True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: December 2014
O.731, Assistant Commissioner Ralph Murray Culligan
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
It was a sad occasion recently for me to hear that the health of an 'ole friend, Assistant Commissioner R. M. Culligan, had taken a turn for the worse and that he was not expected to live beyond Christmas, 2014.
It all began in early December. I had called Toronto Vet Jack O'Reilly to ask about Ralph's health, but the news which I heard was not much relief. I decided that I would drive to Toronto from Ottawa and say farewell to Mr. Culligan. During my Toronto days which spanned the 1980's, Mr. Culligan had been the Commanding Officer of 'O' Division. Our professional lives had intersected on a few occasions and he had always been good to me. I felt the need to say farewell to him and I sensed that I should hurry.
I called Ralph's wife Louise in Toronto. Louise said that Mr. Culligan was confined to bed, but that he had expressed the hope that he could see me again. Louise said my visit could only be for a moment or two. I knew that I didn't have much time as his health was not expected to improve.
As I travelled to Toronto, my mind went back to a humorous little incident in 1989 which involved Assistant Commissioner Culligan and me. To be more precise, it wasn't humorous at the time, but it was Friday, June 29th, 1989.
A few weeks earlier, Superintendent Garry Clarke, the Admin Officer, had called me to invite me out for lunch and I gladly accepted his kind gesture. For the work day, I decided to dress very casually in an open neck golf shirt. The weather in Toronto was hot, sticky and unbearable. After all, I thought, nothing special would happen on Friday, June 29th. At the time, I was posted to Toronto's Commercial Crime Bankruptcy Unit as a Staff Sergeant.
Superintendent Clarke and I met at the Sutton Place Hotel for lunch around noon. We were in no particular hurry, so we discussed our jobs, history of the Force, and so on. As I said, neither Superintendent Clarke nor I were in any particular hurry to return to the office. It was Friday. Just a very ordinary, hot and muggy Friday in June in downtown Toronto.
But meanwhile, the CO, Assistant Commissioner Culligan was searching for Superintendent Clarke and me all the while that we were enjoying our lunch at the Sutton. As it happened, Assistant Commissioner Culligan had just received word from Ottawa that my Commission to the rank of Inspector had been approved. He wanted to extend his congratulations to me for the promotion. But lo, he couldn't find me. And, I hadn't told my Secretary Assistant where I was going for lunch.
In one respect, I was lucky because Superintendent Clarke and I did not dilly-dally too long over the lettuce. After lunch, around 1PM, I returned to my office and I was met by one of my colleagues, Charlie Doyle. Charlie was super excited since he too had received his Commission to Inspector on the same day as me. But, Charlie said, 'Joe, call the CO because he's as mad as a rooster'. I have toned down Charlie's expression, but it was words to that effect.
So, I called Assistant Commissioner Culligan's secretary. And, she said, 'Joe, where have you been? Get over here quick because the CO's going to explode'. Or, words to that effect.
So, in all my due haste, I ran over to the CO's Office on the 9th floor of the Jarvis St. HQ. Assistant Commissioner Culligan was standing as I approached his desk. He said, 'Staff Sergeant Healy, don't bother to sit...where have you been'? I replied, 'Sir, Superintendent Clarke and I went out for a sandwich. Man must eat'. But, just as fast as a cannon blast, he retorted, 'Well, next time tell me where you're going'. 'You're no good to me if I can't find you'! And, he added, 'I'll deal with Superintendent Clarke later'.
Then there was immediate peace. Just as sudden as the storm arose, it was over. Assistant Commissioner Culligan stuck out his hand for congratulations to me for having reached the rank of Inspector. He wished me all good luck for the future. But, he wasn't quite finished. He said, 'Inspector Healy, find a tie and a jacket and meet me for coffee in the Officer's Mess at 2:30PM'. 'And Healy', he said smiling, 'don't be late'.
All in all, it was a wonderful day and a memorable way to be greeted into the Officer's Mess. Assistant Commissioner Culligan was in fine form for coffee and all ill feelings earlier in the day had been forgotten. In that way, Assistant Commissioner Culligan was a true gentleman. As the CO, he could roar when the situation called for a roar, then he quieted down. I hold very special memories ofthe way in which he greeted me on June 29th, 1989.
And now, I was about to see my 'old CO for the last time. Vet Jack O'Reilly and I met in Toronto and we drove up to Mr. Culligan's home together. I was relieved that Jack decided to accompany me as it was easier for me too. Louise led me into their bedroom. It was very quiet but, Louise had lit a small lamp on the night table nearby. Mr. Culligan could not speak, and he was wearing a oxygen tube to ease his breathing.
I realized that I didn't have alot of time. I quietly held Mr. Culligan's hands and I stroked his forehead. He seemed at peace and he tried to talk to me, but I said it wasn't necessary. He was very quiet. I told him how much it meant for me to see him. Then, I told him that he had always been a true gentleman to me. I told him how much I appreciated his friendship down through the many years. I said I would think of him in my prayers of gratitude and keep him in my thoughts for a long time. I could tell that his heart was very sad. I held his hands and squeezed them again.
Then, I said goodbye. Afterwards, Jack also had a few quiet minutes with Ralph.
Louise said that Mr. Culligan was admitted to the hospital the following morning. Then, he passed away.
Looking back, it was an honour for me to have served under Assistant Commissioner Culligan. He too was born in New Brunswick so we had shared a special Fredericton link together. He had been very successful in the Force. He was a graduate of the University of New Brunswick and he held a professional accountant's designation. In the 1960's, Mr. Culligan had been an early pioneer investigator in the RCMP's Commercial Crime Program. Prior to his move to Toronto in 1980, he had also been the CO of 'L' Div. (PEI).
I am so appreciative to Mrs. Culligan for allowing me to see Mr. Culligan before he passed away. Assistant Commissioner Culligan was a great CO and he left a lifelong and very favourable impression on me.
And, I will miss him.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J J Healy,
December 23, 2014
