True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Mystery of the Mountie
Who Died for Love
by J. J. Healy
One simply cannot argue the bare, naked truth. It's an historical, well known fact. Love is a mystery.
Of all people, Shakespeare probably had more to say about love than many or most of us. We seem to overdose on his plots and approaches to mystical love. But, in addition to 'the old barb' most people have an opinion or interest in love -- perhaps love begotten or love betrayed. Personally, in love matters, I need no convincing. I'm a firm believer but I have to admit that love remains confusing. Love can make men do strange things and this pattern is the raw point of this mystery.
But first, some theory of love. Is there anything about love that can be thoroughly understood? Down through time and history, love has remained an enduring and assuring novelty. On the one hand, love is an ongoing discovery. It's exciting. First a blush, then perspiration, then one's pulse rate increases. Later, thanks to love, everything is rosy and life becomes normal -- that's love.
On the other hand, envy, power and greed have long been a poisonous formula for love. Pure Shakespeare. Sadly, these three chips have been the downfall for many a King and Queen. Yet, ever since that first day that man and woman crossed paths, there's been alot of magic happening 'round town. Recent statistics say that our earth's population will reach seven billion this year. One can't deny another sure fact. That's alot of love.
Recall everything we learned about love in school. One teacher said love has been so popular that its been around for millions of years. Has an alternative powerful potent yet been discovered? I mean, it's obvious that love is good for the heart, but keeping love alive is also good for the brain. Love keeps most humans occupied -- beginning with teenagers. Libraries around the world have been built to house the topic.
And now another facet of love and its mysterious ways. Simon McLucas McIntosh can be described as a fierce lover. He was born on April 1, 1901. As he years passed, Simon McIntosh decided to join the RCMP. His join date was October 29, 1928.
After Basic Recruit Training, Constable McIntosh was posted to Toronto within the RCMP's 'O' Division. In short time, he faced three challenges; learning his new job, falling into a new love relationship and falling into the bad graces of his RCMP supervisors.
On July 11, 1930, McIntosh married without permission from the RCMP. Recall that in those days, a certain percentage of the Force required men to remain in a single state. Being single was a disadvantage to the member as well as to his partner. On the one hand, members were not allowed to get married until about five years of service. This policy within the Force, ensured that a suitable number of single men could be declared mobile and be transferred most economically -- meaning without the burden of a family. Throughout this period of history, one can bet that the Commissioner was not on any Canadian girl's favorite invitation list. A girl might ask: 'Does the Commissioner know anything about nature, love and its limits? Unquestionably, the RCMP marriage regulations were not popular among Canadian women who desperately wanted to get on with the show.
One is a stranger in a large, bussling city like Toronto. In spite of the growing population on this planet, people can feel like tiny grains of sand. Lonely. Left alone. Out of love. This unfamiliarity in Toronto seemed to fit McIntosh's personality as it appeared that he kept a certain distance from his family. And, little is known about the girl he married. Constable McIntosh's life was truly a mystery. Without the music. Constable McIntosh decided to cut his career short. After two years service, his 'struck off strength' date was September 12, 1930.
But after all these years, there is renewed interest in the life and times of Constable Simon McIntosh. Over the past year or so, a family member identified here as 'Terry' has been in contact with this novice mystery writer. In one note, Terry said: 'I came across [your] website and was very surprised to find information on Simon McLucas McIntosh. He was my grandmother's brother. I have been researching my family history...I was briefly told of the tragedy [about Simon McIntosh] but with little detail from my Mother. I would be interested in any information of his background, about who he married and any pictures you may have of him.'
What Toronto tragedy does Terry refer to? What tragedy could have befallen Constable McIntosh? Briefly, we know these facts; Constable McIntosh had a reasonable job, he had a salary and security, he was learning a new job in an exciting city. And, he fell into love.
This mystery detective's reply was this: 'Hi Terry, Thank you for your note. I don’t often put details of that sort on my database, but the Constable McIntosh case is rather unusual. At the moment, I don’t have alot more on Constable McIntosh. The details which you read were sent to me from another Vet in Toronto (Jack O'Reilly) and he got the news from the newspaper. Can you add anything more to the McIntosh Mystery? Yours truly, Joe'
Recently, a new note was received from 'Terry'. She said: 'Hello, Thank you for responding so quickly. As I said, he [Simon McIntosh] was my grandmothers brother. They came to Canada from Scotland but I'm not sure what year. I am also puzzled about his middle name of 'McLucus'. I have never heard of anyone in my family by that name.
The only other information I was told by my late Mother, was that Simon fell in love with a debutante (socialite) from the Toronto area. My mother seemed to think she was in the public's eye or maybe her parents were? She and Simon secretly married and the fact that they could not be together drove him crazy. I don't know her name, but I imagine someone must have written about it...' Terry.
We have now arrived at a critical and crushing point in the Mystery of Constable McIntosh. To review a final time, these facts are known with certainty; Constable McIntosh enjoyed a reasonable job, he had just embarked on a new career which was assured for many years, he had salary and security, he was working in an exciting city. And finally and most importantly, Constable McIntosh fell into love reputedly with a famous woman. We can assume the woman was beautiful.
Constable McIntosh died in Toronto, Ontario on September 12, 1930. First, he murdered his wife and then he committed suicide.
It's an historical, well known fact. Love is a mystery.
Constable McIntosh is buried in Toronto.
Appreciation: Mystery line and photo of Cst. McIntosh's burial place by Toronto Vet Jack O'Reilly
On July 14, 2011, this note from family member Terry, 'Hi Joe, I just read your article. You have done a great job of telling his story. Thanks for your interest, hopefully someone will be able to provide more information. Have a great day, Terry'.
Are there more clues to the deepwater depths of the 'Mystery of the Mountie Dying for Love'?
From the Fort,
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your Obedient Servant,
J. J. Healy
