Queen Elizabeth II - Celebrations of a Diamond Jubillee

QUEEN ELIZABETH II - CELEBRATIONS OF A DIAMOND JUBILEE

A ROYAL VISIT TO PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, CANADA - 1973

The week of June 1st, 2012 will begin special celebrations in London, England for Her Majesty's 60th Diamond Jubilee.

I believe every Canadian police officer feels immense pride whenever Her Majesty visits Canada. 

A Canadian police officer who has been involved in the planning of a Royal Visit also feels his or her Red Serge fit a wee bit snug because the officer's chest also swells with excitement and pride.

Like all RCMP members on Royal Visit's who have preceded me, each of us cannot forget the joy and exhilaration of meeting Her Majesty. 

On Her Majesty's 1973 Visit to Prince Edward Island, I was selected as her driver. It was an opportunity of a life time to be close to Her Majesty and I can recall the events of the Tour clearly today.

Throughout Her Royal Tour, I worked with members all of whom have remained friends down through the many years since 1973. 

The Royal Tour was celebrated in higher fashion by the Force because it was the 100th year Anniversary of the North West Mounted Police (1873 to 1973).

In the photo, in Red Serge beginning on the left:

Cst. Guy Fortin, the top of Guy's head can be seen, it appears he is speaking with Prince Philip,

Cst. Eric Bower,

Cst.Joe Healy,

Cst John Farquar,

Cst. Harry Gibbs, and

Cst. Bill Greenslade

I am grateful that I was given a copy of this photo by Reg.#17166,  S/Sgt. W. R. 'Bill' Haines, 'L' Div. Indent Services. Bill caught this snap in front of the Charlottetown Inn.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Celebrating Diamonds - Miss Canada 1976

Ms Blair Lancaster - Miss Canada 1976

'Celebrating Diamonds'

In the midst of her cross Canada tour, Ms Lancaster stopped over at 'Depot' for a visit with everyone at the Academy.

I was forced away from my regular instructional duties in law class to spend time with Ms Lancaster and escort her to all the various activities ongoing at 'Depot'. A police officer with any operational experience at all would appreciate the importance of  switching from one case to another on short notice -- in other words, you go where you have been assigned!

The year 1976 was an exciting and memorable space for Ms Lancaster. She represented Canada very proudly throughout her reign as Miss Canada -- a time of adventure and a celebration of achievement.

I was also very proud to be selected as Ms Lancaster's 'Royal Canadian Escort'.  We continue to extend all our affection to Ms Lancaster for a memorable visit to 'Depot' many miles ago.

Thank You.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Ms Blair Lancaster - Miss Canada - A Legal Challenge

ANOTHER SORT OF CANADIAN DIAMOND TO CELEBRATE

'MISS CANADA 1976' - MS BLAIR LANCASTER

(LAW V. LANCASTER)

IN 1976, WHILE POSTED TO 'DEPOT' AS AN INSTRUCTOR, I HAD THE MEMORABLE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET, GREET AND ESCORT MISS CANADA, MS BLAIR LANCASTER.

AT THE TIME, MS LANCASTER WAS CROSSING CANADA ON TOUR. SHE DECIDED TO 'DROP IN' TO VISIT 'DEPOT'.

IN THEM 'OLE DAYS, MS LANCASTER EXHIBITED AWARD WINNING BEAUTY AND A WONDERFUL PERSONALITY. SHE RIGHTLY DESERVED TO WIN THE TITLE OF 'MISS CANADA 1976'.

TODAY, MS LANCASTER ENJOYS A REMARKABLE ONGOING BUSINESS AND CANADA CONTINUES TO BE PROUD OF HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS. IN THIS YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS, SHE IS REMEMBERED AS A PURE DIAMOND OF ANOTHER SORT.

MS LANCASTER'S VISIT FORCED ME TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS. I NOW CONFESS TO MS LANCASTER THAT I GAVE RECRUIT McNAIRNAY AN ADDITIONAL LAW EXAM THAT AFTERNOON TO KEEP HIM OCCUPIED. BESIDES, I BELIEVED THAT MORE LAW WAS LIKELY GOOD FOR HIS CAREER. 

BY TAKING AN UNUSUAL INTEREST IN RECRUIT McNAIRNAY'S LAW STUDIES, I WAS ABLE TO ESCORT MS LANCASTER MORE EFFICIENTLY BY EXPENDING LESS PERSON POWER.

SOMETIMES, A CORPORAL MUST CARE FOR A RECRUIT BY DECIDING WHAT'S BEST FOR HIM! 

McNAIRNAY HAS ME TO THANK!

IN THIS CASE, 'LANCASTER WON OVER LAW'

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Retirement of A/Comm'r Fraser McRae

 Retirement of Assistant Commissioner Fraser McRae

from Surrey Detachment, 'E' Div. 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#12986, Constable Alfred Butchers

In Memory of Reg.#12986, 

Constable Alfred William David Lorne Butchers

'Friends Not Forgotten'

I am appreciative to Ms Berry McCord for this photo of her brother Reg.#12986, Alfred Butchers and his wife Jean (Christopher) taken in 1936 in Niagara Falls, ON. 

