Friday, May 4, 2012

Last Post: Reg.#17750, Corporal Barry Dawson


Last Post: Reg.#17750, Corporal Barry Dawson
December 11, 1932 to April 9, 2012

'Friends Not Forgotten'

 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barry Dawson of Haileybury.

After a long and happy life, his big heart gave out, used up by all the living, giving, and loving he did during his 79 years.

Barry is survived by his wife Linda (Murphy), daughter Beth (Ron Doering), granddaughter Julia and brother Grant (Sandy).

He was born in Birkenhead, UK in 1932. Barry came to Canada and at 18 joined the RCMP. After retirement he became postmaster of Metcalfe and later Temagami. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his animals.

Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at a later date.


Contributor: Kamloops RCMP Vets [mailto:kamloopsrcmpva@shaw.ca]

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685 

Thursday, May 3, 2012

In Memory of Reg.#17364, S/Sgt. Walter O. Regitnig




In Memory of Reg.#17364, S/Sgt. Walter 'Wally' O. Regitnig
Dog Master Extraordinaire
'Freinds Not Forgotten'
Hi Joe;
I located Wally's final resting place after I heard there was a retired member of the RCMP buried in the only cemetery in North Delta, BC.

I have lived in North Delta since 1960 and did not realize there was a "still active" cemetery located next to Brook Elementary School. It is a very small cemetery with less than 200 burial spots. The cemetery was associated with the Trinity Lutheran Church located on River Road less than one kilometre away. It was later taken over by the Corporation [City] of Delta and is now run by the local government. 

Wally was the "E" Division Police Dog Service Coordinator prior to his retirement in the mid 1980's. 

In a strange coincidence, Wally was a close friend of my brother Jamie's father-in-law, Horst Femig. I met Wally socially on a number of occasions and always found he to be a true gentleman and an great member of the RCMP.
Wally contracted cancer not long after he retired and died much too young. 

 Attached are images of the cemetery and Wally's headstone.

Below is the description of the North Delta Cemetery which is located on the Corporation of Delta's website.  

"A small, quiet cemetery that was originally associated with Trinity Lutheran Church, North Delta Cemetery now serves the local community. There is no staff on-site except when maintenance and services are underway. Cemetery gates are open to the public at all times. The cemetery is located at the corner of Brook and Dunlop streets in North Delta and all parking is on the street. Call (604) 952-3176 for information about purchasing cemetery and cremation plots."
S/S/M John A. Buis
Burnaby Detachment

I am told that Wally Regitnig was a very close friend of another Dog
Master, retired Walter Tyrrell whose picture can be seen in The Quarterly, Spring Issue 2012, Vol 77(2). p. 54.

Congratulations to you also Walter!
'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Thomas Edwin Russell - Unknown and Unidentified, so far


Holding out for hope

Thomas Edwin Russell - Unknown and Unidentified, so far

A prominant businessman and a friend of Mr. Russell living in Toronto, ON claims that 'Russell' was once a member of the Force.

Mr. Russell said he engaged in 1950 and retired in 1975.

Apparently, two members in Red Serge appeared at Mr. Russell's 
Mississauga  Hospital bedside and gave him a final farewell salute before he passed away on 20/05/2010.

I need help to identify Mr. Russell, please.

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#32184, Sergeant Derck Butt


Last Post: Reg.#32184, Sergeant Derek Butt

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

After a courageous battle with cancer, peacefully in his sleep at the Cornwall Community Hospital on Monday April 30th at the age of 62.
Retired RCMP officer of 30 years and beloved husband of Danielle Butt (Rochon). Proud father of Patricia Gougeon (Edward) and Stephanie Butt Thibodeau (Stephane) all of Ottawa. Loving 'Grandpa' of Madeleine and William Gougeon, Annabelle and Mathieu Thibodeau.
Dear son of the late Gordon Butt and the late Elsie McCall. Dear brother of David Butt (Bev) of British Colombia, Rick Butt (Judy) of Alberta, Robert Butt (Sharon) and Ronald Butt, all of Chateauguay, QC. Predeceased by one brother Gary. Also survived by four nephews.
Resting at Lahaie and Sullivan, Cornwall Funeral Homes, West Branch, 20 Seventh St. West, (613-932-8482) from 2p.m. Thursday. Funeral Friday, May 4, 2012 for Service in the Memorial Chapel of the Funeral Home at 11 a.m..
Interment, Christ Roi Cemetery, Chateauguay, QC. The family will be in attendance on Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m until the time of the funeral. Special thanks to his team of doctors - Dr G Nicholas, Dr. R MacRae, Dr. G. Foley and nurses Gail and Linda. In Memoriam, donations to the cancer society are appreciated.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685





