In Memory of Reg.#13138, Sergeant R.I. Rolstone

Canada

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#13138, Sergeant R. I. Rolstone

This note about a memorable Sgt. Ivan Rolstone was received from Vet. Don Klancher.

R. Ivan Rolstone was born in Toronto, Ontario in 1913.  In 1931, he joined in the RCAF, Service #5191.

In 1937, Rolstone joined the RCMP Reserve; he was appointed a Constable in 1938.

Upon completion of his first five year term with the RCMP; he took his discharge and subsequently joined the RCNVR, as Service #76876. After naval training on several ships he was posted to HMCS Antigonish.

Rolstone was demobilized on October 30, 1945, and re-enlisted in the RCMP on November 15, 1945.

In 1946, he received a Commendation for the attempted rescue of a drowning man despite real danger to himself.

In 1949, Rolstone and a Inuit S/Cst. were lost in a blizzard at Fort Reliance almost one month while on patrol in the Thelon area with their two dog teams. Both men lost almost 50 pounds from lack of food. It was almost a month later when they were spotted by a search aircraft and rescued.

In 1950, Sgt. Rolstone received another Commendatation for courageous action in risking his life to save three people.

Sgt. Rolstone retired on January 16, 1965.  He died in 2003 and he is buried in Victoria, BC.

Credit: Vet. Don Klancher and The Quarterly, 2002.

'Maintain Our Memories'


J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685