Alfred Butchers was 22 years of age at the time the wedding picture was taken.      

Constable A. W. D. L Butchers joined the Force in 1937. He died unexpectedly from a heart attack while on duty on May 14, 1953. He was 39 years of age.

Alfred Butches is buried in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.4233, Veterinary Surgeon E. A. Meakings

Ernest Albert Meakings joined the Force in 1904 as a Veterinary Surgeon. He remained until 1907 at which time he transferred to the Department of Agriculture.

Veterinary Surgeon Meatings died in 1939. He is buried in Biggar, SK.

Photo Contributor: Edmonton Vet. AJH 'Joe' Collinson,

Historical facts with kindness of Vet Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of O.171, Stuart Zachary Taylor Wood

 'The Stables' at Rockcliffe, Ottawa, Ontario

In Memory of O.171, Stuart Zachary Taylor Wood

'Friends Not Forgotten'

O.171, S. Z. T. Wood, the ninth Commissioner of the Force was affectionally referred to by his initials 'S.T.' Inside the Force, few would not know the meaning of the two letters. 

S. T. Wood joined the RNWMP in 1912. He received his Commission the same day as a graduate of RMC.  

Transfers took S. T. Wood to 'Depot', 'K', 'M', 'E', 'F' and 'HQ' Division. He served as Commissioner from 1938 to 1951.

The Musical Ride Stables and the Riding School at RCMP Rockcliffe were named after him in recognition of his considerable contributions to the RCMP Equestrian Program.

Commissioner Wood died in 1966 and he is buried at 'Depot' 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#27516, Sergeant Jean Desrosiers (R'td)

Last Post: Reg.#27516, Sergeant Jean Desrosiers

'Friends Not Forgotten'

This from 'J' Division

Obituary 

Reg. #27516, (Retired) Sgt.  Jean (John)  Desrosiers died at his home in Dieppe NB, at 8:43 AM, Wednesday the 23rd. of May 2012. His wife Janice and his sons Jean Jr., and Jason were by his side. John was 64 years old.

Arrangements are being handled by Chartersville Funeral Home, 363 Rue Amirault Dieppe NB. Visitations will be Friday, 25th. May 2012 from 2-4PM and 7-9PM.

The funeral will be at 11:00 AM, Sat. 26 May 2012 at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church 43 Botsford St. Moncton NB.

Jean was a Polygraph Operator while posted in Fredericton, NB. He was not a member of the NB Vets Association, however he was very well known in "J" Division.  Please fan this out to all Vets in the Province. 

A special request from the family has been received and they would appreciate it if all Vets attending could wear Vets apparel and/or uniform.
 

Our condolences go out to the Desrosier family.

 

For obit details please go to  -   http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-297059-jean-john-desrosiers.html

Contributors and Appreciation: Vets, 'J' Div.,

Danny McNeill and

Gary Bolton

'Maintain Our Memories' 

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#32554, Corporal D. B. Coupland

 Last Post: Reg.#32554, Corporal D. B. 'Dave' Coupland

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Early yesterday morning, RCMP Deacon Pierre Belanger said: "I received a call today from Keith Coupland advising of the passing of Dave this morning (May 22, 2012) at the age of 64.

Dave's funeral will be held this Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 13:00 hrs. in the Sacred Place at Beechwood Cemetery. Visitations at 12 noon and a reception will follow the Celebration of Life at 14:00 hrs. at Beechwood reception area.  

Members are invited to attend in Regimental Blazers. As burial will be private and out of town there will be no need for pall bearers.'

Corporal Coupland joined the Force in 1975 and he retired as a Corporal after 30 years of service most of which was between 'A' Division and 'HQ' Division.  He had previously served in Victoria B.C. and Prince George before coming to 'HQ' where at the time of his retirement he was serving in NSIS.

Dave retired in 2005. He was living in Ottawa, Ontario.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Mr. Denis Nelson, RCMP C/M

 Last Post: Mr. Denis Nelson, RCMP C/M 

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Ottawa Vet Deacon, Piere Belanger advised Ottawa Vets earlier today that Mr. Denis Nelson, an RCMP C/M had passed away today at the Ottawa Hospital at the age of 59.  

No arrangement to date

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685       

Anniversary

Anniversary of the Force

'Friends Not Forgotten'

It is May 23, 2012.

Today, the RCMP is 139 years young and the Commissioner of the Force is R. W. Paulson.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.#19235, J. P. A. D. J. Desmeules

It might almost be a Canadian historical fact! 

Curious who engaged in the Force with the longest name?

So far as I can tell it was: 

Reg.#19235, Joseph Phillippe Alexandre Daniel Jean Desmeules. 

J. P. A. D. J. Desmeules was born in 1930 and he joined the Force in 1956. He was posted to 'C' Division where he 'Purchased his Discharge' in 1964. 

Constable 'JP' died in 2005 and he is buried in St. Amable, QC.

It might almost be a Canadian historical fact!

