True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: February 2011
Reg.#11992, Corporal Ernest Henderson
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
At times, humans have a tendency to do things backwards. For example, we wait until a person parts ways with this world before we give them the credit which they honourably deserve. We tend not to give good grades to the living. Then it's too late. One will recall that the dead are hard of hearing.
I recently went to a funeral. I didn't know the deceased well since I had only met him once in a coffee shop. At the time, I sized him up in a flash.
Even as an old man, he was very, very bright and I quickly got the sense that he wanted to banter some tease. Sure enough, in debate, he could easily defend himself. I kidded him too -- about his teacher's qualifications, the subjects which he once taught and the fact that schools are failing because of his absence from the floor. We celebrated in laughter as though we were close friends -- as though we had known each other for years.
I took notes in my mind. He was a scholar. He had traveled. He was generous with his time. Friends came first. Old friends continued to keep in touch. Now over coffee, he was eager to tell someone fresh about his life. He had captured a listener -- two mediums double milk, please.
Then one morning I eyed his obituary. At the funeral, friends spoke of my acquaintances' life and I was amazed at his accomplishments in the teaching profession. Multi-lingual as one example. Latin scholar no less. Award winning professional in the field of mentoring. I reflected back to our coffee break and I considered myself lucky to have met him. I also reflected on how deeply he cherished every day, his life, career and family. Joyful, I'd say.
At times, life holds pockets of sadness. It takes a funeral to make us fully appreciate a person's life. We are all guilty. By funeral time it's too late to fully celebrate because the deceased is no longer fully engaged. My dear 'ole Dad often reminded me: 'The secret is to stop and smell the roses -- pause with friends and you'll find the rose.'
There may be a lesson here for all of us. Let's turn the chapter on old habits. The living deserve to hear from family and friends that they are cherished, loved, admired and needed.
As a beginning, this page is dedicated to the life of Reg.#11992, Ernest Henderson - he's our Vet of the Month. He's also the oldest member of the RCMP -- at the age of 106 years, Ernest Henderson spends less time looking in life's rear view mirror -- he prefers looking forward to new adventures. I am extremely pleased and honoured to dedicate this page as a special testament to Reg.#11992.
In the last few days, the following messages were received from the family of Ernest Henderson. We also thank them for thememorable photographs of Ernie Henderson.
'Hi Joe,
I know that your website mainly focuses on graves but I thought it would be interesting for your readers to know that my husband's grandfather just turned 106 and was an RCMP officer. His name is Ernest Henderson.
Mr. Henderson served in various places in Alberta - most notably Drumheller. He presently lives in High River, AB and still hasgreat stories to tell of working. He didn't work that long as an RCMP because it didn't pay enough and he couldn't marry in those days. We will send you some pictures.
Truly, Kristin Hillenbrand
[hillenbrand@shaw.ca]'
And message number two:
'Hi Joe,
Here are a few pictures for your readers. Picture number two (above) on this page (Mr. Henderson with the Musical Ride) was taken in 1934 in Vancouver, BC.
Yours truly,
Rob Henderson
robhenderson@shaw.ca]'
Red Serge and Cross Strap) was taken in Cardston, AB.
leading a parade in Hanna, AB in 1942.
during the Longshoreman strike at the Vancouver docks in 1935
a Certificate of Appreciation and Gratitude from 'K' Div. Officers.
Well Deserved!
Mr. Henderson, or to be exact, Constable Henderson joined the Force in 1933. He was posted first to 'Depot' Div., SK. After basic training, his postings included: Vancouver, Golden, Cranbrook and Kamloops, BC., Drumheller, Hanna, Turner Valley, Edmonton, Cardston and High River, Alberta.
Over the years, Mr. Henderson was promoted to the rank of Corporal. In 1947, while he was the Corporal In Charge of High River Detachment, Alberta he decided to leave the Force and to begin another life. He never looked back or had any regrets but Mr. Henderson always remained in touch with members of the Force.
Mr. Henderson's family tell us that he has never forgotten his experiences in the Force from the early days of 1933. Mr. Henderson is very proud also to remind Vets of his Reg# which he has never forgotten it.
As Vets, we would not expect anything less of him.
At 106 years of age, Reg.#11992, Corporal Henderson well deserved to be called the Force's true Senior Man!
Sorry, Commissioner.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
February 23, 2011
