A Mysterious Mounted Mural: The peanuts are free also

'A Mysterious Mounted Hotel Mural'

This unique mural which represents the RCMP is painted in the lobby of a prominant Canadian hotel.

Personally, I have never been able to afford the price but it's downtown location is ideal for visitors and absolutely perfect for those within a comfortable bracket.

One might be tempted to overnite in this hotel as often as possible. Years ago, I had been told that the hotel's in-room bar service was complimentary -- absolutely free for as long as you stay.

An attractive hotel offer -- the peanuts are free too.

Can you guess the hotel?

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685


Answer: The Suttan Place Hotel, Bay St., Toronto, Ontario

In Memory of Reg.#30106, Constable D. Bruce Denniston

C A N A D A

In Memory of A Very Generous Person

Reg.#30106, Constable D. Bruce Denniston

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In modern times, the reputation and spirit of generousity by Constable Bruce Denniston and Reg.#32665 John Hanson is extremely well known within the RCMP as well as within the Canadian medical community. For, the Canadian Bone Marrow Registry bears their name. The Annual 'Bruce & John Fund' for bone marrow transplant raises huge and necessary funds in their memory. 

Constable Denniston was born in 1952. He joined the RCMP in 1972 and he was transferred to Alberta, Ottawa and British Columbia. He became ill while serving with the Force in Powell River, BC at which time he and many of his police friends identified a great need for bone marrow. The Bruce and John Bone Marrow Registry was born.

For the years he was in the Force, Bruce Denniston was always identified as a leader with a huge heart of generousity for others. It comes as no surprise that his heart was firmly determined to help other Canadians even though he knew from friends that he would not survive. 

I can recall the day Bruce Denniston died in Vancouver, BC. It was February 12, 1989. He left a lonely gap in the Force. He was the kind of RCMP Constable one never forgets.

Bruce's last wish was fulfilled. He wanted to be buried in Powell River, BC. He rests there.

Contributor and Appreciation: photo from an 'ole 'E' Div friend, Vet. Reg.#22196, Ron Mangan.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#13950 Former Constable J.J.R. Gaetan Deslauriers

Last Post: Reg.#13950 Former Constable

J.J.R. Gaetan DESLAURIERS

'Friends Not Forgotten'

C'est avec regret que nous apprenons le décès, le 23 février 2012  de M. Gaétan DESLAURIERS entouré de sa famille et avec sérénité. M. Deslauriers avait 94 ans. Il avait joint les rangs de la GRC en 1941. 

Il demeurait à Québec et était membre à vie de l'Association des anciens de la GRC 

Il était un ancien président du chapitre de Québec de l'association.

Le service funéraire aura lieu le 3 mars 2012 à 15:00 en l'église St-Louis de France, 1576, Route le l'église,  Ste-Foy, QC.  La famille recevra les condoléances à compter de 14:00  à l'église.

It is with great sorrow that we have learned of the passing, on February 23rd, 2012, surrounded by his loving  family, of M. Gaétan DESLAURIERS. 

He was 94 years old and had joined the RCMP in 1941. He lived in Quebec city and was a life member of the RCMP veterans association. He had been president of the Quebec City Association.

The funeral service will be held on march 3rd, 2012 at 15:00 in the St-Louis de France church, 1576, route de l'Église, Ste-Foy, QC.The family will be greeting friends at 14:00 at the church.                                                           

Steve Holotuk CFE, CIP

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#942, Constable F. F. Mauritz Warren

In Memory of Reg.#942, Falkland Fritz-Mauritz Warren

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Constable Falkland Fritz-Mauritz Warren was born in India about 1865. At some point, he joined the Royal Navy and then he engaged in the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in 1883.

He served at a variety of  posts in 'F' Div. (Saskatchewan) as well as in 'K' Div. (Alberta. In additon to the Royal Navy, Constable Warren also participated in the Riel Rebellion of 1885. He left the Force when his term was up in 1888.

Constable Warren died in 1939 in Sheldon, Washington State, USA. For all of these years it was believed that he was also buried in America. Not so!

Exciting news today from the The Warren family is that Constable Warren is buried in the Warren family plot in Falkland, BC.

Suppose anything else might be interesting about Constable Warren of the NWMP?

Yes!

Constable Warren was known for his perfect eye sight -- for he married the first, the very first teacher in Lethbridge, Alberta. That's Canadian history.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: O.518, Chief Superintendent William Harasym

Last Post: Reg.# 13444 / O.518,

Chief Superintendent William Myron 'Bill' Harasym

'Friends Not Forgotten'

14 January 1919 - 22 February 2012

William 'Bill Harasym passed away peacefully at the age of 93, on February 22, 2012 at Ottawa, Ontario.

