.

My great-great grandfather was Corporal and Chief of Police Edward Whelan in Placentia, Newfoundland in the early 1900's. Later, he transferred to St. John's and was appointed the Assistant/Chief of Police.

I have been unable to find any information on him which I find so upsetting. His father's name was James Whelan and his grandson was Reg.#22622 Sgt. William Edward  'Ted' Whelan who passed away on PEI last December.

I would love to find some information on Edward Whelan. Can you or any of your Buffalo friends help me? He is buried in Kilbride Cemetery but unfortunately he has no special headstone -- it just says 'Whelan'.

Thanks so much for any help which you might be able to offer.

Yours truly,

Ms Lesa Mulrooney-Duke
Senior Vacation Travel Consultant,
Carlson Wagonlit Harvey's Travel
Phone +1~709 722 6500~
fax +1~709 722 9323
1 800 565 6500
lmulrooney@harveystravel-cwt.com

RCMP Sgt. Gavin Nash's Arduous Patrol to old Cape Fullerton

C A N A D A

RCMP Sgt. Gavin Nash's Arduous Patrol
to old Cape Fullerton

and visit to graves of

Reg.#4152, Cst. J. Russell, RNWMP
and
Reg.# 869, S/Sgt. M.H.E. Hayne, RNWMP

Dear Joe;

Cape Fullerton Detachment was established in 1903 as a response to the Canadian government's
concern over sovereignty plus the activities of foreign whalers in the Hudson Bay. Cape Fullerton
Detachment was located at N63.59 W88.59 in the Northwest Territory (now part of Nunavut).
The area around Fullerton Harbour was populated by numerous Inuit families making its location
prime for its day.

In the following years, it was discovered that the waters of Fullerton Harbour were too
shallow to accommodate ships so the RNWMP post closed in 1922. It was relocated to Chesterfield Inlet.

Part of the RCMP responsibilities in the North was the inspection and maintenance of RCMP gravesites. Cape Fullerton has two such sites. Reg.#4152, RNWMP Cst. J. Russell, and Reg.#869, RNWMO S/Sgt.M.H.E. Hayne. Both members were interned near the old Detachment.

Early in March 2006, I was the Detachment Commander in Rankin Inlet. Local Bylaw Officer
and Freelance Videographer Albert Kimmaliarjuk told me that he planned to go to Cape Fullerton to capture video scenes for a documentary. Seeing the opportunity to inspect RCMP grave sites as well as embark on an actual patrol to the first Arctic Detachment intrigued me. I also planned to accompany Albert Kimmaliarjuk.

The few days before the trip were marked with remarkably warm temperatures (-17 degrees
Celsius) for this time of year. The weather was closely monitored and found to have a favourable forecast for the entire trip. Preparations were made and at 0630 hours on March 17th, 2006, our patrol commenced.

Our patrol team consisted of Cst. Elliot Chubak, Albert Kimmalirjuk and Albert’s cousin Willie.  Albert’s 70 year old father Elie would join the patrol from Chesterfield Inlet to guide us to Cape Fullerton.

Our patrol would take us over  land and the frozen waters of Hudson Bay. Cape Fullerton was located
over 200 kilometres from Rankin Inlet. The snowmobiles and qammutiks were prepared and the
patrol set of on the first leg to Chesterfield Inlet. Four gruelling hours overland, the patrol arrived at Elie Kimmaliarjuk’s house.  Repairs were needed to the qammutiks as the 30 gallons of gas each person was transporting wreaked havoc on the wooden sleds.

Driving a Skidoo with a 200 pound qammutik over frozen rocks and tundra proved to be not
very enjoyable, Cst. Chubak damaged his throttle en route as well necessitating a trip to a
local skidoo dealer. Chesterfield Inlet members, Cpl. Kurtis Komtski and Cst. Allan Nickerson
took Cst. Chubak to the local 'Canadian Tire' for the parts. 

For those 'living in the south' or new to or who have never been North, the local landfill serves as our 'Canadian Tire'.  With an 'almost new' throttle installed and the qammutiks fixed, the patrol left Chesterfield Inlet. Now on the frozen sea ice of Hudson Bay, the trip became much more enjoyable.
Three hours later, with the light fading fast behind the horizon, Elie and Albert were noted
checking the GPS and pointing off in the distance. Albert reassured us that it would be about
ten minutes more, but an hour later we finally arrived at our home for the weekend!