Last Post: RCMP Historian Stan Horrell



Many of us remember 'Stan' as he was affectionally known throughout his long career as the RCMP Historian.

I recall Stan telling me that he had joined the Force many years earlier (1956) as Reg.#19349. He purchased his discharge in 1957 and reengaged as a Civilian Member.

Stan was the author of many popular books on the RCMP.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

In Memory of O.99, NWMP Inspector D'Arcy Strickland




In Memory of O.99, NWMP Inspector D'Arcy Strickland

'Friends Not Forgotten'

D'Arcy Strickland was a Lieutenant in the 8th Cavalry Regiment before joining the Force.

He was also the Adjutant for the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles. He served in WWI and 'B' Squadron, Siberia. Officer #0.99 was assigned in 1891.

The two obituaries which follow were rec'd from Volunteer and Historian Mr. Robert O'Rourke, Peterborough, ON.

(*I have not tried to correct any spelling errors: JJH)

Obituary I 'Peterborough Review, 21/03/1908


'It is understood that it was due to dropsy. Major Strickland was the eldest son of Mr. R. C. Strickland of "The Homestead", Lakefield and was very well known here, where he passed part of his school days.

Going to the Northwest Territories, as they were then, he joined the Mounted Police and rose rapidly in that service until he attained his present position of Inspector. He was a brave and efficient Officer and was entrusted with many important missions, notably those into the Yukon territory. He was a man of powerful physique and an athlete of considerable repute.

Of a cheery and kindly disposition, he will be much missed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his untimely death.'

Obituary II

And this obituary 'Peterborough Review 23/03/1908

'Inspector Strickland's Buisy (sic) Life - Held Several Important Commands - was a capable officer - Ottawa, March 22.

Col. Fred White, Comptroller of the Royal North-West Mounted Police, received a telegram yesterday announcing the death at Fort Saskatchewan of Inspector Strickland, for many years a capable officer of the force.

Deceased was a member of the well known Strickland family of Lakefield, Ont. He took a cadet course at the Royal Military Collegte, Kingston. After receiving his military education, but before graduating, he joined the Mounted Police. He held commands at Prince Albert, Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan.

While in command of the two last named posts, he had charge of several expeditions into the Peace River region. He had charge of the building of the first 94 miles of pack trail from Fort St. John on the Peace River to the Yukon. He also effected the arrest of Chares King, the man who killed his chum, Edward Hayward, at Lesser Slave Lake, and buried the body.'

Photo Contribution: 'The Brennan Collection', 'H' Div., Halifax, NS

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Last Post: Reg.#21231, Staff Sergeant W. J. Jacques


Last Post: Reg.#21231, Staff Sergeant William J. 'Jack' Jacques

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Sadly, we say that Reg.#21231, (Rt'd) S/Sgt. John William 'Jack' Jacques passed away on April 26, 2012 in Regina, SK.

Jack will be laid to rest at the RCMP Cemetery at 'Depot' in a private family service.

Condolences of the Regina Veterans Association go out to the Jacques family. 

Jacques was a member of the Force from 06/01/1960 until his retirement 28/04/1996. He served in 'F' Div.

 'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor and Appreciation: Vet Steve Holotuk CFE, CIP

Saturday, April 28, 2012

In Memory of Archibald MacDonald & David Murdock


In Memory of deceased Archibald MacDonald &

Reg.# 6138, Acting Corporal David Murdock (murder : insanity)


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Friday, April 27, 2012

In Memory of Reg.#9062, Constable Olivier St. Louis

In Memory of Reg.#9062, Constable Olivier St. Louis

'Friends Not Forgotten'


Constable Olivier St. Louis is buried in Notre Dame Cemetery, Gatineau, QC.