The beloved husband of Viola (Metcalfe). Bill was born in Montreal, the third of ten children of Peter Harasym and Olga Chepizak, who emigrated from the Ukraine. After originally settling in Montreal in the early 1920's the family moved to the predominantly Ukrainian community of Pine River in northern Manitoba to farm.

In May 1940, Bill applied and was accepted into the RCMP. After training in Regina, he was assigned to the Intelligence Branch in Winnipeg where he remained throughout the war years. After being sent on a fingerprint reading course, Bill was launched in what was to become a brilliant career of some 29 years in fingerprint identification.

After assignments in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina, he moved to the Identification Branch at RCMP National HQ in Ottawa. Bill enjoyed great professional success in Ottawa and as a consequence, moved through the ranks and was appointed Officer In Command of the Identification Branch in 1968. Bill retired in May 1975, after 35 years of service, at the rank of Chief Superintendent.

Throughout his life Bill was a true gentleman - kind, sincere and of the highest integrity. He was a quiet thoughtful person, modest as to his professional accomplishments and as to his wants and needs. His wife Viola and he raised their family of four children in Ottawa. He enjoyed spending his spare time driving his children to their activities and working around their home doing gardening, repairs and renovations.

Bill and Vi, were married more than 65 years. He leaves behind loving wife Viola, sons Gary (Cathy Lawson) Vancouver, BC and Peter (Linda McLaughlin) Ottawa, ON, daughters Lotta (Bruce McDonald) Ottawa, ON, and Willa (Paul Geddes) Vancouver, BC, sister Raina (Rudy Goulet) Edwards, CO; grandson Chris Harasym Seattle, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair and; McGarry, 315 McLeod Street, (at O'Connor) Ottawa on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Service to be held at Rideau Park United Church, 2203 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 2 p.m.

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

In Memory of Reg.#20307, Constable 'Terry' Hoey

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#9330, John Henry Irwin

In Memory of Reg.#9330, John Henry Irwin

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This kind note was recently received from Ms Eleanor (Irwin) McCullagh

Dear Joe;

I have attached two photos of Dad which were taken at 'Depot' in 1920.

It must have been a very tough experience for a 20 year old Irish farm boy, coming by ship to Canada and then training with the RCMP in Regina.  

My Dad had already served as a Motorcyclist with the RAF in 1918 in France, on the front lines before World War I ended. He was posted to Quebec, but became very ill and was sent back to Regina (I imagine that it was quite a trip in 1920). 

We have another photo of Dad, sitting with another unidentified recruit in front of a building (still in use) at 'Depot'.

So our son, RCMP Cst. Stephen McCullagh, posed in the same location as (Reg.#9330) his Grandfather, during his training at 'Depot' in 2003 and we took Steve's picture there too.

Many thanks for your work & efforts to collect this information,

Eleanor (Irwin) McCullagh

***********

And, this note from grandson of Reg.#9330, RCMP Cst. Stephen B. McCullagh,

I only wish that I had a story or two, or had known my grandfather better. He died when I was just 10 years old. As you'd imagine, I have a litany of questions that I'd ask him if he were alive today.

Of his 5 children and 12 grandchildren, I was the only one to continue on with the RCMP.

Yours truly,

Stephen B. McCullagh

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#41129, Constable J. L. F. Carriere

In Memory of Reg.#41129, Constable J. L. F. Carriere

RCMP Honour Roll # 193

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Mid-Shore (MSPV's) such as the one above will be deployed to the Great Lakes as part of the Marine Security Enforcement Team (MSET) Program - a collaborative effort involving the RCMP and Canadian Coast Guard.

One of the MSPV's or 'Hero Class' ships will be dedicated in Constable Carriere's honour.

Constable Carriere died in 1997 as a result of a diving accident. He is buried in Alfred, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories' 

Photo Contributor and Appreciation: Joe Oliver, RCMP

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Constance L. Armstrong, RCMP CM and CSIS

Last Post: Constance L. Armstrong, RCMP CM and CSIS

'Friends Not Forgotten'

OBITUARY

ARMSTRONG, Constance Lillian (RCMP C/M & CSIS) - 1924 - 2012

Peacefully on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 with her loving family by her side at the age 87 years.

Connie Bagby, beloved wife and best friend of Harold Armstrong. Loved and cherished by daughters Pamela (John Mooney) of Guelph and Mary-Lou (John Ferguson). Predeceased by dearest daughter Cathie Armstrong. Grandma will be forever loved by Patrick and Sean. Survived by her sister Bette (Denis Smith), predeceased by brother George (Margaret) Bagby and sisters Marie (John Webb) and Joan( Patrick Landry).