'Maintain Our Memories '

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#1138, Constable Thomas Patrick Nash

In Memory of Reg.#1138, Constable Thomas Patrick Nash

'Friends Not Forgotten'

The grave marker of Constable Nash was recently found in Moose Jaw, SK by contributor, Mr. Ralph McLean, Project Director South Africa War Graves Project.

Constable Nash joined the Force in 1885 and he was present at the start of the North West Rebellion.

He was also among the NWMP group that marched from Regina to Prince Albert, SK and noted as one of the seven chosen to to remain at Fort Carlton to bury the dead. 

He appeared in Service Court and was 'Dismissed from the Force' in 1892.

I am very appreciative to Mr. Ralph McLean for this valuable photo. Mr. McLean passed the photo on to Vet Joe Collinson.  I am very appreciative to Mr. McLean, Vet Joe Collinson and to all Vets for their ongoing help and support to the National Graves Project. Thank you!

My thanks also to Vet Jack White (now deceased) for his historical notes.

Mr. McLean may be reached at the following address;

Ralph McLean

Project Director

South Africa War Graves Project

http://www.southafricawargraves.org/

2350 - 27th Avenue

Edmonton, Alberta

T6T 0A6

Canada

Tel: 780-642-9805

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Laat Post: Reg.#19010, R'td. Sgt. Stanley Douglas Hope

Last Post: #19010, (R'td) Sgt. Stanley Douglas Hope

''Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

It is with much sadness that I notify you of my father's passing on Tuesday May 8th 2012. 

Dad suffered bladder cancer diagnosed only in November. He also had dementia. We were fortunate enough to get him into a rest home in Sidney.

Dad received such wonderful care there and really didn't suffer until his final few days. His whole family was with him the weekend before his death where we camped out in his room and the nurses and LPNs cared to his and our every need.

I stayed with Dad until an hour before he passed, leaving only to pick up my daughter, he chose this time to leave.  I know so many members knew my Father and I wish I had phone numbers but don't. It would mean a lot if you could pass this onto those that served with my Dad in hopes that they contact us with stories and such. 

I have also lost the phone number of Dad's long-time friend; Ion Greenwood and know he would most definitely want to be contacted for any service/wake we have whatever premises. 

My home phone number is (778) 426-1900. Feel free to pass along this info to your members. 

We welcome all stories and any pictures of Dad as we plan to have a running picture presentation during his memorial.  If anyone wants to donate to the Cancer Society instead of sending flowers. 

 Doug was a member of the Force from 22/06/1955. He served in ‘F’, ‘E’ and ‘HQ’. He retired from Security Service on 24/08/1980.

 Thank you, Leslie Leeming (nee Hope)

Contributor: Kamloops Vet Steve Holotuk

'Maintain Our Memories' 

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685  

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

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

 This note was received today from S/Sgt. Pierre Patenaude's wife.

 "...To everyone that extended their sympathies I would like to say how much they were appreciated during this very difficult time. 

Your condolences and thoughts were all taken to heart and they meant the world to me and I know Pierre would have most gratefully appreciated them as well. Thank you.'
 
With warmest regards,
Louise Ross
(lilybakuzen@hotmail.com) 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#2518, Constable Charles Guernsey

 

In Memory of Reg.#2518, Constable Charles Guernsey

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Constable Charles Guernsey joined the Force  on October 15, 1890. After about ten years service, he contracted the painful infammatory rheumatism. 

He was compensated for his ailment at the rate of $.23c per day and was it was necessary for him to retire on Medical Discharge. His last day was October 13, 1898.

Charles Guernsey died on March 13, 1901. A few months later, his father, Major F. W. Guernsey of Port Hope, Ontario was compensated $16.56 which had been owing to his late son.

Constable Guernsey is buried in Medicine Hat, Alberta. His grave is cared for by retired Reg.#33398, Corporal Mike Duffy who reports that the writing on Constable Guernsey's headstone is fading and will require some repairs.

Our appreciation goes out to Vet Mike Duffy. 
I also acknowledge the historical notes of deceased Vet. Jack White.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#23820, Supt. A.A. (Ed) Spaans

 Last Post: Reg. #23820 /O.1373, 

Superintendent A.A. (Ed) Spaans (R'td)

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Following a brief and courageous battle with leukemia, A.A. (Ed) Spaans passed with his devoted wife Jane by his side on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the University of Alberta Hospital. 

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, including: his children Shireen (Leo), Sharla (Tom), John (Sarah), and Kevin; his brothers Peter (Cobie) and Bill (Mieke); his sisters Wilma (Neil) and Helen (Pete); and seven grandchildren. 

Ed will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his passion for activity, and his dedication to the things he loved. He was a proud member of the RCMP for thirty-nine years and the Appeals Commission for nine years. 

A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 am at Christ Community Church in St. Albert. Ed’s family would like to remind everyone of the importance of donating blood and wish to extend to the wonderful doctors and nurses at 5F4 and the GSICU our gratitude for their kindness. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the University Hospital Foundation. 

Contributor and Appreciation: Edmonton Vet AJH 'Joe' Collinson 
and The Edmonton Journal

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685