Scarlet and Gold
September, 2014 Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans Association, Vancouver
Below is a photo of satisfaction. It is of the end of a most enjoyable day aboard
the paddle wheeler “Native” on the Fraser River, September 7th. The weather was
fantastic, possibly the best of our summer, sunny with calm waters, a great lunch
on board and best of all, the "comradeship" of other Veterans' of our Association
accompanied by their family, friends and significant others.
The highlight on board was the highly enlightening narrator that gave us a running
commentary on the history and events that have taken place on the Fraser over
the many years since the arrival of the first settlers. With his telling, we all related
to land marks, events and locations as we travelled between New Westminster
and Steveston. The trip will long be remembered by all.
With the success of this event, we ask you to suggest other activities or events in
which we can all collectively participate. Please come to a meeting and share
your thoughts with us.
Ron Budd, Director, Vancouver Veterans' Association.
Group Photo by Sheldon Boles
See: http://
www.vancouverpaddlewheeler.com/
Some time ago after hearing about the Canadian Rangers for the first time
I asked if there was someone in our division who had first hand experience
with members on that group. Al Rivard of our national office and The
Quarterly now asks if I have had any response. As I have not heard from
anyone I will ask again. During your service in BC or the North did you
share any experiences with members of the Canadian Rangers? Peter
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mikegerrits@telus.net
Page 2
From the Pen of the Acting President, Keith Leishman
As I sit down to write this Lesley and I have just returned home, tired and a bit sun drenched, from the
Vets Fraser River cruise on board the Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours vessel “Native” from New Westminster Quay to the historic Richmond community of Steveston at the mouth of the Fraser. If you
missed this event you missed a winner! The day was picture perfect on the river, the ship was spacious
with ample room to roam inside and on deck, the lunch buffet was tasty and ample, the crew very helpful and amiable, and the onboard commentary and historical background was stimulating and informative. Coupled with about an hour and a half in Steveston (including the lure of the Sunday Market and
the fish boats selling fresh caught salmon), and a constant passing panorama of river scenery and boating traffic (including Aboriginal fish boats hauling in salmon), this made for one of the most entertaining and informative day-trips I have been involved in. Top this off with the social interaction of a large
group of Vets and spouses enjoying themselves, and you have the perfect day.
Although the weather today made it seem like it was still mid-summer, the Fraser River cruise was actually the beginning of Vancouver Division’s fall activities. Our next event is our general membership
meeting on September 18th, which will be a dinner meeting at the Rancho Caterers in Abbotsford, and
will feature special guest speaker Doreen Riedel. Doreen is the daughter of the late-Supt. Henry Larsen,
former captain of the RCMP patrol vessel St. Roch. She will talk about the 1944 voyage of the St. Roch
and her crew from Halifax westward through the Northwest Passage to Vancouver. This promises to be
an intriguing presentation since much of the information relating to this wartime voyage has hitherto
been unknown, and was uncovered by Doreen and her brother, Gordon Larsen, in their father’s journals
and diaries. Please note, given the special nature of this meeting, members are asked to purchase
or reserve tickets ($25 per person which includes price of dinner) from any of the Executive and
Comp Kelly.
Hard on the heels of the September 18th meeting will be the five-day September 20-25 getaway coastal
cruise on board the Norwegian “Jewel”, organized by Rhonda Thibault of our Social Committee. Leaving Vancouver, the “Jewel” will stop in Astoria, Washington and San Francisco, California. The cruise
ends in Los Angeles, with return flights from that city. It is hoped to have a “hands across the border”
meet and greet with retired law enforcement members during the San Francisco stop. Rhonda’s aim is
to ensure that all who sail on this cruise will have a lot of fun and relaxation in an informal atmosphere
(leave the tuxes and gowns at home!).
The June 2014 AGM in Ottawa saw the membership of the RCMP Veterans’ Association accept the
two national resolutions that brought the Veterans’ Association under the new Canada Not-for-profit
Corporations Act. In implementing some of the requirements of the new Act Vets divisions across Canada are in the process of compiling manuals that will govern the functioning of each division. Vancouver division’s Bob McKee is heading up a small committee that will, within the next few months, present the Vancouver Division membership with the final draft of our division manual for review and approval.
