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'

Last Post: Reg.#18291, Cst Murray L. Tyreman

Okanagan Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#18291 former Cst. Murray Lawrence Tyreman died January 24, 2010 at Vernon, B.C.

Cst. Tyreman served from 1953 to 1957 in 'F' Div, leaving from Yorkton Det.

His brother, Reg.#19083 Milt Tyreman, is a member of Okanagan Div Vets.

Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#15890 (Rtd) S/Sgt. John Boston

Edmonton Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#15890 (Rtd) S/Sgt. John Boston died January 24, 2010 at Stonewall, MB.

S/Sgt. Boston served from 1949 to 1979 in 'F', 'M', and 'D' Div's.

Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#20602 (former) Cst. Gary Michael Bell

Vancouver Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#20602 former Cst. Gary Michael Bell died of a heart attack on January 11, 2010 at Bellingham, Washington.

Cst. Bell served from 1958 to 1964 in 'E' and 'G' Div's. In 1960 he and Reg.# 20836 Laurie Marshall received a Commendation as these members climbed the girders of Pattullo Bridge, Surrey - New Westminster, BC and disuaded a jumper from committing suicide.

Cst. Bell was a pilot with Air Canada from 1967 to 1998. He lived in Washington State, USA

Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#19285 (Rtd) Sgt. Lorne B. Schollar

Edmonton Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#19285, (Rtd) Sgt. Lorne B. Schollar died January 23, 2010 at Yellowknife, NWT.

Sgt. Schollar served from 1956 to 1982 in 'D' 'G' 'B' and 'G' Divs.

Jack White

Reg.#44614, (Rtd) Cst. T. C. Jeans

Last Post

Edmonton Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#44614 (Rtd) Cst. Thomas Charles Jeans died January 17, 2010 at Stony Plain, Alberta.

Cst. Jeans served 21 years in the RCN. He joined the Force in 1982 at the rank of S/Cst. In 1993, he was promoted to Cst. and he served in that rank in 'K' Div. until 1999.

Jack White

'Maintain Our Memories'

Slyvia LePage

Obituary

LEPAGE, Sylvie 28 years of service with RCMP Peacefully on Friday January 22nd, 2010 at the age of 48. Dear daughter of Rheal Lepage and the late Rachel Bricault. Loving common-law spouse of Rejean Beaudry. She will be sadly missed by her children Melanie Binet (Charles Patrice) and Eric Binet (Stephanie Beauparlant) as well as the children of her spouse Denis and Carole Beaudry. She will also be missed by her grandchildren Frederic, Chloe and Damien; her sisters Christine (Gilbert Leonard), Monique (Michel Levesque) and Anne (Guy Carriere) as well as many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday January 28th, 2010 at Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes Church, Vanier (435 Montreal Rd) at 10:30a.m. For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice. Life stories and tributes may be shared online at http://www.mem.com/

Source: Spirit [thespirit@rogers.com]

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#30603 (Rtd) Cst. David E. MacDonald

Last Post

Nova Scotia Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#30603 (Rtd) Cst. David E. MacDonald died January 21, 2010 at Baddeck, NS.

Cst. MacDonald served from 1973 to 2006 in 'J' and 'H' Div's. He retired from Cape Breton Traffic Services.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#44618, Cst. Douglas M. Johnston

Last Post

Ottawa Vets advise that;

Reg.#44618 former Cst. Douglas Melvin Johnston died January 21, 2010 at Ottawa, ON

Cst. Johnston first served as a S/Cst. then he was promoted to Cst. from 1993 to 1994 in the Band at 'HQ'.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Jack White

Reg.#44618, Douglas Johnson

Obituary

JOHNSTON, Douglas Retired RCMP Peacefully on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the age of 70. Douglas was a former Band member and will be sadly missed by his sister Judy (the late Ellard Ferguson) and nieces Cathy Ferguson and Jenny Ferguson. Friends are invited to the St. Laurent Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 1200 Ogilvie Road (at Aviation Parkway) on Wednesday, January 27, from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre.

Source: Spirit [thespirit@rogers.com]

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#15585, Cst. Raymond Charles Herbert

Last Post

Edmonton Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#15585 former Cst. Raymond Charles Herbert died January 17, 2010 at Edmonton, AB.

Cst. Herbert had served at the rank of S/Cst. Reg.# 9067 from 1946 to 1947 in the Band. He was promoted to Cst. and he served from 1948 to 1951 also in the Band.

Jack White
 
'Maintain Our Memories'

Memorial to Reg.#0.1875, C/Supt. D. (Doug) E. Coates

RCMP Commissioner W.J. Elliott announced in Ottawa this afternoon that Supt. Doug Coates had also been killed as a result of the earthquate in Haiti last Tuesday, January 12, 2010.