Contributor and Appreciation: Ottawa Vet. Bernie Gagon

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#9053, Corporal James Baldwin

In Memory of Reg.#9053, Corporal James Baldwin

'Friends Not Forgotten'

North District Vet, BC Rick Meijer has launched an enquiry into the life and times of Corporal James Baldwin.

A few items regarding Corporal Baldwin have not yet been settled; what was he doing in Terrace, BC which is the location of his death, why is he buried in an umarked grave and why was his baby not given a name?

All reasonable questions which require an answer.

This is an appeal from Vet Rick Meijer asking for help with the Corporal Baldwin file.

Replies to Rick Meijer [mailto:rcmpgrav@box431.bluehost.com]

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Last Post: Reg.#36508, Sergeant Charles E. Moore


Last Post: Reg.#36508, Sergeant Charles E. Moore
 October 9, 1954 - April 19, 2011

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our husband and father, after a courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy.

Lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Jane of 30 years, his children Bruce and Jenna, and his in-laws Doris and Nick Nickson. Dear brother of Jean (Rick), Alan (Lisa), brother-in-law of Randall (Liane).

Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Jeff and Kay, and brother Bob.

Charlie proudly served the RCMP for 29 years, posted to Smithers, Midway, Toronto, Newmarket, and Ottawa.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held at the Highland Park VisitatinN and Reception Centre( 2510 Bensfort Rd, Peterborough), on Tues. April 24, 2:00 pm.

Donations may be made to the Toronto Western Hospital Movement Disorders Centre.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Funeral Upcoming - Ms Val Gallagher


Death of Val Gallagher
Spouce of former deceased Reg.#14531, Larry Gallagher

Obituary:

Val Gallagher - It is with sadness that we are told of the passing of Val Gallagher, wife of the late Reg.#15431, Larry Gallagher.

Val passed yesterday as a result of a heart attack while receiving a cancer treatment.

Funeral for Val Gallagher has been set for Friday, April 27, 2012 at 1000 hours in the RCMP Chapel

Reception to follow in the RCMP Officers' Mess

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Last Post: CM 2223, Marguerite Balshaw


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post: O.490, Deputy Commissioner A. C. Potter


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Monday, April 23, 2012

In Memory of Reg.#9902, Corporal James Cullen



In Memory of Reg.#9902, Corporal James Cullen

'Friends Not Forgotten'

After fighting in WWI, Corporal James Cullen joined the Force in 1923 and served in 'H' Div until his retirement in 1946. He died in 1966 and he is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Halifax, NS

Corporal Cullen's son, Frederick, is also in the photo above. Not long ago, C/Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div. dropped in to visit Fred Cullen.

Later, Brian said:

'...Fred is 91 years of age, but he looks more like 75!'

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributor and Appreciation: C/Supt. Brian Brennan, CROPS, 'H' Div.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

In Memory of Reg.#6129, Cst. H. W. S. Webb


'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Last Post: Constable Eugene Dennis Westhaver

Reg.# 15927, Constable Eugene Denis Westhaver

1927-2012

 

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary:

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Eugene Denis Westhaver, husband of Marjorie Westhaver, which occurred on Friday, April 20, 2012 at Turnbull Nursing Home. Born Liverpool, NS on June 19, 1927, he was a son of the late Denis and Hilda (Aulenbach) Westhaver.

Eugene retired from the NB Department of Justice as a Crown Prosecutor. He was a former RCMP Officer. Eugene had a great love for classical music. He was very active in the men’s vestry in Christ Church Parish Church in Fredericton. He was also a big lover of dogs.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie; two sons, David (Donna Lange) of Quebec and John (Carol Lane) of Ontario; one sister, Margret Westerby of Ontario; three nephews, Roch Parisien, Denis Parisien and Aurel Parisien; four nieces, Lynn Lavander, Cindy Westhaver, Kristy Bona and Daphenie Westhaver. Predeceased by his brother, Morris.

In keeping with Eugene’s wishes cremation will taken place. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 from Trinity Anglican Church at 2:00 PM. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances atwww.brenansfh.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424).