In addition, Vancouver Division has been selected as one of three divisions in the Association to carry
out a test of the proposed electronic voting system (EVote) that will be in place for voting on resolutions and election of directors at AGM 2015 in Quebec City. More on this at our upcoming (luncheon)
membership meetings on October 16th and November 20th, to be held at the Newlands Golf and Country
Club in Langley. One other reminder: our largest event of the year, the 2014 Annual Levee, will be
held at the normal location, Rancho Caterers in Abbotsford, on December 11, 2014. This year this event
will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Women in the RCMP. We anticipate our normal large turnout
of Vets, and hopefully more than a few serving and retired female members.
D. Laird Allan Photography
D. Laird Allan
505 - 192nd Street
Surrey, B.C. V3S 9R9
604 - 541 - 0572
laird@dlairdallan.ca
www.dlairdallan.ca
www.sportswave.ca
Page 3
Vancouver Division – Treasurer’s Report - Ben Gwaltney
Our current bank balance is $13,649.26 a reduction of more that $8,540.00 since our last report. The
major expenditures contributing to this reduction are composed of Honorariums ($1,200.00), Donations
to PRDA, BC Guide Dogs and Moncton Families ($5,000.00), cost of sending our representative to
AGM 2014 ($1,115.00) and the June Meeting catering cost in excess of receipts. ($930.00). On the
other hand our GIC balance has increased slightly to $28,404.01.
The number of Members who have paid their 2014 dues has increased to 402. The continued support of
these 402 Members is very much appreciated. At the same time we encourage those Members who have
overlooked submitting their 2014 dues to bring their account up to date. If you are in doubt about the
status of your account, then please contact the Treasurer at bgwaltney@shaw.ca or 604-271-3051.
Acting President/Vice President
Membership
Keith Leishman 604-531-0702
Dennis Ratcliffe 604-534-8292
Secretary
Liaison to RCMP & Governments
Advocacy, Health & Welfare
Mert Rowden
604-434-0424
or Toll Free 1-888-726-7838
Fax 604-436-3393
Email: vandiv.vets@telus.net or meredith_rowden@telus.net
Treasurer
Ron Budd
Ben Gwaltney
Sheldon Boles
604-271-3051
604-535-5960
RCMP Veterans’ Women's Council
Jane Hall
604-534-3456
Communications & Outreach
604-574-0506
Past President
Division Revitalization
Dick Hawkshaw 604-824-8464
Marg Shorter
Directors
Ceremonies, Memorabilia & Badges
Bob Underhill
604-988-4844
778-873-5522
Presidential Appointees
Division Historian, National Director
Bob McKee
604-885-6372
Division Padre
Frank McLeod 604-542-0897
Honor Guard Coordinator
Dan Lemieux
604-988-7421
Newsletter Editor
Peter Bond
604-740-9962
Golf Tournament Coordinator
Bill Duckworth 604-948-9928
RCMP Officers’ Mess Coordinator
Ernie Malone
604-569-7799
Sick Parade Visitations Coordinator
Ray Kielan
604-936-6062
Transportation Coordinator
Ray Kielan
604-936-6062
Social Activities, & Events
Compton Kelly
604-535-1970
With permission from Ingrid Rice See: http://edocs.lib.sfu.ca/projects/Cartoons/bio-rice.htm
Solar Waving Mountie
Available at The Mountie Shop
http://www.themountieshop.ca/
product/7920.html
Page 4
Buying and Selling Real Property
Anywhere in B.C. 1-800-226-8693
Al MERRIMAN—REALTOR
604-812-4000
NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS
MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX
Almerriman.com
amerriman@remax.net
FALL DINNER SOCIAL EVENT WTH
DOREEN LARSEN RIEDEL: Thursday,
September 18, 2014. Mrs. Riedel, daughter of
Henry Larsen, Skipper of the original “St. Roch,”
will give a visual presentation of one of her
father’s voyages with material not previously
shown. This event is to take place at “The
Rancho” in Abbotsford, B.C. Open invitation to
all Veterans, Serving Members, Ladies
Auxiliary, families/guests. For costs, times, and
further information, phone Social Director,
Comp Kelly (604) 535-1970 or e-mail
compkelly@gmail.com. Tickets will be
available from all Executive, Directors, and
Committee members during July & August.