Supt. Coates was posted to Haiti with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. At the time of the disaster, he was working in Haiti UN Headquarters.

I am particulaly sad to hear this news as Supt. Coates and I shared a long career together in the field of Canadian/UN Police Peacekeeping Operations going back to the early 1990's.

Along with all RCMP members and RCMP Vets, I express my sympathy, condolences and affection to Doug's wife and his three children.

Few loved their profession as much as Doug. His heart's desire and dream was to help the people of Haiti. He especially devoted his work towards the rebuilding of the Haitian National Police. Supt. Coates died while serving the United Nations, Canada and the Force.

*Superintendent Coates was promoted posthumously to the RCMP rank of Chief Superintendent.

The RCMP has lost one of their best.

Yours truly,

Joe Healy
0.1498

Photograph of Supt. Coates by: Handout photos, The Ottawa Citizen.

Reg.#35051, Supt. Douglas E. Coates

Obituary

RCMP Supt. Doug Coates, a Gatineau resident who was acting police commissioner for the United Nations mission in Haiti, was found dead on Saturday after last Tuesday's earthquake there, according to RCMP Commissioner William Elliott.Searchers discovered Coates's body in the rubble of the UN headquarters in Port-au-Prince early Saturday morning, Elliott told an afternoon news conference in Ottawa. Coates was identified Saturday afternoon, he said."On behalf of the RCMP and all of Doug's colleagues, I wish to offer my profound sympathies to Doug's wife Lise, their children Julie, Mathieu and Luc, their family and friends," Elliott said, his voice cracking."

At the time of his tragic death, Doug was doing what he did so well -- leading an international peacekeeping operation. He was the acting commissioner of operations for the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti."Coates' last mission in Haiti began in June 2009. The 52-year-old officer was among 82 Canadian police officers serving in Haiti at the time of the earthquake. He is the second RCMP member killed in the earthquake, after Sgt. Mark Gallagher of Nova Scotia; Elliott said 80 other Canadian police officers in Haiti have been accounted for.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#19928, S/Sgt. P.A. Dodds

Regina Div Vets advise that;

Reg.#19928 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Phillip A. Dodds died January 15, 2010 at Regina, SK.

S/Sgt. Dodds served from 1957 to 1990 in 'D,' 'F', 'E, and 'F' Div's.

Jack White

Memorial to Reg.#46470, Sgt. Mark C. W. Gallagher

Earlier today, Commissioner W. J. Elliott officially reported the death of Sgt. Mark Charles William Gallagher. His body was found in the rented house in which he lived.

While working in Haiti, Sgt. Gallagher's role was to improve training methods and conditions for the Haitian National Police.

Sgt. Gallagher was a victim of the severe earthquake which hit Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at about 5:00PM

Sgt. Gallagher had been assigned to the RCMP/Police - UN Mission in Haiti since July 2009.  He began his policing career with the Moncton City Police and he joined the Force in 1998.  Sgt. Gallagher's usual posting was with the Force in 'H' Div. (Nova Scotia).

In Nova Scotia, Sgt. Gallagher appeared on TV on a regular schedule as a professional representative of the Force.  He must be admired for volunteering for this most difficult and dangerous job.

RCMP members and Vets of the Force express our sympathy and affection to Sgt. Gallagher's spouse and his family.

Sgt. Gallagher died in the service to the United Nations, Canada and the Force.

Photograph of Sgt. Gallagher by: Handout photos, The Ottawa Citizen.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Joe Healy

0.1498

Last Post: Reg.#16151, S/Sgt. Glenn B. Cummings

I received word that;

Reg.#16151 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Glenn B. Cummings died Jan 12, 2010 at Winnipeg, MB

It is believed that he died from cancer.

S/Sgt. Cummings served from 1950 to 1976 in 'A', 'D', 'HQ', 'D', 'HQ', 'B', & 'HQ' Div.

Jack White

Reg.#16151, S/Sgt. Glen B. Cummings

Obituary

CUMMINGS, B. Glen Ret S/Sgt RCMP 22 March 1931 - 12 January 2010 Passed away peacefully in hospital with family by his side. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Doreen, son Glen (Tamy) Cummings, daughters Brenda (Rob) MacFarlane, Sharon (Brad) Welsh and grandchildren Vanessa and Matthew Welsh. Brothers Gene (Yolanda), Doug (Edna) sister Mary (George) Hartwell.

