Last Post: Reg.#24236, Cst. David L. A. Lister

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#24236,

(former) Cst. David L. A. Lister

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

Reg.#24236, David Ian Allison Lister of Harvey, N.B. passed away at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB on September 3, 2011.

David joined the Force in September 1965 and trained at 'Depot'. Afterwards, he was posted to 'L', 'HQ', 'O' and 'F' Div. before taking his discharge in May 1981.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Contributors: Vets Dale Lively and Gary Bolton, 'J' Div.

Last Post: Reg.#13871, S/Sgt. Kenneth G. Lawrence

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#13871, S/Sgt. Kenneth G. Lawrence

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary: Vancouver Div. Vets

This is to advise that Reg.# 13871 (Rtd) S/Sgt. Kenneth G. Lawrence passed away on September 3, 2011 in the University Hospital, Edmonton, AB.

Ken joined the Force on January 6, 1941 and served in 'K' & 'HQ until his retirement on January 25, 1966.

S/Sgt. Lawrence was a Life Member of the Edmonton Vets.

Funeral  arrangements to be announced.

Contributor: Vet Sheldon Boles, Vancouver Div. Vets

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: 0.881, Superintendent F. E. (Sonny) Saunders

C A N A D A

Reg.#19520 / Officer 0.881,

 Superintendent 'Sonny' Saunders

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Contributors:

Charlottetown Guardian (PEI) on August 27, 2011 and

Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy
Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#30550, (Rtd) Cst. Ronald W. McGeachy

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#30550, (Rtd) Cst. Ronald W. McGeachy

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg #30550 (Rtd.) Cst. Ronald William McGeachy passed away peacefully on

September 2, 2011 in Edmonton, AB at the age of 63 years with his family by his side.

Ron is survived by his two daughters: Veronica "Roni" (Tom) Trottier and Dana (Chris)

McCarty as well as his granddaughter  Claire.

Ron will also be mourned by his  sister Lynn (Claude) Munari and the mother of his children, Kathy.  Ron was predeceased by his mother June.

Ron retired in 2003 after 30 years’ service with the RCMP. After retirement. his proudest moments were the marriage of his two daughters and the birth of his first grandchild.

As per Ron's request a private family service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to Norwood Continuing Care Facility, 10410 ·111 Avenue, Edmonton, AS T5G3A2.

Ron was a member of the Force from June 11, 1973 where he served in 'K' Div. until his retirement on July 4, 2003

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#37715, Cst. Dennis L. McDonough

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#37715, Cst. Dennis L. McDonough

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#37715, (Rtd.) Cst. Dennis Leroy McDonough died of cancer at Gander, NL on August 28 August 2011.

Funeral Services will be held at Gander on August 31, 2011. Cst. McDonough is survived by his wife Denise and two daughters Dayna and Zita.

Dennis joined the Force on April 4,1982 and he retired on May 2, 2009 having served in 'A' & 'B' Divisions.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post : Reg.#15933, Supt. R. E. (Dick) Muir

C A N A D A

Last Post : Reg.#15933,

Superintendent Richard Emerson (Dick) Muir

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary: by Ottawa Vets

Reg. #15933, Richard Emerson (Dick) Muir, Superintendent (Rt'd) passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2011, at the Elizabeth Bruyere Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario. 

Dick joined the Force in 1949 and served for 36 years. He served in 'H', 'A', 'O' and 'Headquarters' Divisions. 

He is survived by his wife, Joan, five children, fifteen grandchildren and a great grandson.  

Dick's life was richly blessed. 

A memorial service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery Memorial Centre, Ottawa, on Thursday September 1^st : greetings at 10:30 hrs, service at 11:00 hrs, reception at 12:00 hrs.  RCMP Veterans welcome. 

Order of dress: Regimental blazer with medals

For direct enquiries, please contract Granham Muir: grahamuir@rogers.com

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

Last Post - Reg.#18745, Corps Sergeant Major W. D. Pomfret

C A N A D A

Last Post - Reg.#18745, 

Corps Sergeant Major W. D. Pomfret

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary: by 'F' Div. Vets

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Reg. #18745 W.D. (Bill ) Pomfret, today 29 August 2011 at Regina, SK.