A small 10 foot by 10 foot cabin never looked so good after the journey we had just
encountered. Of minor concern was the window of the cabin that had been smashed out. Inside,
there was about a foot of snow with some very distinctive tracks. Albert calmly explained,
"...it looks like a polar bear broke in looking for food”. Albert took plywood from his qammutik
and fixed the hole, but not our old, jittery nerves. But, after a good feed of bannock and bologna, it was off to sleep.

The morning of the March 18th, 2006 was beautiful as we saddled up for our trip to Cape Fullerton.
Our eagle eyed Cst. Chubak spotted the pole marking the channel. It wasn’t long after that,
we heading up Fullerton Harbour. Once there, the old Detachment buildings stood as a reminder
of how incredibly tough our RNWMP members had it back then.

Although abandoned in 1922, the buildings were in remarkably good condition. All the doors and windows were gone and the building was full of snow. It was a good size with an outbuilding that appeared to have an old holding cell. The view from the site was breathtaking. After a few photos, we went to the surrounding hills to locate the grave sites.

Two unmarked graves of whalers were located. One had been smashed into, likely by a polar
bear.  The damaged grave site was reported to the Archaeologist for Nunavut who will consult
with local elders to determine the best course of action. The remains were still covered eliminating
the need for emergency repairs.

Cst. Chubak and Albert located the two RNWMP graves: Reg.#4152, Cst. J. Russell, RNWMP 
and Reg.# 869, S/Sgt. M.H.E. Hayne, RNWMP. The graves were found to be in good condition. We paid our respects to the grave sites and bid them a 'Farewell Friends'. We quietly left the old Fullerton Post with our thoughts and with a lifetime of memories.

Day three of the adventure started the same as the other two. Spectacular weather and amazing
views. On the way back to Chesterfield Inlet, Albert spotted polar bear tracks. After tracking
for two hours, the remains of the bear were found. Interestingly enough, an Arctic fox was feasting
on the remains. The fox was intent on finishing his meal and paid no attention to his audience.
We left the fox to his well deserved meal.

We made it back to Chesterfield Inlet around noon. After a nice lunch provided by Albert’s’ mom,
we fuelled up the snow machines and headed for Rankin Inlet. The final four hours proved to be
the hardest. After close to 300 kilometres on the skidoo, it was a test of mental and physical
strength. With Rankin Inlet finally on the horizon, it was full speed ahead to a warm meal and
a hot bath.

Elie Kimmalirjuk said he could not remember the last time an RCMP member had visited the old
Cape Fullerton Detachment. For Cst. Chubak and me, it was an experience of a lifetime. Perhaps the next trip will reveal the much talked about Mystery Ghosts of Cape Fullerton?

That is a story for another time.

Reg.#41739, Sgt. Gavin Nash

Senior Aboriginal Policing Analyst

'HQ' National Aboriginal Policing Services

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

S/Sgt Kenneth Fitch

Last Post

New Brunswick Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#17832 (Rtd) S/Sgt Kenneth Fitch died March 19, 2010 at Fredericton, N.B.

S/Sgt. Fitch served from 1952 to 1974 in 'A' and 'J' Div's.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

C/M John Stanley Clarke

Last Post

Regina Div. Vets advise that;

C/M John Stanley Clarke died March 14, 2010 at Regina, SK.

Mr. Clarke served 34 years as chauffeur at 'Depot' and 'F' Div's.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#20539 S/Sgt Thomas G. Ashcroft

Last Post

Regina Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#20539 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Thomas G. Ashcroft died Mar 11, 2010 of cancer at Yorkton, Sask.

He served from 1958 to 1994 in 'F' Div.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#15470, S/S/M Percy G. J. 'Bud' White

Last Post

From a recent obit;

Reg.#15470 (Rtd) S/S/M Percy George Jacob 'Bud' White died March 10, 2010 at Ottawa, ON.

S/S/M White served from 1948 to 1973, retiring from 'HQ' Ottawa.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#14526, S/Sgt Robert Chaput

Last Post

Montreal Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#14526, (Rtd) S/Sgt. Robert Chaput died March 8, 2010 at Point Clare, Quebec.

S/Sgt. Chaput served from 1943 to 1968 in 'C' Div.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#25921, Cpl. William S. Harrington

Last Post

Regina Div Vets advise that;

Reg.# (Rtd) Cpl. William S. Harrington died Mar 7, 2010 of cancer at Kaleden, B.C.

Cpl. Harrington served from 1967 to 1988 in 'E' and 'HQ' Divs.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#18537/O.696, C/Supt. Raymond H. Lees

Last Post

Central Vancouver Island Div advises that;


Reg.# 18537 / O.696 C/Supt. Raymond Hugh Lees (Rtd) died Mar 2, 2010 at Ottawa, Ontario.