5-NIGHT CRUISE GETAWAY, VANCOUVER
TO LOS ANGELES: Saturday, September 20,
2014. “Norwegian Cruise Line,” with stops in
Astoria, Oregon and San Francisco, California.
To date, 22 of our group are registered for this
cruise, with reduced return airfare to Vancouver.
If registering by June 25th, the airfare cost will be
(non-stop) $158.00 + taxes. For cruise registering & costs, phone Rhonda Thibault at (604)7820962 (cell) or e-mail rthibault@cruiseshipcenters.com .
Page 5
Secretary’s Report by Mert Rowden
It’s been so long since I have sent you anything, I almost forgot. I have nothing else except
the reminder to Members to either contact Comp or myself if they are considering attending
the September General Meeting in order that we can order a meal for them and their wife and/
or guests. It should be a must for those who wish to see some of the recently discovered material from the St. Roch trips and the other entertainment planned. I pick up the email to
vandiv.vets@telus.net and find that an increasing number are now giving notice of attendance
by email, but glad to receive it in any form.
Donna Hundt and her husband, Randy
(Vet member) with 9 weeks old guide puppy in training,
“Oscar”, in Randy’s arms, followed by Bev Bullock and her
husband Rupert Bullock, who is Treasurer of the B.C. Guide
Dogs Society, with 3 year old guide dog “Max” (father of
Oscar) on the leash. I had just presented Rupert with a
cheque from the RCMP Veterans’ Association in support of
the B.C. Guide Dogs Society.
Keith with Bill Craig and winner Tom Hill of the 50/50 draw
at that meeting.
Photos by Sheldon Boles
Dick Hawkshaw with Lisa Hansen, Senior
Consultant / Plan Benefits Western Region Johnson
Inc. (Medoc). Ms. Hansen had give a very
informative presentation on Medoc.
On June 26, 2014, at our Division general meeting at the “Rancho Caterers” in Abbotsford,
Keith called out the “Rancho Caterers” kitchen staff and servers to receive a ‘thank you’ for
another excellent meal. It was at this time that Keith asked Donna North and her son,
Shawn, to come to the podium for a special presentation. Keith outlined the long-standing
relationship that the Vancouver Division has had with the “Rancho Caterers.” In recognition
of their dedicated service, Keith presented them with an RCMP Veterans’ plaque
Nurse: A beautiful woman who holds your hand for one full minute
And then expects your pulse to be normal. Russ Borys
Page 6
On the 07 Oct. 2013 "The Second Man Presentations" were made in honour of 23 wives. On
the 31st of July31, a second ceremony was held at Green Timbers HQ, Surrey, BC to honour
five more wives.
Recipient wives from left to right:
Patricia Elaine Anderson, wife of S/Sgt. Carl O. (Andy) Anderson, Reg.#17980.
Jacquelyn Costello, wife of Cpl. Pat Costello, Reg.#19506.
Jane Ann Bird, wife of Cpl. Peter M. Bird, Reg.#26530.
Shirley Crossin, wife of Sgt. George Henry Crossin, Reg.#17359, (Died 2013).
Joan Elizabeth Bower, wife of S/Sgt. H.D. (Bud) Bowyer, Reg.#17909.
It was a quiet and moving ceremony in front of family members.
With the Ladies, left to right: Barry Warburton, Ron Budd, Andy Anderson, Pat Costello, Larry Proke, Mike Kopang,
Deputy Callens, Bob Underhill, Murray McLaughlin, Bud Bowyer, Mert Rowden & Peter Bird.
Photo and write-up by D. Laird Allan with help from Ron Budd
The E Division NCOs' Mess Golf
Tournament is back!