I was notified this afternoon of Bill's passing by his son Doug.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been made, but I will send out a message as soon as I know something new. The thoughts and prayers of the Regina Veterans Association go out to Doug and all the Pomfret Family.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J,. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#21368, Cpl.John Joseph Garnham

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#21368,
Cpl.John Joseph Garnham

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

John Garnham passed away and found his peace on August 20, 2011 surrounded by his loved ones. John leaves behind his loving wife Kay, his three children Roy (Kristen), Sarah (Bill), Tyler (Megan), Kay’s daughter Maki, and five grandchildren, Kylan, Ruby, Keaton, Dylan and Halen.

Born on October 4, 1939 in Worthing, England, John moved to Canada as a teenager. He proudly joined the RCMP and served for 27 years beginning in the prairies during the 'wild' days of justice, then in Ottawa, then finally in Vancouver, BC.

John retired from the RCMP in 1987 and spent another 10 years serving in the the federal government.

John moved his family to Ladner in 1974 and has thoroughly enjoyed all that the west coast has to offer. He instilled in his kids a love of nature, water, and buying secondhand.

John was a magnet to good people, always surrounded by great friends.a His interests widely varied from birds to binoculars to boats to garage sales. John had an uncanny ability to fix anything and passed this down to his kids. He and Kay also took many trips in their camper and loved to go sea kayaking together. John always felt great satisfaction in sharing his love of the outdoors with the ones he loved.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg. #23685

Last Post - Reg.#15957, S/Sgt. J.R. Gérard Barbeau

C A N A D A

Last Post - Reg.#15957, S/Sgt. J.R. Gérard Barbeau

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

It is with sorrow that we learn of the passing of our colleague, Reg.# 15957, Gerry Barbeau,

on Monday, August 22nd, 2011. Gerry was 82 years of age. He was a resident of Mont St-Hilaire, QC.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been completed and you will be advised as soon as we receive further information.

Gerry was a Life Member of the RCMP Veterans Association.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Last Post: Reg.#14439, A/Comm'r. J. O. Gorman

C A N A D A

Last Post: Reg.#14439 / 0.501,
Assistant Commissioner Joseph Oswald Gorman

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Obituary

Assistant Commissioner Joseph Oswald Gorman  (Rt'd) passed away on August 20, 2011 at Carleton Lodge, Ottawa, Ontario. 

He was born on November 16, 1920 in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and he joined the Force on January 14, 1942. Over the years he served in 'C' and 'HQ' Divisions until his retirement on December 30, 1975.

J. O. Gorman was the son of the late Margaret Murphy and the late John Gorman. He was the husband of the late Denise Menard and the father of Mark and of Lucy Gorman (Brian McCoy). He was the beloved grandfather of Benjamin (Katie Caron), Martin and Evan McCoy.  The family wishes to thank all of those who provided him with excellent care over these last months.

Family and friends may visit the Kelly Funeral Home, 1255 Walkley Rd (east of Bank) on Thursday, August 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, 1940 Saunderson Drive. 

In Memoriam, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa would be most appreciated.

Vets Roy Moffatt, and Paul Nadeau, close friends of Joe, have accepted to be Honorary Pall Bearers. 

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Come home, come home they shouted...

C A N A D A

It's time this Blog had a rest,

An entry each day is a mighty test,

So, before my wife returns to teach,

We're off to rest on a Brooklyn beach.

Clues-less

Our trip is a secret. Not a single, single clue will be left behind with regards to our destination.  The Buffalo Blog will return.

I am very appreciative to every person; Vets, Members, Friends and Family who sent me information and photos over the past year.  I thank you with all my friendship and affection.

Enjoy your summer too!