C/Supt. Lees served from 1954 to 1984 in 'O', 'A', 'HQ' & 'C' Div's before transferring to CSIS.

Jack White
 
Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#26166, Sgt Tim O. Kelly

Last Post

Prince Albert Div Vets advise that;

Reg.# 26166 (Rtd) Sgt. Tim O. KELLY died during the last week of Feb, 2010 at Laronge, SK.

Sgt. Kelly served from 1967 to 1998 in 'F' Div. He will be buried at 'Depot' Div.

His son, Reg.#45518 Cpl. Brian Kelly, currently serves in 'F' Div.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#20145, S/Sgt. Douglas Clifford Hall

Last Post

I have been advised that;

Reg.#20145, (Rtd) S/Sgt. Douglas Clifford Hall died February 19, 2010 at Kamloops, B.C.

S/Sgt. Hall served from 1957 to 1994 in 'K', 'O', 'E' 'G', and 'E' Div's. He retired as i/c Castlegar Det.

He was a member of Kamloops Div. Vets and a brother of Reg.#19623 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Howard 'Howie' Hall who served in 'E' and 'O' Div's.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#33219, Cst Brian Anthony Furlot

Last Post

The Vets Net advises that;

Reg.#33219, (Rtd) Cst. Brian Anthony Furlot died February 13, 2010 at Kelowna, B.C.

Cst. Furlot served from 1976 to 1998 in 'E' Div.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#14977 / O.542, C/Supt. Louis G. Pantry

Last Post

P.E.I. Div Vets advise that;

Reg.# 14977/O.542 C/Supt. Louis Gwynne 'Lou' Pantry (Rtd) died Feb 17, 2010 at Guelph, ON.

C/Supt. Pantry served from 1943 to 1946 in the Bermuda Volunteer Engineers -- I believe that his father had once been the Commissioner of the Bermuda Police.

C/Supt. Pantry served in the Force from 1947 to 1975 in 'J', 'HQ', 'H', 'M', and 'L' Div's. He retired as CO 'J' Div'. In days gone by, as CO of 'L' and 'J' Div, 'Lou' Pantry was characterized as a professional police officer par one. He was a leader fully respected by his Officers and subordinates. It was also widely known within social circles that on the dance floor, Lou Pantry and his first wife could 'step lightly'. He was a great public speaker and he could hold an audience by embellishing stories of his golf game.

Vets around the country who knew C/Supt. Pantry will miss him. He was a true gentleman from his silver hair down to his spurs. I recall him especially from my years in 'L' Div. during which time C/Supt. Pantry often asked me to be his chauffeur.

In photo (top) then Supt. L. G. Pantry, CO 'L' Div. greets former Prime Minister Trudeau to the Island circa 1972.

Above, CO 'L' Div. Supt. Pantry welcomes former Island Attorney General Gordon Bennett on board the P.V. Nicholson in Charlottetown Harbour. Also in the photo, accompanying Supt. Pantry in Red Serge is Cst. J. J. Healy and to my left is the Nicholson's Skipper Peter Clarke.

C/Supt. Pantry was a Life Member of PEI Div. Vets. In 1998 he received the Caring Canadian Award.

I too will miss him.

JJH

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#12295, Pilot Officer Thomas Watterson

Obituary

WATTERSON, Thomas Albert Kidd, P/O (P) J/21312. From Manotick, ON. Killed February 14, 1943 age 30. #145 BR Squadron.


The crew of Hudson #771 were on a navigational training flight between Torbay, NFLD and Dartmouth, NS when they crashed eleven miles from RCAF Station, Dartmouth. The crew of P/O T. A. Watterson, FS R. C. Rolfe and WO Stick and passengers F/L J. T. Hook, F/O W. H. Thompson and U.S. Army Lt. Snell were also killed. The aircraft was not found until November 6, 1944.

Son of Lt.-Col. T. A. Watterson M. D. and Jessie G. Watterson, of Manotick. PO Watterson in buried in the Elmview Cemetery (Anglican - Presbyterian) Plot G.5. Kars, ON.

Source: http://ngb.chebucto.org/Newspaper-Obits/npexcerpts-ns-misc-1.shtml
and Vet. John Henderson, Ottawa, ON


'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#13651, Cst. John H. Turner

Last Post

The Vets Net advises that;

Reg.#13651 former Cst. John Henry Turner died February 11, 2010 at Ottawa, ON.

