True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: February 2012
Mr. Corrado Gastaldo, Professional Tailor
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
No Ordinary Tailor,
An Extraordinary Expert, Italian Tailor,
And a Friend
From day one of my career nearly fifty years ago, I have believed in the advantages of recording and keeping my police officer's notebooks - they can benefit all the actors in the courtroom.
First and foremost, it is only fair to the accused that one's evidence is recorded accurately so that it can be vocally presented in valid fashion maybe years after the criminal offence.
The judiciary also rightly expects that a police officer is fully prepared to testify -- he or she talks first about what can be recalled from memory and uses notes, with permission from the Court, as backup to help refresh the events at the crime scene.
As Officers of the Court, the Crown and the defence have the right to read the police officer's notebook -- it is also their legal obligation to help the court reach its decision.
Constable, will you require your notebook?
No, Your Honour, this is from memory...
In the case before the Court, I have no requirement for a notebook when an occasion arises to recall a special friend. Close friends implant their character in one's mind and recollections rarely fade with the passing of the years.
Corrado Gastaldo was a wonderful and memorable friend who was accompanied, down his tailor's trail, by his exceptional family. In 1965, I knew his mother and father and his sisters and brothers. About the same time, I met Leona his wife. They too are very special and kind people.
Corrado's character, personality and professionalism affected nearly every RCMP member on the Lower Mainland from 1965 until recently when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's -- an unexplainable disease we now refer to as 'the long goodbye'. But, prior to his sickness, this axiom in the Force was true: 'If one wore long blues -- one knew Corrado Gastaldo'! Stars and stripes did not appear on a Serge until Corrado planted them.
It seemed that Corrado was always on duty and his shop was often very busy. Yet, somehow he was available and present to help each customer. As one approached Corrado, it was evident that he did not require ears as most humans have -- Corrado knew about clothes requirements before one could say what they wished or required.
Corrado's shop was the opposite of a confessional -- in the confessional one is encouraged to speak -- but there was no need to talk in Corrado's shop. I was amazed with Corrado's measuring techniques for clothes. It seemed to me that he could eye a minor millimetre in a major way. He was a Millimetre Master -- it is to Corrado that we say thanks for introducing the metric system to the RCMP on BC's Lower Mainland!
And now, my evidence from the beginning. Many years ago, there arrived on the shores of Vancouver, BC an Italian family who was to become extremely well known throughout the world of the RCMP. It was 1965. The family name was Gastaldo.
The 'First Family' consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Gastaldo Sr, three sons and two daughters. It seemed like it was only a day or two after they arrived that I met the family for the first time at the little church, 'Our Lady of Fatima' which sits at the corner of Kingsway and 10th Ave., in Burnaby, BC.
The entire Gastaldo family and I became quick friends. They needed help to speak English. The three boys joined the church choir. It was an opportunity to quickly learn English and mingle with new Canadian friends.
The Gastaldo trio of boys were the first, first class tenors before those other three Italian tenor guys came along. I stayed with the choral group because of my love of music and friends. But really, when the three Gastaldo boys employed their voices, the remainder of the choir wasn't necessary -- we preferred to listen.
The family was made to feel comfortable in the church as well as in the homes of friends who also shared a love for music. It was at this time also, that Corrado met his future wife Leona.
Corrado Gastaldo was one of the three boys. I'm sure he and I were about the same age -- maybe 21 years. Upon first meeting Corrado, I did not realize that he was a professional tailor -- but the fact was soon revealed and well proven.
It wasn't long before Corrado opened a small tailor shop on Kingsway just south of 10th Ave. In the early days, Corrado managed the front office, took measurements and chatted with customers. Business from the Burnaby Detachment picked up and business was very good. Corrado's shop specialized in RCMP uniforms
Corrado's sister Clare, another sister and her husband worked in the tailoring department nearby. I was Corrado's first customer and thus I was invited to their wedding -- it was a splash, brought to Canada from the shores of Italy -- with Italian food and drink of the kind that I had not seen in New Brunswick!
Frank Richter (of FFF's) was another of Corrado's first customers. One day in '66, Frank and I went into Corrado's shop to order new suits. We had been invited to participate in Don Arndt's RCMP wedding in Kitchener, Ontario at which time we would wear Walking Out Order, but, prior to the trip, Frank and I thought we'd buy new duds from Corrado.
In short jig, Corrado made the tailored suits. Frank and I paid up and drove east for Don's wedding. We got Don married to Judy, and afterwards, Frank and I decided to visit Expo in Montreal, QC. We stayed with Riel Martel, a Troop mate. While we were in Montreal, Frank's car was broken into and all our clothes were stolen -- including our Red Serge jackets and our new suits tailored by Corrado! Oh well!
Corrado and Leona lived in an upstairs apartment in same building as the tailor shop. I was a frequent visitor and a language helper. Soon Corrado and Leona started their family -- and over the years, I watched each of their children join the Force. Even though I had been transferred, I kept in touch with the Gastaldo's and Corrado's tailoring business flourished within the RCMP world as his reputation for excellence became better known over the Mainland.
The Gastaldo Shop gained in popularity because Corraldo also specialized in making unique badges for the RCMP uniform. Upon receiving their Commission, many Officers across Canada would order their new Cap Badge from Corrado's shop. Oh, did I mention that mine received a little more precious gold braid?
On my last visit to the Vancouver area, about three years ago, Cathy and I spent an afternoon in Corrado's Tailor Shop with the family. We were very distressed to learn at that time that Corrado had Alzheimer's and required hospitalization. He did not know me.
Today, I received sad news from Burnaby Detachment's S/S/M/ John Buis.
Corrado Gastaldo, one of my earliest and closest friends from Burnaby days has died. He and Leona were so absolutely proud of their children because they had joined the Force. And I was also proud for him. I saw each of the children grow and develop RCMP careers.
My wife and I are visiting Montreal again soon. Each time I'm in the city, I recall Corrado -- I keep alert and a sharp eye out for my suit!
I am a person of strong hope. But, some days, I think that life just goes downhill after one is born. Today is one of those days.
Corrado's funeral is this week. It's best for him that way. I think.
Your Honour, that completes my testimony.
Thank you Constable Healy. You may step down. And I agree with Defence -- there is no need for a cross exam. 'Maintain Our Memories'
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy,
February 2012
In Memory of Corrado Gastaldo...
I am very appreciative to my 'ole friend, 'E' Div. Vet Ron Mangan for his memorable photos which are used in Corrado's story.
In his note, Ron said: 'Joe, I was saddened to hear of Corrado's illness and his death. I remember him with fondness.
I recall having been in Corrado's shop and seeing the rows upon rows of RCMP uniforms hanging in the back. He was much in demand as his tailoring skills were known and appreciated far and wide. Many a Red Serge was tucked and some let out an inch or so by this good man.
I still have a three piece suit hanging in my closet that he tailored for me. I have inserted a scan of his proudly affixed personal label.
Many members over the years had Shabracks such as mine crafted by Corrado. It serves as a remembrance not only of the member's service but also of a fine and gentle man and a true friend of the Force.
Thank you Joe for remembering Corrado in the fashion you have.'
Best Regards
Ron Mangan,
Reg.#22196, S/Sgt. (1961-1994). (Rt'd)
former 'E' Div. Detachment Commander
New Hazelton Detachment,
Chase Detachment,
and Powell River Detachment
