In Memory of Reg.#17853, Corporal W. J. 'Bill' Hesse

.

In Memory of Reg.#17853, Corporal W. J. 'Bill' Hesse

Corporal Hesse was born in Windorst, SK on June 25, 1920. He joined the RCMP in Regina, SK as a Bandsman musician. He had been trained to play the tuba.

The 'Depot' Band was dissolved about 1959, so Corporal Hesse chose to work under the Corps Sergeant Major as the Division Orderly. He held that post until he retired in 1976.

Corporal Hesse died unexpectedly in 1988 at the age of 68 years. He is buried in Regina, SK

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

CLICK HERE: 'A Confusing Mystery of a Not So Confused Corporal'

Last Post: Reg.#20319, S/Sgt. (R'td) Aubrey William Greeno

Last Post: Reg.#20319, S/Sgt. (R'td) Aubrey William Greeno

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Ottawa Vets have been advised that S/Sgt. Aubrey William Greeno died Mar 27, 2012 when the small tractor he was riding overturned while clearing snow from his driveway in Truemanville, NS. 

S/Sgt. Greeno served in 'H' and 'B' as a member of the Marine Division from Oct 1953 to Dec 1977.  He was a Life Member of the Nova Scotia Veterans' Association.

S/Sgt. Greeno also served in the Canadian Army from November 1940 to October 1945. Upon discharge, he held the rank of Lieutenant.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: O. 601, A/Comm'r Marcel J. U. Sauvé

Last Post: Reg.# 15373 / O. 601,

A/Comm'r Marcel J. U. Sauvé

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

Peacefully at the Queensway Carleton Hospital on Saturday March 24th, 2012 at the age of 82.

Predeceased by his wife Violette (1988). Loving father of Michel (Doris), André, Richard (Louise), Suzanne (Denis Routhier), Paul (Suzanne Morris) and Denis (Laureen). Cherished grandfather of Francine, Eric, Mélanie, Isabelle, Franois, Nathalie, Caroline, Alexandre, Céline, Chantal and René. Great-grandfather of Guillermo, Mathias and Julia. Brother of the late Fernand (late Antonine), the late Léo (Carmen), the late Charlie (Loretta), the late Edouard (Monica), the late Lucille (late Donald), Roger (Barbara) and Thérèse (Vincent). Marcel will be dearly missed by his friend Rosalyn Parisien and by several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to visit at the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry 1200 Ogilvie Road (at Aviation Parkway) on Wednesday March 28th, 2012 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.

Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday March 29th, 2012 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses on the 4th Floor at the Queensway Carleton Hospital for their loving care and compassion.

Unassuming Heroism

In 1969, Mr. Sauvé chased an armed man fleeing from Montreal bank -- he was shot at, but caught, disarmed and arrested him.

The bandit received 7 years for 17 robberies but on appeal, the Judge tacked on 8 more years!

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#5529, Constable G.R. Pearkes

In Memory of Reg.#5529, Constable George Randolph Pearkes

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Many visitors as well as other Canadians may not know the significance of the official name which was given to the National Defence Building (NDB) located in downtown Ottawa, ON.

The National Defence Building is named after a famous Canadian; Major General George Randolph Pearkes, VC, DSO, MC, C.deG.

Oh, and at one time, George Randolph Pearkes was also known as Reg.#5529, and an RNWMP Constable.

It's all Canadian history.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

A Mourning Memo...

A Morning Memo from a Member in Mourning

'Friends Not Forgotten'

The following is a note of appreciation from a Member whom I have known from her years as a little girl...in her father's Tailor Shop

Subject: Thank You Very Much

Hello Joe,

Today we read your article about my dad in "Memory of a Tailor". Our family, especially my Mom, found your words so comforting. It made us really proud to read what you wrote and it means a lot to us, more than words can say.  

We wanted to let you know how much your kind words are appreciated at this time. We have printed it out, and are very proud to be able to give copies to our family members. Tomorrow morning my Mom is going to give Zia Clare (Corrado's sister) a copy at the Tailor Shop because she asks about you, and how you are doing.   

What you wrote is priceless to us and we will cherish it forever. Thank You So Much. All our good wishes to you and hope you are doing well.

We are going to make your article the centre of our "Memories of Corrado" table at his service. 

It is the best tribute to him we have and means more than you can imagine. It has been read to all the grandkids and had quite an impression. They all go to Catholic school, and part of the religious education program is for them to share their experiences about life events such as funerals. Now they will be able to bring this article along as part of the project.

God's blessings to you, and once again, Thank You.    

Susan Gastaldo & Family

*Over my 36 year career in the Force, I met all sorts of people. They are my friends.

Ti penso sempre...

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of a Tailor - an Expert, Italian Tailor

In Memory of a Tailor - an Expert, Italian Tailor

and a Friend

'Friends Not Forgotten'

From my notebook...

Many years ago, there arrived on the shores of Vancouver, BC an Italian family who was to become extremely well known throughout the world of the RCMP. It was 1965. The family name was Gastaldo.

The family consisted of Mr and Mrs Gastaldo Sr, three sons and two daughters. It seemed like it was only a day or two after they arrived that I met the family for the first time at the little church, 'Our Lady of Fatima' which sits at the corner of Kingsway and 10th Ave., New Westminster, BC.

The entire Gastaldo family and I became quick friends. They needed help to speak English. The three boys joined the church choir. It was an opportunity to quickly learn English and mingle with new Canadian friends. 

The Gastaldo trio of boys were the first, first class tenors before those other guys came along.

The family was made to feel comfortable in the church as well as in the homes of friends who also shared a love for music. It was at this time also, that Corrado met his future wife Leona.