Date: Friday September 19, 2014
OPEN to EVERYONE!
Venue: Surrey Golf Course
7700 - 168 St, Surrey BC
Shotgun start @ 1300 hrs (Please be on
course @ 1200 hrs)
NCOs’ Mess Members/Retired Mbrs: $110.00 /
golfer
Non‐Mess Members/Guests: $120.00 / golfer
Make cheques payable to : E Div NCOs' Mess
and send to Mailstop #1305 at EHQ
Register Early—Early Bird Prize for first 40
paid!
RSVP deadline: Sept. 12 2014 (reply to this
email)
Page 7
Guard Report by Dan Lemieux
The family of a deceased member complained to the writer of problems receiving the Life Insurance Payout from Morneau‐Shepell in Montreal. This complaint was promptly forwarded to Alex Geddes, our representative in the Veterans’ National Office at RCMP HQ in Ottawa. An immediate reply was received, offering assistance. Shortly after, two other e‐mails were received from advocates Stephen Walker and Katie Holtzhauer, promising action. The quick response was outstanding. The problem has finally been resolved and steps taken to ensure this situation does not reoccur. Be advised that Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) has taken over matters relating to our pensions. Morneau‐Shepell in Montreal still handle life insurance payments. A new pension number has been issued by PWGSC by mail to each retired member. This number should be recorded and kept with your Will and other estate related documents. Honour Guard for
Ron Cathcart, 17059
Cst. Allan Weeks, Cst. Craig Stride, Cst. Chase Smith. Photo by Dan Lemieux
Bill Schindler, Bruce Barbour, Murray McLaughlin, Les Holmes, Cst. Allan Weeks, Cst. Craig Stride, Cst. Chase Smith, Dan Lemieux, Ron Budd, Jack Morton, Fred Clark. Photo taken by Cpl. A.J. Johnk
KIDNEY DONOR REQUEST Mrs. Berna Herout is the 61 year old daughter of #14630 retired Sergeant Walt Smith and
his wife Alice. Walt passed away several years ago. Berna has a severe kidney disease requiring a donor kidney.
The wait list for a new kidney is 6 to 8 years. She is medically suitable for a transplant from a living donor, but each
year her suitability decreases. Doctors are asking patients to personally seek a donor, and Alice wanted to know if
we could forward her request to our membership. For details contact Alice Smith (aandwsmith@shaw.ca) or Berna
Herout (bherout@shaw.ca). To learn about the Kidney Donation Program see (http://www.transplant.bc.ca/
living_kidney_main.htm) . On behalf of the Smith and Herout families, it would be appreciated if individuals and
Newsletter Editors, could pass this message on to as many potential donors as possible. Berna’s letter was well
written, but too long to publish. For more detail, contact Dan Lemieux at (deebeel@telus.net).
Berna Herout is the daughter of deceased Sgt. Walt Smith. She contacted me asking if we could help her get a new kidney. Her
life is miserable on dialysis. Dan Lemieux
Page 8
Ladies Auxiliary
Auxiliary Luncheon/Meeting, September 4, 2014:
We had 48 in attendance and enjoyed the buffet
luncheon put on by the Newlands Golf & Country
Club. Tribute was paid to two members of the Auxiliary who passed away since our last get-together in
May of this year, and these Auxiliary Members,
Mary Kurtz and Evelyn Coombs, were remembered
for their dedication to the Auxiliary. Discussion
regarding the Auxiliary’s Outreach recipients for
Year 2015 brought up some new names and
charities, and these will be decided upon at the
October meeting. Auxiliary members were reminded
that a slate of Executive Officers will be installed at
our November meeting for the next 2-year term,
2015/2016.
Luncheon Commitment: It is
being brought to the attention
of all Auxiliary members that
if a member who has registered
to attend a luncheon cancels
later than 48 hours before the
luncheon, they are committed
to pay the $20.00 for that
lunch. Otherwise, the meal
must be paid for from
Auxiliary funds because the
attendance numbers are given
to the caterer prior to our
luncheon date. In fairness to all, it is the
responsibility of every member to pay for the meal if
they cancel too late. Most do pay if they cannot
attend, but some do not. Extenuating circumstances
will be given consideration.