Connie's life was blessed with a loving and devoted husband; her cherished daughters, and adored grandsons. Those who loved her will forever remember Passion for her good friends, shopping trips and cheering on her beloved Ottawa Senators.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care, dedication and compassion by all the staff of the Perley.

A Mass of Christian Funeral will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at The Perley Rideau Veterans Health Centre Chapel, 1750 Russell Road at 9 a.m. Interment to be held in the spring at the RCMP section of Beechwood Cemetery.

Donations in memory to the PRVHC greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Whelan Funeral Home tel. 613-233-1488

All Veterans are invited to attend the service on Saturday.  As usual, please ensure a good turn out for the Armstrong family to honor Connie, C/M and Harry.

Contributors: Ottawa Citizen. February 23, 2012

& Vets, Ottawa Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J.J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#o214A, Sub Constable A. Hare

We thank Mr. Brian Porter, Friend of the Force, Brockville, Ontario for this photo of Sub Constable Hare.

Alexander Hare was born around the Brockville, Ontario area. He joined the NWMP on April 1, 1874 and he was a member of the March West.

Sub/Constable Hare took his discharge from the NWMP on April 1, 1877. He was provided with a land parcel in Wappela, SK where he farmed until his death in 1905.

Sub Constable Hare is believed to be buried in Victoria, BC

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wedding Day - Reg.#23678, Blaine & Phylllis Price

'G' Troop 1964/65, in particular, will be glad to know that Phyllis and Blaine are 'stuck' together today much as they were over 46 years ago!

The children are gone, and the Prices are retired and living among the gentle and rolling hills of mid southern (Heaven) New Brunswick.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Mrs Connie (Harry) Armstrong

Reg.#15067, S/S/M 'Harry' Armstrong

Riding Master circa 1960's

In Memory of Mrs Connie 'Harry' Armstrong

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Ottawa Deacon Pierre Belanger reports today that Mrs Connie Armstrong, spouse of Reg.#15067, 'Harry' Armstrong has passed away and has gone to join Harry. 

The Armstrong family has asked Deacon Belanger to preside at the Ecumincal Service at the Pearley, Ottawa on Saturday, February 25th at 09:00 hrs. in the Chapel.

Connie had been a long time resident of the Pearley on Russel Road and Harry spent each and every day visiting her while also helping our as a volunteer until his passing in April 2011.

There will be no visitation. All veterans are invited to attend the Service as well as a short reception at the Pearley following the ceremony. 

Internment at a later date in the spring. 

Connie's obituary to appear in Thursday's Ottawa Citizen, February 23, 2012.

Pierre Belanger, Deacon

Director, Member Services.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Reg.#17435, S/Sgt. Allen G. Rae - A Special RCMP Veteran

Reg.#17435, S/Sgt. Allen G. Rae

Retired and Remarkable

Reg.#17435, S/Sgt. A. G. Rae - Retired

Served RCMP 1952 to 1972

'One Highly Regarded and Unique RCMP Ambassador'

 Upper Photo

(L) Reg.#17435, S/Sgt. A. G. Rae - Retired with

(R) Reg.# 33612, S/S/M John Buis, Burnaby Detachment

Lower Photo

(L front row) Reg.#17435, S/Sgt. A. G. Rae - Retired

with a hero, James Naismith 

The 2011 Unveiling of

the James Naismith Statue in Almonte, Ontario

(photos from the Buis collection)

I'm proud to know Staff/Sergeant/Major John Buis of Burnaby Detachment. His DNA consists strictly of RCMP strands. Thus, I can attest that he has been an active volunteer with BC's boys basketball almost from the time when basketball hoops were made of straw.

John also knows all the who-who's that ever stepped on the gym floor within the sport of Canadian basket ball.

Last summer, John's luck played out because he was invited to the Unveiling of the James Naismith Statue in Almonte, ON. It was during this trip, that John Buis met a very memorable person who also had a long connection and career with the Force.

History is never completely revealed and the short story which follows proves that the point.  Hereunder, John Buis tells us about a remarkable retired member. (JJHealy, Reg.#23685)

John Buis says: 'I have gotten to know Allen Rae since the event last summer and learned he is S/Sgt. Allen Rae (retired) Reg. # 17435. He was a member of the RCMP from 1952 until he retired in 1972. He trained at "N" Division, served in "F" Division and later transferred to the RCMP Visa Control Section at the Canadian Embassy in Stuttgart, West Germany, Delhi, India and Tokyo Japan. 