Corrado Gastaldo was one of the three boys. I'm sure he and I were about the same age -- maybe 21 years. Upon first meeting Corado, I did not realize that he was a professional tailor -- but the fact was soon revealed and well proven.

It wasn't long before Corrado opened a small tailor shop on Kingsway just south of 10th Ave. In the early days, Corrado managed the front office, took measurements and chatted with customers. Business from the Burnaby Detachment was very good.

Corrado's sister Clare, another sister and her husband worked in the tailoring department. I was Corrado's first customer and thus I was invited to their wedding -- it was a spalsh with Italian food and drink of the kind that I had not seen in New Brunswick!

Frank Richter was another of Corrado's first customers. One day in '66, he and I went into Corrado's shop to order new suits. We had been invited to participate in Don Arndt's RCMP wedding in Kitchener, Ontario at which time we would wear Walking Out Order, but, prior to the trip, Frank and I thought we'd buy new duds from Corrado.

In short jig, Corrado made the tailored suits. Frank and I paid up and drove east for the wedding. We got Don married to Judy, and afterwards, Frank and I decided to visit Expo in Montreal, QC. While we were in Montreal, Frank's car was broken into and all our clothes were stolen -- including our new suits tailored by Corrado!

Soon Corrado and Leona started their family -- and over the years, I watched each of their children join the Force. Even though I had been transferred, I kept in touch with the Gastaldo's and Corrado's tailoring business flourished in the RCMP world as his reputation for excellence became better known.

The Gastaldo Shop gained in popularity because Corraldo also specialized in making unique badges for the RCMP uniform. Upon receiving their Commission,  many Officers across Canada would order their new Cap Badge from Corrado's shop. Did I mention that mine received a little more precious gold braid?

On my last visit to the Vancouver area, about three years ago, Cathy and I spent an afternoon in Corrado's Tailor Shop with the family. We were very distressed to learn at that time that Corrado had Alzheimers and required hospitalization. He did not know me.

Today, I received sad news from Burnaby Detachment's S/S/M/ John Buis. 

Corrado Gastaldo, one of my earliest and closest friends from Burnaby days has died. He and Leona were so absolutely proud of their children because they had joined the Force. And I was also proud for him. I saw each of the children grow and develop RCMP careers. 

My wife and I are visiting Montreal again soon. Each time I'm in the city, I recall Corrado -- I keep alert and a sharp eye out for my suit!

I am a person of strong hope. But, some days, I think that life just goes downhill after one is born. Today is one of those days.

Corrado's funeral is this week. It's best for him that way. I think.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#19598, Sgt. Robert Stephen

In Memory of Reg.#19598, Sergeant Robert Stephen

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Robert Stephen was born in Thurso, Scotland on October 6, 1935. He came to Canada and engaged in the RCMP in 1956.

Sergeant Robert Stephen and Reg.#17657, (later, Inspector) Kenneth Graham Kerr displayed their courage on September 21, 1964 when they arrested an armed man under dangerous conditions in Bridgewater, NS.

Later, the two members were awarded a Commendation for their action.

Sergeant Stephen retired in 1991. He is buried in St. Ann's Bay, Nova Scotia.

The sixth anniversary date of Sgt. Stephen's death is today.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Contributor and Appreciation:

Vet. C/Supt. Jack White (deceased)

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#6743 / O.284 Frank Henry William Zaneth

In Memory of Reg.#6743 / O.284

Frank Henry William Zaneth

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Frank Zaneth was born in 1890 in Gambolo, Italy. He came to Canada and engaged in the RNWMP in 1917. His career was wide and diverse, including Canada wide postings with the the Preventive Service in 'C', 'HQ', 'F' (Regina), 'K' (Calgary), 'C' (Montreal), 'A' (Ottawa) and 'F' Div. (Regina Sub). His final posting was at 'HQ' in the role of Director of Training.

E' Div. Vet Don Klancher submitted this photo and says: 'Undoubtedly, it was taken shortly after his Commission in 1934'. 

There were a few things unique about Frank Zaneth. First, Don Kancher says that: 'Frank Zaneth was the first member promoted to the rank of Detective Inspector.'

And, Graves Program Volunteer Helen Gillespie claims that '...according to a paperback in 1992 entitled 'Undercover: Cases of the RCMP's Most Secret Operative' by James Dubro and Robin Rowland, is the story of Zaneth's life and cases, some of which are pretty incredible.' (Helen Gillespie).[hgillespie@rogers.com]

Frank Zaneth received promotions throughout his career. He retired in 1951 as an Assistant Commissioner. He died in 1971 and he is buried in Quebec.

Oh, I completely forgot that there was something else unique about Frank Zaneth. It wasn't his name.

His real name was Franco Zanetti!

'Maintain Our Memories'

Photo Contributor and Appreciation:
'E' Div. Vet Din Klancher

J. J. Healy
Reg.#23685

Last Post. 16993 / O.592, Assistant Commissioner Richard Walling

Last Post. Reg.#16993 / O592,

Assistant Commissioner Richard Oscar 'Dick' Walling

'Friends Not Forgotten'

After a long illness, Friday March 16th, 2012 at the age of 80. Beloved husband of Joan nee McInnis, for 54 years. Loving father of Donna Jean (Kirk Bennett,) Anne Marie (Steve Moore) and David (Camille). Caring grandfather to Tamara and Capriale. Dear brother of David and the late Martha. Retired RCMP Assistant Commissioner.

His intelligence, determination and strength, kindness, generosity and great sense of humour will be missed. Thanks to the staff of the Colonel By Retirement Home and The Glebe Centre, Bronson Place 2, Glebewood for their excellent care during his illness.

Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O'Connor) Tuesday March 20th from 12 noon until Service time in the Chapel at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer Society or The Glebe Centre.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy
Reg.#23685

Contributor. Vets, Ottawa Div.

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