True and Fascinating Canadian History
Vet of the Month: January, 2015
O.532, Assistant Commissioner
Roderick George Christopher Williamson
RCMP Vets. Ottawa, ON
Within RCMP ranks for many, many years, Assistant Commissioner Roderick 'Rod' George Christopher Williamson was very highly regarded as a first class police officer, an effective and engaged on-the-job trainer to many members in the Force as well as a true and long trusted gentleman.
One of his life long friends, Vancouver, BC Vet Dan Lemieux said, "In every situation, Rod Williamson was always a real gentleman and just a prince of a guy'. Vet Lemieux said, 'I remember Rod from our days in Brandon Sub in 1947. Rod was a new Corporal then. Over the years, he never changed his personality. Rod was a true and kind gentleman".
Rod Williamson could park his rank at the door. He never allowed his position to impede communications between he and other members of the Force and this rare leadership attribute was likely the principle reason for his career success. But, he also led an interesting career and he experienced very broad roles in policing including operations, support services and administration.
Assistant Commissioner Williamson's birth was not just ordinary. He was born truly into a police family. At one time, his father had marked Alberta history -- it so happened that Rod's Dad was Calgary's first motorcycle police officer. And, by the time Rod reached high school, he knew without question how he wanted to spend his life -- he intended to follow his father's path into law enforcement. Early in life, Rod was determined to serve Canada as a member of the RCMP and as a police officer.
In February 1941, Rod joined the Force and soon after, he was posted to 'Depot' for Part One of Basic Recruit Training. Many of his 'Depot' days were spent on a horse. At the time, he had no idea that equitation, and especially The Musical Ride, would someday become a huge part and the high light of his RCMP career.
Then, after a short stint in Regina, Rod was posted to Vancouver, BC for general police duties; he executed search warrants, made arrests, escorted prisoners and he frequently attended to court as a police witness. He was well suited for police work, he thought, and later in life he would recall that he had adjusted well to discipline in the Force but most especially he thrived in his role as a police officer.
In 1943, Rod returned to Regina for Part Two Training -- not surprisingly his Troop landed again in the stables at 'Depot'. It was widely known that Rod was comfortable in the saddle and it is very probable that senior RCMP Officers also took note of his above average equitation skills. He was calm and comfortable around the horses.
After 'Depot', he returned to Vancouver again -- this time as an Undercover Investigator on the 'Rooming House Detail'. The job entailed working with other members who were responsible for tracking the whereabouts of known criminals and petty thieves in an effort to curtail their criminal activities.
Then, in 1946, Rod was transferred again -- this time to 'D' Division (Manitoba). Here, Rod had the opportunity to perform a wider scope of police duties both at Brandon Detachment and at Virden Detachment. Throughout these years, he also took an interest in helping younger members of the Force -- both on the investigational side as well as with writing reports and preparing cases for court. His reputation as a mentor for junior members was noted by superior Officers.
In 1947, Rod returned to Brandon Sub/Division as a Crime Report Reader and it was here also that he was promoted to Corporal. Dan Lemieux fondly recalled Rod Williamson from their Brandon days together. Dan said, "Rod wasn't promoted to Corporal by accident. He was noticed for the good work which he did and he was very, very smart".
In 1953, Rod was transferred into Winnipeg and promoted to 'D' Division Quartermaster Sergeant. In 1955,he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and transferred to the Adjutant’s Branch in Ottawa. ON. In 1962, Rod received his Commission to Inspector and once again, he returned to Regina. Inspector Williamson was appointed Training Officer at 'Depot' Division. Dan Lemieux said. "It was a good fit...Rod had been an excellent trainer in the field and he also knew 'Depot' and its routine".
As a recruit in 1964, one can easily recall how impressive Inspector Williamson marched on to the Parade Square each morning at 8:00AM. Without fail, he would leave his house at 7:59AM near the Chapel and march in the directionof the Corps Sergeant Major standing at attention on the Parade Square. It was Inspector Williamson's job to listen to the early morning report principally of all the horses in the Stables as well as the recruits.
It came not as a surprise that a few years later, Rod served as Officer I/C of The Musical Ride at 'N' Division in Ottawa. ON. Dan Lemieux said, "Rod was perfectly suited to the job. He was an excellent horse rider and he loved to greet the public".
Following the Musical Ride, Rod became Officer i/c of the Classification Section, then the Assistant Adjutant; in charge of transfers, promotions and discipline. Following his stint in Ottawa, he returned to 'E' Division as the OIC of Kamloops Detachment, and then he returned to Ottawa as Director of Services. Meanwhile, he also lectured to Canadian Police College Classes.
Rod retired in 1976 after a long and full career in the Force. Over the years, he had accepted various jobs in the Force and each role came with its increased responsibility. He always kept his composure and was a true professional in his dealings with every member of the Force.
Rod and his family moved to Calgary and Rod accepted a position as Secretary to the Calgary Police Commission. In the evenings and on weekends, he coached minor hockey and local baseball teams. In later years, Rod was a member of the Vancouver Division of the RCMP Veterans.
On April 24th, 2013, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Assistant Commissioner Roderick Christopher George Williamson passed away in Richmond, B.C. He was buried in Surrey, BC
I have very fond memories of Assistant Commissioner Williamson from my recruit days at 'Depot' in 1964.
I wish to sincerely thank my 'ole friend Vancouver Vet Dan Lemieux for all his wonderful memories of Assistant Commissioner Williamson. During the 1960's, then Staff Sergeant Dan Lemieux was IC of the Academic Staff at 'Depot' and he reported directly to Inspector Williamson who was the Training Officer.
I also want to express my thanks to the Williamson family for their kind conversation by phone and for the contribution of photos of their Dad. And, I want to acknowledge the great research work and the notes of my 'ole friend Vancouver Vet Jack White who passed away in 2011. Thank you.
Reporting from Fort Healy,
J. J. Healy
January 23, 2015