I have further learned that Allen Rae is the most respected international basketball referee ever produced by Canada. His officiating record of four straight Olympic Games (1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976) may never be surpassed by another Canadian referee. During his officiating career, Allen refereed in 19 countries and taught at referee clinics in 49 countries. He is the only Canadian ever inducted into the FIBA (world governing body of basketball) Hall of Fame. Much of Allen's international refereeing career occurred while he was a member of the RCMP.

I think that retired Allen Rae is an example of an outstanding Canadian who had a great career in the RCMP.' 

S/S/M John Buis continues: 'Here is a synopsis of Allen's officiating career I located on Wikipedia.

Allen Rae (born December 26, 1932 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a retired Canadian basketball referee. He refereed in the 1964 Olympics, 1968 Olympics, 1972 Olympics (including a semi-final game in each of those) and 1976 Olympics. He also refereed the final of the 1975 European Championship. He was the Technical Commissioner in 1984 Olympics, 1988 Olympics, 1992 Olympics, 1990 World Championship and 1983 Pan American Games. From 1984 to 1994, he served as Vice President of the Technical Commission of the FIBA. He is the President of the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation & Museum since 2003. In 2007, he was enshrined in the FIBA Hall of Fame.

Highlights: Here is the list of his accomplishments from the FIBA Hall of Fame:

Refereed in 4 Olympic Games: Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976 

·     Called 3 Olympic Semi-Finals: Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968, Munich 1972

·     Refereed the Final of the 1975 European Championship for Men in Belgrade

      Called in 4 Pan American Games: Winnipeg 1967, Cali 1971, Mexico City 1975 and San Juan 1979

·     Called in many other international tournaments and championships, including World University Games, Asian Games, R. William Jones Cups, national league games/finals in India, Japan, etc.

 

·        Technical Commissioner in 3 Olympic Games (Los Angeles 1984, Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992), in the Argentina 1990 World Championship and in the Caracas 1983 Pan American Games

·        FIBA International Referee Instructor: 1976-1994

·        Member of the Technical Commission of FIBA: 1976-1994

·        President of the Technical Commission of FIBA-Americas: 1983-1993

·        Vice President of the Technical Commission of FIBA: 1984-1994

·        Script writer, editor and/or director of several FIBA technical aids/films, including Basketball by the Rules, Mechanics of Officiating and FIBA Rule Changes

·        Member of the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation & Museum in Almonte (an institution dedicated to preserving the legacy of the inventor of basketball): 1989-2003

·        President of the Dr. James Naismith Basketball Foundation & Museum since 2003

Distinctions/Recognitions:

·        FIBA Order of Merit in 1997

·        Inducted into the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, the Canadian Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the City of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2005

·        Lifetime Achievement Award from the Coaching Association of Canada in 2002

·        Lifetime Achievement Award at the City of Ottawa Sports Awards in 2006

·        Outstanding Contribution to Officiating in Canada from Sports Officials Canada in 2006.'
-            -------------------------------------------------------------
   
     History of the Force is the sum of special people who have served in the Force. One very, very special person is S/Sgt. Allen Rae. 

    Yet, there exists thousands of other 'specials' like retired S/Sgt. Allen Rae excepting they have contributed their energy, skills and talents in a very different directions.  Other members have also left their imprint in the minds of Canadians when help or volunteer work was needed. 
   
   It is a pleasure to learn more about the life of S/Sgt. Allen Rae and his remarkable connection to Canadian basket ball.  Thank you John Buis.

     I think that if James Naismith were alive to day, he would make Allen Rae his first choise for life long Coach and John Buis as Allen Rae's full time Assistant Coach!

    With a winning coaching staff of these two men, I'd volunteer to be Water Boy Person.

     Contributor and Appreciation: S/S/M John Buis, Burnaby Detachment.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#2178, Constable Ernest Peyton

In Memory of Reg.#2178, Constable Ernest Peyton

A Very Special Constable

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Constable Ernest Peyton joined the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) at Toronto, ON in June 1888 without any idea or hint what ill was about to befall him.

For, Constable Peyton suddenly 'Died While Serving' (DWS) at 'Depot' only three months after he joined. Researcher and Historian Jack White reports that Constable Peyton died on September 25, 1888 of a ruptered appendix. Reports say he was 22 years of age.

Constable Peyton is buried at 'Depot'.

The reason for him being a Very Special Constable?  Constable Peyton was the first Newfoundlander to join the Force!

And, that's the reason he's considered Special, Very Special!

'Maintain Our Memories'

Contributors & Appreciation:
Vet Jack White, (deceased) for this story line,
and Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson for the photo of Cst. Peyton's grave, 'Depot'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685