For further details and the official obit please go to : 


Contributor: Vets, NB Div: Gary Bolton

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Monday, April 16, 2012

Purchase of Bench for 'Depot'


Purchase of  a Bench for 'Depot'

For some years, it has been the practice of some Troops to purchase
a sitting bench for 'Depot' - maybe in memorial to a Troopmate(s) who has passed away or as a gift to 'Depot'.

My Troop ('G' Troop 1964) did so at 'Depot' in 2004 at our Troop Reunion. Presently, it can be spotted in the shade beside the Chapel.

The idea of purchasing a bench has been on the mind of others as well. This letter of enquiry about a bench was received this week from the family of a deceased member.

**Letter of enquiry rec'd;

Dear Mr. Buffalo;

I am hoping that someone out there will be able to help my mother out, she is 83 years old and she would like this done before she too passes away -- dedicating this bench to her late husband is very important for her. Once I have the information needed I will be doing all of the arrangements. 

My father, is interred in the RCMP Cemetery and now, my mother,  would like to dedicate a bench near her husband with a plague.

How do we go about doing this for her, the cost, who would do the plague?

Thank you for your time,
 ...daughter

The enquiry is being published in the event others might be considering the idea -- and the member in our Troop who coordinated our bench is listed here -- Reg Alspach of 'E' Div. Reg has provided his e-mail.

Thanks very, very much Reg.

Hi Joe

Reg here, it was me who arranged for the purchase and installation of our Troop bench and plaque.  I will communicate directly with Ms. (daughter) regarding her enquiry. 

Joe, I am not too sure of the best way to do make the change for everyone in our Troop that my current email address is regalspach@gmail.com. 

Regards from the West Coast.

Reg and Dee Alspach

'G' Troop

PS: One might also want to check with the CO 'Depot' prior to purchasing said bench in the event there are too many. JJH

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685


Sunday, April 15, 2012

Last Post: Deputy Commissioner A. C. Potter

Last Post: Deputy Commissioner Allan Carleton Potter

February 16, 1921 - April 13, 2012

'Maintain Our Memories'

Allan Carleton Potter, Deputy Commissioner R.C.M.P. (retired) passed away at the Agape Hospice in Calgary, April 13, 2012.

Born in Minburn, AB, February 16, 1921, Allan joined the R.C.M.P. January 4, 1941. He served at various locations across Canada, including Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Victoria. After 37 years in the Force, he retired to Victoria and then later to Calgary. Allan's greatest loves were his family, his church and his friends. He served God as an elder in the United Churches in Ottawa and Esquimalt, BC, then St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Victoria, and was a member of Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church in Calgary until his death.

He leaves to mourn his wife and friend, Jean Potter (nee Macartney) to whom he had been married for 61 years, and daughters Kathy (Neil) Thompson of Ottawa, Carol (Don) Baker of Calgary, Mary (Don) Mustard of Toronto and Janet (Gerry) VandenBrink of Cranbrook; also sons Andrew (Maria) Potter of Saskatoon and Ken (Judy) Potter of Lanark, ON.

He will be greatly missed by his much loved grandchildren Sarah Thompson (Chris Lachance), Jean and Allan James Potter, Jennie and Melissa Potter, Christine, Stephanie and Katharine Baker, Isabel and Tim Mustard, and Ethan VandenBrink. He is also survived by his sister Helen Bruce of Hinton, AB and nieces and nephews.

Visitation for friends will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway's Crowfoot Chapel (82 Crowfoot Circle N.W. Calgary, AB), on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Services will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Edmonton on Thursday, April 19, 2012.

Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . Flowers are gratefully declined; in lieu, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. In living memory of Allan Potter, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park, Cochrane.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Contributor: Deacon Pierre Belanger, Ottawa Vets

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Friday, April 13, 2012

Last Post: Reg.#15501, Bertram Arthur Deer


Reg.#15501, Bertram Arthur 'Art' Deer

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Born July 17, 1928 in Edmonton, Alberta to Fred and Bessy Deer, Art passed away peacefully on Thursday,  April 12, 2012 at Whitehorse General Hospital with his family near him.