Afghans/Blankets: So far in 2014, we have donated
85 blankets to the Variety Club for distribution, and
12 blankets were handed in at this September meeting. Numerous small knitted baby items were also
donated. The Auxiliary pays for the yarn, so please
phone President, Kathy Turnbull (778-292-1864), if
yarn is required for making up these items as she
keeps a supply of yarn on hand at all times.
Used Clothing: A “thank you” to those Auxiliary
members and guests who bring these items in to our
meetings. We used to have clothing drives twice a
year, but now find that many of our members like to
bring in the clothing all during the year, for
distribution to our various outreach charities.
“St. Roch” Presentation by Mrs. Doreen Riedel:
Auxiliary members are reminded that they are
invited to attend the Vancouver Veterans’ September
dinner meeting, to be held at “The Rancho” in
Abbotsford, B.C. on Thursday, September 18th. The
dinner is $25.00 per person, and
reservations must be made (prior
to September 14th) with the
Veterans’ Social Director, Comp
Kelly (604) 535-1970, or
Treasurer, Mert Rowden (604)
434-0424, or any member of the
Veterans’ Executive. Along
with the Veterans, this meeting
is open to their spouses, Ladies
Auxiliary members, and guests.
Doreen, who is the daughter of Supt. Henry Larsen,
Skipper of the “St. Roch,” will be giving her oral and
visual presentation on the 1944 East-West voyage of
the “St. Roch,” including newly-discovered documentation, etc. regarding this voyage. Your
attendance will show your interest and support of this
epic voyage which is part of the R.C.M.P. history.
(See further particulars regarding this dinner meeting
in this Newsletter).
R.C.M.P. VETS’ LADIES AUXILIARY COFFEE KLATCHES
CHILLIWACK/ABBOTSFORD: Last Wed. every month, 10 AM Chilliwack at “I-HOP”
Cottonwood Corners/ Freeway & alternating monthly in Abbotsford at “ABC Restaurant, (Best
Western),” off Clearbrook Road & Freeway. Myrna Meyer (604) 795-5908.
WHITE ROCK/SURREY/RICHMOND: Third Wed. every month, 10 AM at
“The Pantry” 152nd Ave. & 18th St. White Rock, B.C. Kathy Turnbull, 778-292-1864.
VANCOUVER: First Thurs. Summer months & January only, 9:30 AM,
“Bean Bros., W. 41st. Ave. in Kerrisdale. Dorothy Martinson (604) 261-4630.
NORTH/WEST VANCOUVER: Summer months only. TBA
COQUITLAM/PT. MOODY/NORTH FRASER: Periodically all year. Lois
Baker (604) 941-3885.
Page 9
White Rock Koffee Klatch
Dinners and Lunches
Call Secretary Mert Rowden
at 604-434-0424 prior to meeting to ensure a meal will be
available for you. Bars open 11:30AM/5:00PM, meals
served 12 NN/5:30PM
Are you shut in? Would you like a visit from a fellow
vet? Call Jim Druchet at (604)-536-1925.
Dues The dues for the Veterans Association at $60.00
per year and are due on January 1 of each year. Funds
should be forwarded to the Veterans Association office
using our mailing address.
ABC Restaurant on King George Hwy.
10:00 AM, Second Tuesday of Every Month
Abbotsford Koffee Klatch
Roseland Family Restaurant, 5 Corners
33550 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford
10:00 AM, last Wednesday
Richmond Koffee Klatch
Minoru Seniors Centre, Minoru Blvd and Granville
Ave., 9:45 AM, 4th Thursday of every month
Friday Lunch Crew
RCMP Vets’ Association
Vancouver Division
Mailstop 1004
14200 Green Timbers Way
Surrey, B.C. V3T 6P3
Our Website:
Every Friday at 11:00 AM at the Legion in Ladner.