Joined RCMP in 1950; retired in 1976 and moved to Winnipeg. Glen enjoyed golfing, bird watching, horse racing and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a strong person with a soft heart. After a short and courageous battle with cancer he left us but will remain in our hearts. Memorial service was held on January 18, 2010 in Winnipeg.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Mystery of the Unidentified RCAF (maybe RCMP) Airman!

Mystery Unidentified Airman - Possible RCAF:RCMP Connection by Vet. John Henderson

Hello Joe,

Great site! I have a rather unusual query for you.

I am an amateur aviation historian with a life long interest in all aspects of aviation. One of my current projects involves a study of the many RCMP members who left the RCMP before or during WW II to join the RCAF or RAF. To date I have identified 108 such members.

I found the attached photograph alas, there was no caption. It depicts an airman - Sergeant - probably a tail gunner given where he is standing - for sure a British airfield - as the Halifax aircraft depicted did not fly in Canada during the war.

Might you be able to post it on your blog in an effort to identify the individual? It's a long shot given the passing of time and the quality of the photograph. However, it would be nice to put a name to this man while advancing both of our projects.

My hope of course is that it depicts a former RCMP member who flew with the RCAF and then returned to join the RCMP.

Best regards,

Vet. John Henderson

jandbhenderson@sympatico.ca

How I Unravelled the Mystery!

Dear Joe;

I had it (the answer) all the time . . .

You recall that I asked you to post a photograph that I had located at the then RCMP Museum several years ago. It depicted an unknown Sgt. airman (tail gunner) standing by the rear turret of a Halifax bomber. The photograph was with a collection of RCMP Air Division material - absent a caption of course. My hope was that by distributing the photograph I would learn the identity of the individual - pushing the envelope I was hoping he would be a former RCMP member.

So, today (January 19, 2010) I'm sifting through my "RCMP Red To Air Force Blue" material and I came across a Quarterly article written by Cst. L. Smyth about his WW II experiences as a Halifax crew member (RCMP Quarterly July 1946 Volume 12(1)at pps 43-49). This, with the exact photograph I was trying to identify included! Caption reads:

"The tail gunner's turret. Note damage on tail fin." ... and later in the narrative: "King of the Royal Mounted" Smyth, Winnipeg, MB

The [flight] crew are listed but not the Squadron or their function - three of the crew had received the Distinguished Flying Cross - their three citations mention service with 158 Squadron - a check of the 158 Squadron website reveals that one Lawrence Smyth (Reg.#11823) served with this Unit - which connects our RCMP Cst. L. Smyth to our mystery quest!

Further the Pilot's DFC citation mentions that his a/c [aircraft] was damaged on several sorties - the caption in the article make reference to "damage on tail fin".

All to say, I now know substantially more about Cst. Smyth then I did before - and had the key to the mystery right in front of me!

"The following Airmen have been identified as having flown at some time with Pilot Norman Tilston J92642.

187818 CARROLL, Michael John Flight Engineer
R180664 MCMAHON, James Peter Emmett Wireless Operator
J35908 PACKER, Norman Allan Navigator
J94945 ROBBINS, Donald Leonard Air Gunner
J93368 SMYTH, Lawrence Air Gunner
J93380 STORSATER, Ralph George Air Bomber"

They all appear to have started their tour with 158 Squadron on September 22, 1944

Concluded Here:

Vet. John Henderson
Ottawa, Ontario

'Maintain Our Memories'

Last Post: Reg.#32529, Cst. Peter F. Foley

The Vets Net advise that;

Reg.#32529 (former) Cst. Peter Francis Foley died December 27, 2009 at Dauphin, MB.

Cst. Foley served from 1975 to 1979 in 'H' Div, then from 1980 to 1998 he worked with Pinkerton's at Winnipeg.

Jack White

Last Post: Reg.#17114, Cst. Wilson E.K. Morris

New Brunswick Div. Vets advise that;

Reg.#17114 (former) Cst. Wilson Everett Kerr Morris died Jan 2, 2010 at Advocate Harbour, N.B.

Cst. Morris served the Force from 1951 to 1957 in 'A' Div.

Jack White

Reg.#15247, S/Sgt. Lowell Norman Skelton

Obituary

SKELTON, Lowell Norman ~ Entered into rest at his home on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at the age of 81. Dear father of Norman Jr. and the late Douglas. Remembered by his family and friends. Cremation has taken place. At Norman's request there will be no visitation or service. Interment will take place later in the spring.

If desired, memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated and may be made through the MACKEY FUNERAL HOME, 33 Peel Street, Lindsay. Online condolences may be made at http://www.mackeys.ca/

Credit: Vets Toronto, Jack O'Reilly

'Maintain Our Memories'