Cst. Turner served from 1940 to 1950 in the Band, 'D', 'N', and 'A' Div's. He was a Life Member of the Ottawa Div Vets.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#18853, S/Sgt. J.P. Dunbar

Last Post

Vancouver Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#18853 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Joseph Parker Dunbar died February 10, 2010 at North Vancouver, B.C.

S/Sgt. Dunbar served from 1955 to 1980 in 'K' & 'E' Divs. He retired from North Vancouver Detachment.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#15594, S/Sgt Bruno Toews

Last Post

Ottawa Vets announce that:

Reg.#15594 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Bruno 'Bud' Toews died February 6, 2010 at Ottawa, ON.

S/Sgt. Toews served from 1948 to 1968 in 'O' and 'HQ' Div's. Afterwards, he was the Director, Race Track Division, Agriculture Canada.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#19148, Supt. Watson L. Ring

Last Post

Ottawa Vets announce that;

Reg.#19148 / O.1065 Supt. Watson Lloyd Ring (Rtd) died February 6, 2010 at Stittsville, Ontario.

Supt. Ring served from 1955 to 1992 in 'H', 'A', 'H', 'Depot', 'H', 'HQ', 'N' and 'E' Div's.

Jack White
 
'Maintian Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#18281, S/Sgt. Gordon W. Elkeer

Last Post

Toronto Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#18281 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Gordon Wiggo Elkeer died February 5, 2010 at Kitchener, ON

S/Sgt. Elkeer served from 1953 to 1975 in 'J' and 'O' Div's. For the past 35 years he had the Waterlot Restaurant & Inn at New Hamburg, ON

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#24285, Cst Brian K. Boyle

Last Post

Edmonton Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#24258 (former) Cst. Brian Kent Boyle died February 6, 2010 at Vancouver, B.C.

Cst. Boyle served from 1965 to 1971 in 'K' Div.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#25057 & O.1556 Supt. Gary A. Stait

Last Post

Reg.# 25057 / O.1556 Supt Gary A. STAIT died Feb 3, 2010 at Kelowna, B.C. He had been holidaying in Mexico when he suffered a heart attack, was airlifted home and died shortly afterward.

He served from 1966 to 2002 in 'F' 'HQ' 'D' 'B' 'E' & 'H' Divs. Regrettably Gary STAIT suffered a heart attack while holidaying in Mexico. He was medivaced back to Kelowna and passed away. Stait, Gary (2010-02-02) STAIT, Gary Allen passed away suddenly on February 2, 2010 in Kelowna, BC at the age of 64. Devoted husband to his wife of 41 years, Laurie and their three children: Stephanie (Chris Oriwol) and their three children: Curtis, Ryan and Ethan; Suzanne (Joe DiRocco) and their daughter Mia; son Bill; two brothers: Bob (Judy), Vern (Judy) and a large extended family. Gary was a proud member of the RCMP for 35 years, retiring to Kelowna in 2004.

 A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 8th at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC, 4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077 - 250-860-7077. Gary was born in Hamilton, ON to Eric and Marion (nee Reid) Stait.

As the youngest of three boys, Gary grew up and formed his strong and competitive character. After high school, he spent one year working in a steel factory before discovering his true calling at the RCMP in 1966. Gary’s first posting was Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he met and married Laurie Hobbs. Their two daughters Stephanie and Suzanne were born in Saskatoon before the young family moved to Regina, where son Bill was born. From Saskatchewan the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba then St. John’s Newfoundland, and on to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

By the time all three kids were in University, Gary and Laurie were transferred to Victoria, British Columbia and then Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Gary was a proud and devoted member of the RCMP. Through hard work, humility and dedication he enjoyed a long successful career with the force. In 2002, Gary retired from Wolfville as Superintendent after 36 years in the force.

Retirement was a joyous and busy time for Gary and Laurie. They loved to discover new places together and with friends. They traveled extensively throughout Australia, Asia, Europe and Hawaii. They spent summers in Kelowna and winters in Arizona. Gary was an avid golfer and was a member of the Kelowna Springs Golf Course.

He was also an active member of the RCMP Veterans’ Association, the Rotary Club of Kelowna and the Royal Canadian Legion. Gary made a lasting impression on the people he met. He will be remembered for his loyalty to friends and family, generosity with his time and his overall good humor. Throughout Gary’s life he displayed energy and diverse interest including collecting, bee keeping, brick laying, furniture restoration, hiking, fishing, golf however first and foremost Gary was a family man devoted to his wife and partner Laurie, his three children and four grandchildren.