Art is survived by Faye, his wife of 55 years, and four children (Barbara, Catherine, Peter, and Christopher) and four grand-children (Jeffery, Tyler, Anders, and Patrick).

Working briefly (1947-48) for the Ottawa Citizen newspaper, where his father was a type-setter, Art opted for a career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police undertaking training at Regina and Rockcliffe. He immediately volunteered for northern service and, after short postings at Winnipeg and Brandon, stepped off a military transport aircraft in Whitehorse, Yukon on June 10, 1949. Posted to Whitehorse, Haines Junction, and Watson Lake, Art carried out highway patrol during the early days of the Alaska Highway from 1949 to 1953 where he made many enduring friendships from Watson Lake to Beaver Creek and all points between.

Art then took an opportunity to go to the Eastern Arctic with a posting to Frobisher Bay from 1953-1956 where he was fortunate to experience and photograph an incredible but vanishing way of early Inuit life.

In 1956, following a three year engagement, Art and Faye married in Edmonton and began life together during postings to Yorkton and Ottawa (Ident.). Missing the  North, Art re-applied for northern service and received postings to Baker Lake (1960- 1963), Whitehorse (1964-1966), and Inuvik (1966-1969). Art returned to Whitehorse in the fall of 1969 as S/Sgt. Whitehorse Detachment retiring with long service in 1973.

Opting to stay in the North, Art worked until 1986 with the Government of Yukon as head of security and Emergency Measures Organization. Art had a strong sense of civic duty serving as a Whitehorse City Councillor on most terms from 1975 through 1991 as well as belonging to community organizations, the Masonic Lodge and Yukon Order of Pioneers.

~ As a husband, a father, and a friend, Art will be dearly missed. ~

By Art’s wishes there will be no memorial service, however there will be a drop-in tea on Saturday, April 21st from noon to 4:00 PM at the Golden Age Society (4061-4th Avenue) Whitehorse.

'Maintain Our Memories'

Contribution: Edmonton Vet, AJH 'Joe Collinson

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Last Post: Reg.#22951 / O.1468, Inspector E. Harold Rossiter

Last Post: Reg.#22951 / O.1468, (R'td). Insp. Harold  E. (Hal) Rossiter
'Friends Not Forgotten'
  
Insp. Harold E. 'Hal' Rossiter died at St John's, NL on April 3, 2012. 

Hal was a member of the Force from January, 1963., he retired on 10/04/1996. He had served in 'O', 'HQ', 'H' and' 'B' Divs.

Hal was also a member of the RCMP Vets NL Division.  

Obituary

Rossiter, Harold RCMP; INSP. (Ret’d) – Passed away suddenly on April 3, 2012 Harold Rossiter, aged 68 years.

Predeceased by father James Rossiter (1999). Leaving to mourn wife Judy; sons James (Jody Wood), Marc (Tara) and daughter Joy; Five grandchildren Henry, David, Ella, Evan and Kate; Mother Violet Rossiter; sister Shirley Peckford (Bruce) as well as a large circle of nephews, nieces and other family and friends.

Hal we especially well known for his love of family and his close friendships. He will be remembered for his humor, warmth, generosity of spirit and loyalty.

At Hal’s request cremation has taken place. Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Funeral Service to take place from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Hal’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guestbook please visit www.carnells.com

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

+ Hal and I were on the same Inspector's Course about 1989.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

In Memory of Reg.#288, Samuel James Donaldson



In Memory of Reg.#288, NWMP Samuel James Donaldson

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In a recent message, Regina Vet. Ron Smith said this of S.J. Donaldson:

'Some of our early NWMP members went on to contribute so much to the settlement of the west after they had left the Force. Samuel Donaldson was one such member. 

Donaldson was so successful in recruiting for WWI that Mr. Sam Hughes, the Minister of War used Donaldson's recruiting style while successfully promoting recruits in Ontario and as well as in other parts of Canada. 

The battle flag of the 188th Battalion and Donaldson's desk when he was an M.L.A. are on display at the Prince Albert Historical Museum., Prince Albert, SK.'

A photo of S. J. Donaldson and some additional history can be found on the database under Reg.#288.

Contributor and Appreciation: Regina Vet Ron Smith

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685