 

'Maintain Our Memories'

Reg.#23685,

August 7, 2011

In Memory of Reg.#2299, S/Sgt. George Bates

C A N A D A

Click on photo

Click on photo

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#2299, S/Sgt. George Bates Found in

'J' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#19207, S/S/M William D. Barker

C A N A D A

Click on photo

Click on photo

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#19207, S/S/M William D. Barker

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#16123, Donald Way MacArthur

C A N A D A

Click on photo

Click on photo

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#16123, Donald Way MacArthur

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#22572, Insp. 'Mike' Cassidy

C A N A D A

Click on photo

Click on photo

'Friends Not Forgotten'

In Memory of Reg.#22572

0.1223,  Inspector Michael John Cassidy

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Staff Sergeant Major John A. Buis, 'E' Div., Burnaby Detachment

C A N A D A

Unveiling of the

Dr. James Naismith Statue in Almonte, Ontario

attended by Burnaby Detachment's S/S/M John A. Buis

Photo above:

Back row: Stewart Naismith (one grandson of Dr. James Naismith), Jim Naismith (second grandson from Corpus Christi, Texas) and S/S/M John A. Buis, Burnaby Detachment.

Front row: Allen Rae President of the Naismith Foundation.

Photo below:

Allen Rae, President of the Naismith Foundation and S/S/M John A. Buis., Burnaby Detachment

Something's 'Up In The Air' in Almonte, Ontario

One might say that S/S/M John Buis of Burnaby Detachment is 'in the heart of it'. S/S/M Buis is the volunteer Tournament Coordinator of BC's AAA boys' basketball high-school provincial championships, a position which he's held for nearly twenty years.

On March 17, 2005, BC's journalist Jeff Paterson was in conversation with S/S/M Buis and John is quoted here as saying: "...In my role as a police officer, it's great to be involved in a positive event for youth," he says. "I really get lots of satisfaction from it."

Later in the interview, Mr. Jeff Paterson also added: "...As tournament chair, Buis is responsible for making the tournament run as smoothly as possible, which isn't always easy when dealing with 20 teams and hundreds of players. But anyone who's been to the Agrodome on semifinal Friday or championship Saturday knows how the hard work of Buis and his volunteers has given the event a "big time" feel."

Congratulations to a friend, S/S/M John Buis of Burnaby Detachment !

Also, please read an update to this Blog which is found under date February 20, 2012.

The update concerns new information about Mr. Allen Rae (seen above) who actually is also Reg.#17435, Allen Rae who served in the Force from 1952 to 1972. The new info was sent to me by S/S/M Buis


'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,
Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.#o87, Constable S.W. 'Sam' Thurber

C A N A D A

Double click on photo for larger version

Double click on photo for larger version

In Memory of Reg.#o87,

Constable 'Sam' Thurber

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.#3846, NWMP Constable James A. Bennett

C A N A D A  

Double click on photo for larger version

Double click on photo for larger version

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.#3846,

NWMP Constable James Arthur Bennett

Killed in 'Halifax Explosion'

All Vets who are connected to the National RCMP Database collection are especially touched when a member of the Force is contacted by a family member with information on a past loved one.

Recently, a family member of Reg. #3846, Constable James A. Bennett contacted Supt. Brian Brennan, CROPS, 'H' Div. and provided the photo and information as seen above.

Sadly, Cst. Bennett had to leave the Force in the Yukon for medical reasons. Up until that time, his conduct was reported to be '...very good'.

Equally sad was that after a few years upon returning to Halifax, he was killed in the 'Halifax Explosion' on December 6, 1917. Reg.#3846, Constable James Arthur Bennett is buried in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Contributor: Supt. Brian Brennan, 'H' Div.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

In Memory of Reg.# 21915, S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis

C A N A D A

'Friends Not Forgotten'

Reg.# 21915, S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis

S/Sgt. Arejas J. Smilgis was born on January 27, 1941 in Kaunas, Lithuania. 

In 1944 Harry traveled on foot with his parents to Germany from Lithuania leaving everything behind. The family lived in a camp until 1947 when they came to Canada.

Harry joined the RCMP in 1961 and he retired in 1988 as a Staff Sergeant after twenty seven years of honourable servive .

Harry's main hobby was woodworking and examples of his work can be found in various locations including Bridge Community Church Kindergarten.

Aejas is survived by his wife Anna, son Jeff, daughter Leanna, mother Vanda, four grandchildren and two sisters.

