OGILVIE, R.L. ((Robert Lancelot Ogilvie))
The Gallery
The Nameplates
Pillar Location: 10 - X
Troop Number and Year: TR. 1 1973/74
Troop Number and Year: TR 1 1973
The Stories
Compared to most members, my time in the RCMP from 1973 to 1980 was relatively short. Nevertheless, I look back on this chapter in my life as contributing to an integral part of who Bob Ogilvie is to this day.
During the pursuit of the degree in Physical Education at the University of Manitoba in the early 70s, I saw an article in a Maclean's
magazine about the RCMP. On the cover was the face of an RCMP drill instructor, (Cpl Shrumm) with his mouth wide open like a huge bear trap, barking orders to new recruit at Depot. I read the article and was immediately caught up in the challenge and romance of wanting to become a Mountie. I went down to the recruiting office, put in an application and was interviewed. I was told it would be advisable to complete my university degree and come back if I was still interested. I did and found myself driving to Regina with my immediate friend Al Giesbrecht, who had also been accepted. We were both very excited and drove in what became the troop 1 sports car.
Training with our band of brothers proved a formative part of my life. Our troop was half made up of French recruits and resulted in a great immersive experience for us all. I turned 23 in Depot and was considered to be the ‘old man’ of the team. Great stories of misery, suffering, victories and humour were ever present.
My first posting was in Chetwynd, BC. I didn’t know where it was or how to spell it. Part of a 5 man team, I was out to rule the north. After the first week reality set in and I began to understand, as the rookie, where I stood in the food chain. 13 months later I was transferred to Ft St John, a booming old west town where my education continued. From there I was sent to Prince George where I remained until I left the force. Prince George was where most of my storied career developed. General duties, rural duties, ERT training and some bazaar stories that only a young RCMP member could love. But those are for another time. I’ve told these stories so much over the years I don’t remember how much of them are true. One thing I will always remember is how I truly enjoyed EVERY day of being a member of the RCMP. I still smile about it and the people I served with. It enhanced the ‘Color of Right’ that I believe has always been my true nature. ‘To do the right thing when no one is watching’ is the best definition I have found for the integrity of members of the forced I have learned from. I see this in my two sons today.
The only reason I left the force was because of an offer from the private sector that I couldn’t refuse. Superintendent Gregg, the officer in charge of Prince George and the member I most admired among the many during my service, asked me if I would be interested in pursuing a law degree in the Force. This occurred during my interview to advise him that I had to resign. It caught him by complete surprise but being the kind of understanding and supportive person he was, he said he understood and wished me well. Another one of the many valuable life lessons he taught me. A reoccurring thought that crosses my mind is the realization of how very fortunate this prairie boy has been throughout life to be more successful than I would ever have dreamed. I think back to all of the great policemen and women I have served with that did their job in the Force with the integrity and empathy that most of the public never sees. That has left the biggest impression on me.
Throughout my service, my wife Marilyn, understood and supported my time in the Force. She was the cornerstone that stabilized family life while I put in the 12 to 16 hour shifts that were part of our life. Marilyn passed in 1995 at 42 with breast cancer but not before she provided a strong, lifelong foundation for our children.
End of the day I consider myself a very lucky man. I have had the opportunity to live a good life, a healthy, happy and rewarding life with wonderful experiences. I consider my time with the RCMP to be an integral part of that good fortune.
Divisions Served: E
Regimental Number: 30319
Training Division: Depot
Troop Number and Year: TR 1 1973
Home Town: Headingley, MB
Engagement Date: Apr 02, 1973
Regimental Number: #30319
Troop Number and Year: TR. 1 1973/74