Gary will be deeply missed by his wife and family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life across Canada and the US.


FFF – 10-02-10


'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#18148 former Cst. James H. Sowden

Last Post

Vancouver Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#18148 former Cst. James Henry Sowden died Dec 27, 2009 at West Vancouver, BC.

Cst. Sowden served from 1953 to 1962 in 'K' Div. He then worked for Alberta Corrections and in 1971 he went with BC Tel Security.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#18029 Cst. Gordon A. 'Sam' Steele

Last Post

Edmonton Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#18029 former Cst. Gordon A. 'Sam' Steele died Feb 2, 2010 at Edmonton, AB.

Cst. Steele served from 1953 to 1957 in 'B' Div. He then went into Insurance Adjusting and by 1968 was Owner / President of Air General Adjusters for North America and Europe.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#14473, Sgt. Raymond Bradford

Last Post

Vancouver Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#14473, (Rtd) Sgt. Raymond Bradford died January 31, 2010 at Duncan, B.C.

Sgt. Bradford served from 1942 to 1968 in 'M' and 'D' Div's. After retirement from the Force, he moved to Ladysmith, B.C. where he was the Wharfinger & Harbour Master.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Seems Impossible yet a Star is Within Reach

Seems Impossible yet a Star is Within Reach

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines astronomy as: 'the study of the universe and its contents [stars]beyond the bounds of the Earth's atmosphere'.

Essentially, stars can be seen in the night sky but they are beyond human reach. In our lifetime it's unlikely that a spaceship will ever make a visit to a star. In spite of that, many people around the world choose a star and it becomes their life long friend.

Yet, Canadians have a very special star within our spacial earthy boundaries. This star has been a friend for over forty years going back to her early celebrity days on Prince Edward Island. I too worked on 'the Island' between the years of 1970 to 1973 and it's where I first met Anne Murray.

I received this kind letter and snap recently from Ms Anne Murray. She is one star that should be shared by all Canadians. She shines the brightest!
 
Thank-you Anne
 
Joe
#23685

'Maintain Our Memories'

Vet of the Month: Reg.#12626, Cst. H.C. 'Duff' Ellis

 Vet of the Month: Reg.#12626 Cst. H.C. 'Duff' Ellis

February, 2010

Reg. #12626, Cst. 'Duff' Ellis was born in 1911. He served from June 1935 to March 1936 with the RCMP at Weyburn and Regina in 'F' Div.

After his short stint with the RCMP, 'Duff' turned to coal mining. At the outbreak of WWII, 'Duff' joined the RCAF but he had to leave pilot training because of hearing problems. With an onging hope to serve Canada, 'Duff' Ellis became a police officer again but this time with the RCAF Service Police. He held the rank of Corporal with Service #R142087.

'Duff' Ellis was wounded by a German bomb dropped on London on February 23, 1944. He received serious injuries as a result of the raid. A month later, 'Duff' died on the operating table while doctors were trying to remove shrapnel from his body.

RCAF Corporal Herbert Clarence 'Duff' Ellis of Bienfait died on March 30, 1944.

A Geographical Memorial (lake) was named after RCMP and RCAF 'Duff' Ellis. The Memorial Lake is north of Wapawekka Lake and east of La Ronge, Saskatchewan (73P1) 55˚05’ 104˚29’).

'Duff' Ellis is buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery near London, England.

Duty comes first. Thus, 'Duff' deserves to be our February, 2010 Vet of the Month.


Our thanks to Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson, Edmonton, AB

Last Post: Reg.#21630 (Rtd) Sgt. Terrence K. Corkum

Last Post: Reg.#21630 (Rtd) Sgt. Terrence K. Corkum

Nova Scotia Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#21630, Sgt. Terrence K. Corkum died January 31, 2010 at Halifax, NS following surgery.

Sgt. Corkum served from 1960 to 1984 in 'O', 'B' and 'HQ' Div's.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#21043, (Rtd) S/Sgt. Robert T. Ross

From the Vets Net;

Reg.#21043 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Robert Thompson Ross died Jan 25, 2010 at Kemptville, ON.

S/Sgt. Ross served from 1959 to 1991 in 'J', 'O' and 'HQ' Div's.

Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#20987 / O.972, Supt. John D. Wells Maxwell

Last Post

Edmonton Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.# 20987/O.972 Supt. John David Wells Maxwell (Rtd) died September 26, 2009 at Balderson, ON.

Supt. Maxwell served from 1959 to 1994 in 'G', 'HQ', 'G' & 'HQ'.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'