He died on December 25, 2007. A celebration of Harry's life was held Friday Feb 2, 2007 at Bridge Community Church in North Vancouver.

'Maintain our Memories'


Contributor: Supt. Brian Brennan CR OPS, 'H' Div., HAlifax, NS

OPP Cruiser 2011

C A N A D A

OPP Cruiser

In the past year or so, the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) have reverted back to the 'black and white' colours for their police cruisers.

'Maintain our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

REg.#18310, Kenneth William Anderson (married to former Elsie Irene Brown)

FROM: Annie Kaps [mailto:akaps@kwik.net]

TO: KIRBY Anderson; Susan Caverly
FOR RECORD & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
Your son isn't Ken Kaps by chance?  If so we live two doors from his house.  Small world.

THANK YOU ALL FOR FACILITATING THE RECONNECTION.   

TWO HOUSES NOW.     TWO HOUSES THEN.

How long have you been there?  Know that Ken and Jeannette bought their home from two RCMP officers. They were also friends with officers who lived at the end of the cul-de-sac.  They moved to Chilliwack with their two girls.

Wonder if I’ve been at your place?  Have been to several Christmas “street light-ups” at different neighbours on Ferley.  Recall fires in sand-filled wheel barrels.

Let me tell you about your mom and our old neighbourhood........

Her aunt and uncle lived in the suite on top of a garage on King George Highway.  This was across the street from a green grocer where my brother Joe worked while at high school.  I’ll have to asked him for sure, but I think that there is where we first met.  Our farm of twenty acres abutted the original twenty acres on which this garage stood (garage just recently demolished).  We kids would, in the summer, hike through the farm (old logging railway was its north border and our access road) onto King George Highway to hitchhike to the beach at White Rock.  Adjacent to and/or on these properties is a school named Cindrich Elementary (you can google) with a library called the Kate Cindrich Library.

Our mother, Kate Cindrich,  was widowed and left with us seven kids (she and dad had lost two in Croatia before coming to Canada) ranging from teenagers to a four year old (it’s his daughter’s wedding on August 6th which Ken and Jeannette are attending).  All seven of us finished Grade XII and most went on to post-secondary.  This was something, as in the 50’s many left school in Grade X.  All seven of us are alive.  Sister Helen is in a home in Sidney and she/her husband still have a house in Royal Oak area of Victoria.  Sister Mary, brothers Joe, Tony, Nick and families live on acreages in Langley.  Sister Lena and hubby are in Penticton.  Retired are all but sister Lena, brother Nick and wife Linda.  Nick’s the engineering manager at Weldco and his wife is a public health nurse.  Our sister Lena is a nurse at Penticton hospital.  Our children all have degrees of some sort.  Nick’s daughters are back to UBC, one is part way through med and the other dentistry (one getting married).  My daughter is a geriatric pharmacist who has received much recognition for innovation in long-term care.  Sister Lena’s son was teacher of the year in Manitoba and his brother was awarded Canada’s Golden quill.  At acceptance at Pier 21, he said in his speech that all it took was three generations to get to Pier 21:  grandmother and grandfather immigrated there, they had his mom, and here he was back.

Brother Joe yearly takes his motorhome to Tolquert Bay on Vancouver Island’s west coast.  He passes by you.  I’ve gone fishing with him.  He loves to go “way” out past the small islands.  I am unable to land the salmon he facilitates my hooking.  Last year, went with him and wife Elaine to the North West Territories.  Stayed overnight in Whitehorse with friends of theirs.  They are two RCMP officers and he’s the RCMP pilot up there.  Should you wish to connect with Joe, let me know and, perhaps, he can stop by en route to/from west coast, which will be immediately after the wedding.

Mom was friends with your mom’s aunt, a friendship which continued until Aunt Gerda passed away.  Mom died in 2003 at 93.  Mom told us when your mother passed away.  I really don’t know why I--or one of us—did not try and get in touch over the years.

Mom often came through the farm to have coffee with my mom.  Believe she mentions that in one of the letters.  As the letters are at my home in Surrey, can’t confirm, but I believe that in re-reading the letters I recall that was mentioned. 