Chilliwack Vets & Ladies Coffee Klatch
Homer’s Restaurant
46090 Yale Road, Chilliwack
2nd Monday each month, 10 AM
North Shore Koffee Klatch
www.rcmpveteransvancouver.com
Newsletter Editor
The 2 Lions Pub, Westview Mall, 11:00 AM ,
1st Tuesday of every month
Peter Bond,
6394 Gale Avenue North, Sechelt V0N 3A5
Tel: (604) 740-9962
Email: bondsechelt@dccnet.com
Rides to Vet’s Meetings Don’t drive at night?
Don’t drive in the rain. Don’t drive at all but want to go to
a meeting? Ray Kielan will arrange transportation for
you. If you’re willing to provide a ride for a fellow vet to a
meeting please call Ray at 604-936-6062.
Vancouver Koffee Klatch
White Spot Restaurant in Oakridge Mall
Second Thursday each Month, 10 AM
Call Herb Martinson, 604-261-4630
Coquitlam Koffee Klatch
Coquitlam Grill on the Barnet Hwy.
3rd Tuesday of each month at 10:30 AM
Maple Ridge Coffee Crew
ABC Restaurant on Lougheed Hwy. at Dewdney
Trunk Road. Every Sunday morning at 9:30 AM
Langley Koffee Klatch
Langley Golf Centre, 21550—44th Avenue, Corner
of 216th Street and 44th Avenue, Langley 9 AM, first
Tuesday of the month.
Ray Freeman in Australia
Keith Shotbolt in Surrey, no visitors.
Garry Gregory in Surrey Memorial Hospital
call wife Lynne 604-597-7818 before visiting
The RCMP Vets Vancouver Division
newsletter is produced monthly, July, August
and December excepted.
Vancouver Division Governors
P. (Paul) Starek
J.S. (Jim) Warren
W.F. (Bill) McCheyne
J.E. (John) Hooper
D.C. (David) Turnbull
G.J. (Jim) Druchet
W.L. (Les) Holmes
W.H. (Bill) Schindeler
A.J. (Alf) Erickson
R.C. (Bob) McKee
E.R. (Ed) Wilson
(604)521-4562
(780)464-1138
(604)535-9670
(604)538-9333
(778)292-1864
(604)536-1925
(604)298-7517
(604)590-3975
(604)594-5463
1(866)970-7267
(604)864-0443
NCOs’ Mess Meetings
CM Nancy So 778-290-5179,
nancy.so@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Mess: ENCOMESS@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
E Division NCOs' Mess Golf
Tournament is back!
Important Phone Numbers and Website Links







Morneau Shepell - for RCMP Insurance only - 1-800-661-7595
Public Works & Government Services Canada - PWGSC - For all
aspects of Pension Administration - 1-855-502-7090
Veteran Affairs (DVA) for Hearing Pensions 1-866-522-2122
B.C. Health Care Plan (MSPBC) Vancouver 604-736-2033
Old Age Security (OAS) & Canada Pension Plan (CPP) 1-800-2779914
If you know of someone who is ailing please
advise Ray Kielan at 604936-6062 or
rayandhelen@telus.net by email.
#24780 – Raymond John (Jack) KRUGER
#17059 – David Ronald CATHCART
#37997 - Michael LANE
#49269 – Douglas James LARCHE
#15197 - William McCONNELL
#16519 - John STINSON
#19829 - William Richard LEE
#19118 - Brian Peter McCARTHY
#16567 - James Alexander (Lon) GODFREY
#17592 – Desmond James GILLIGAN
#15907 - James B. BALLANTYNE
#17127 - James Barnett THORNE
#32052 - William George SLADE
#29796 - Blair David IMRIE
#29785 - Dietmar Arno STILLER
#28925 - Ian G. BROWN
#16920 - Roy O. BYRNE
#27969 - Cranston Elliott DeST.REMY
#18183 - David Edward LUNENG
#14324 - John E.(Jack) GIBBON
Leroy Morrow SAUDER
Alberta (Betty) KOOT
Wife of Ray KOOT
RCMP Veterans’ National Association: www.rcmpvetsnational.ca
http://www.rcmpveteransvancouver.com/
Page 10