When your mom was going to Bells Corners to get married, on a lark she asked us why didn’t we come to her wedding.  So I, my brother Joe, my sisters Helen and Mary agreed it would be fun.  Then, one of our neighbours, who was going to quit his job and start a heavy duty mechanics course in the new year anyway, said he’d come too as he’d not seen anything of Canada.  He (Ken Charlton) eventually married my sister Mary.  We were your mom’s few guests at the wedding.  Know we sat with some elite officers (believe a Commissioner, if memory serves me correctly).  Afterwards we went to a house party and sang well into the night.  We were “camping” so you can believe it was an effort to dress for the wedding.  “Camping” meant either tenting or sleeping in the station wagon (Ken front seat, Joe back seat, three sisters in the luggage area).  My sister Mary says she still has her western hat from the trip.  We all brought along similar hats, but where mine went I don’t know..

This trip was a milestone adventure to which we often refer.  My youngest brother’s son Colin, who graduated from mechanical engineering at UBC this year, joined a fellow student and the other student’s boss for a motorcycle trip this spring to the tip of South America.  Unfortunately, the third rider, whose father-in-law is David Suzuki, was killed by a hit and run.  I know that this trip will always be a milestone in my nephew’s life, as was our trip to ours.. 

Along with your grandmother, we saw your mom off at the train.  I have photos on slides somewhere and will try and find for you.  Your mom was an beautiful lady and enjoyed the boisterous household my mom had.  The place was always open to our friends and we kids were always up to adventures......what’s on to-morrow?  Okay, we’ll hike that mountain! 

Along with “the letters” I’ll send along another letter.  This was to a neighbour’s son who was in military college back east (am travelling across Canada this fall with his sister and we’ll be staying with him in his home on one of the islands in the St. Lawrence).  This is a letter diarizing our trip.  It will be of interest to you in the section regarding your mom, culminating in the wedding.

Enough ramblings of an “old” lady.  I’m sure I’ll hear back once the letters find their way to the Island.

Kindest personal regards, Annie (Cindrich) Kaps

FOR RECORD & RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Officer 0.264, Commissioner L. N. Nicholson

C A N A D A

Officer 0.264, Commissioner L. N. Nicholson

In Office : May 1, 1951 to March 31, 1959

and below, Who am I?

Mrs Margie Galbraith, one of 

Commissioner and Mrs Nicholson's daughters

of Ottawa, ON

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Mystery Person Visits the Glebe

C A N A D A

A Friend of the Force

Visits the Glebe, Ottawa, ON

Who Am I?

Clues:

Whenever I am given the opportuity I visit the Glebe area of Ottawa. It gives my husband a chance to visit a dentist and I take our dog for a walk in the sun.

Absolutely no one would recognize me, well perhaps, with the exception of Buffalo Joe so I was surprised when he said 'Hi'...

I keep in touch with a few 'ole timers' and I remain a Friend of the Force. Years ago, my father was a senior Officer in the Force. As a result of his position, my sister and I always got the good seats whenever we were with him.

My Dad had a great life in the Force. But, a sad incident happened just as he retired. He and my Mom had all their belongings stored in a locker but a fire broke out and they lost everything...all his 'connections' to the Force were destroyed including his entire photograph collection.

Today, I value every photo of Dad and Mom which is given to me.

Who Am I?

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685

Reg.# 5700, 0.209, A/Comm'r A. N. Eames

C A N A D A

 

'Friends Not Forgotten'

As one ages, forgetfulness can affect all of us. Once the proud Inspector who was responsible for the pursuit of the 'Mad Trapper' in 1932,  forgetfulness also affected A/Comm'r. Eames in his last days.

Tomorrow, read about the secret Mystery which has surrounded A/Comm'r Eames since his death in 1965. Speculate why A/Comm'r Eames was exiled - forgotten by everyone for over forty-six years.

The Death Certificate of A/Comm'r Eames is shown below.

Go to Home Page at www.rcmpgraves.com. Click on 'RCMP Vet of the Month. Scroll down to 2011 and click on the month of August.

'Maintain Our Memories'

J. J. Healy,

Reg.#23685